polo1

OK, first off - love the design and look of the new E-Class.

Except for the star taillights...

Makes the car look "cheesy"/"gimmicky" - and quite frankly "cheap" looking from the rear.

If they wanted to use the star in the taillights - they should have just made the star lights come on at startup/shutdown, etc. - and then went to entire light up taillights after.

Just my .02

Am I the only one...?

taphil

Nope. Reminds me of this:

ssquared30

same.

not a fan of the tacky auto zone looking grill either or the interior option with the light up stars.

polo1

It's just a design, that even if you don't mind it now, it's not going to age very well...

The G Man

It would be an atrocity if Mercedes ends the E series’ 70 year run with such a gimmicky design. The techs are better but quality has been on the decline for years. Honestly, if I wanted a car with great tech but is cheaply build, I would buy a Tesla.

Long Islander

I could do without the MB logos on the tail lights. But it's not my problem.

jgm77

I think it’s a little much.

polo1

This also...

wildta

Definitely a controversial design. I haven't seen any in person yet. I bet there will be some after-market lights to replace them.

300SE1993

I actually like the tail light design. The front grille I could do without, though. I am looking into getting the European grille and hood star.

W205C43PFL

It is taking its sweet time to grow on me, hopefully it helps when I see it in person. I really wonder if MB will do anything about it during the facelift. Problem is they also put it as the headlights in the 2024 CLA concept. That said, that is just a concept not sure will make it to production.

Peter

Shockingly exaggerated….in poor taste. Reinforced by umpteen lit up logos embedded in the cheap dash wood. Glaringly hideous. Can you spell 5 series?

Povitica3

Thankfully MB designers and execs don't have to listen to mbworld owner opinions to make their design or selling decisions...

Go check out these cars in person, and then make your "love/hate" posts... I am holding off on this until I see it in person, that way I am providing an INFORMED opinion...

300SE1993

I think the tail lights look great on my W214

ROTN

Any luck with getting the European grille and hood star? I have been researching it a lot too - the current grille is the only thing I don't like about the new E.. the European model looks so much nicer

super_call

I agree the car looks MUCH better in person. The front end and side are beautifully designed, but the rear seems "overweight"? Too smooth and bolbous for me - but for a 2024 sedan - they did a very nice job! Maybe the rear is what it took to get the decent trunk.

300SE1993

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...hood-star.html

W205C43PFL

That is good news, what do you think of the taillights specifically, does it look better than the pictures online? If so, I am excited as that is the last thing that needs to grow on me.

300SE1993

as an owner of a W214 I can say that the tail lights look really good in person. This is coming from someone who looks at it every day.

W205C43PFL

That is a relief, can't wait to see one in person then.

Povitica3

Checked out a W214 at my local dealership this past weekend. Here are my take

The Good

• Interior, especially the front seating and dash area truly feels luxurious.
• The Superscreen is a must-have, bcos it accentuates the luxurious feeling and aura of the interior. If in the market for W214, I strongly recommend to get one, well worth it IMO
• The 4D Burmeister has speakers embedded in the back of the front seats... super cool. You feel a part of the music ad the bass hits you... very nice.
• Front seats are slightly wider than in W213. In mine, the seat hugs my body, while seating in the W214, it felt like ~2" from the bolsters. maybe its bcos mine is leather and contoured...
• The front, side and rear design are really strong, and very masculine. Me likey!
• The turbo-4 motor was live and spritely for a 4-banger. Feels like the 255hp is at the wheel and not at crank...

Not-so-Good

• The front dash design while elegant appears to be less roomy compared to the W213. The sweeping curved dash in the latter gives the feel of spaciousness, which isn't similar in the W214 front. Luxurious yes, super roomy, no.
• The rear seats felt a tad tight, IMO. Maybe its the MB-Tex design but I sat back there and at just 5'-9", I didn't feel super comfy or as roomy as in the W213 pfl. That's my take, ymmv.

Overall, I'd rate the car a solid 9/10... two features I'd recommend buyers seriously consider adding to theirs... Superscreen and 20" rims. Both give the car such a great overall feel of quality, luxury and refinement.

Here are a couple pics side-by-side comparison of my W213 pfl (needs a wash badly) vs W214 (clean as a whistle)
Front


Rear

super_call

...and your current ride is a 450? Can you compare the ride given the power you currently have in your hands!? The W214 350 saves me enough to load it up - but a 4 banger???? I have the W212 with the e350 6 - not fast, but still a little thrill here and there - W214 is so much heavier, the 4 moves it comfortably?

Thanks for the comparo!

Povitica3

Yes!

That turbo-4 motor plus the mild hybrid gives that car plenty of umph... you won't lack giddy up. It was smooth and refined in my short test drive. I didn't have to hunt up or down the tranny to hit the right gear... everything was seamless and very well done by MB. Of course, it doesn't compare with the turbo-6 in the 450, nor should it... Like you, I have the v6 350 in my R172 SLK, and I can say the turbo-4 350 in the W214 feels as quick as the old v6 350 motor in your W212 or in my R172...

super_call

Thank you! Time for me to drive the new one

W205C43PFL

Thanks so much for this review, I am currently deciding on a C236 CLE or this new W214, the last thing to grow on me are those taillights, I really want to see one in person which in the case of Canada won't be anytime soon. Appreciate the pictures.