MB-JIM

I have a serious problem. About a week ago I took delivery of a 2014 GLK 350 to replace my 2012 E350 luxury. The GLK was primarily for my wife who now doesn't like the car even though we took several test drives. She is short and, in getting out, slides out of the seat and her legs rub the rocker panel and get dirty. This is a very serious problem for her. She also said she doesn't like sitting so high and wants to go back to a sedan.
One reason we sold our E350 was that it was difficult,when parking, to know just where the wheels were. Also, for some reason the ride wasn't as good as I expected for a Luxury model.
Now, I have found that the 360 degree cameras on the GLK are fantastic. We can see every detail of what is around us and precisely how close we are to a curb. With that setup on the E350 our visibility problem should be solved. As to the ride and noise over things like tar strips the GLK is much better than on our 2012 E350. The GLK has Continental tires and the E350 had Michelin.
I wonder if the ride quality and road noise has improved on the 2014 models? I would like to consider coming back to a W212 but my wife
is interested in a Lexus GS350 or an AUDI. Help me to not make another mistake.

T.H.Carrera

Get her what she wants ... would be my advice. or you will never hear the end of it.

alsyli

Jim, I can't answer any of your questions b/c I drive a C250. But, after reading your post, I'm thinking that *you're* not the one making the mistake.... (sorry)

If your wife is short, does she really want a mid-sized car? My shorter female relatives (sister and mom) like compact cars. Is the 3-series available w/ a surround-view camera? The ride is supposed to be quite good on the new one (despite the run flats), no?

MB-JIM

Her first choice would be a C Class but she likes smooth power and said
"no way" to a 250. The C300 4Matic could be ok but we sure don't need a 4Matic here. The C350 would work great but it is only available in sport which she felt was too firm a ride. Neither of us want a BMW with run flat tires.

alsyli

Does she care at all about handling dynamics? If not, I'm thinking a Lexus RX might be a good choice?

Or maybe an Infiniti EX (which is supposed to be ridiculously tiny inside but is supposed to be otherwise decently luxurious, and I think also has an surround view camera)?

Perhaps the new Lexus IS?

You know, there are times when I think my next car might be a C300 4matic luxury (even though I definitely don't need 4matic in LA) simply b/c I'd like a 6-cylinder C-class w/ a softer ride. Don't like the slight hit to fuel economy, but if you and your wife don't mind....

MB-JIM

I would hate the thought of getting anything other than another Mercedes. I have now owned 42 MB's of every type. I probably least appreciated the S Class since I'm more of a sports car person having owned four Porsches. My SL's were ok but not that much fun to drive. The W124's were all fine cars and I have enjoyed many C Class models. Right now, my wife is out in my 2006 C350 which is one of the most enjoyable driving cars I have ever owned. I would like to get an E350 Coupe but it simply wouldn't work for my wife.
I have had several front wheel drive cars and didn't care for the torque steer so I hate to consider an IS for her. The CLA might be a good choice but it is FWD and the first year of a completely new model.

instantfob

Agree 100%

Guys will try to apply logic to all her requirements...It doesn't matter anyways. She will find ways to not like it with different reasons if she doesn't love the car.

E Classy

i know exactly what you mean. my wife is also short and particular.

i would recommend the lexus for her. very comfy and very reliable.

MBNUT1

IS is rwd / awd not fwd

instantfob

If all fails .... Ford Focus will park itself for her

http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/features/#page=Feature15

K-A

I haven't driven the luxury but I'd say to expect it to drive and operate about identically to your 12. MB really didn't do anything to strongly change the drive or ride in 12 and up cars.

I always thought that smaller women look so physically ill-fit and unconformable in these larger sedans which is funny as they make up most of its driving populous.

mountainrivera

Is a new wife an option? Sorry, couldn't resist.

ghstudio

Based on my test drive this weekend with my 5'0" wife, I suggest you give the Audi A6/A7 a drive...and if you really want a shock, test drive their new diesel....it's an incredible engine and car. I'm pretty sure the A7 TDI will be replacing my 2011 e350 BT when my lease ends later this year. Far better response/performance, no turbo lag, no diesel knocking...fast (0-60 in 5.6sec) and fuel efficient.

