I have a 2018 E300 Sport 4Matic. Bought it CPO, with an extended manufacturer's warranty, with 35,000 miles, now have 70,000. The warranty runs through June 2025. I've maintained the car properly, kept excellent records, the car has never seen snow, etc. Sure, I know you can keep a car like this for 150 to 175k miles. However, I am thinking continuing depreciation, what the car is worth now, value, etc. That said, I am thinking about selling it -- and getting a new one. Between the E300 or E350, I don't have a preference. I would simply want to buy the "better" or more reliable, dependable, better made, etc., engine. I don't want to go with an 8-cylinder, nor do I want to go with an AMG. I love the AMG body styles and interior, but I don't need/want the engine, speeed, etc., nor do I need or want the "low profile" tires and accompanying rims. I had them once and even with the "insurance" it's still a PITA blowing a tire, damaging a rim, getting the car to the dealership, losing a day or two, and so on. Plus, NJ and NY is like the pothole capital of the Northeast, LOL.

OK, so, a new E-Class. I don't buy new, I don't lease. I like to buy CPO only, extend the manufacturer's warranty, and buy 2-4 years old where the initial, biggest depreciation has already been taken out. Let someone else incur the largest depreciation of the first two years, not me, LOL. So, that being said -- what is the better, more reliable, dependable, nicer, preferred, whatever you want to call it, E-class year? Model? 2020? 2021? 22? 23? 300 or 350? I want to go with the Sport edition, or even something with some AMG body parts (but no engine). Any recommendations? Any major advantages of one year over another? Thank you in advance.

 

As you know, if you are buying a 4 cylinder, the 2019 and up should be more reliable. Even 18” rims with 45 profile tires will have a hard time with New York potholes, maybe a cross terrain which has taller sidewalls.

 

Thanks. I don't mind, I actually like the 4. It's enough. I don't drive fast, aggressive, etc., and my 2018 has enough power and is nimble enough to keep you out of trouble, LOL. I don't remember if I have 45's or 55's on my 18" rims, LOL. However, I've only blown one tire. I also have run-flats which I know most people hate. I don't know anything about the cross-terrain. I don't think I'd get a 2019. I was more thinking 2021 or 22 -- unless one specific year is much better than the others. Thanks again.

 

2021+ is the facelift version with much improved MBUX.

 

My 2022 E350(New from dealer) came with 245/40-19's . The handling is excellent and it's difficult to push to the limits, but I don't need to pull .9 G's in a turn these days.
After driving it a month, I knew I should have insisted on swapping to 18's and 45's or 50 profile.. Why? because the ride is harsh over the bumps and potholes. I didn't get the air suspension. And the run-flat tires have extremely stiff sidewalls. It can be jarring at times. I cringe sometimes. The 19's look great on the car but seriously, who buys an E350 for Autocross? MB had the E350, E450 and the AMG , E class. Each catering to a different clientele. Why did they trick up the suspension on the 2 liter entry level car?
I did however had the foresight to purchase the Tire and wheel insurance package 5 year plan. And already have had two tires replaced. It's expensive but at this rate it should prove to be a good investment.

 

The standard set up is 18" wheels, 245 X 45. Anything larger, 19" or 20" is an extra cost option.

Unless you live in Florida or other states that do not have any pot holes, imo, it is a major mistake to go larger than 18".

On my E450 I have 18" standard size, RF and the ride is extremely smooth.

Hope this helps

 

I have a 2019 E300 with 19” wheels, your car’s 18” rims comes with 45 aspect ratio tires. The cross terrain is a E class wagon with taller tire sidewalls, special trims and taller suspension. The 2021 is the first year of the 48 volt system in the E class and they had some issues with that particular system, 2022 might be a safer bet.

 

I have a 2019 E300 4matic luxury model and it came with 17’s. Car has a much comfortable ride

 

Interesting: I thought the smallest standard tire size for both the 2019 E300 and E340 were the 18".

