Sounds like MB has done a good job of engineering this (Stop/Start) system, and I'm sure there's some net gain both in mileage and pollutants. I have to say that if I were in Econ mode, maybe Comfort mode, having it on makes pretty good sense, and I think I might accept that. Does it still operate if you are in Sport or Sport+ mode? Might not be as much appreciated then. Of course, when switching to Sport, one more button push will turn it off, so, guess I can handle that.

Back to the OP's question, if you don't enjoy accelerating much more than average, I think the 4 cylinder is fine. Driving one in Sport mode, /I/ would probably almost never need more power. It really does perform well. Yes, the 6-cylinder is quieter (or maybe just say it makes a better sound), only gets 1-2 mpg less (unless you actually USE all that horsepower) and is more powerful, but is it worth $5,000 more? And it requires 4MATIC, which is $2,500 more, so if RWD is fine with you, they you're paying $7,500 more for the 6.

It all became a moot point for me, as I ended up choosing a wagon, which only comes in the 450 4MATIC, meaning I paid a measly $12,050 in increase base MSRP above the RWD 350. :-(

 

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I don't believe so. At least it doesn't for me.

 

Not sure if serious lol

 

Which I why I prefer a car that gets the best mileage but do want refinement. It's not about the fuel cost. I would gladly pay the fuel cost if it didn't pollute.

 

I have been a Mercedes fanboy for going on 60 years. Ever since my dad brought his year old '59 180 home and had me sit in the front seat and I saw the emblem in the middle of the steering wheel. The definition of quality......

 

I have a 2019 E300 and at first I did regret that I didn't pay the $4k additional to get the E450. However, I will say that after I hit the 1000 mile break in period and tried Sport + mode, I have been pleased. Now, I am use to normal Comfort mode and feel that it's definitely powerful enough anyway.

Also, I came from a 2007 Infiniti M35x which is a V6 and my E300 has way more kick than that.

I will say that the sound of the engine isn't that great when sitting still, but I don't really care about that much about that. The next time I might decide to get the V6 though just because I wonder if it will hold up longer. Good luck!

 

I guess I'll have to be the dissenting opinion. I have a W212 E400 (2015), as well as a GLK350, which has the NA 3.5l V6 engine. If I had any less engine in my E class, I would be driving another car/brand. Now, before you flame me, let me explain.

I think a lot of the turbo I4 vs. TTV6 question has to do with what you are used to driving before this MB. I am a recovering gearhead (over 50 years, driving autocross, dragsters, road rallyes, etc.). The car immediately prior to the E400 was a Lexus LS430 -- a 290 HP V8 with 275 lb-ft of torque. The LS felt like an old-style Detroit luxo-cruiser with a lot of power and grunt. The E350 was almost as fast, but definitely not quite as much. I really wanted an E550, but all of the new ones were already gone, so I tried the next lesser model - the E400. The E400 is quicker than the Lexus. More horsepower, more torque. Not fast like an AMG, but quicker than the average luxury sedan these days. About half a click slower than the E550. As an old racer type, that was what I needed to feel "whole."

I have driven the E300 for extended periods as loaners (the longest time was 5 weeks - don't ask about that repair trip. . . ). As others have noted, around town and light highway driving, I find the turbo-4 fully adequate. Where I note a deficiency TO MY NEEDS, is passing on any road where you pass from 55 MPH up. The 4 can do it, but it takes longer, and the engine gets loud and harsh when pushed to its limits.

I think it is important to understand what the new owner-to-be is used to, and what they expect of their new car. If their needs/wants are "average" then the E300 will probably be a great choice. If their needs/wants are "exceptional" like mine, the the E400/450 will be necessary to fill the need.

Where I become worried/fearful is the potential that when it finally becomes time to replace my E400, not only will all the affordable V8's be gone (never would pay the freight for an S-Class), but also the TTV6's too.

 

I switched to sport+ mode for most of my driving even though my trips are only a couple of miles - home to store, home to beach, ...
I've driven MB since I graduated from high school and got my first W198. They are in my blood though I do have other marques.

 

You really have a W198?

 

The key word is HAD a W198. I only owned it for a couple of years until I bought a W113.

 

Was it a roadster or a gill wing? If a gull wing I’ll bet you still wish you had that car lol.

 

The 350 would be more than adequate for most driving applications. A 220d (not available in your market) isn't scintillating, but a 350 is more peppy. Is the 350 in your market 4MATIC?

