From what I've read here in the forums, the newer generations of AMG cars are going in the sport directions, meaning less comfortable. I am curious about the wind noise you described. I have a GLE with double glass and it's very quiet on the highway at around 140 km/h. I test drove a W214 and it was even a bit quieter (I measured the dB with various apps). I admit I can't compare to the W213.

 

I currently have a 2018 E300 4Matic Sport. I've had three E classes before this one, and I've also had two S class MB's. That said, first, as far as body style, aesthetics, look, classy, and so on -- that is exclusively up to you. It doesn't matter if someone else says, "this one is nicer" or "this one looks classier" and so on. It is 1000% up to you and what you like, think, etc. I've done a deep-dive on the 2018 vs. a 2022, 23, 24, and I will do the same on the 25, as I've been contemplating getting a new or newer E class. As far as everything else other than body style and looks -- I have no idea what car is "better" or "more reliable" or "more durable" and so on. I am not a mechanical expert, not a DIY'er, and am not mechanically or technically adept or inclined.

However, I will offer these observations and experiences -- one, IMHO, the 24 offers far less value than the 18. Whether lease or purchase, between financing, residuals, I don't know what, the 24 is just a lot more "expensive" than the 18. You used to be able to lease an E class for a lot less money than it costs today. The lease payments have gone up far more than the actual price (sticker) of the car. So, lease payments have gone up substantially over time and that's a function of all those variables. Financing costs as well, and perhaps that's simply due to interest rates, and of course the price of the car, LOL. Two, while the 24, or the newer model years, might have a lot more bells and whistles, or enhancements to the bells and whistles -- I just don't "feel" the newer years are as "solid" as the 18. I can't quantify it, but I just feel the 18 is a more solid, durable, drive. I think the engine on the 18 generally sounds like crap, LOL, but that's part for the car/engine.

So, while I can't quantify the mechanical aspects -- and an expert may say the 24 or 25 is a better car -- I am just giving MHO. Personally, I like the body style of my 18 better than the newer body style, and while there are some aspects of the newer one(s) I like -- this, again, is all in the eye of the individual. Thanks.

 

Also, comparing the E to the S class is somewhat of a fallacious comparison. If you feel the new E "drives" closer to the S, OK, no argument. That is simply subjective in nature. The S class (4Matic) is still, what, a $120,000 car? The E is what, $70,000? Not apples and oranges, but still two different models and class of cars. I can see someone comparing and saying the 24 or 25 E drives more like an S today than the 18, but still.

 

The entry level E class (4Matic) base cost is just shy of $80,000. I recently configured a '25 E350 4Matic and the MSRP was $90,740.

 

The website says $64,950, so I am sure even a basic equipped car is going to be well over 70, but I suspect you get a well equipped car for 80. Regardless, even at 90 -- what, 33% more to get to the base S (which I was guessing was $120,000)?

 

The website says $117,750 for the S500 -- and $128,200 for the S580.

 

That's not for a 4Matic. A rock bottom E class entry price at MBUSA.com is $62,450 msrp.

 

https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/class/e-class/sedan

$64,950 for the 2024 E350 4Matic -- regardless, $75k, $80k, and like I said, even go to $90k. That's still not a $120k car.

Listen, people can compare the "drive" and say the new E is much more like the S than it used to be, and I wouldn't argue -- because it's purely subjective. For me, the two don't compare.

 

I agree that there is no comparison beween an E and an S. Even a fully loaded E doesn't compare with an entry level S. For me I decided not to purchase the '25 E that I ordered. I'm going to go electric and wait for the '26 EQE 500 that should be orderable in about 6 months. My sales guy has me on his "early ordering" list of preferred customers.

 

UA. That might be a smart decision. You may not like the entry exit in and out of the new 214 e class. I find it very awkward getting in and out and gotten in and out of a lot of cars. I was driving my S 560 today and it’s so much easier access. With the 214 the mb engineers pushed everything back I believe because of the longer hood length and the longer dash depth. This is my main complaint about the car. That and the sound system will never compare to my 3d sound system in my s560. I woulda paid extra if an upgraded sound system had been available. I wanted to like the 214 4D sound system and have tried tons of different adjustments and music sources but it just has an electronic over processed sound to it that you can’t get rid of no matter what settings you use.

 

someone reported it is because of the screen and layout so front leg room is less now?

 

I guess if this was an S-Class passengers would sit in the back especially when being chauffeured then it will be less of an issue, other than that it is definitely a more tech forward car.

 

Buying a new car makes zero financial sense so if you are thinking of value for your money and buying a new car you are making a poor financial decision. You don't buy a new car, let alone a new Mercedes if you are wanting to make a smart financial choice. Buy a used car that has already deprecated for the first two years. I didn't buy a new E because of value. I bought it because I wanted it and can afford to waste money on a new car. Yes, waste as I could have got a used car for 1/3rd the price and still be a fine car. Stupid from a financial point of view, but I didn't care.

 

If you really know what quality is and was at Mercedes, then everyone agrees that it is over. But we simply need a modern car if you have to drive a lot.
But Bruno Sacco turns in his grave after seeing what the S-class looks like now

 

You must be looking at the wrong web site.

From MBUSA.com the base price of a 2025 E 450 4 matic is $70,850 plus destination.

Of course you can option out the car to cost over $90,000 but that does not change the base price which is less than $71,000 not $80,000 plus destination

 

Sorry, I was looking at the base EQE 350 4Matic that costs $77,900 + $1,150 destination = $79,050.

 

The entire line of Mercedes EV’s, including the EQE 350, are dogs that will not. Here in the NYC area, even with substantial discounts and the Federal tax credit they are sitting on dealers’s lots begging for buyers.

In effect the EQE 350 out the door will the same price or less than a E450 and substantially less than a E350.

Hope this clarifies

 

MSRP is exactly what I posted. Discounts are variable and cannot be reliably calculated. The same is true for the Federal tax credit because that credit up to $7,500 against taxes owed. It is zero if no taxes are owed as is the case when one's income is from tax exempt munis.

 

Upgrade to AMG instead.

 

To be fair, not everyone needs the rawness, performance, exhaust sound, stiff suspension of an AMG. The E 450 with the inline-6 is no slouch accelerating in comfort.

 

Insurance rates skyrocket if "AMG" is part of the model name.
Insurance costs about 50% more for an A35 AMG than an E200.

 

The extra power in an AMG would be lost with me as my 450 has all I need and keeps me smiling. Plus I don’t want to deal with a plug in or the batteries involved. I can’t find that the E53 is available with Airmatic either.

 

The E53 has Active Damping suspension.

 

That is not air suspension.

I believe Active Damping Suspension is standard on the E Class - or is unique to the E53?

 

ADS is option 214. ADS+ is bundled with the AIRMATIC option on the E class. Very little info is available regarding ADS and ADS+. I learned about ADS on an E53 review that I came across last year.