htn75

It's been awhile since I posted.
Been busy with researching minivans. Since it has been so depressing looking at vans I am thinking about crossing it off the list.
There's really not that many cars out there that will suit our needs with 2 kids and a dog. We go everywhere with them and a bunch of junk.

So.... what do you think about the Wagon? Any inputs?

wmoor004

For me; I would do the ML or GL before I bought any type of wagon! I am not the minivan or wagon type. Minus CTS-V Wagon


However - It does look nice...

pudding1978

I agree with htn75. Get the ML/GL instead. More room and you won't have to put up with your friends saying, "Gosh I didn't know Mercedes made a station wagon!"

hyperion667

I have seen some nice MB wagons in the past,
one sticks out in my mind, I couldn't believe how nice it was inside, and all the controls! wow, it was impressive.....I think that was 3 or 4 years ago though.. have not seen any recently, but I'm sure they have plently of options.......I wouldn't personally be concerned with others expectations as much as your own needs for you and the family, but I say if it's a good fit and everyone likes it; go for it.....
and of course if you yourself will be the primary driver I'd take into consideration the engine power and try to get as much as you can with 3 passengers, a dog and all the stuff........

good luck

220S

One thing a wagon does is give you a lower center of gravity and normally much better handling performance. Roll-over safety is also something to consider, although that has been much improved in more current minivans and SUVs. Then there's better fuel efficiency due to weight (usually the case, but not always, depending on model comparison.)

Minivans and SUVs are primarily an American thing. And that's part of the reason why the MLs are made in Alabama. Wagons are super popular in Europe and esp in Scandinavian countries. The AMG product managers at MBUSA worked really hard all last year writing up a business plan to get Daimler AG to export the W212 E63 wagon to the USA. It's available this fall. So, support their efforts and get yourself a new E63 wagon.

ngerstman

It sounds like it depends to some degree on how big the dog is and whether the wagon gives you enough flexibility when all are aboard. The Mercedes wagons are supposedly great. Of course you have a myriad of crossovers to look at. My wife drives an Acura MDX and I think that is really nice for what it is, other than the atrocious gas mileage. It is also a great value. But if the wagon is all you need, that could be a great alternative to the SUV. Acura also just came out with a wagon. Regards. Ned.

telemakhos

Wagons are an ideal vehicle for a family in my mind. They have lots of room, low centre of gravity for much better driving dynamics than crossovers, mini-vans etc. They are popular in Europe and I'm sad that so few North American's choose them. I had a wagon and really appreciated it. By all means go for the wagon! Some of the big SUVs don't have all that much room in the hatch and probably less than a full size wagon. Why drive something big, bulky, gas guzzling, more prone to rollover when a wagon is so much better to drive?

DerekACS

Much agreed !
Mercedes wagons also offer (IMO) much better styling than any SUV and the aerodynamics are much superior as well. The W211 wagon is nearly as quiet as the W211 sedan, just as comfortable (front and back seats) and far out handles any SUV. Being closer to the ground, the MB wagon also offers better all round visibility than a comparable SUV, especially out the rear quarter and hatch windows.
The only advantage that an SUV has over the wagon is higher road clearance, but this results in several penalties : increased weight, higher fuel consumption, higher centre of gravity, increased drag, and more difficult entry and exit.
So why do so many North Americans, in particular, prefer the SUV over the wagon ? Maybe it's the marketing ?
If MBNA were really interested in increasing their wagon sales in NA, they would import both the C Class and E Class wagons with diesel engines. These models are very popular in Europe, where SUVs are largely shunned.

RNBRAD

We have the same issue and we're looking at a Range Rover HSE sport. Man those things are nice!!

kingofire

There are a couple of wagons in my area and whenever I see one of them I cringe. They just look awkward proportionally.

alsyli

+1. I say get rid of your e550 and the 550i GT and the e63 wagon.

htn75

Thank you all for your opinions and inputs.
I agree that the Mdx is great for the dollar. We had a 2010 for 10 months. Trade it in for the 550i GT. Yes, I love it.
Suv's are so high off the ground that getting the little kid in and out is not very comfortable. Mpg not so great as some pointed out.
I've never had a wagon and a bit intrigued.

Please post some pics if any of you have one.Thanks.

220S

Here's Scottish DTM racing driver Susie Stoddart in a wagon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbtMG...EBAD841B146A83

hyperion667

funny video, was enjoyed

vsbabolat

Here are some great videos on the E Class T-Modell
http://mediacenter.dw-world.de/engli...T_Model_BMW_X5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP-e4TtG3FY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16nxTghX7a0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIYs7...eature=related

golfster

My neighbor has a range rover sport. He loves driving it...when he can...as it is in the shop quite often and sometimes for over a week at a time. Yet, he loves it regardless of reliability concerns.