For those who had a Benz before, how does your e class compare to it??
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Joined: Oct 2017
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2021 M550i
For those who had a Benz before, how does your e class compare to it??
Below is a list of Mercedes that I have owned before my latest 2018 E300,
1) 2013 E350 Cabriolet
2) 2014 E350 Sedan
3) 2014 SL550
4) 2015 C300 x 2
For those who had one before your w213, which ones were they and how does it compare to it?
To be honest I think the w213 is my least favorite one in terms of ride quality... the interior is stunning and all the new tech works well, but the w213 does not really drive/feel like a Mercedes...
I did see another post where they mention they are built lighter than before - but I dont think this is a great reason/excuse to as why they drive so differently...It just doesn't have the Benz DNA that I am used to.
What are you thoughts??
1) 2013 E350 Cabriolet
2) 2014 E350 Sedan
3) 2014 SL550
4) 2015 C300 x 2
For those who had one before your w213, which ones were they and how does it compare to it?
To be honest I think the w213 is my least favorite one in terms of ride quality... the interior is stunning and all the new tech works well, but the w213 does not really drive/feel like a Mercedes...
I did see another post where they mention they are built lighter than before - but I dont think this is a great reason/excuse to as why they drive so differently...It just doesn't have the Benz DNA that I am used to.
What are you thoughts??
Last edited by jhpmbusa; May 24, 2018 at 11:22 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 310
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e300
Driven but not owned a number of Mercedes, when I rented a car I went for the “best or nothing” LOL
2007-s550: heavy boat, smooth and powerful but a land yacht at best
2005- e320, awful drive worst MB I’ve ever driven
2007- ml350- jerky and revvy, did not understand the transmission one bit
2006-e500 friends car rode in a few times, amazing car loads of power good brakes and ok handling
2007- sl550: fantastic car, very powerful but small inside, needs like 6 more inches of length inside then it would be perfect
2005- sl600. Friends car, holy s*** fast as a rocket, insanity on wheels, love that car
2005ish C300: kinda cheap and crappy, good for someone who doesn’t get cars LOL
2016 CLA250, not bad, peppy, great bang for buck, tiny car though
how does the new E300 compare to these.....well idk it’s not as powerful as it’s V8 predecessors but it’s more refined and advanced. Great MPG’s, love the transmission and sport modes.....big LCD screen, it’s a great car overall
if you want to get a almost perfect car get the E43, I think that will bring you the power it’s might be lacking
2007-s550: heavy boat, smooth and powerful but a land yacht at best
2005- e320, awful drive worst MB I’ve ever driven
2007- ml350- jerky and revvy, did not understand the transmission one bit
2006-e500 friends car rode in a few times, amazing car loads of power good brakes and ok handling
2007- sl550: fantastic car, very powerful but small inside, needs like 6 more inches of length inside then it would be perfect
2005- sl600. Friends car, holy s*** fast as a rocket, insanity on wheels, love that car
2005ish C300: kinda cheap and crappy, good for someone who doesn’t get cars LOL
2016 CLA250, not bad, peppy, great bang for buck, tiny car though
how does the new E300 compare to these.....well idk it’s not as powerful as it’s V8 predecessors but it’s more refined and advanced. Great MPG’s, love the transmission and sport modes.....big LCD screen, it’s a great car overall
if you want to get a almost perfect car get the E43, I think that will bring you the power it’s might be lacking
Last edited by mobster600; May 23, 2018 at 10:36 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,359
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The E300 ride quality is not as good as my previous MB's (see sig). Fit and finish is average, not superior. The upgraded seats are still hard as a rock. But the technology is one of the best available in any car.
