Turbodoni

The base E Class is still a solid configuration on its own alone with many standard premium options - active parking assist, active brake assist, blind spot, etc... But you are right about the depreciation, approximately 50% in 4-5Y, and it all comes down to how much you are ready to parth away with to cover for the enjoyment factor.
I like Drive assist, 4D sound system, Digital LED package, 20' wheels, and some minor stuff...

JTK44

The actual quote with regard to depreciation was:

Sadly, losing 50% in 4 years or less, not 4 to 5 years is the reality.

The more options, the more expensive the car, the greater the depreciation in both absolute dollars and percentage.

If the options are important and you can afford the depreciation, then go for it! But I think that for the vast majority of buyers, the "base" 350/450 with a few safety options, including intelligent high beam, adaptive cruise control and parking assist will be more than sufficient. On my E450 I have all the safety options but not leather, panoramic roof, message seats, seats, acoustic package or air suspension - non of which I miss.

Just my $.02 and only my opinion - nothing more.

ua549

I have the E class with comfort seats. They are as hard as a rock. My wife adds a cushion if the trip is longer than 20 minutes. My limit is 30 minutes without stopping for a butt massage. My next car will be an S class (likely) or a BMW (not likely, I hate the beaver teeth grill). Over the years MB seats have gotten narrower, shorter and harder as they downsize the seat and reduce the amount of cushioning to save weight.

JTK44

Counter point:

I have the standard seats in MB Tex: I keep the lumbar support on. Next month I turn 80. The seats are the most comfortable I have ever been on for long driving. I regularly drive to Vermont, 250 miles each way, 7 to10 times a year. Arrive with no back or butt problems at all. After 3/4 days skiing, drive home. Like the trip to Vermont, no problems with either my butt or back on the return trip. Wife has never complained.

I have extended the seat for thigh support, so I do not understand what you mean by the seat has gotten shorter.

Many people think a soft seat is good when the opposite is true. In a soft seat you sink in and there is no support for your back. A firm seat, with good back support, side support and lumbar is what you want and need for long drives.

ua549

I'm about to turn 82. I have ventilated leather seats. By shorter, I was referring to the seatback. The seats are all the way back; thigh support extended; lumbar support deflated because it hits in the wrong spot. I much prefer the S class seats for their comfort.

JTK44

You do realize that the position of the lumbar support can be moved.

Seat back: I am 6' 2" feet and find the seat backs give me more than enough support. So I do not understand what you mean that they are "shorter"

Perhaps your problem are the leather seats which are softer than the MB-Tex, hence less support?

I agree that as a passenger the seats in the S Class are more comfortable. But for the driver, you want a smaller seat, (think Recaro) that gives you not only back support but lateral support, like the E Class. The seats in the S class, being bigger do not give you the same lateral support.

In an S class perhaps the rear seats are the most comfortable!

ua549

By shorter I mean that the seatback front edges don't quite reach the top of my shoulders. In the S class the seatback reaches above my shoulders. Narrow seats aren't needed for my arm movement and only make the seats less comfortable. My driving position is upright, shoulders back and arms out straight. I can turn the steering wheel 270° without releasing my grip or the seat interfering with my arm movement.

JTK44

Everyone's anatomy is different: When I sit in the driver's seat, (I just checked out of curiosity) the top of the seat is is at least several inches higher than my shoulders - so I have complete shoulder and back support. Like you I sit upright with my arms almost straight. In fact I sit so straight that in many cars the head rest hits the back of my head - but not on the Mercedes.

If the seat back is lower than your shoulders, I think you have to be over 6' 5" - as I posted I am 6'2"

ua549

I am 5'11", my head rests against the headrest while driving. The back edge of the driver's seat is ~1½" higher than the front edge on my '18 W213.

JTK44

As you wrote, the back of the seat is higher than your shoulders. Does it matter if it is 2" higher on the E Class and 3 inches higher on the S Class? Either way you get the same amount of support!

ua549

I get no shoulder support if the top of my shoulder is higher than the seat. The rear part of the seat is essentially plastic trim around the headrest mounts. That being said, the seatback isn't much of an issue. It is the rock-hard bottom seat cushion.