GL4504ME

*******Repeat post from another MB forum***********

Two weeks ago I decided to trade in a 2011 GL450 for a 2012 ML350. The dealership couldn't find a vehicle on the ground with my desired options but was able to find one in transit from east coast. I was told it would take two weeks for the vehicle to arrive and reluctantly I agreed. Today marked the end of two weeks but I was told there will be an additional 5 day wait. I am not blaming the dealership as they can't control the driver nor can they control environmental factors that may have delayed the cross country drive. Nevertheless, as an impatient customer I want my vehicle now as I have been counting down the days for two weeks only to be told there will be an additional 5 day wait.

I spoke with the General Store manager who is great BTW and he said even though I signed the docs two weeks ago, I can cancel the contract or look at another vehicle altogether.

Two questions:
1. I have driven SUVs for probably the past 9 years and never considered owning a sedan as my daily vehicle until now. Has anyone else transitioned from an SUV to a sedan as your daily driver? How was the adjustment?

2. Am I being irrational here? Is a fairly loaded E class on the same level as the 2012 ML350?

Please help me think clearly as I may pull the trigger tomorrow.

EmE247

I drove non-SUV cars for about 10 years. Then I drove a Land Rover Discovery and then a Jeep Cherokee back to back. Maybe 5 years total in a SUV. Then another 10 years in various MBs and BMWs.

After driving an SUV for 5 years, I vowed never to drive another SUV as a daily. Not the same driving experience.

K-A

I've driven SUV's quite a bit, and even used to own a big slightly lifted Bronco (the SUV of SUV's, lol).

To me, an SUV, unless needing the Utility, doesn't compare to a Luxury Sedan in overall experience and the quality of ownership. Compared to an SUV, a Sedan almost feels and certainly looks like a Sports Car.... compared to a Sports Car, a Luxury Sedan feels and acts like a "big car". You practically get the best middle ground.

As for the E VS ML, though the new ML is a HUGE improvement over the old one, and the first M-B SUV since the G to earn the authentic "Benz" stamp to me, it still doesn't have that true "Benz" feel to me, not to mention, the E is built in Germany, the ML in Alabama.... maybe it's in my head, but the feeling resonates to me.

IMO, to truly experience the historic Benz bloodline and qualities, you'll find them in a Benz Sedan more-so than any of the other segments.

BM2BZ

there is a member changed from an escalade to a w212 recently and he's happy w/his decision. now you have to ask yourself, do you need the extra space? if not, go with a sedan, not necessary a w212, though. Why would you want to drive around a suv, burn more gas and harder to find parking if you don't really need to? as k-a said, e is from germany and ml is from the states. enough said.

eaweg1

We have been in an X5 the last three years. In two weeks we pick up our new E350 wagon which we determined has much more functional space. My wife and I can't wait.

GL4504ME

Thanks to EVERYONE who responded and K-A, you nailed it! I started considering a sedan after driving a C Class loaner for two weeks waiting for the ML to arrive. Although the C is too small for my needs, the C has that indescribable something that was missing in my GL and ML. I'm going to test drive an E in the morning.

BenzV12

I drove Cadillac Escalade as my daily driver , totally pointless in city driving , it was too big , too bulky , too fuel beast , real gas guzzler lol

I don't miss at all but I liked the way engine revs , it was a quick and very large roomy interior .
ML is not that big all not and I would not compared it to these giant trucks.
W204 is too small for my tastes but I like these cars too . This is why I ordered W212 ,not too small neither too bulky as a daily driving

I could buy GLK instead but being a sedan lover I like sedans over other vehicles this is why I can also recommend you W212 E ,it goes w/o saying that it's the best looking E ever made and I find it the nicest Benz ever made

K-A

I think you'll love the E! Let us know how it goes.

hyperion667

NO MAN, DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!

mikemargolis

I have what are now four teenagers, so we've been in the Minivan/SUV world forever.

Current stable includes an 03 Ford Excursion, which is my wife's truck, and she LOVES it, plus an 08 Honda Odyssey Touring, two of the kids are taking that back and forth to college with them. Good mileage, tons of space and LOTS of airbags.

I couldn't wait to be back in a four door sedan. My E has plenty of room for four of us, or even 5 if it's a short trip.

Once you go to a sedan again after having the SUV's for so long, it just feels so good to be in a car.

I think we'll always have one (smaller) SUV and one sedan.

Mbenz260e

Don't do it just because your impatient to wait 2 weeks you will regret.

However, having an W164 ML (I know newer one is nicer) and a W212, the W212 for pure just driving is much better. The only advantage of the ML really is space IMHO...

Also if you liked driving the C you will love driving the E. I had an 80s E and then no MB sedan for years. However, having the ML and getting a loaner C felt like downgrade to me besides just space, also luxury and comfort and performance even in a weird way. Driving an E compared to the ML is a definite upgrade in luxury and comfort.

