2020 E 450 wagon - Buy or avoid?
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From: Long Island
E 450
2020 E 450 wagon - Buy or avoid?
I am contemplating buying a replacement for my 2014 E wagon (which is in perfect condition). Is the 2020 E 450 Wagon a quantum leap forward?
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
While I don't own a 2020, there is no way it's a quantum leap forward from your 2014. It's only 6 years and car tech just doesn't move that fast. Biggest things that will be different are the driver assist features, but that is something you won't miss until you have it and then lose it. It will likely ride better and be more comfortable, but more due to age than model year.
My advice is to keep what you have if it's in great shape and you still love driving it. Just for reference, I owned a 2012 E350 up until I totalled it last April. It had 170K miles and looked/ran great. I was planning on keeping it another 5 years minimum, but I hydroplaned and hit a tractor trailer. Total loss, but I walked away unscathed. I ordered a 2025 E450 a week later and took delivery of that last August. It's a great car and rides better than my 2012 did. However, I would gladly take my 2012 back had I not crashed it. It's a 13 year difference and I would say there are only incremental improvements. That's not a dig on the 2025 models, but rather a testament to the 2012 model. It was a great car and I'm sure your 2014 is too. In my opinion, it's not worth the expense to get a newer model unless you have to.
My advice is to keep what you have if it's in great shape and you still love driving it. Just for reference, I owned a 2012 E350 up until I totalled it last April. It had 170K miles and looked/ran great. I was planning on keeping it another 5 years minimum, but I hydroplaned and hit a tractor trailer. Total loss, but I walked away unscathed. I ordered a 2025 E450 a week later and took delivery of that last August. It's a great car and rides better than my 2012 did. However, I would gladly take my 2012 back had I not crashed it. It's a 13 year difference and I would say there are only incremental improvements. That's not a dig on the 2025 models, but rather a testament to the 2012 model. It was a great car and I'm sure your 2014 is too. In my opinion, it's not worth the expense to get a newer model unless you have to.
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2019 E300
Quantum leap, no, small leap, yes. My brother in law has a 2014 E350, its a nice sedan but the interior is dated compared to the W213. The E450 wagon is a turbo 6 and a more powerful engine than your E350. If you were buying a new car anyways, the E450 wagon is a solid choice.
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You do get more colourful ambient light if you are into that, but like others say, it is not that huge of an upgrade. The infotainment might be faster. But the W212 you have might be built more solid. W213 was getting close (or started) MB's bling bling era, not as crazy as all the mb stars and logos in the newer W214 though.
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From: Maryland, USA
2022 C300 AMG-Line; 2020 E450; 2013 SLK350; 2023 EQS580
The 2020 E is a quantum leap over a 2014 E… better motor, higher power, 9-speed vs 7-speed tranny, better and more modern interior, better ergonomics, more safety equipments, more creature comforts all add up to an overall much better car. Depending on the money factor and the emotional part of holding on to current vs upgrading, these two cars are not comparable. The newer E is just flat out better. Period.
I have a 2013 350 and a 2020 450… so I am speaking from some knowledge here.
I have a 2013 350 and a 2020 450… so I am speaking from some knowledge here.
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2019 E300
The 2020 E is a quantum leap over a 2014 E… better motor, higher power, 9-speed vs 7-speed tranny, better and more modern interior, better ergonomics, more safety equipments, more creature comforts all add up to an overall much better car. Depending on the money factor and the emotional part of holding on to current vs upgrading, these two cars are not comparable. The newer E is just flat out better. Period.
I have a 2013 350 and a 2020 450… so I am speaking from some knowledge here.
I have a 2013 350 and a 2020 450… so I am speaking from some knowledge here.
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From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
The 2020 E is a quantum leap over a 2014 E… better motor, higher power, 9-speed vs 7-speed tranny, better and more modern interior, better ergonomics, more safety equipments, more creature comforts all add up to an overall much better car. Depending on the money factor and the emotional part of holding on to current vs upgrading, these two cars are not comparable. The newer E is just flat out better. Period.
I have a 2013 350 and a 2020 450… so I am speaking from some knowledge here.
I have a 2013 350 and a 2020 450… so I am speaking from some knowledge here.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha....as the owner of each (I got rid of the 450). Mechanically, I will take my (still owned) 2011 E350 (wagon) over the 2020 E450 wagon day in and day out. Well, unless you have a deep need for the glass dash. Matter of fact, I replaced the 2020 with a 2014 (wagon) that blows the doors off of the E450 in every manner. Never was a fan of the turbo(lag) six....hell, I never even talk about that car.
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Do a search. There are many threads on this topic.
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2019 E300
The new runflats are pretty comfortable but they have short tire tread life. I like the safety aspect of the runflats, so I kept them. Had converted to conventional tire on my old BMW with early runflats which was very rough. I just do not feel the same need with these new generations of runflats.
