Shopping the C, should I cross shop the E?
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2016 C300
Shopping the C, should I cross shop the E?
I've been planning to buy a new C class later this year. But, a few things got me thinking I should get a CPO E instead:
- The C doesn't feel as substantial as Benzes I've owned or driven in the past (I've had a W202 and W124; family have had a W203 and W211). The doors make a "thuck", not a THUNK, when you close
- That interior looks nice, but corners have still been cut.
- There are still some questions as to reliability and build quality, even though it seems to have improved since 2015.
My concerns with an E are:
- Too big for city driving?
- How much is agility compromised? I need the luxury trim for the roads in my area. The C is lightweight, but that makes it a good athlete. I know the E will be longer and heavier, but does it feel as floaty and numb as the W211 did? Or is it more W124/202-like?
Just wondering if it's worth the time to go back to the dealer and test drive one. I have a busy schedule right now, but the possibility of a "real Benz", well-put together, with all the options I want for 10,000 or more less than a similarly spec'd C has given me serious pause.
- The C doesn't feel as substantial as Benzes I've owned or driven in the past (I've had a W202 and W124; family have had a W203 and W211). The doors make a "thuck", not a THUNK, when you close
- That interior looks nice, but corners have still been cut.
- There are still some questions as to reliability and build quality, even though it seems to have improved since 2015.
My concerns with an E are:
- Too big for city driving?
- How much is agility compromised? I need the luxury trim for the roads in my area. The C is lightweight, but that makes it a good athlete. I know the E will be longer and heavier, but does it feel as floaty and numb as the W211 did? Or is it more W124/202-like?
Just wondering if it's worth the time to go back to the dealer and test drive one. I have a busy schedule right now, but the possibility of a "real Benz", well-put together, with all the options I want for 10,000 or more less than a similarly spec'd C has given me serious pause.
Last edited by mcbc220; Jun 3, 2016 at 12:28 PM.
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2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
Personally, if you want the true feeling of driving a Mercedes Benz, I would go for the E class. Take 30 minutes out of your time and test drive it. It does feel more heavy and "solid" than the C, but is still fun to drive.
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
I agree on test drive. Best if you can drive them back to back. Personally the C back seat was too small for my family. If I want to drive the family in my car, the back seat needs to be adequate. Otherwise, I am stuck driving my wife's car.
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2016 C300
Thanks all. I don't have kids (as yet), but I grew up riding and learning to drive in the W123 and W124. When I graduated college I bought a 12 year old W202 that's still my daily driver. I love the tanklike Benz feel; that's what a Mercedes is, to me. The W205 is certainly a fun little car, but it feels light and more like it could have come from any other manufacturer. When I realized that spec'd out with premium 2, wheels, and metallic paint it will push $46k, the value proposition sort of went out the window. The E might be bigger than I need now, but I also feel confident that it's a car that would be worth hanging onto for longer.
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From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Thanks all. I don't have kids (as yet), but I grew up riding and learning to drive in the W123 and W124. When I graduated college I bought a 12 year old W202 that's still my daily driver. I love the tanklike Benz feel; that's what a Mercedes is, to me. The W205 is certainly a fun little car, but it feels light and more like it could have come from any other manufacturer. When I realized that spec'd out with premium 2, wheels, and metallic paint it will push $46k, the value proposition sort of went out the window. The E might be bigger than I need now, but I also feel confident that it's a car that would be worth hanging onto for longer.
I had exactly the same reaction to the W205. To me it just doesn't feel like a Mercedes, having said that it is a well engineered car and does what it does well. It just didn't provide me with the feel that I was seeking and I would have preferred a smaller car.
I absolutely love driving my W212. It has the perfect combination of stability, solidity, quietness and ride damping. I also find the cabin to have a more luxurious ambiance than the C class.
Last edited by MBNUT1; Jun 3, 2016 at 11:19 PM.
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2016 C300
The reason I just purchased a 2010 Luxury E3504matic is simply because I have grown up with Mercedes dating back to the early '60s and the W212 drives like a old school Mercedes.