E Classy

and built like a crappy volkswagen

T.H.Carrera

still waiting on the panoramic mesh picture !

samkimg

New Car - Pricey
New Wife - Pricier
Domestic Tranquility - Priceless!

Take her out and let her drive anything she wants. I did that in 2010 with my wife (also ~ 5') and she ended up happiest with the RX450h from Lexus. And she's been happy with that choice, her choice ever since.

On a side note, she drove my new 2014 E350 Sport this weekend with the surround camera and all the goodies and LOVED the way it handled, saying it was VERY different from my 2010 E350 Sport. Said it was much smoother and easier to park with the cameras.

I haven't shown her the Parktronics option we got yet ... I might just lose my ride if she finds out how easy that works.

MB-JIM

We are going to drive a 2014 E350 this afternoon to see if she would rather switch back to an E. If the cameras on the E are as impressive as on the GLK that feature could eliminate one of the major issues with our 2012 E350.
I simply will do whatever she wants. She is a good woman and good women are hard to find.

BenzE350

My suggestion is to always take the car you are thinking of buying for an extended overnight or 2 "ownership experience." So much is missed on the typical 15-20 minute test drive. It's amazing what you can find out about a car when you take it on your daily route / chores, park it in your own garage, and generally get the feel for living with the car.

My wife took home several cars including MB and BMW before deciding on a Volvo S60.

I find that most dealers are willing to accommodate you if you are a serious
buyer - and since you have purchased so many MB's you probably already have a good relationship with your dealer.

BenzE350

I recently leased an A7 and so far (9 months) it is the best car that I have ever owned. No experience with the TDI, but the supercharged 3.0 is an awesome engine (under 5 seconds 0-60), very comfortable cruiser, surprisingly versatile hatch - and a stunning looking car that gets plenty of compliments.

(I'll reserve this space for all the Audi haters to provide their witty comments)

MBNUT1

Might be a small price to pay to not be reminded that you have what sounds like a truck engine in a 60K car.

ghstudio

?? The 2014 audi a6/7 diesel is quieter (and faster) than my 2011 MB 350 diesel and quieter than the 2013 gas e350 I borrowed when my car was serviced last week.

2006_C350

If she really is a good woman she will do the right thing that makes the most financial sense for this moment...wait who am I to talk! lol

MB-JIM

We drove a 2014 E350 Luxury model today and were very impressed. The seats felt more comfortable than the seats that were in my 2012 E350. The only thing was that this car had MB Tex and my 2012 was leather.
We then sat in an E350 that had leather and the leather felt hard and not as comfortable as the MBTex. I was told if I want perforated leather I have to order the seat venting. Has anyone noticed a difference in seat comfort between leather and MB Tex?

martinlarose

I have the perforated leather and find them very comfortable. I haven't tried the artico.mine also has the cooling function which works well on these warm summer days

MBNUT1

I'm sure you are right. Sorry for the lack of clarity in my post. I was referring the the E250 Bluetec when I talked about the truck like sounding motor.

I am hopeful that I would find the Audi 3.0 TDI acceptable. 2.0 TDI sounds pretty good except for some low level highway thrum. The few reviews that I have read have raved about the 3.0 TDI sound upon acceleration

Back to the E250 Motor.
From an online review
The E retains the same 2.1-litre, 204PS engine from the previous model. The four-cylinder unit produces 500Nm of torque that’s available from as early as 1600rpm. The A6′s four-cylinder unit in comparison puts out 177PS and 380Nm of torque available from 1750rpm; these figures are much lower on paper when compared to the Mercedes but hardly felt in the real world. In terms of refinement, the E doesn’t match the Audi’s smooth 2.0-litre TDI unit. The Mercedes engine is quite audible too, especially from the outside.

I love the A7 styling