 

Thanks everyone. I think I am going to start with the 2021. I usually like to stick with 4 years old or younger, and I always opt for a CPO car (and look for the extended manufacturer's warranty). I was never one to get new cars due to makeovers and body style changes. As much as I like the AMG rims and how the low profile tires look -- I learned my lesson, LOL. I've seen some "regular" rims I like as well, but I've never really been one to buy new rims. Like I said, I don't drive fast, and fast cornering and glued to the road handling is not my thing either, LOL.

One think I do like, and I am not completely satisfied with my current car -- is how the car feels in the rain. I don't drive fast, but when it's raining and you are going with the flow of traffic, I like to feel as if the car, the tires, has a strong, good grip on the road. I don't want to feel like I can skid or slide at any moment. I feel that sometimes in my current car. Not sure why. It might be the age and consistency of the roads here in NY/NJ. I don't know.

Any major differences, issues, problems, concerns, etc. -- between the 2021 and 2022? Thanks again everyone!

 

Hydroplaning when you are driving in the rain is mostly a tire issue. The 4matic system is pretty much the same thru out the W213 model years. Mighte be smart buying a 2 year old E class since the 2024 E class’s taillights are so ughy

 

While the 350 is pretty darn good, I will recommend looking at a 450 as well before you pull the trigger. Worth a look-see, at least. It may have more Hp, but the engine is frugal with an economical mpg, unless you are very lead-footed. It drives real smooth and super comfy. I will also suggest to find one with the air suspension, to cushion the ride even more. I say this bcos I have the turbo-4 motor in my W206, and the turbo-6 in the W213… there is a world of difference in performance, smoothness and responsiveness… no comparison. The turbo-6 is just a superior motor. Go test out one in your search.

Good luck.

 

I too have the E450 and agree it is not only frugal on the highway but much smoother and quieter than than the E350. Where I disagree is the air suspension. There are so many post about the failure over time of the air suspension. As the OP is buying a used car, the life expectancy is that much shorter.

Just my $.02.

 

Efficiency is pretty good now a days in all the 6 and 8 cylinder engines across most luxury German brands, mpg per hp have been setting records. For my type of driving, 4 cylinder engine with 255 HP is enough, unless one plan to do a lot of highway passing at 90+ mph. I was a diehard 6 cylinder man until a few years ago, before that, a die hard 8 cylinder man. We use to laugh at the 4 bangers out there due to their noise and low power output, none of that is true anymore. I started out looking at the 6 cylinder 2019 E400 and realized with the type of driving I do, which is 70 city and 30% highway, the extra HP will not be used very often. Even when on highway, here in New England, the speed is pretty slow, mostly below 75 mph which the 4 cylinder have no problem handling and passing other cars at that speed. The only scenarios I could see myself using the extra HP is when I try to force my way into passing a car. Sometimes other drivers are being a dick and speeds up when you try to pass, the I6 sure be able to handle that situation where the I4 might fall short. Then again, I try very hard to drive defensively and avoid these types of situations all together.

 

Interesting, and thanks for your insight. The 450 has an option of a turbo 6? Never had one. The turbo 4 I have now is ample, but you bring up some excellent points. Thanks!

 

I was a diehard 6 guy. I can't remember the last time I had an 8 -- and only had one 12 in my life. I had been living by the George Washington Bridge my entire adult life, which is like a boro of Manhattan -- very city'esqe living, driving, etc. I just never felt I needed an 8 and whenever given the choice, I always opted 6. This is the first 4 I had and to be honest I was concerned -- big sedan, heavy car, all of this powered by a 4? But it's s turbo. But it sounds like crap, LOL. I was concerned, but I test drove it and it was fine. It does sound like crap though, LOL. Today I live in more of a suburbia setting and mostly have to take a highway to go anywhere. Potholes are still a major problem everywhere though, LOL.

I did not know that the 400 had an option of a 6 -- I like that! What about the 450? Is that 6 or 8, or 8 only? I drive rather defensively as well, and rarely need more than I have, but I would still consider a 6 for sure. Thanks again!

 

I have a 2019 E450: It is twin turbo 3 liter V6. Extremely smooth at idle and effortless at all speeds. The I6 should be equally smooth.

I never speed and drive very conservatively: But on the Interstate where possible I always exceed the speed limit. At 75 mph, I average between 32/33 mpg, similar to the 4.

