I have been driving MB cars for the first 25 years, my cars were either S or E class cars and for the past dozen years they have been mostly E class cars. Of all the MB cars I’ve owned my favorite was a 2010 E350 RWD that I kept for 7 years and never had a days worth of trouble from. Looking back over all the cars
(MB) that I owned that was my personal favorite mostly because of the reliability record I had with it and it even had a heated steering wheel! That was a big deal over 10 years ago and the engine in that variant of E class was a naturally aspirated 6 cylinder engine that was a
“Stone Axe”. As compared to the current variant of E class (W213) E350-4matic the W212 I spoke of felt like a very well build tank as compared to the current model. If it were possible to purchase a new W212 versus the current W213 which one would you choose?
Can we please confine the answers to only those folks that have owned both the W212 and the W213. Lastly I loved that variant (W212) so much simply because it felt more substantial, I am not interested in comparing the cars in terms of their speed times or anything of that nature simply because few folks buy the E class for its blazing speed that it doesn’t possess with the exception of the AMG variant which I don’t recall if they even made an AMG model back when the w212 was built.
Thanks to all who respond.

 

Mercedes killed their bread and butter- the E-class....the 213 is just a long wheelbase 205 (c-class) chassis with a different interior. It's a piece of crap compared to previous generations. I haven't owned either but I've driven many. I would buy a 212 without hesitation, but my 211's are still serving me well, and I like their style better than the 212. They did make a 212 E63 with 2 different engine choices and either 2wd or awd depending on the year.

 

Interesting. My two cents...
I have owned 2010 E and facelifted 2014 E class. Both very nice cars. I currently own 2018 E class, which is better IMO than the W212 models.
Interior is no comparison. Tech is no comparison. Handling (neither W212 had these damn run-flats) and performance I'd call a tie. Style goes to the new model, as I personally prefer smooth to angular. Porsche is the benchmark AFAIC.. I'm sure I'll hear some opposing opinions, but mostly disregard them if they are centered on V6 vs I4 turbo.

 

I loved my W211 E55 that I used as a daily driver for more than 6 years. The only downside was the air suspension maintenance cost was excessive. Otherwise the car was rock solid. I did not like the V-6 in the W212 because on a test drive I could feel the vibration from the unbalanced layout nor did I like the boxy styling. I skipped the W212 series in favor of the BMW 5 Series. I'd like to test drive the I-6 when I'm next in the market for a W214. I hope the W214 is sleek with a choice of an I-6 EQ or a pure EQ. Time will tell.

 

I had a W211 (Wagon) and I currently have both a W212 (Wagon) and a W213 (Sedan). I've had no trouble with any of them as they are all sweet cars. I love them all and each was right for it's time. For me, the 213 is a step up, mostly because the tech and safety features associated with the 213 are better. The 212's technology is better than the 211's. My 212 and 213 both have Distronic; my 211 did not have Distronic. The 213's Distronic is better than the 212's, at least for me.

And the W214 (or whatever they end up calling it) will have better tech than the 213.

Me saying I like the 213 more than the 212 is not to take anything away from my 212.

 

My 211 was my favorite Mercedes ever up until my 213 arrived. I rented the 212 more than a few times and it never just excited me. The exterior appearance - the ride - the whole experience wasn't satisfying.

 

I owned an 1998 E350, a 2003 E350, a 2011 E350 and now my 2017 E300. I love the new look, how it handles, interior, and I am surprised how quick the 4 cyl vs the 6 cyl is . The various ride modes are nice and the gas mileage is much better. The premium package 3 helps too.

 

So the W213 and the W205 share the same chassis? Interesting.

 

I think that's hyperbole. I've never seen anything even suggesting that the latest E is in some way a derivative of the C-class.

 

Officially the MRA platform is shared by C, E and S class.

What is interesting is that if you look at some technical instructions, W205 and W213 tend to share almost identical processes, i.e. their constructions are very similar, and quite different from W222, hence giving support to the statement that W213 is very much a W205 with a different dash. Although I would put it as W213 being more similar to W205 than it is to W222. I have used this forum to look for instructions on removing door panels and rear seat bench, and these instructions are both one pdf file for both 205 and 213.

Perhaps as a result of this similarity, w213 is about as flimsy as w205 and its interior feels much less sturdy than w222.

 

Look under the hood of a 205 and 213 with the 4-cyl engine. Identical, and if you could see both with the engine removed you wouldn't have any doubts. The 213 does have wider fenders and body panels though. It's a similar concept to the 211 e-class and 219 CLS.

 

I wasn't referring to engines. Lots of car-makers use similar or even identical engines. FCA uses the pentastar v6 in the Ram truck, the Chrysler 300, the Wrangler and the Pacifica. Those aren't close to being similar. I was hoping instead of identifying engine similarities, that you'd provide some links to the overall platform indicating that the the two vehicles are "almost identical."

 

I also had a 2011 E350 and now a 2017 E300 and I have to agree the technology on the 2017 is awesome. I do miss the weight that the 2011 had and the real leather seats. I have a the premium 2 package slightly regret not getting the package 3. Either way I’m pretty happy with the 2017 but miss my 2011 quite a bit.

 

I've owned both.

My wife and I like the 2017 E 300 the best.
Drives/rides great.
Safety features are great.
Luxurious interior

 

The more I look and compare they do seem very similar. Have not spent much time in the w213 as of yet. However was a possible replacement for my w212 when that day comes. Possibly due to cost that the 213/205 may be “same chassis”

 

I miss the w211 that was a great car. The entire package was outstanding. The 212 was more modern and had updates that were subjectively better/worse. The 213 is good. I mean it’s hard to compare them as they are all so different. If you ask the AMG folks, the E63s is stupid fast. It’s bar none a monster of power. I miss the E550 with the V8. But things evolve. Climate change is becoming more of a focus. Car manufactures are under that umbrella of regulation. I feel the 213 is more nimble and agile then the 212 or 211. It seems stiffer in the shoulders if that makes any sense. Honestly I think all 3 are amazing cars. If you own either of them right now, I’m sure your enjoying the overall experience

 

I have an E550 I love very much. Honestly besides FINDING things to replace, a washer reservoir job, a thermostat, and my airmatic units at 115k, really nothing non-MB specific has gone out on my car and I really enjoy my first foray into the brand after being a Porsche/Audi guy for 10 years.

The parts do cost more but you get more. For example that thermostat isn't just a $12 spring actuated unit on any car, it's a $90 housing assembly and MAF actuated unit with an electrical connector and high quality locking gasket so you don't have fitment issues made in Austria (mine is a Mahle). So if you can appreciate well-made things I think all the individual parts on a Mercedes are actually quite interesting. I like comparing oil filter design and the Mahle/Hengst/Mann designs for the Mercedes all specify bands to prevent crushing the way some lesser filters on VW/Porsche/Audi tend to. If you like details a nice sorted E350 is a perfect car for you. Also the sway bar links are impressive compared to what you get with Porsche.

 

The W212 with a V6 engine was solid. The I4 on the recent W213 definitely feels weaker in comparison, but they have improved with by tuning the engine for some extra HP with the recent refresh. Technology is definitely improved on the W213. I prefer the non-RF tires on the W212 for sure. Overall I like the newer 2021 W213 over the W212, which I found was better than the earlier W213s.