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Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 473
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From: Texas, Northern VA
Porsche Cayman S, Mercedes W213, Nissan Titan, BMW X5, Chevrolet Suburban
I've had a 2004 SLK320, a 2003 E320, a 2002 E320, a 2000 C280 and a 96 C220. The 2003 E320 was my favorite. It was a special order that the owner returned after a week. It didn't even have 100 miles on it when I bought it and it was one a few cars I've owned that I've genuinely enjoyed from soup to nuts. I've rented a 2017 E220d in London, a 2017 E300 in SF, a 2016 C63 twice in two different cities in Florida, and a 2015 S550 for a week in Sarasota. I really loved the S550. But as for build quality my E class feels and looks like its in the same league as my prior experiences. I have the luxury package without airmatic but I'm very pleased with the ride quality. The gas mileage is phenomenal and after getting rear heated seats and Eco-off I have no complaints. I got a really great deal on a P3 car in stock without the Digital Center cluster and so I didn't get the car exactly as I would have specced it but I'm quite satisfied overall.
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2018 E400W4 Sedan Luxury Trim
I went from a 2015 C300 to a 2018 E400 and the difference is night and day, the W213 E drives much better, if far more comfortable, and feel like a much better built car (none of this is surprising given the difference in price). While I am very glad I got the 400 over the 300 I have driven a W213 E300 service loaner back when I had the C300 and I thoroughly enjoyed it more than the C. I don't think I'd buy another 4cy car but I'd probably try the mild hybrid 350 engines when they come out.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
My present E43's are number 23 and 24 MB. I have had 2 S class, 5 SL, 3 ML, 3 CLK and the remainder E class. My present two MB's are the finest cars I have ever owned. The technology is the best I have had. The fit and finish of the interior is superb (nappa leather), massaging seats, big screen, auto pilot etc.. This car offers everything: performance, roominess, and comfort. The air suspension offsets the harshness of the run flat tires. I could not be happier.
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From: Florida (727)
So my 2017 E300 is technically my first Mercedes, but I have had access to the following and driven them very often:
2014 CLA 250 - felt like a cheap go kart, lots of cabin noise.
2007 S550 - comfortable, has pick up, very quiet cabin.
2015 S550 - much more comfortable and quieter than the 07 S550, feels slower and heavier but easier to drive event hough its longer than the 07
With my 2017 E300, it does not feel like any of the above Benz's. My E300 feels a lot slower compared to all of the above and it also does not shift well when after slowing down and then speeding back up (like to slow down for a car turning off the road) the above shift much better and smoother, even the CLA. The E also feels very underpowered when it is full of people, alone in the car it is enough to get around (al of the above I have not had this issue).
Tech wise, my 2017 E300 is fantastic (except for the Amazon Alexa remote start and Mercedes Me in general). Style wise the front looks great, the back is ok and the sides are too bland.
2014 CLA 250 - felt like a cheap go kart, lots of cabin noise.
2007 S550 - comfortable, has pick up, very quiet cabin.
2015 S550 - much more comfortable and quieter than the 07 S550, feels slower and heavier but easier to drive event hough its longer than the 07
With my 2017 E300, it does not feel like any of the above Benz's. My E300 feels a lot slower compared to all of the above and it also does not shift well when after slowing down and then speeding back up (like to slow down for a car turning off the road) the above shift much better and smoother, even the CLA. The E also feels very underpowered when it is full of people, alone in the car it is enough to get around (al of the above I have not had this issue).
Tech wise, my 2017 E300 is fantastic (except for the Amazon Alexa remote start and Mercedes Me in general). Style wise the front looks great, the back is ok and the sides are too bland.
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Joined: Oct 2017
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2021 M550i
How about strictly the drive itself? Not including any other factors.
I've driven both but I definitely liked the suspension on the 2013 Cab, the steering feel/feedback, smoothness of the engine and overall sturdiness and weight of the car. Didn't the 2013 cab feel more planted on the road and feel like a stronger car overall? It just felt more elegant and classy to me.
Sorry not trying to burst your bubble on your new vehicle of course - just my opinion on the newer Benz overall engineering strategy. It just doesn't feel special any more. Not so different.... doesn't feel expensive anymore - might be a better way to say it?