I have posted before, so this is a repeat: "The 4 is peppy while the 6 is powerful"

New the price difference was over about $4500. On a CPO is should be considerably less.

Hope this helps

 

Purchased a 2021 E350 with CPO warranty and 37k miles and 18" wheels. Have only added 5k miles, but overall very happy with 2021+ facelift and MBUX. Power is sufficient. Ride is comfortable. Still have run flats, but will change when they wear out. Gas mileage is great. If I don't drive aggressively, I get 28-30 MPG. Did purchase a real full size spare. Only downside is that there is nowhere to stow it and takes up a large portion of trunk. Stupid Mercedes for not allow space for spare. What were they thinking???? Wish Carplay were wireless, but otherwise very happy. Just my two cents.

 

The 4 cylinder engines today is as powerful as the 6 cylinder from 10 years ago and the 4 is as powerful as a 20 year old E class with a V8 engine, at the same time, getting 3 times the gas mileage. The E450 generally runs about $10K or so more but if HP is high on your priorities, the I6 engine is a gem as is the 4 cylinder.

 

Point of clarification:

10 years ago the Mercedes six cylinder produced about 300 HP. That is 25% more powerful than todays 4 cylinder, 255 HP.

20 years ago the V8 also produced about 300hp, which is also 25% more.

3X the gas mileage: I do not think that is correct. Today's 4 cylinder is rated at 24 city and 33 highway. To be 3 times as much, the prior Mercedes would have to gotten 8 city and 11 highway. A Mercedes of 10 years ago got between 26 and 28 on the open road and between 18 and 20 in town

Price: the base price of a 2024 E350 is $62,300
the base price of a 2024 E450 is $68,100


If my basic math is correct, that is a difference of $5,800 not $10,000.

see: https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/mo...s/sedan/e350w4
https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/bu...s/sedan/e450w4

hope this clarifies and helps.

 

I have a 2019 E300 4matic with the 4 cylinder turbo. I know what the epa ratings are but I usually get 28-30 in the city (with the eco setting and auto stop start) and get 38-42 on the highway. Oh and for my driving it has more than enough power

 

Horsepower is not always the only indication of power, torque plays a bigger role in turbo charged engines. Compare the 0-60 mph time between today’s E350, vs a 10 year old NA 6 cylinder or a 20 year old NA V8 E Class, the 0-60 times will be very similar.
As far as price, the prices you listed are base prices, in real life, most E450 will be loaded with options with a higher price difference. I am sure you can post some listings that are closer in price between the 4 and 6 cyls but they are very hard to find and most of the time its not the color or options you want.

 

My '18 E300 (without 4matic) gets about 21 - 22 mpg in all city driving (default settings). The best it has ever gotten is 26 mpg on a cross town trip without hitting a single red light. Engine power is barely adequate for passing on a two lane street. The car has never been on the highway and is usually in 5th gear or sometimes 6th gear (if traffic is light). What I hate about the 4 banger is the intrusive engine noise and vibration, especially when idling at a 4 minute red light with the noise bouncing off vehicles in the other lanes.

 

There might be something wrong with your car or it is in very poor condition powertrain wise. Do you use high octane gas? The 2018 E300 is rated for 22 MPG in the city, so your gas milage sounds normal. On the highway, my E300 can easily get over 30 mpg and passing other cars at speed of up to 80 mph with no issues. When you are at a red light, your engine shut be off due to your auto start stop. In the Summer, when the AC is on, the car do stay on at a red light but in my E300, with AC on and the windows up, I could barely tell if the engine is on.

 

I do a lot of highway miles, and I don't think I am getting low 30's mpg. Maybe I am wrong. I use high-octane gas, I turn off the Auto-Stop/Start feature, drive conservatively, and I have my driving setting on comfort. Here in NJ, you have to slow down for EZ Pass, but I don't think that's unique, LOL. I will have to keep track on my next highway trip. I think I am getting about 22 local driving, and even that is on a highway, but it's a local highway with stop, starts, slowing down, speeding up, etc. On real highway trips, I think I get 30 mpg.