 

Been said before, but I'll add that the turbo 4 in my '17 E300 is more than adequate at speeds below 100mph. More than enough passing power on the freeway, and around town, especially in sport/sport+, it's zippier than my g37 with 327hp was. The 9 speed tranny is brilliant and matches up perfectly with the power band of the turbo 4. No need to hesitate. The only time you know it's a four is at idle or at the aforementioned triple digit speeds. And the bonus is getting 30+ mpg on the highway. Nice.

 

Welcome Bullseye56.

IMO...The E300 is more than adequate for most drivers and most driving conditions. I've owned an E320 (3.2L V6) and two E350s (3.5L V6; different HP rating), and I have no complains about the power and performance of the I4 as compared to the previous V6s. My guess is that the turbo and the 9 speed transmission overcome the smaller engine size. For what it's worth, I drive California freeways and local roads in the Sierra Foothills (not exactly flat or straight) without issue. I have no problem passing on the freeway, and rarely find myself needing to pass another vehicle on a two-lane at speeds over 50 mph. I've overcome my "speed racer" memories.

As to the Eco stop/start system, initially I turned it off because of the noticeable shudder when restarting. I've driven cars that seem to restart more smoothly. However, over time, I found that (1) it doesn't shut off as often as you might think, as others have commented on above, (2) I've gotten more used to the shudder, and, most importantly, (3) you can turn if off with the simple press of a button.

Some would argue to save the extra money or spend it on upgrades other than the engine. Give it another test drive. Good luck.

 

If I was buying the car and keeping it longer then 3 yrs, id get the e450. smoother engine and much more power. the I4 engine is crap and shameful. it loses torque after about 45mph. its only good for the c-class and not this car for its price.

 

I agree. A 4 cylinder for an E-class doesn’t fit well in my mind. To each his own.

edit: after driving the car I feel differently. The engine and transmission surprised me. Power was enough for my needs.

 

On sport mode the 4 cylinder is actually decently entertaining. In comfort its perfectly adequate for day to day driving, more or less similar to a 6 cylinder accord. Complaining about it is pointless. There are 2 more amply powerful choices to choose from. If those are too dear get a C class or any other car you wish. All the whining is boring, in Europe the majority of E classes are diesel which are even slower! Not to mention its the vehicle of choice for taxi duty.

 

Ya, I think it's fine, at first I was like what a four in a E class and then after I drove one it changed my mind and if its not fast enough there is always the Dinan Sport Tuning Chip for this car too which I think is good for around a ten percent increase in output and if you want more Burger makes a Intake for $129.00 that does not add a whole heck of a lot of power but sure sounds good.

 

When I got the car in 2017, no V6 options were available till 2018. the V6 engine adds weight to the car making feel more premium that I cant explain. my lease is almost up and tesla has won my loyalty.

 

Just curious, why has Tesla won your loyalty?

 

@ kinscorpion27 - Drive (I have) a Model 3 Performance or Model S P100D and you'll get it if your sole focus is power. BUT, this is an E300/E350 post. I have driven E300 loaners and just last week a GLC 300. I drive an E400 Coupe with 329hp and 354 lb ft. of torque. The E450 is higher than that. If you drive around town mostly, no worries on the 4 cyl. If on the freeway/highway you are fine cruising and not passing with any frequency, you'll be fine. Remember since ~ 2012 (US) the BMW 528i (now 530i) has been a similarly powered turbo 4. Audi as well. Though all offer 6 cyl. in this class.

 

Ok, understood. I have test driven the model S & 3. I really don’t care for speed and the cars themselves doesn’t do anything for me. The only thing I like Tesla is the ability to constantly update the technology which I this is where dinosaurs 🦕 like MB is missing out.

I purchased my 2017 E 300 I vowed to keep it until MB get their act together. These are not cheap cars and for them to be obsolete in a year is downright ridiculous. I purchased the P3 package and was one if the most technologically advanced cars out there with the exception of the Tesla

Since then Tesla has released numerous updates and their owners are updated the latest technologies. MB wouldn’t even update the software for their command system without customers complaining of issues. In my opinion that’s taking advantage of customers

Tesla has the right idea about a lot of things, they are however missing the luxury and pizazz I like in my cars. MB has started with the EQC so we will have to see where they take it and the rest of models

 

Sorry if this has been answered before but

is the e350 engine just a ecu tune or something or did they add/increase power with a bigger turbo or something

 

The 2.0 liter engine in the 2017 to 2019 E class for the US market was called the M274 and it produced 241 horsepower. For 2020, the new engine is the M264 which offers 255 hp in the US (and can be 295 hp with the 48 volt ISG battery.) The engines are distinct yet share similarities including use of a dual overhead camshaft with 4 valves per cylinder, featuring intake variable valve timing and a twin-scroll turbocharger.