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From: Maryland, USA
2022 C300 AMG-Line; 2020 E450; 2013 SLK350; 2023 EQS580
The new runflats are pretty comfortable but they have short tire tread life. I like the safety aspect of the runflats, so I kept them. Had converted to conventional tire on my old BMW with early runflats which was very rough. I just do not feel the same need with these new generations of runflats.
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I agree. My current runflats are still going strong at 30K miles of use. I plan to replace all 4 with run flats when they age out/lose thread life. My car is equipped with air suspension so I find these tires not too rough for my back regardless of road surface. It may vary if a car isn't equipped with these super comfy suspension tho'.
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From: Richmond VA
'17 E400 wagon
I think exterior is personal preference. Interior design, the w213 interior w/ optional digital cluster is one of the best looking and most modern designs available in 2017. Is it as modern compared to other 2023 and up models? No because every new car has a big flat glass screen across the dash. But in 2017 that was cutting edge!
HEated steering, armrest and center console are a nice big leap if youve not had them before. Same with HUD and driver's assistance features. Big leap stuff. The 9speed is another big leap. The dynamic drive modes, esp with air body control, are another big leap. Sport+ and manual mode are a hoot compared to what my last w211 offered.
The Panaramic sunroof, ambient lighting, massaging dynamic seats, glide mode, auto parking brake, hold feature, auto/smart multi beam fancy headlights (esp if you pay to have them coded to euro spec) are all very solid improvements if your other car doesn't have them.
I mean, just be picky and find a car that is loaded with all these great features and you will have something where the sum of the total experience is greater. Oh, don't forget the comfort headrests! They're worth it imo and MBrace/Mercedes Me features like remote start and text alerts make the w213 feel like a big leap forward.
I bought a one-way ticket 6 states away to find a wagon that had what I was looking for. No regrets...yet
HEated steering, armrest and center console are a nice big leap if youve not had them before. Same with HUD and driver's assistance features. Big leap stuff. The 9speed is another big leap. The dynamic drive modes, esp with air body control, are another big leap. Sport+ and manual mode are a hoot compared to what my last w211 offered.
The Panaramic sunroof, ambient lighting, massaging dynamic seats, glide mode, auto parking brake, hold feature, auto/smart multi beam fancy headlights (esp if you pay to have them coded to euro spec) are all very solid improvements if your other car doesn't have them.
I mean, just be picky and find a car that is loaded with all these great features and you will have something where the sum of the total experience is greater. Oh, don't forget the comfort headrests! They're worth it imo and MBrace/Mercedes Me features like remote start and text alerts make the w213 feel like a big leap forward.
I bought a one-way ticket 6 states away to find a wagon that had what I was looking for. No regrets...yet
Last edited by pampadori; Feb 27, 2025 at 08:11 PM.
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2019 E300
I think exterior is personal preference. Interior design, the w213 interior w/ optional digital cluster is one of the best looking and most modern designs available in 2017. Is it as modern compared to other 2023 and up models? No because every new car has a big flat glass screen across the dash. But in 2017 that was cutting edge!
HEated steering, armrest and center console are a nice big leap if youve not had them before. Same with HUD and driver's assistance features. Big leap stuff. The 9speed is another big leap. The dynamic drive modes, esp with air body control, are another big leap. Sport+ and manual mode are a hoot compared to what my last w211 offered.
The Panaramic sunroof, ambient lighting, massaging dynamic seats, glide mode, auto parking brake, hold feature, auto/smart multi beam fancy headlights (esp if you pay to have them coded to euro spec) are all very solid improvements if your other car doesn't have them.
I mean, just be picky and find a car that is loaded with all these great features and you will have something where the sum of the total experience is greater. Oh, don't forget the comfort headrests! They're worth it imo and MBrace/Mercedes Me features like remote start and text alerts make the w213 feel like a big leap forward.
I bought a one-way ticket 6 states away to find a wagon that had what I was looking for. No regrets...yet
HEated steering, armrest and center console are a nice big leap if youve not had them before. Same with HUD and driver's assistance features. Big leap stuff. The 9speed is another big leap. The dynamic drive modes, esp with air body control, are another big leap. Sport+ and manual mode are a hoot compared to what my last w211 offered.
The Panaramic sunroof, ambient lighting, massaging dynamic seats, glide mode, auto parking brake, hold feature, auto/smart multi beam fancy headlights (esp if you pay to have them coded to euro spec) are all very solid improvements if your other car doesn't have them.
I mean, just be picky and find a car that is loaded with all these great features and you will have something where the sum of the total experience is greater. Oh, don't forget the comfort headrests! They're worth it imo and MBrace/Mercedes Me features like remote start and text alerts make the w213 feel like a big leap forward.
