If you are used to more powerful engines the E300 will feel gutless. I had one as a loaner for abut a week and even driving in S+ 100% of the time it still felt weak and anemic, especially when passing on the highway. My mileage wasn't very good either because I was always pulling boost and winding out the little 4cyl. Lastly, the 4 cyl was noisy and not in a good way. It produces a higher pitched whine that's not easy on the ears.

Now keep in mind that my other 2 cars are the M276 variants of the C and GLC class and both are quite quick. I also have an 80 mile round trip commute and most of this is 2 lane hwy with no passing lanes.

If you like smooth and even power that's instantly available you need the 6cyl. If you like you cruise gently and rarely pass on the highway then the 4cyl will be adequate for the task.

Note how the word "adequate" keeps appearing in the description of the E300. It's exactly that, adequate.

If price were a concern for me, I would look for a CPO E400/E450. It's easy to find low mileage examples heavily discounted with full warranty coverage. Coupes and E53s are kinda rare but there are plenty of sedans out there.

 

If you think the E300 is anemic I’m not sure what you would call a Subaru Forester. Maybe DOA lol.

 

I had one, it sucked from new. Burnt a quart of oil every 2000 miles and was a gutless turd. We traded it for the C450 with only 18k miles on it. The Subie was about 350lbs lighter than an E300 and it was down about 80hp. A Camry feels exiting when compared to a Forester. The Forester really is one of the most boring cars you can drive.

 

Wow, again that’s your opinion. I had a 2010 Subaru Legacy and the CVT transmission drove me crazy. Not to mention that it had no power what’s so ever. I was actually scared merging onto the freeways unless I had a good distance with no oncoming traffic. Was terrible in snow, skidded on my driveway. Their AWD feature is their claim to fame and I just didn’t see it. Got the 2012 Toyota Camry and the front wheel drive also drove me crazy

Not certain who in their right mind could compare any of those cars to any MB. Then again, we all are at least entitled to our own opinions.

 

I drove from NY to DC last night and all I could think of was that a bigger engine would not have helped me
There was so much volume of cars and no space to really open it up.

edit: I'll admit a few stretches on the NJ turnpike where I could have used a V6 bi-turbo for pure exhilaration

 

Distronic rules in parking-lot traffic. It really takes the edge off.

 

I have driven a few 4 cylinder (241 HP) 2018/2019 MB's and the new 2020 GLC's (255HP) as loaners. My issue with MB's 4 cylinder engines is their "clattering/diesel" noise you hear when you are near the car. To me, MB needs to quiet their engines a bit. It is not a something that should be present in that caliber of vehicles. That is just my opinion. I hear other manufacturer's 4 cylinders and they are much quieter. With regards to the output and road performance, they offer reasonable customer value. meaning - great mileage and decent acceleration. You just have to know your vehicle's limitations even when performing "pushing the pedal to the metal" moves. And this, I believe applies to all engine sizes.

 

The sound while idling, especially on initial startup is distressing. I typically wait until everyone is inside to start and haven't driven any car with the windows down since I had a convertible more than a decade ago so I normally never hear it. The fake engine sound in the car has fooled quite a few passengers though based on their comments. This past Christmas eve four of us and presents loaded in for a 75 mile trip and the car performed quite well with power in reserve.