MCF

I have a 2007 Tahoe and a 2011 E350. I am 6'4" and am infinitely more comfortable in the Tahoe and in the long run, will probably end up ditching the E350 before the 2007 Tahoe. I like the E350, but just expect 'more' from it. It is a 'nice' car and drives 'nice', but there is nothing about the E350 that makes it an enthusiasts car (regardless if it is a sport or luxury version). I prefer the upright position in the Tahoe and the visibility is MUCH MUCH better out of the Tahoe than the E350. The E350 is plagued with blindspots regardless of how well you adjust the mirrors because the limited adjustment on the mirrors. Unless you get the E350 loaded (P2 and most options) I think you will be disappointed. My 2007 Tahoe LTZ has a much better stereo and more bells and whistles than the 2011 E350 P1 with a lot of additional options added. Just my 0.02 but when we drop the E350 we will probably end up with a mid size SUV for the wife (RX350 or X5) and when I ditch the Tahoe i will probably end up with an Escalade (and I have a 5 mile commute round trip).

GL4504ME

Thanks! I am headed to the dealership for a test drive in about 2 hours. I will let everyone know how it goes.

Also, I've been looking at the option packages and need everyone's advice on the must haves .

MCF

P2
Leather seats
Blind spot assist
Parktronic
Split folding rear seats
110V outlet in glove box

If you choose the Sport Trim, you need to pay the $800 for the AMG wheel package. It's just dumb to get the sport package without the AMG wheels. If you go Luxury, I would go with the split 5 spoke wheels (same as 2011 luxury wheels).

GL4504ME

Got it! Thanks MCF

ghstudio

My list would be P2 and blind spot assist. Everything else on this list depends on you...in fact I would not want Mercedes leather.

Arrie

I drove a Tahoe for 5 years and kind of liked the height of the vehicle as you could see so well ahead over other cars. Did not really need this big vehicle but I had it.

It became necessary to get another ride and I went with Audi Q7. Reason is that it is a bit higher than a car and would soften between the Tahoe and a car, which I now have.

The ONLY thing that I would miss if I missed any is the visibility that I had with both Audi Q7 and Tahoe but that is it.

I first bought 2011 E350 but just recently traded it in for a 2010 E550. I did not do this for the extra power (Sweeeeet!) but for the driver assistance package. It is one of the best add-ons to have in the car.

I also like the Airmatic as it raises the cas a couple inches when I lift it up. Makes it easier to get in and out.

I think you should also test drive a E550 so you know what you would miss and one thing I learned myself. I will not buy another new MB. I will find low mileage CPO just like my E550 is.


Must have in my opinion:

I don't know if MB changed the packages but get packages / options including:

- Keyless-Go

-Bi-xenon lights

-Split folding rear seat back

- Distronic

- Pre-Safe brakes

- Blind spot assist

- Parking assist

- Trunk spoiler

MCF

Shall we begin the plastic vs. leather argument now or hold off for another "MBTEX vs. Leather" thread....hehehehehehe...let's hold off and stick to topic. To the OP, you can search for different people's opinion regarding the plastic vs. leather.

ghstudio

The only difference between leather and MBtex is that one comes from cows and the other comes from Naugas

MCF

http://www.nauga.com/promoitems_nauga.html

PHML

I've been driving my VW Touareg for 6 years as a daily driver...finally sold it in November 2011. I drive my wife's ML320 on the weekends as she rather be the passenger since 2004. We both loved our SUVs....no worries about potholes...just drive right over it with the SUV....LOL!!

Prior to my SUVs, I drove only sedans...my Lexus GS was my daily driver between 2001 and 2005.

All I can say is....my wife doesn't care for sedans. She missed her ML320 when I sold it in February 2012....so I bought her the GLK350....she is a happy camper now.

As for me, I do miss the ride height of my SUV...you get to see everything in front of you. Driving the GLK tonight made me really miss my SUV....even though I drive sedans as a daily driver.

Good luck in your choice.

Pete

K-A

M-B Tex>E-Class leather. I'd probably at this point choose the M-B Tex even if the Leather Option was free. Seen too many M-B's lately with wrinkly, aged interior, prematurely.

To each their own, I guess, but M-B Tex is the best "Tex" in the business.

MCF

I am glad every time my butt hits the seat I know I am sitting on the material (LEATHER) that EVERY other high end car manufacturer uses. They have to for some reason. If MBTEX was so great, someone would copy it just like people copy everything else. That is all I am going to say on the subject. It looks better, doesn't get 'shiny and flat' and it feels better.

K-A

I barely noticed a difference between the E's grainy and rough leather and M-B Tex. The durability of Tex and longevity, and ease of care make it a choice for me. As a Leaser, I guess I would probably would "take" Leather if it were offered for free, as it offers minimal levels of comfort/luxury over the Tex, but if I want this car for the long haul, I'm happy with Tex.

A lot of manufacturers have tried and continue to put Vinyl seats in their cars, but none have come close to M-B Tex's quality.

I for one am a fan.

newyorktoLA

I love MBTex and you can't tell the difference on two new cars with MB-Tex and Leather, but overtime, the leather remains supple while the vinyl dries out