I bought a one-way ticket 6 states away to find a wagon that had what I was looking for. No regrets...yet
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Remember going from 18" inch wheel to a 19" inch wheel you lose about 1/2 an inch of sidewall and from 19" to 20" another 1/2 inch. The decrease in sidewall is the primary cause of the rough ride.
The one exception is the air suspension: with air suspension the number of complaints decreases dramatically. However, when you read about the air suspension it seems universal that after the warranty period, problems arise and the repairs are very, very expensive. If you plan to keep your car beyond the warranty period and have air suspension be prepared for substantial repair bills.
Hope this helps.
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If you read all of the different posts there is one common denominator: Those of us who have the standard 18 inch wheels find the ride with run flats just fine. If you look at the complaints, most of course not all - nothing is 100%, are with people who have larger wheels, 19 and 20 inch. The larger the wheel the more complaints. (I have run flats with 18" wheels and my ride is just fine. But at 20/25K miles I had to replace my Pirelli P7 RF because of bubbles in the sidewalls. My next set of RF will be from Costco who gives you a 5 year road hazard warranty, which will cover bubbles in the sidewalls)
Remember going from 18" inch wheel to a 19" inch wheel you lose about 1/2 an inch of sidewall and from 19" to 20" another 1/2 inch. The decrease in sidewall is the primary cause of the rough ride.
The one exception is the air suspension: with air suspension the number of complaints decreases dramatically. However, when you read about the air suspension it seems universal that after the warranty period, problems arise and the repairs are very, very expensive. If you plan to keep your car beyond the warranty period and have air suspension be prepared for substantial repair bills.
Hope this helps.
Remember going from 18" inch wheel to a 19" inch wheel you lose about 1/2 an inch of sidewall and from 19" to 20" another 1/2 inch. The decrease in sidewall is the primary cause of the rough ride.
The one exception is the air suspension: with air suspension the number of complaints decreases dramatically. However, when you read about the air suspension it seems universal that after the warranty period, problems arise and the repairs are very, very expensive. If you plan to keep your car beyond the warranty period and have air suspension be prepared for substantial repair bills.
Hope this helps.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
You may be a "unicorn" and atypical and hence not representative of most drivers.
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I buy new tires based on tire age not tire wear.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
When we comment on ride quality, I think most of us are talking about on the road, not stop and go traffic or local traffic:
Most of us change our tires based on wear not age: age does not become a factor until minimum of 7 to 8 years.
Again, you may be a unique situation, changing tires before they wear out, atypical and not representative:
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So, you don't think ride quality observations are valid for speeds below 50 mph or on Interstate roads because they are local and not in the boonies.
Here, tires start to weather check around 4 years in the semi-tropical Florida sun. (Unprotected skin burns after about 20 minutes of direct sun.)
Often my tires also run over 130° F after a few minutes of driving which increases tire wear.
That being said, tire tread remaining when tires are replaced is a personal decision. I consider tires with only 5 mm of tread remaining as needing replacement.
That's about 10k miles or 4 years
Here, tires start to weather check around 4 years in the semi-tropical Florida sun. (Unprotected skin burns after about 20 minutes of direct sun.)
Often my tires also run over 130° F after a few minutes of driving which increases tire wear.
That being said, tire tread remaining when tires are replaced is a personal decision. I consider tires with only 5 mm of tread remaining as needing replacement.
That's about 10k miles or 4 years
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
So, you don't think ride quality observations are valid for speeds below 50 mph or on Interstate roads because they are local and not in the boonies.
Here, tires start to weather check around 4 years in the semi-tropical Florida sun. (Unprotected skin burns after about 20 minutes of direct sun.)
Often my tires also run over 130° F after a few minutes of driving which increases tire wear.
That being said, tire tread remaining when tires are replaced is a personal decision. I consider tires with only 5 mm of tread remaining as needing replacement.
That's about 10k miles or 4 years
Here, tires start to weather check around 4 years in the semi-tropical Florida sun. (Unprotected skin burns after about 20 minutes of direct sun.)
Often my tires also run over 130° F after a few minutes of driving which increases tire wear.
That being said, tire tread remaining when tires are replaced is a personal decision. I consider tires with only 5 mm of tread remaining as needing replacement.
That's about 10k miles or 4 years
- I cannot tell the difference in stop and go traffic as you can
- Temperature of tires does effect wear: that is why there are wear bars on every tire
- The tire bars are set at 2/32 of inch. Most people replace at that height
- New tires are either 8/32 or 9/32
- You replace tires at 5/32 which means you have between 40% and 50% of tire tread life still left when you replace your tires
- Most people garage their Mercedes so sunlight is not a problem
I also remember you posting that you change your oil every year, so that would be every 2/3,000 miles and brake fluid every two years, so that would be every 5/6,000 miles. I suspect you will also change your spark plugs at five years, between 10/15,000 miles and your transmission at the same time.
No disparagement meant or intended, but you are not typical or representative