I had exactly the same reaction to the W205. To me it just doesn't feel like a Mercedes, having said that it is a well engineered car and does what it does well. It just didn't provide me with the feel that I was seeking and I would have preferred a smaller car.
I absolutely love driving my W212. It has the perfect combination of stability, solidity, quietness and ride damping. I also find the cabin to have a more luxurious ambiance than the C class.
I had exactly the same reaction to the W205. To me it just doesn't feel like a Mercedes, having said that it is a well engineered car and does what it does well. It just didn't provide me with the feel that I was seeking and I would have preferred a smaller car.
I absolutely love driving my W212. It has the perfect combination of stability, solidity, quietness and ride damping. I also find the cabin to have a more luxurious ambiance than the C class.
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From: Southern
2014 E-350
Cracks me up.
"My concerns with an E are:
- Too big for city driving?"
I guess perspective varies. In my opinion, the E Class is still a pretty small sedan. But I'm used to an Escalade ESV, full size Range Rover, Ford F350 crew cab long bed, and Expedition EL...so the E class is like a VW Bug in comparison.
I'm pretty sure the E Class is used heavily in Europe as a fleet vehicle, like taxi cabs...so if it works in Europe as a city car, I'm sure you'll be just fine.
"My concerns with an E are:
- Too big for city driving?"
I guess perspective varies. In my opinion, the E Class is still a pretty small sedan. But I'm used to an Escalade ESV, full size Range Rover, Ford F350 crew cab long bed, and Expedition EL...so the E class is like a VW Bug in comparison.
I'm pretty sure the E Class is used heavily in Europe as a fleet vehicle, like taxi cabs...so if it works in Europe as a city car, I'm sure you'll be just fine.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Absolutely need to test drive the E. When I was looking, I looked at the C and walked away. Too small, not as well equipped, etc. Course new ones are better, but still...
I get a C as a loaner when I take my E in for service. Totally confirms there is a difference and I am happy with the E.
Better to take a little time now (couple of hours) than regret it for years to come.
I get a C as a loaner when I take my E in for service. Totally confirms there is a difference and I am happy with the E.
Better to take a little time now (couple of hours) than regret it for years to come.
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From: NY
2014 E350 4Matic
Recently going from a C55 AMG to a 2014 E350, the E is not as fast or as nimble. But, in every day back road and highway driving it is infinitely more comfortable, much better insulated/optioned and handles almost as well at 90 percent of my former speeds. I do not miss the AMG, I couldn't really use it on public roads to its full potential anyway. For some perspective, my 2014 E has the same HP as my '98 C43 AMG V8 did, gets 30% better gas mileage and is just as much fun to drive. Don't get me wrong, the E is no sports car but, it's no slouch either. I agree with the others on the new C's. They look good, but when I get one as a loaner I do not enjoy driving it nearly as much and always make sure to request an E loaner if at all possible. My c-class AMG's were made in Germany to the same standards or better than regular E's but, the E feels better to me for most driving.
Last edited by Tump43; Jun 4, 2016 at 06:12 PM.
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From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
I would get a CPO E-class - the C class is nice but a lot smaller. For city driving the E-class is about as big as you want...on the highway you will find day and night difference. I love the current C class it is wonderful on the inside - however, I prefer the engines in the E-class. A V6 will always be better than a 4 cylinder.
But you are better off to test drive both - back to back!
But you are better off to test drive both - back to back!
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
I normally check out the next level up and down from the model I am interested in. It's nice to see how it outclasses the lower model and how it may include higher end features that are not exclusive to the next level up. That's one way to know you're in the spot that's right for you.
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From: Houston
2014 E350 sport
Cracks me up.
"My concerns with an E are:
- Too big for city driving?"
I guess perspective varies. In my opinion, the E Class is still a pretty small sedan. But I'm used to an Escalade ESV, full size Range Rover, Ford F350 crew cab long bed, and Expedition EL...so the E class is like a VW Bug in comparison.
