rediesel

BB very nice E350. Photo demonstrates my point about parking an S Class.

BeachBunny

rediesel: I don't think the parking issues on that car are the car's fault as much as the driver -- That S driver is probably twice my age and doesn't have the surround-view cameras. MUCH easier to get it right when you've got the overhead view.

noka

Having had it on my last car, I just couldn't do without it. Makes parking so much easier. I like the MB system better because the BMW had no front camera, so front view was severely limited.

Raymond Lee

If wear size of shoes to fit S class, go with S. Otherwise go with E and enjoy it.

Dema

When my E class was in shop and I was waiting, I stepped in Hyundai dealership and checked Genesis 5.0. Oh man, this car has everything that E class owner can imagine and lot extra and just for 53 grands. I felt like I am tricked somewhere, how car can offer so many luxury features, decent engine, outstanding interior for so low price? Did I mention that it is almost S class size?

BeachBunny

Dema: I've never driven the 5.0 but have driven the V6 Genesis. Nice car but it just was too bland to me. Not as anonymous as a Kia Credenza, but close.

So how do they do it? Lower labor and material costs plus aggressive cost cutting/simplifying things. I've driven Infinitis for the past 20 years and had Benzs prior. During this time I also had friends with German cars. There were definite differences between them. The Japanese philosophy seems to be "Good Enough" whereas the Germans seem to over-think things. Similarly, the Japanese/Koreans will take the lower-cost approach to things compared to the Germans.

These differences become very apparent when you pull open the shop manuals for the cars and see how they're put together. Case in point: My 2004 M45 shop manual is just a stack of PDF files, about 121MB. The "shop manual" for my 2015 E comes on multiple DVDs. There's about a 10 page section on electrical power management on the E350. On a 2015 Infiniti Q70L, there isn't any. There's even a big warning in the owner's manual not to run the navigation system unless the engine's on as it might drain the battery.

Arrie

My friend has a Genesis and it is no bigger than E.

You sure you did not sit in an Eguus?

Dema

No it was Genesis for sure. I was really curious sitting in Equus, but they didn't have any. I won't claim that Genesis bigger, it was just impression when I checked back seats. I agree that Asian makers are in better position, they do not invent, they do mostly copying. For example Genesis gear shifter looks very similar to BMW. When I asked sales guy if the car has hold feature and he had no clue, then I easily spotted hold activation button exact in same place as BMW has it. Maybe they claim it as they try to make transition from European cars smooth and you do not need to learn new controls. Steering wheel controls also remained be BMW. However seat adjustment looked as from MB. Perhaps they simply trying combine everything best they can find in European cars. Anyway it is low chance I will ever drive Genesis. I lease cars mostly and low residual for Korean cars make them much more expensive.

The Thomas J

I want to upgrade to the S class, but I agree with Beach Bunny that it brings unwanted attention. I may get over that some day but for now when I do sell or trade my w211 in roughly 18 to 24 months it will most likely be for another E class.

The Thomas J

My friend has an Equs his company leased for him and it has EVERYTHING. The rear interior reminds me on a very poor mans Maybach. I do think Hyundai and Kia hit a certain demographic with these cars. They are for people who want a Luxury car that's stuffed with everything but can't afford an MB S class or people who wan't the most bang for there buck that don't care it's a Hyundai or KIA and might not want to call any attention to themselves what's so ever.

I think they will do VERY well on the pre-owned market. Judging by MB, and BMW depreciate at such a rapid rate 3 to 5 years the Hyundai would seemingly depreciate at a more rapid rate leaving some good deals to be had on the used car market

Helmar

Thanks for all of the replies, they were most helpful. I plan on visiting the New York Auto Show in March next year to see the new E-Class.

Now, though, I'm leaning toward an S550 Coupe. I'll be purchasing the car near Seattle, WA (any suggestions on which dealer?) in September 2016 and taking a leisurely four weeks road trip to drive home to Maine.

One problem I have now is ethical. I'd like to test drive the cars here, but, since I won't be purchasing the car from the local dealer, I'm reluctant to have him spend time and effort on someone that won't be purchasing a car (although they WILL get the servicing business).

Also to be decided is new vs 2015 CPO......

HBH

rediesel

Have you considered European Delivery? When you arrange ED you also get to select the US dealer you want to take delivery at; my dealer told me a lot of people make two vacations out of it. First when you take delivery in Europe, and then when you collect the car at your second US destination. Savings was about 7%.

Dema

Keep in mind that dealers get most profit not from selling cars.

KarlG

The picture perspective really over emphasizes differences.

When all is said and done, the current S is about 2 inches wider, 10 inches longer and 2 inches taller. In the parking lot the S feels less maneuverable because of its longer wheelbase.

It is rumored that after the change to the new MRA platform in the updated E, the E will be longer and possible wider narrowing the gap.