S Class comparison
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E450
S Class comparison
Hello,
Anybody here who bought the new E Class who were previous S Class Owners? Some reviewers have commented that this E Class is closer than ever to an S Class and just wanted some opinion if you guys feel the same way?
Thanks!
Anybody here who bought the new E Class who were previous S Class Owners? Some reviewers have commented that this E Class is closer than ever to an S Class and just wanted some opinion if you guys feel the same way?
Thanks!
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If you read the threads in the W214 sub-forum then the answer is yes, there are owners that had the W222 and says the car is way closer to an S-Class than the W213 ever was.
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V221 - R231 - S214 - X254
It's in terms of weight and driving dynamics that it feels more like an S-Class. I’m coming from an S350 and am now choosing an E53. And yet, it’s not an S. It’s in the small details: not being able to control the passenger seat as the driver, no active contour seats,..
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It's in terms of weight and driving dynamics that it feels more like an S-Class. I’m coming from an S350 and am now choosing an E53. And yet, it’s not an S. It’s in the small details: not being able to control the passenger seat as the driver, no active contour seats,..
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From: Dubai
2024 Mercedes E200
My earlier S-Class comparison was limited primarily to the ride quality. It is difficult to explain but I feel that the new W214 is a lot "floatier" than previous generations --> which gives me a feeling that I am driving a bigger car than the E-Class.
What is of course missing is the more refined interior quality that you get with an S (starting from the seats to the overall look and feel of the cabin). But the gap is getting closer.
What is of course missing is the more refined interior quality that you get with an S (starting from the seats to the overall look and feel of the cabin). But the gap is getting closer.
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S-class, E450 W214, E350 W214
In my family, we have two W214 E-class (my son's 2024 E350 and my own 2025 E450) and a S-class (W222). In comparing the ride quality of the W214 vs W222, it is important to differentiate between E350 and E450 and other optional features/equipment or lack thereof in the car. For my E450, it is equipped with Air Suspension and with its bigger (and hence much quieter) engine, its ride quality is much closer to the S-class (may be 90%, which is quite remarkable). The W222 S-class still feels quieter, more stable, and sumptous with better handling on the road, however. On the other hand, the E350 does suffer from a louder engine especially on acceleration and a rougher ride without the Airmatic system to smooth out the road imperfections, and as a consequence, it really does not quite measure up to a S-class.
Last edited by cruise2024; Jan 28, 2025 at 02:45 PM.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 133
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E450
In my family, we have two W214 E-class (my son's 2024 E350 and my own 2025 E450) and a S-class (W222). In comparing the ride quality of the W214 vs W222, it is important to differentiate between E350 and E450 and other optional features/equipment or lack thereof in the car. For my E450, it is equipped with Air Suspension and with its bigger (and hence much quieter) engine, its ride quality is much closer to the S-class (may be 90%, which is quite remarkable). The W222 S-class still feels quieter, more stable, and sumptous with better handling on the road, however. On the other hand, the E350 does suffer from a louder engine especially on acceleration and a rougher ride without the Airmatic system to smooth out the road imperfections, and as a consequence, it really does not quite measure up to a S-class.
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S-class, E450 W214, E350 W214
No, that is definitely one feel that is different/lacking in a E450 W214 as compared to a S-class W222, mainly due to its size (in addition to ride stability as mentioned in my original post). However, again due to its smaller size, the E450 W214 does feel nimbler in maneuverablity especially in tight turning and parking situations, etc. Some people (including my wife) rule out the purchase of a S-class based purely on the car dimension factor. You should be able to ascertain your preferences regarding these aspects when you test drive a E450 W214 vs S-class W222 or W223.
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No, that is definitely one feel that is different/lacking in a E450 W214 as compared to a S-class W222, mainly due to its size (in addition to ride stability as mentioned in my original post). However, again due to its smaller size, the E450 W214 does feel nimbler in maneuverablity especially in tight turning and parking situations, etc. Some people (including my wife) rule out the purchase of a S-class based purely on the car dimension factor. You should be able to ascertain your preferences regarding these aspects when you test drive a E450 W214 vs S-class W222 or W223.
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I have both. A 2025 Mercedes E450 All Terrain wagon and a 2018 S560 with the magic body control suspension and just about every other option. The S560 definitely rides better the hydraulic suspension is probably the best suspension for a luxury car out of any car ever made. The 2025 E450 is definitely more engaging to drive and does feel a little bit tighter, maybe just because it's a new car. I got rid of a 2019 E450 to buy the 2025 and the 2025 rides much better than the 2019, no comparison. The 2019 E450 wagon rode more like a sports car like a porsche 911 or something, it was that harsh.
