MtnbkrMD

Hi Everyone,

Short time lurker, first time poster here.

I'm almost ready to upgrade from my current daily driver- a 2013 Mazda 3 hatchback.

I know I'm posting in a Mercedes-Benz forum, but as I'm considering a few different models from a few different companies (including Mercedes-Benz) I was hoping you all could share some opinions, especially if anyone has experience with any of the other models I'm looking at.

My requirements:

1. Comfort- the new car will replace the Mazda 3 as my daily driver, which involves a 60 minute commute each way to work, mostly on highways.

2. Fun-factor- the new car has to have some get-up-and-go, and needs to be fun when on winding mountain roads.

3. Aesthetics- Opinions on the interior and exterior of a car are obviously very personal. For me, I strongly dislike the look of wood paneling on a car- so the E300 is out. But I love the dual widescreen displays on the E-class.

- I'm willing to sacrifice a little comfort for increased fun-factor.

The current candidates:

1. E43 AMG- Yes, I know many folks feel this is a "pseudo-AMG". But you know what? I'm coming from a Mazda 3.

2. Lexus GS F

3. Audi S6 or S7

- I won't drive any car from BMW. Personal reasons- I just won't.

So, any thoughts on my choices? All opinions, positive or negative will be appreciated.

Thanks!

ua549

Keep in mind that the E300 has an option for aluminum dash panels in lieu of wood.

stealth.pilot

Out of that lot the S6/S7 is the best car, and the E43 is the most up to date car. The Lexus is the most reliable.

Depends on what you are optimizing for. Personally I would find all 3 of these dissatisfying:
- E43 because engine is not good enough at this price level and rumors are it will be phased out with E55 within a year
- GSF - no turbos and ugly dated styling
- S6/S7 - cheap plasticky dashboard, getting long in tooth

Quite frankly if you're dead set on Mercedes, spend a bit more and buy the upcoming E63.

MtnbkrMD

Definitely not dead-set on Mercedes- the reputation for comfort along with the tech updates on the E-class made it appealing.

The only thing I'm dead-set on is not BMW.

As you would find all 3 of those options dissatisfying, I'm interested in hearing what you would find satisfying? Pricing out the cars I listed, with options almost all maxed out came out to an average of about $90k. I think the E63 might be a bit too pricey and once I get in the $110k range I'd probably end up with a Tesla (sacrificing some ride comfort and a lot of cabin comfort in the process).

Truly trying to gather as much information here from people, so as before, opinions (agree or not) are welcome!

stealth.pilot

I actually think E43 is the right car for you given the constraints you raised. You would be better off waiting a year till they have the new engine, but then if you aren't into pinnacle of performance then it may not matter.

PeterUbers

This sounds like a residency to attending transition, doctors on this forum frequently like to use MD in their screen names

some advice ... keep the Mazda if you can to kick around ... it's reliable and you know it well

I like the S6 over the E63 and the gs-f, but consider the cls550 and s550

CPO out of the question?
if not
- 2014-2016 e63S
- rs4, s6, rs7

fun times for sure! Good luck

MtnbkrMD

Thanks for the suggestions- I'll take a look at those. CPO is definitely not out of the question.

The Mazda is going to stay for sure- it's a great little car.

MtnbkrMD

Thanks for your thoughts- I'll keep an open mind.

ngerstman

Good suggestions from everyone here. I'm not sure what you mean by comfort, but the likes of the e63, s6, s7 all have low profile tires and sport tuned suspensions, which could result in hard ride if your roads aren't great. I have an order in on an e43 but exploring some of the options discussed above in cpo. The Audi option is great but new model due next year or so. You might consider an a6 cpo with the six, fast, great handling car with nice interior and a more user friendly interface than Mercedes. It could be a bridge for two years till more updated models and options are available, we are early in the transition period in models in the full size luxury class. Another comfortable highway rocket to consider is a cpo 2014-2015 Audi s8, 500+ hp, although may not fit the winding mountain road criteria but for it's size handles really well. If I was doing a lot of highway driving, I might go with the s8. A cpo would cost less than e43. Regards. Ned.

Munich77

Good call in the S8 - that is a wonderful car.

axhoaxho

What about the (Bi-turbo V8) C63?

silberrosa

Maybe also consider the forthcoming E400 wagon model. Assuming it is available in sport trim, this might be a nice car for you. All-wheel drive, very good acceleration and performance and a "hatch" of sorts which is super practical. Last I heard it's supposed to be out in another month or so.

djantlive

The 43 engine is new and much improved. I see nothing wrong with the power