T.H.Carrera

LINK

Wow... looks hot.

I would be pissed if I had just purchased this car.

Thoughts?

Paxfobiscum

Thoughts? OK, you asked for it...

Why should someone get pissed by buying the car he wants NOW, that is available NOW, that he can enjoy NOW. Those that keep on waiting for the next generation cars, thinking that they will be better than what is available right now, are destined never to own and enjoy a car. Go to DPreview.com, which is a camera buff website. There you will find camera fanatics that keep on waiting for next year's camera model. When the model finally comes out, they don't purchase it believing the following year's model will be better. In the meantime, those who are smart enough to buy this year's model have enjoyed their cameras (or their cars) and taken pictures (and long drives) that will last a lifetime.

Enjoy your car today and don't yearn for next year's car.

.

aeggroup

The link says it will be released in Europe in spring, 2013. Hopefully it will be here at the end of 2013 or most likely at 2014's summer. It's hard to tell from those pictures how good it will be, but people will like it anyway.
I was not a big fan of the current model, but after awhile got used to that ugly look. I still like BMW 5 series more, but hate IDrive. All those new features they adding will be included in some fancy packages, which majority of people in US skip when they lease a car.

K-A

We have like 30 threads on this subject! LOL. Also to note, it will be 2014 MY in the U.S when the facelift is released (in line with the new S-Class).

My thoughts:

They made it easier to swallow (if it does in fact look like that), more simple/passive, but took out the more baroque elements that makes the W212 stand out and look unique and dynamically aggressive. If it looked like that, I'd find it nice, but I would have never had my heart strings pulled to buy it, nor would I have found it as polarizing (which is what inevitably won me out to become in love with the design).

It looks more elegant, however less fun.

T.H.Carrera

That's a good perspective, but think about those who actually bought the car, how much value their cars will lose because of such drastic changes. Generally LCi do not completely change the looks of the model, in this case it looks like a full redesign (exterior).

aeggroup

K-A ...I remember you as the biggest hater on the forum of the current model. Things are changing...indeed

mikemargolis

I love my 2011 right now, and will do so God willing until 2014 and beyond.

I don't have to have the newest version, I am a buy and hold guy.

My 2008 Odyssey's body style was replaced in 2011 with a new one, but I still have my 08. Why? Because it's still running well and it's paid for.

So, there's a new E-Class coming. That will serve those who are buying in '14, that is lovely for them.

Mbenz260e

No regrets here buying a 2012, it's inevitable things will change just the way it is. I still plan on keeping my W164 for at least 4 more years until the warranty is gone. One of the things I love about MB (sames goes for BMW) is that even the old models still looks great to me. I'd be proud driving a clean W211 right now, heck even a clean W124

alloutmk23

No regrets.....That thing is ugly.

tbal

Diggin it, the 1pc headlight is

leapingpoint

I agree that it looks more elegant, and less fun.

I think E has always been more elegant and less fun, and W212 is the first time that the Mercedes-Benz has put more effort into making E fun and sporty, and they've done a good job. Could this new 2013/14 E be an indication that they are back on the more elegance track...? Hmm......

K-A

I remember. That's what I meant in my "polarizing" line.

I agree. I always appreciate good M-B Designs more as they age, as long as they're designed well and to classical M-B standards, they will timelessly age and to me become Classics.

Yeah, I think M-B are going back to organic shapes again, which is an odd and unbecoming quick switch by them, as they usually subtly redefine their styling idioms by evolution, and the W212's angular and baroque styling was a brand new introduction in 2010.

The issue is, the W212 is designed to be a masterclass in cubism and angularity (yet smooth enough to be dynamic, i.e not over angular like say a CTS). Rigging on round/organic parts onto a design meant to be cubic never looks cohesive or "proper" IMO (it brings to mind the 1999 Mustang that still used the rounded roof from the 1994 era models).

That is a good point. Luxury manufacturers are expect to age gracefully and evolutionary, which is why their old models are still revered, and resale is (supposed to be) good, and they're supposed to stay relevant for a long time. Such a drastic switch, especially onto the most popular E-Class of all time, is very short-term Honda/Toyota/Ford-esque. No regard for the aging and grace of their previous offerings, or the owners who plunked down such a chunk of change.

Now, to me, I'm a car enthusiast over a show-boat-y "impress thy neighbors" type. Them so drastically changing the E, considering they take out the stuff that makes it interesting to me, would make me either not want to get another one, and force me onto try something else, or hold onto my car, save money, and have a car that will be the "classic edition" of the W212 era to me personally (give me a higher appreciation of the car and also make for less identically looking E's on the road).

We'll see.

BenzV12

I don't cancel my order to buy this car Well, front end is cool but since 1995 E Class has a dinstictive look than rest of herd because of dual sized lamps . For W212 this design has been mastered by designers ,it's sad to see MB quit this dual lights to composite lights

Kar don

almost reminds me of a hyundai genesis.

aqsc815616

agree

ImInPA

Every E ends up growing on you. MB just gets this model "right" every time. As always, the new purchasers will feel great, and, at the same time, there is nothing so "must have" with the exterior that I would feel a desire to upgrade.I really like the "pontoon" rear creases in my 2011. Now, should they put the higher power diesel offering into this E, I could be tempted. Would it be too much to wish for a diesel 4Matic?

Busta Riles

I wish i had 2 more hands...so i could give that facelift four thumbs down.

BenzMan369

I'll be glad to lend you my two!

T.H.Carrera

Pulled the trigger on 2012 bluetec yesterday on a 2 year lease. White on black. I guess by the time lease is up LCI models will be arriving

aeggroup

Congrats...smart thing to do .

T.H.Carrera

thanks!

emilner

Not a fan of the update. The car looks like your average Japanese sedan. And what is up with the oval ports on the bumper- MB doesn't often put something so odd looking on a vehicle....