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
S450-4matic
2010 E Class - W212
Below is a list of Mercedes that I have owned before my latest 2018 E300,
1) 2013 E350 Cabriolet
2) 2014 E350 Sedan
3) 2014 SL550
4) 2015 C300 x 2
For those who had one before your w213, which ones were they and how does it compare to it?
To be honest I think the w213 is my least favorite one in terms of ride quality... the interior is stunning and all the new tech works well, but the w213 does not really drive/feel like a Mercedes...
I did see another post where they mention they are built lighter than before - but I dont think this is a great reason/excuse to as why they drive so differently...It just doesn't have the Benz DNA that I am used to.
What are you thoughts??
1) 2013 E350 Cabriolet
2) 2014 E350 Sedan
3) 2014 SL550
4) 2015 C300 x 2
For those who had one before your w213, which ones were they and how does it compare to it?
To be honest I think the w213 is my least favorite one in terms of ride quality... the interior is stunning and all the new tech works well, but the w213 does not really drive/feel like a Mercedes...
I did see another post where they mention they are built lighter than before - but I dont think this is a great reason/excuse to as why they drive so differently...It just doesn't have the Benz DNA that I am used to.
What are you thoughts??
Guitar
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 679
Likes: 69
From: SWFL
2023 BMW M340i, 2025 MB CLE53 AMG
How about strictly the drive itself? Not including any other factors.
I've driven both but I definitely liked the suspension on the 2013 Cab, the steering feel/feedback, smoothness of the engine and overall sturdiness and weight of the car. Didn't the 2013 cab feel more planted on the road and feel like a stronger car overall? It just felt more elegant and classy to me.
Sorry not trying to burst your bubble on your new vehicle of course - just my opinion on the newer Benz overall engineering strategy. It just doesn't feel special any more. Not so different.... doesn't feel expensive anymore - might be a better way to say it?
I've driven both but I definitely liked the suspension on the 2013 Cab, the steering feel/feedback, smoothness of the engine and overall sturdiness and weight of the car. Didn't the 2013 cab feel more planted on the road and feel like a stronger car overall? It just felt more elegant and classy to me.
Sorry not trying to burst your bubble on your new vehicle of course - just my opinion on the newer Benz overall engineering strategy. It just doesn't feel special any more. Not so different.... doesn't feel expensive anymore - might be a better way to say it?
Last edited by dudley07726; May 27, 2018 at 07:29 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 361
Likes: 28
Past 03 SL500,03 C240, 07 E350, 07 ML350, 10 ML350,11&14 E350 X2 2017 E300, 2017 C350e & 2000 S500
The E300 rides like a piece of **** compared to the old generations ive had, w211,w212. The engine is under powered and loud. The only thing it has going for it is the interior styling. Thats all. The rear is bland and ugly. But the E400 coupe feels like a true Mercedes, the engine purrs and the suspension setup is night and day compared to the sedan.
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Posts: 102
Likes: 13
2020 MB GLE 350
I am on my third Benz; 2017 E300. First - 2014 CLA 250, second - 2014 E 350. I really liked the E350, it just seemed that the interior of the car was a bit stale and I was also used to the look of the CLA 250. I was provided with a E 300 for a loaner and loved the way it drove. Thereafter, I searched for one on the lot and purchased one. I've had the car for about a year and some change now and still love th car for what it's worth.
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Posts: 125
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'19 E4504S Wagon.'88 560SL, '19 Ford SD F250 FX4 CCSB Limited, '19 Newmar Essex 4551, 17 MiniS
I wouldn't try to compare my current E-Class to any of the different MB platforms (classes) I've previously owned & driven. They were too far apart in type, i.e. 2-Dr. Roadster/Convertibles vs. Sedan, vs. what is now a Wagon.
What I can say is that the engineering and build quality of the MB automobiles I've owned have continued to outpace their market competitors year on year. I can also see that changing in recent years as many other manufacturers have stepped up their engineering and quality such that they are now considered true competitors in these market segments, i.e. Lexus.