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From: Cape Cod
E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, GLE AMG 63S
I have had a number of S Class vehicles over the years. Traded my W 213 AT wagon for a W214 AT Wagon. The W214 certainly has a superior ride compared to the W 213 with air suspension. The W 214 has a more luxurious interior than my W 213. Here's my take on the comparison to an S Class. The way the W 214 is equipped makes a big difference in the luxury "feel" of the car. My W 214 came equipped with almost every option. Too many to list here. It also came equipped with non runlet tires. A major difference. MSRP was $95K. Yes, there are some detail items that are missing on the E 450 but not enough to detract from a direct comparison to an S. Most of the driving I do now is around town with an occasional over the road trip. On the highway the comfort and handling are pretty equal. What I do like about the E is that it is less cumbersome around town and I don't feel like I'm not sacrificing much, if anything, compared to the S. IMO the W 214, properly equipped, is about as close to an S Class Wagon as we are going to get. Yes, when I do visit the dealership, I often slide behind the wheel of an S just because it looks so inviting. It is special. No question about it. Just not enough to push me into a purchase. I'm very satisfied with the E 450. Also, something to consider is the differential in MSRP. Just not worth it to me.
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E450
I have had a number of S Class vehicles over the years. Traded my W 213 AT wagon for a W214 AT Wagon. The W214 certainly has a superior ride compared to the W 213 with air suspension. The W 214 has a more luxurious interior than my W 213. Here's my take on the comparison to an S Class. The way the W 214 is equipped makes a big difference in the luxury "feel" of the car. My W 214 came equipped with almost every option. Too many to list here. It also came equipped with non runlet tires. A major difference. MSRP was $95K. Yes, there are some detail items that are missing on the E 450 but not enough to detract from a direct comparison to an S. Most of the driving I do now is around town with an occasional over the road trip. On the highway the comfort and handling are pretty equal. What I do like about the E is that it is less cumbersome around town and I don't feel like I'm not sacrificing much, if anything, compared to the S. IMO the W 214, properly equipped, is about as close to an S Class Wagon as we are going to get. Yes, when I do visit the dealership, I often slide behind the wheel of an S just because it looks so inviting. It is special. No question about it. Just not enough to push me into a purchase. I'm very satisfied with the E 450. Also, something to consider is the differential in MSRP. Just not worth it to me.
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From: Cape Cod
E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, GLE AMG 63S
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From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
I was torn between a new E450 or a barely used CPO S580 for around the same price. I opted to order my E450 and am delighted with it in every way, but must admit that I look over my shoulder every once in a while and still lust for that S.
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E450
Hi! How did you end up speccing your E450? and what made you ultimately decide for the E class?
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From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
I speced mine in Verde Silver with 20” black AMG wheels, night pkg, macchiato beige leather with beige headliner, backlit dash (no superscreen), burmeister sound, Airmatic and digital headlights. As I look back, I probably should have gotten the driver assistant pkg but probably would never use it.
At the time I was looking for a low mileage S580 in kalahari gold with beige interior (I dislike black interior) but couldn’t find one.
At the time I was looking for a low mileage S580 in kalahari gold with beige interior (I dislike black interior) but couldn’t find one.
Last edited by Hicksra; Jan 28, 2025 at 07:54 PM.
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
Regarding the S-class, I've never driven one. I do admit to sitting inside one when I am at the dealer and need to kill time waiting. I'm sure driving the S is quite comfortable and there are plenty of driver centric features beyond what an E-Class provides. However, i have always thought that the primary reason to go with an S is for the back seat. It's crazy spacious and has all kinds of extra features. Particularly the rear passenger side. Because of this, I have always assumed that most people buy an S-Class to be chauffeured rather than to drive it themselves. After reading this thread and others on this site, I'm thinking that is not a correct assumption. 🤔
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From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
I have both. A 2025 Mercedes E450 All Terrain wagon and a 2018 S560 with the magic body control suspension and just about every other option. The S560 definitely rides better the hydraulic suspension is probably the best suspension for a luxury car out of any car ever made. The 2025 E450 is definitely more engaging to drive and does feel a little bit tighter, maybe just because it's a new car. I got rid of a 2019 E450 to buy the 2025 and the 2025 rides much better than the 2019, no comparison. The 2019 E450 wagon rode more like a sports car like a porsche 911 or something, it was that harsh.
