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I have a MY2016 W212 and I'm thinking of upgrading to a W213. Those that have made this specific jump, I would love your thoughts (good / bad / indifferent).
Wonderful cars - I had a 2017 E300 sedan and a 2019 E450 wagon. Great style, handling and comfort. Loved them both very much - I think you will get a lot of more experienced opinions because many here have owned 212s and then 213s, but overall, you'll truly enjoy the upgrade.
We find the E300 to be a more refined car all around. Rides better (not low profile staggered tires which we couldn't find within 700 miles when we shredded a tire going into Glacier National Park) after switch to non run flats. Looks nicer inside. Feels more nimble. We like the 2017 much better.
YMMV.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
We had a 2016 W212 E350 sedan. Great car, but the ride quality was sorely la king, even with 17” wheels and non-run flat tires. The V6 in the 350 did not have a lot of power. We went to a 2019 E450 wagon and the difference is dramatic. Fantastic ride quality, but we do have the Air Body Control, 18” wheels with non-RFT. Car is very solid & quiet, but we do have the Acoustic Comfort Pkg. The V6 is very powerful and with the 9-speed transmission, it drives like a dream. I will say that I was not as impressed with a bare bones 2018 E300 sedan we were given as a loaner. Hope this helps.
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I lease: When the lease was up on my 2016 E350 (6 cylinder - not the four) I got a 2019 E450. I was very content with the E350.
The 2019 E450 is a bit quieter, with the ability to program engine, steering and handling more enjoyable to drive. In sport or sport+ extremely responsive. The navigation system is better, but still not as good as WAZE which I use through Apple Car Play. The headlights being full LED are better.
I have MB TEX on both and find that completely satisfactory and I personally would not pay extra for leather. Others of course may differ. The interior of the E450, again imo, is more elegant.
Finally, believe it or not, the gas mileage on the E450 is better than than the E350. I recently recorded a best ever of just over 37 mpg.
What I miss most on the E450 is not having a space saver spare. I also have the parking assistance package which I have never used. The 360 degree camera, plus parking sensors on the E450 are an improvement. To me those items are extremely useful.
I have the luxury style with standard wheels. The ride is better than my E350. I have no problems with the RF, but again I do not have the extra cost bigger wheels.
All in all I would say the difference is evolutionary not revolutionary. If you like you E450 you will not be disappointed in an E450. I have driven the E300 and while I found it very "peppy" it is not as smooth and refined as the E450. As I lease I went with the E450 and I am not dissappointed.
Hope this helps: If you have a specific question PM and I will be happy to answer.
I have a MY2016 W212 and I'm thinking of upgrading to a W213. Those that have made this specific jump, I would love your thoughts (good / bad / indifferent).
Thanks in advance.
Joe, I'd wait for the 2021 facelift. All the previous W213s will look dated once the facelift model hits the street.
You'll have to get used to the wider trunklid and Toyota Camry rear taillights, but they are an improvement over the pre-facelift, IMO.
I went from a moderately optioned 2012 W212 (6 cylinder diesel) to a moderately optioned 2018 S213 (E400) and then to a loaded (almost fully optioned) 2019 S213 (E450). My W212 was pre facelift, so definitely different than stepping up from a 2016 model. I put 80k mikes on the W212 and knew it well. It was an amazing cruiser. While I wish it had 4matic and better fuel consumption the thing that made me look for a replacement was reliability. I had several repairs covered under warranty that I’m happy I had warranty coverage for. I didn’t want to own that one without coverage. I miss having a diesel. I also miss the driver’s seat. Both my S213’s aren’t as comfortable. My W212 had a standard seat with MBTEX. I drove many 600 mile non-stop legs without fatigue. Marvelous. My 2018 S213 also had standard seats with MBTEX. It just wasn’t as good. I only put 3000 miles on it. My 2019 S213 has a designo interior with the massaging seats. They’re better than my 2018, but still not as comfortable as my W212. I do like the ventilation and massaging functions, but there is room for improvement.
I definitely prefer the W213/S213 pre-facelift styling.
The tech in the W213/S213 is unquestionably better to me too. It’s a step up, but only for those inclined to have all the tech. I don’t think my mother would appreciate it. Even my wife looks at me sideways about it.
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