I'm pretty sure the E Class is used heavily in Europe as a fleet vehicle, like taxi cabs...so if it works in Europe as a city car, I'm sure you'll be just fine.
"My concerns with an E are:
- Too big for city driving?"
I guess perspective varies. In my opinion, the E Class is still a pretty small sedan. But I'm used to an Escalade ESV, full size Range Rover, Ford F350 crew cab long bed, and Expedition EL...so the E class is like a VW Bug in comparison.
I'm pretty sure the E Class is used heavily in Europe as a fleet vehicle, like taxi cabs...so if it works in Europe as a city car, I'm sure you'll be just fine.
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 118
Likes: 11
From: Houston
2014 E350 sport
Recently going from a C55 AMG to a 2014 E350, the E is not as fast or as nimble. But, in every day back road and highway driving it is infinitely more comfortable, much better insulated/optioned and handles almost as well at 90 percent of my former speeds. I do not miss the AMG, I couldn't really use it on public roads to its full potential anyway. For some perspective, my 2014 E has the same HP as my '98 C43 AMG V8 did, gets 30% better gas mileage and is just as much fun to drive. Don't get me wrong, the E is no sports car but, it's no slouch either. I agree with the others on the new C's. They look good, but when I get one as a loaner I do not enjoy driving it nearly as much and always make sure to request an E loaner if at all possible. My c-class AMG's were made in Germany to the same standards or better than regular E's but, the E feels better to me for most driving.
Well a non amg wont be as fast or nimble as an AMG lol
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2014 Mercedes E550
I was also checking out the C and E recently as I was in the market for a Benz. For me the C300 is a bit small for me, especially with 2 babies. The C450 felt nice but also when option out approach the price of if not exceed an E class. I went with a used E550 instead. Personally going from the C to E is a big difference in feel and quality. Driving in NYC the E550 doesn't feel big at all and the ride isn't silky smooth but I am not bouncing all over when driving.
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From: Take two of these and call me in the morning
2015 E-Class
I posted over in the C-Class section several weeks ago when I bought a 2014 C250 CPO heavily optioned sedan.
Several weeks later, we took it back and we now own a 2015 E-Class CPO and are very content...nothing wrong with the C but the E is a whole different animal IMHO.
Several weeks later, we took it back and we now own a 2015 E-Class CPO and are very content...nothing wrong with the C but the E is a whole different animal IMHO.
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I posted over in the C-Class section several weeks ago when I bought a 2014 C250 CPO heavily optioned sedan.
Several weeks later, we took it back and we now own a 2015 E-Class CPO and are very content...nothing wrong with the C but the E is a whole different animal IMHO.
Several weeks later, we took it back and we now own a 2015 E-Class CPO and are very content...nothing wrong with the C but the E is a whole different animal IMHO.
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From: Down Unda
W204 C63 AMG, W212 E250 CGI, C207 E250 CGI
obviously, price is not a problem so thats always a plus.
now it depends on what you need, how youre gonna use it and how long do you plan on keeping it. answer all those questions and youll have a new car in no time. both will do its job, both will have its pros and cons so it all depends on you.
youre on the E side of the forum so everybody myself included will be bias. but im sure its a different story when you go the C forums.
now it depends on what you need, how youre gonna use it and how long do you plan on keeping it. answer all those questions and youll have a new car in no time. both will do its job, both will have its pros and cons so it all depends on you.
youre on the E side of the forum so everybody myself included will be bias. but im sure its a different story when you go the C forums.
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From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
You said 46k after options for the C? I think you should def. get an E if you're in the budget area. The size is not to big and depending on what year you get you can even get a 350 or 550 for that budget. Good luck
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2010 E550 4MATIC RENNtech Tune
E is greater than C so this is an easy one..definitely look at the E if it's in your budget ..I know a lot of people who regretted not looking at the E beforehand ..including those who bought an E350 vs E550