My MB product prior ownership includes; a '88 560SL (I still own today), a '08 CLS550 (wife's car, sold), a '09 SL550 (sold) and the'19 E4504S Wagon (wife's car, we presently own). Other brands I have owned at the same times have included GM, Ford, Saab, Land Rover, Audi, all of which could not compete with the MB in terms of engineering, build quality and performance.
What I can say is that the engineering and build quality of the MB automobiles I've owned have continued to outpace their market competitors year on year. I can also see that changing in recent years as many other manufacturers have stepped up their engineering and quality such that they are now considered true competitors in these market segments, i.e. Lexus.
My MB product prior ownership includes; a '88 560SL (I still own today), a '08 CLS550 (wife's car, sold), a '09 SL550 (sold) and the'19 E4504S Wagon (wife's car, we presently own). Other brands I have owned at the same times have included GM, Ford, Saab, Land Rover, Audi, all of which could not compete with the MB in terms of engineering, build quality and performance.
Last edited by rewillia; Nov 12, 2019 at 05:39 AM.
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From: A Dutchy Living in Marseille, France
EQE SUV AMG-line 350+
previous Mb's are below in my signature.
the w213 drives just fine for me (except for the air body control, which is no different from standard suspension) and light vibration at speeds over 110km
but it is the worst out of all of them when it comes to "small" issues, some of which have no solution…: (no solution = *)
rattling dashboard,
rattling speakers(*),
warped brakes(*),
bad FM radio reception(*),
issues with internet radio(*),
parking radar erratic(*) + beeps not loud enough(*),
hands free hardly working, be it for voice control, or calls(*),
not loading all contacts from phone,(*)
slow comand
sometimes when entering the car a distorted sound coming from the dashboard (*)
hermes module (internet, traffic info…) sometimes not starting '*)
Had the car fro 2 years, still 9 months to go and counting...
the w213 drives just fine for me (except for the air body control, which is no different from standard suspension) and light vibration at speeds over 110km
but it is the worst out of all of them when it comes to "small" issues, some of which have no solution…: (no solution = *)
rattling dashboard,
rattling speakers(*),
warped brakes(*),
bad FM radio reception(*),
issues with internet radio(*),
parking radar erratic(*) + beeps not loud enough(*),
hands free hardly working, be it for voice control, or calls(*),
not loading all contacts from phone,(*)
slow comand
sometimes when entering the car a distorted sound coming from the dashboard (*)
hermes module (internet, traffic info…) sometimes not starting '*)
Had the car fro 2 years, still 9 months to go and counting...
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Posts: 5,359
Likes: 1,097
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My previous MB's are in my signature. I had the most fun driving the W198 and the W113. Alas, family concerns intervened. The current E class is superior when it comes to electronic features, especially the dash panel. When I purchased my E300 that was the only engine available. I hate it because of the noise. I only drive it in the city because of the very poor passing performance required on the two lane roads that I mostly travel. That said, I would be quite happy with an non-AMG model with the new straight 6 engine. I'll look at the 2022 models when they become orderable.
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Mercedes E400 Wagon, Audi S4 Avant, BMW 135i convertible
I have an E400 S213 and it's absolutely phenomenal. I've driven and ridden in plenty of other regular MBs (C class, ML class, etc.) and it's by far the best one (note, I haven't driven or ridden in top of the line S classes). It's comfortable but also extremely agile for such a long and heavy car. S+ mode is excellent when I want to drive aggressively and Eco mode is excellent when I just want to cruise slowly (basically the only two modes I drive in).
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 738
Likes: 175
From: NorCal
2015 ML350+2025 E350
W213 would head my list compared to previously owned W210 and W212 (2). Style and technology making the difference. Having said that, I'm not totally happy with the ride from low profile run-flat tires on W213.
Also owned GL (w/ air suspension) and ML, but that's an apples and oranges comparison. Both are nice vehicles. W213 still on top.
Also owned GL (w/ air suspension) and ML, but that's an apples and oranges comparison. Both are nice vehicles. W213 still on top.
