Just purchased a new 2014 E250 a few weeks ago and thought I would share my impressions. I also want to thank several of you for your reviews and feedback as it really helped me making my purchase.

EXTERIOR DESIGN
The design of any vehicle is obviously very subjective and many of you may not care for the mid-cycle redesign. I really like the more aggressive look of the front and the subtle changes made to the rear.

INTERIOR FEATURES
The fit and finish of the interior is amazing. I opted for the MB-Tex as I have 3 kids under the age of 7 so it was a no-brainer. The difference between the MB-tex and leather has been debated for years and will inevitably continue to be discussed. I have been happy with the overall feel and hope it maintains its pristine form over the years as I plan on owning the vehicle for at 6-7 years. As several people have mentioned, the cruise control stalk is placed too close to the turn signal. The H.K. stereo system is good (not great) as the low end bass is rather poor but overall no complaints. This is my first exposure to the Command System and it seems fine. Its probably not as intuitive as the navigation systems I have used in Japanese cars and it would be nice to have a larger screen.

PACKAGES
I opted for Lane Assist, Lighting, and Parktronic with camera. The BSI should really be standard on all cars. The 360 Camera is a bargain for the price. Most people who haven't seen it before are amazed with this feature when I show it to them. My kids love the hands free trunk mechanism. The DRLs alone make the lighting package worth it however the quality of the LED headlights is excellent as well. I also chose the illuminated door sills which are a nice touch although at $744 (invoice) probably not worth the price. I also changed the wheels out from the stock 17" runflats to the 18" staggered AMG's with non-runflats.

PERFORMANCE
With close to 1000 miles I have averaged about 36.5 mpg with a good mix of highway and city driving. I have an 80 mile commute primarily on the highway and typically average between 42-48mpg depending on how fast I am going. For 197hp, the car performs extremely well. It really feels more like a V6/250+hp vehicle with the acceleration and torque it has.

I'm getting used to the diesel clatter which is more noticeable at low speeds (<30mph). Above 30mph, I can't really notice any excessive noise. Compared to my father's '82 SD which sounded like a tractor and truthfully with the vibrations felt like one too, the E250 is significantly improved.

My favorite part is the range of 650-750 miles. You can never place a cost on the time you waste at the pump (despite what Elon Musk and Tesla would lead you to believe) but it is nice not having to go the gas station nearly as often as before.

BUYING PROCESS
After putting together my ideal configuration, I was left with the decision to purchase a car in stock at a local dealer vs. factory order. I opted for the latter and ordered in Oct and received the vehicle in Dec. I live in CA so prices are extremely competitive. I ended up saving 18% off MSRP and probably could have saved $20% if I went with a vehicle in stock. Ultimately, I went with A.K. (internet sales manager) at Rusnak based on reviews on line. He quoted me $2500 below invoice plus the $5000 incentive in Dec. My only criticism is that they placed a front license plate holder as required by CA law but it would have been nice if they asked me first as I would have opted out.

EXTENDED WARRANTY
Is this ever a good deal? Only time will tell if it was worth it. As I mentioned earlier I tend to hold onto my cars for 6-8 years so with all of the technology I thought it was a wise investment. I went with E.M. at Santa Rosa and chose the 7 year/125k mile EW at $3650. It can be refunded or pro-rated should I sell the vehicle before that time frame.

Overall, I have been extremely impressed. I really look forward to driving it and I hope that this post may help some of you down the road.

I really enjoyed reading your review of your new E250BT. Thank you for sharing your impressions !

The discounts off List Price in the USA are simply amazing ! Here in Canada, there is far less competition between dealers (most are MB corporate stores) and far greater demand for the E250BT. These two factors translate into lesser discounts. Our only saving grace is that the list prices for E250BT in Canada are lower than in the USA and we get a few more features as standard (eg. fold down rear seats, heated & folding mirrors).

Your review also helps me to better endure the waiting time for my car, which is now sitting @ the dock in Bremerhaven.

Wishing you many happy years driving your E250 Bluetec !

Congrats, your car is a real onlooker
Thanks for your review as well as spicing up it with your pics .
Happy enjoyments with your car

Great review and glad you are enjoying your E250!!!

I wonder if those incentives are aggressive in Jan too for a buy?

Great review and I am glad you are happy with it. You choose a great car for such a long commute.

> My only criticism is that they placed a front license plate holder as required by CA law but it would have been nice if they asked me first as I would have opted out.

I also wanted no front license plate bracket and when I got the car they had already put on the front bracket. (Since we went with Euro-delivery, the car needed a front license plate in Germany anyway.

My solution was to remove the bracket and put the existing screws back into the holes on the bumper. Since the screws are black (and my car is black like yours), you can't really seem them.

The car looks so much better without the front license plate holder!

(Ohio also requires front plates, but many folks go without. My other car has been front plate-less for 10 years. Back when I lived in CA, I also went front-less and once got a fix-it ticket because of it...)

Great photos by the way!

NICLEY DONE!!! Enjoy.

Thanks for taking the time to shoot some nice pics

Thanks also for posting your photos !
Here's one that I took of an E350 4Matic - those tails light sure look cool !

Congrats. Great car. I test drove one after I got mine and there is no shortage of power. The great mileage is a bonus. Enjoy.

Thanks for the comments.

DerekACS - You can track your vehicle on line if you know the name of the transporting ship. My kids loved checking on its progress on its way to
Long Beach.

DBV - Not sure about the January incentives. I saw that someone posted $2k incentive.

Michael61 - Thanks for the licence plate holder tip. I also considered bumper plugs as well as taking it in to a body shop but in the end I may just leave it on or try your trick.

E Classy - I liked your car photos a few months back. The Palladium silver, porcelain leather, and satin trim would be my first choice but my wife preferred black and the light leather wouldn't work with three little boys.

Yes, thanks ! I am familiar with the Track & Trace @ Wallenius. My E250BT will hopefully make it on to Asian Emperor, departing Jan.29th for Halifax.

Congrats on the new ride!