Test drove E450 and A6 yesterday
12-09-2018, 08:08 AM
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2019 Mercedes E450
Test drove E450 and A6 yesterday
I test drove a 2019 A6 and E450 yesterday.
Starting the day, I was leaning toward the E. After the test drives, though, I’m leaning strongly toward the A6.
. The Siri like voice interface in the A6 was truly amazing and goes a long way toward mitigating touch screen issues(“I’m cold” to warm up the cabin. I’ll have to try “My butt’s cold” and see if the seat heater is adjusted....) The voice interface on the E was average for cars, which is to say mediocre. The A6 touchscreen was a physically “slippery“ and needed attention. The infotainment on the E was dated, but fairly straightforward.
. I much preferred the A6 normal tires and a spare (albeit donut) over the E run-flats.
. I was concerned that the steel springs on the A6 wouldn’t be as smooth as the air springs in the E. Wrong. Both were excellent in this regard. The A6 seemed a bit quieter, but the E didn’t have the acoustic package..
. Engine and handling performance seemed identical in both, albeit for a short, 15 minute test drive. Unfortunately noticed a slight hesitation in both.
. The E has a much more functional smartphone interface, with remote start, a big plus.
. Not the major factor, but similarly equipped the A6 was substantially less expensive.
. Untested, but I’m guessing that Apple CarPlay will be more natural with a touchscreen.
HBH
Starting the day, I was leaning toward the E. After the test drives, though, I’m leaning strongly toward the A6.
. The Siri like voice interface in the A6 was truly amazing and goes a long way toward mitigating touch screen issues(“I’m cold” to warm up the cabin. I’ll have to try “My butt’s cold” and see if the seat heater is adjusted....) The voice interface on the E was average for cars, which is to say mediocre. The A6 touchscreen was a physically “slippery“ and needed attention. The infotainment on the E was dated, but fairly straightforward.
. I much preferred the A6 normal tires and a spare (albeit donut) over the E run-flats.
. I was concerned that the steel springs on the A6 wouldn’t be as smooth as the air springs in the E. Wrong. Both were excellent in this regard. The A6 seemed a bit quieter, but the E didn’t have the acoustic package..
. Engine and handling performance seemed identical in both, albeit for a short, 15 minute test drive. Unfortunately noticed a slight hesitation in both.
. The E has a much more functional smartphone interface, with remote start, a big plus.
. Not the major factor, but similarly equipped the A6 was substantially less expensive.
. Untested, but I’m guessing that Apple CarPlay will be more natural with a touchscreen.
HBH
12-09-2018, 09:42 AM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thanks for your thoughts on these two cars. One that caught my attention was "slight hesitation in both" For the E class, if you were in Comfort mode, it starts off in 2nd gear which can be a bit sluggish in terms of turbo lag. In Sport mode, no lag noticed for me. I've owned an Audi that I really did enjoy, though turbo lag even when starting in first gear was pronounced.
12-09-2018, 12:08 PM
#3
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Thanks for your thoughts on these two cars. One that caught my attention was "slight hesitation in both" For the E class, if you were in Comfort mode, it starts off in 2nd gear which can be a bit sluggish in terms of turbo lag. In Sport mode, no lag noticed for me. I've owned an Audi that I really did enjoy, though turbo lag even when starting in first gear was pronounced.
12-09-2018, 11:04 PM
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2018 S560 and 2019 E450 Wagon.
Yes, in sport or sport plus the E450 is very responsive and feel downright fast and exhilarating to drive. No complaints from me relating to performance with this powertrain. Very happy I bought two E450's. No regrets. I've driven lots of cars and these cars are amongst some of the best I've ever driven. Fuel economy is great too. I got 32 mpg highway in my E450 wagon this weekend on a 250 mile round trip. Pretty amazing. A lot less gas stops than in my E63 AMG Wagon I use to have. I'm very happy with the tech in the E450 also.
12-10-2018, 09:09 AM
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I'm beyond happy with my E450. Having owned MANY MB cars over the years, this one overall may well be my favorite! A car should put a smile on your face when you see it. You should look forward to getting behind the wheel. And it should inspire confidence when you drive it. On all counts my E450 does this and more.
12-10-2018, 09:31 AM
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Unlike others, this is my first MB, coming from a Cadillac ATS. I'm surprised by the great handling and MPG for a Biturbo. My E450 CAB is the smoothest, best handling car I've ever bought to date; and I go back to a long line of Cadillac buying.
12-10-2018, 09:47 AM
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I must say that I'm quite surprised by this statement.
Of course everybody has their own opinion, but to describe the infotainment system on the E-class as "dated" seems unfounded to me, and I've experienced many different cars including Audi's latest. Unless the E450 you tested did not feature COMAND Online with the Widescreen Cockpit? In which case, I could see how it might seem that way in comparison to that of the new A6.
Of course everybody has their own opinion, but to describe the infotainment system on the E-class as "dated" seems unfounded to me, and I've experienced many different cars including Audi's latest. Unless the E450 you tested did not feature COMAND Online with the Widescreen Cockpit? In which case, I could see how it might seem that way in comparison to that of the new A6.
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12-10-2018, 12:07 PM
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2019 Mercedes E450
By “dated” I was referring to two aspects:
1. Non-touchscreen knob controlled menu scrolling. Mercedes is moving away from this with MBUX.
2. The more limited, traditional voice command, vs the Siri like voice command on the A6.
HBH
1. Non-touchscreen knob controlled menu scrolling. Mercedes is moving away from this with MBUX.
2. The more limited, traditional voice command, vs the Siri like voice command on the A6.
HBH
12-10-2018, 12:28 PM
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I'm not looking forward to touch screens in a MB. To me, they're a worse distraction which will take my eyes away from the most important task at hand, which is driving. I can do most anything I really need to do in my E450 via voice command or via the intelligent steering wheel track controls.
12-10-2018, 03:06 PM
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Mercedes Benz e450 Wagon / Porsche 911 Cabriolet
I'm not looking forward to touch screens in a MB. To me, they're a worse distraction which will take my eyes away from the most important task at hand, which is driving. I can do most anything I really need to do in my E450 via voice command or via the intelligent steering wheel track controls.
12-10-2018, 03:14 PM
#11
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This precisely. I hate touchscreens in cars. Furthermore, I'm very underwhelmed with the Audi NAV system. It's mediocre at best compared to the wide-screen in the MB. However, admittedly, the audi voice recognition is superior. Would that I used it more. Everything in my cars is shortcut friendly.
12-10-2018, 06:13 PM
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MBWorld Fanatic!
From one who had the touch screen CUE system in their Cadillac, it's the one thing all us ATS owners hated. The finger prints alone was such a hassle and a nuisance to keep clean. Plus the fact that it took your eyes off the road to do the simplest tasks. Almost got into accidents myself numerous times just messing with it. I love the MB control knob; so easy to use and you keep your eyes on the road more often. Touchscreens? No thanks!
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12-10-2018, 07:21 PM
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2018 S560 and 2019 E450 Wagon.
I agree. I’m very happy with the command system in the Mercedes. I don’t like touchscreens. Hated the Cadillac cue. I can’t even stand those big screens in the Tesla’s. Not sure if they are touchscreen or not but way too big and in your face.
12-10-2018, 07:35 PM
#14
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Oh yes indeedy, those honking huge Tesla screens are just a honking huge finger print waiting to happen.
