I received a call from my dealer yesterday ( I bought my car from them three years ago yesterday ) and the saleman is trying to talk me into upgrading to an e350. I was hoping you guys could help me out - other than price, size, and prestige, what are the main advantages of moving from a c350 to an e350 ( I am looking at CPO, so both will have the same engine ). The price difference between the two models looks to be about $10k - is it worth it, and why ?

Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

Actually, the price difference is less because conquest money (and perhaps other money) is higher for the e than for the c's. You have to decide yourself if the car is worth it TO YOU. You know the technical differences...go drive both and decide which better meets your needs. Right now, dealers have lots of c's and e's so you can get a good deal on either. I guess you could compare the resale on both cars as well....what's a c350 worth in 4 years vs an e350 in 4 years...what did depreciation cost you per year.

My guess is that a bluetec e would be the best investment, although not the performer of the gas cars.

 

Since MB upgraded the C's interior, the luxury differnces have been reduced considerably between the C and E. IMO, the E is more elegant than the C, and, certainly a bit roomier and softer as well. I really like the C class MB's. If they would bring the C250 diesel here, I could be tempted. The C always has a very buttoned down feeling. I especially like the Luxury C. The sport C is better executed than the Sport E when it comes to suspension calibration and tuning, at least to the seat of my pants.

 

I made a similar move last year from a C300 to an E350. Here is a mini review I did at the time:

"It's been about two weeks now, so I thought I'd give my initial impressions of the E vs. C. It might be helpful to anyone contemplating the same move.

Handling: The C wins hands down. While the E is fun to drive, the C felt much closer to a driver's car: better road feel; tighter, firmer steering; less body roll.

Ride comfort: As you would expect, the E wins easily. The same suspension that gives the C great handling also gives it a harsher ride.

Road noise: A real weakness in the C and a real advantage in the E. C really needs more insulation.

Exterior styling: In the front, I like them both. The C is more pointed and aggressive while the E is taller and more upright, but they are both beautiful to me. In the rear I must say I have never liked the C too much. It always looked abrupt and unfinished. The tail lights are rather bland, too. The E rear, on the other hand, always appealed to me. I know it has been criticized roundly and had to grow on many, but I have always liked it. The vertical crease in the taillights is a really subtle touch of luxury.

Interior styling: The E really shines over the C here. The C interior, while highly functional, is truly minimalist in luxury. I can't speak to the new facelift C's just starting to appear. Additional features in the E like lots of wood, ambient lighting, and stitching on the MB-TEX are nice luxury treatments but the overall design itself is superior. Simple things like hiding the cup holders make a world of difference in overall feel in the cabin.

Engine: I'm comparing a 3L to a 3.5L here. In real-world driving with my conservative style, I don't see much difference. Comparing the HP/Wt ratios, the E has a fractional advantage on paper, but it's not noticeable to me. Perhaps this is a function of the added sound insulation.

Conclusion: Well, it's all about affordability, preferences and priorities, isn't it? Similarly equipped, there is a $9-10k difference in the two vehicles. To me, it is well worth it."

Regards,
Don

 

We have both a C300 and an E550. Neither has the engine you are considering, so I won't speak to that.

The C300 is a great commuter car for us. It is small, it fits into tight spaces, and it is comparatively nimble. It is basically an entry-level luxury car, so there is nothing fancy about it.

The E is for us more of a cruiser. I drive it in the burbs, but I would not feel comfortable driving it and parking it in the city (DC). Around here, parking spaces are small, so the fit is tight. The E's doors are longer, so it is sometimes hard to park someplace where you can get in and out easily. The 550 is no slouch in acceleration, but the car seems less nimble, more ponderous, which seems less suitable for darting about in traffic.

But I would never choose the C over the E on a long trip. The E is more comfortable, larger, more storage, more legroom. It (potentially) comes with more features, like Distronic+, that I love. The bigness makes it feel safer.

We like both cars, but they serve different purposes.

 

Both are great cars and I've had both. I just completed a 4000 mile round trip in the 'E' and it was great. I drove 1100 miles the first day and looked forward to driving more the next day.
The big difference I noticed right away was the ride and the quiet cabin. That sold me on the 'E'. I feel that it was well worth the price difference and to be completely honest I love the car enough to keep it until the wheels fall off.

 

The C is great, but the E is on a different level, also the exterior is a lot more dynamic I think (though the C has a great and probably timeless exterior on its own).

IMO it's definitely worth the price difference.

 

one word: style

 

I have not driven W204 but sat in it . I like W204 and if I had not bought my W212 I would have treated myself to W204 .
W212 is an upscale car with better styling and A/C buttons . These round analog A/C never growns on me
W212 is my fave car no matter what . It goes w/o saying that 7 Gtronic Plus is very easy to use and you can have a huge space in the center console as well

 

Thank you all for your input and feedback - I do appreciate it !

Nick

 

Doesn't the new CLS have those same round analog A/C controls?

 

Unfortunately, yes. M-B is putting that cheap Dodge-like unit in all their cars, I believe even up to the SL. It debuted in the pre-facelift W204, who had a dismal interior, and IMO the unit feels and looks fit for that particular interior. I have no idea whey they haven't used the E's classy HVAC control unit more. (cost cutting)

 

Thanks K-A for your reply
Well, unfortunatelly even SL also comes with analog round controls whereas new A Class has round controls but you can still have a digital temp setting for it

MB should use W212 A/C buttons commonly and widely in use not those primative analog things

 

I read this before I was considering both the C350 and E350 and there is no comparison in fact there are many cars that would fit between these in price and performance.

The is C is very underwhelming but I liked the style, premium brand and the fact that it's not that much money for what you get. I did not want to spend an extra 10K on the E but it's very much worth it. If you were blindfolded you would never guess they share a motor - it's vastly different and I can only describe the balance between comfort and road feel as PERFECT. I came from a G35 (coupe, same HP and displacement but 2 wheel drive) which I consider a comfy sportster as well. In many ways I'll miss the G, it does some things better then the E350 even 10 years on but it was time to let go - I'll miss her but can't wait to get my E350. ; )

I bought a 2014 E350 - I get it on Wednesday.

 

Congratulations!

I've got both (well, a C300 and an E350). Completely different animals, but I love driving both for very different reasons. The E350 is the more assured, luxurious and drives and feels like a bigger car. But to be perfectly honest, the c300 is a lot more fun to toss around a bit. The feedback in the steering is remarkably different. They drive and handle differently and the interiors are of course vastly different but both have a lot going for them. I think the comparison is a little unfair - I would quite like to think as one better than the other, just very different.

 

Bear in mind that the C Class has been substantially redesigned with the 2015 model. So comparing the current design E Class to a new C Class is not totally valid.

Consumer Reports is not particularly noted for touting "luxury" cars, but they gave the new C Class glowing reviews, making special note of its improved handling, well balanced by a considerable improvement in the suspension/ride quality and interior appointments (I personally hate the "glued-on" Comand screen look.)

For anyone trying to choose between a new C and a new E, one should drive both and not rely solely upon driver experiences with the 2014 and prior C.

When the 2017 model E Class is introduced, it may be a whole new ball game, as the E is expected to receive similar changes and improvements.

 

This thread is from 2012.

 

Yes, I was responding to the two new posts.

Not the best procedure, but I thought it may be of help to someone else attempting to make the same decision.

It should have been a new thread.