past16

I’m deciding which one to order and wondering if the upgrade is worth the extra money

BenjaminKohl

On the previous generation i think it was worth it as the 4 cylinder M264 was far less refined and less efficient then the 6 M256 and also the M264 had some known reliability issues, but now the M254 is a FAR better engine in many ways and actually makes the 4 quite good. Only unknown at this point is reliability, but because from what I understand the engine is far more similar to the proven M256, hopefully that means things will remain poisitve. So really, for the $6k now, you're getting the power, sound, and natural smoothness of the 6, while loosing out on some handling due to the heavier front end. Makes it a tougher choice.

300SE1993

I have the E350 and it has everything I could want. It's plenty fast (I clocked 0-60 in 5.85 sec) and gets fantastic fuel economy on the highway. It also comes standard with plenty of creature comforts.

lelouch0202

Pretty much what @BenjaminKohl said.

If you need to ask, I would recommend saving yourself the cash and going for the E350. It's got enough power for everyday driving and the hybrid motor gives you decent pull from a stop.

Povitica3

As an owner of a W213 E450 and having driven a W214 350, I can tell you that the extra 2-cylinders, +100bhp and included 4MATIC of all standard E450s are well worth the $6K investment. I mean, how can +100 bhp not be a better more agile and superior value? The inline 6-turbo in the W214 450 is even better than the v6-turbo in my W213 450, so expect better performance for not much more $$$. If you want the overall best E class model, it is the 450 which gives the best of all worlds nicely slotted between a 350 and the AMGs.

Go drive a 350 and a 450, the difference will be very clear. But will it be worth $6K to you? To me it is a no-brainer... but YMMV.

ps: I have the same i4-turbo in my W206 C300 4MATIC with AMG-line specs, and in the smaller. lighter C-class, the turbo-4 feels perfect for the size, and does a great job without much fanfare. For the bigger E, it isn't a dog by any means, but when you step into the 6-cylinder model, you realize the difference immediately...

ua549

Don't forget to compare the sound made by each engine (from outside the car). IMO the 4 banger still sounds like a diesel engine rattle.

BenjaminKohl

Less so now with the M254 then especially with the older M274 but a little for sure.

Alan Smithee

It’s a personal preference…drive both and decide. Personally, I’m not going to pay 70k for a 4-cylinder; only so much acoustic engineering can do to mask the sounds and vibrations to my ear. And I would never pass on an in-line 6 if offered…the inherent smoothness and additional power make it a no-brainer, IMO. That said, I’ve had E350 loaners, and they were very nice. Less expensive to buy, fuel, insure, and service, with plenty of power. Depends on your priorities.