Ordered 2026 E450
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 16
From: Florida/Connecticut
E53
Ordered 2026 E450
Went to see my dealer today.....I have had Mercedes for many years and went to a Macan S when the E53 was demolished by a car behind me. Decided to go back to MB for the comfort.....But not to the E53. Went with the straight 6 E450.
2026 E450 Model (can't find or order 2025)
Cirrus Silver (considered the flat grey but my Macan was Chalk and Silver is classic MB)
Tonka Brown/Black Nappa leather
Driver Assist
Digital Light
Winter Package (for resale in Northeast)
Insulating glass
Leather Package
Sun Protection
Pinnacle Trim
Black back lit
19" 5 Spoke
Additional USB
Soft Close doors (can't live without)
Rear Spoiler Body
Load sill protector
Animated Logo (silly but fun)
Decided No on the Airmatic and the massage seats.
No idea price wise yet or timing. They are reaching out to area manager...Tarrifs could be plus another 10-12% TBD.
2026 E450 Model (can't find or order 2025)
Cirrus Silver (considered the flat grey but my Macan was Chalk and Silver is classic MB)
Tonka Brown/Black Nappa leather
Driver Assist
Digital Light
Winter Package (for resale in Northeast)
Insulating glass
Leather Package
Sun Protection
Pinnacle Trim
Black back lit
19" 5 Spoke
Additional USB
Soft Close doors (can't live without)
Rear Spoiler Body
Load sill protector
Animated Logo (silly but fun)
Decided No on the Airmatic and the massage seats.
No idea price wise yet or timing. They are reaching out to area manager...Tarrifs could be plus another 10-12% TBD.
Last edited by simonjb; Jul 11, 2025 at 04:16 PM. Reason: spelling
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Posts: 1,894
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
Nice build. I have the soft close doors but they are the one thing that I could do without as they almost never get used. I would say the multi-contour seats which is the option to get the massage seats are much more in the "glad I got it" column. I had a 2024 for 4 months without them and now a 2025 with them and it is far more comfortable IMO. Airmatic is nice and more than just air freshener, but not a must have. If I had to do it all over, I would have gotten the animated entry lights and still get all the other options I have now which is basically everything.
Assuming it's the same as last year, the 2026 models started production on July 1st so any order not already in production prior to that will be a 2026. I ordered my 2024 in April 2024 and it was changed to a 2025 with a build date of July 1 2024. I took delivery the end of last August. I leased a 2024 while I waited.
The 2024 I leased...
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post8982076
My 2025 I ordered...
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post9025625
Assuming it's the same as last year, the 2026 models started production on July 1st so any order not already in production prior to that will be a 2026. I ordered my 2024 in April 2024 and it was changed to a 2025 with a build date of July 1 2024. I took delivery the end of last August. I leased a 2024 while I waited.
The 2024 I leased...
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post8982076
My 2025 I ordered...
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post9025625
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 16
From: Florida/Connecticut
E53
Thanks very much...
The Airmatic is the suspension upgrade. In my view its too risky repair wise for now.
I am interested in your views on the seats. Iv'e read a fair bit and the jury seems out. When you say they are far more comfortable, what are you comparing it to? Are you saying, even with the massage function Off, they are far more comfortable than the Nappa leather seats?
The Airmatic is the suspension upgrade. In my view its too risky repair wise for now.
I am interested in your views on the seats. Iv'e read a fair bit and the jury seems out. When you say they are far more comfortable, what are you comparing it to? Are you saying, even with the massage function Off, they are far more comfortable than the Nappa leather seats?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Went to see my dealer today.....I have had Mercedes for many years and went to a Macan S when the E53 was demolished by a car behind me. Decided to go back to MB for the comfort.....But not to the E53. Went with the straight 6 E450.
2026 E450 Model (can't find or order 2025)
Cirrus Silver (considered the flat grey but my Macan was Chalk and Silver is classic MB)
Tonka Brown/Black Nappa leather
Driver Assist
Digital Light
Winter Package (for resale in Northeast)
Insulating glass
Leather Package
Sun Protection
Pinnacle Trim
Black back lit
19" 5 Spoke
Additional USB
Soft Close doors (can't live without)
Rear Spoiler Body
Load sill protector
Animated Logo (silly but fun)
Decided No on the Airmatic and the massage seats.
No idea price wise yet or timing. They are reaching out to area manager...Tarrifs could be plus another 10-12% TBD.
2026 E450 Model (can't find or order 2025)
Cirrus Silver (considered the flat grey but my Macan was Chalk and Silver is classic MB)
Tonka Brown/Black Nappa leather
Driver Assist
Digital Light
Winter Package (for resale in Northeast)
Insulating glass
Leather Package
Sun Protection
Pinnacle Trim
Black back lit
19" 5 Spoke
Additional USB
Soft Close doors (can't live without)
Rear Spoiler Body
Load sill protector
Animated Logo (silly but fun)
Decided No on the Airmatic and the massage seats.
No idea price wise yet or timing. They are reaching out to area manager...Tarrifs could be plus another 10-12% TBD.
You mention splitting time between the northeast and Florida: In that case you might want to reconsider the 19" wheels: the ride will be more compliant and less chance of either bubbles in sidewalls or flats and/or rim damage with the stock 18" wheels plus big savings in dollars.
Black interior in Florida: I have the cirius silver with the macchiato grey interior and I love it: light and airy plus doesn't get hot in direct sunlight and/or warm weather. Since you getting the Nappa leather you might consider the neva grey
Last edited by JTK44; Jul 11, 2025 at 04:30 PM.
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@JTK44 The seats are brown not black. The sun protection package blocks heating from IR radiation. I have it on my E300. It is very effective.
@simonjb The multicontour seats and leather choice are independent. The seats are very comfortable with the softer Nappa leather.
The only thing I would add is multicontour seating because it provides additional seat adjustments that can provide a better fit and more comfort.
@simonjb The multicontour seats and leather choice are independent. The seats are very comfortable with the softer Nappa leather.
The only thing I would add is multicontour seating because it provides additional seat adjustments that can provide a better fit and more comfort.
Last edited by ua549; Jul 11, 2025 at 04:55 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 16
From: Florida/Connecticut
E53
@jtk44 - I have been debating the wheel choice. I am looking for comfort over performance. I am not driving the car in the northeast winter, but the roads aren't great up here in any case, even in the summer. Perhaps the 18" is a better decision.
Last edited by simonjb; Jul 11, 2025 at 05:14 PM. Reason: spelling
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 258
From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
If it’s not too late, I would add air suspension. I have had it on all my MBs since 2019. They have all been trouble free and are greatly improved from the early 2000 model cars. My 2004 SL had issues but nothing on my 19 CSL, 21 GLE53, 24 GLE53 and 25 E450. I always add the multi contour seats but that is more subjective. I like it for long trips.
PS we ordered 19” wheells with RF tires mainly for safety for my wife. There is no harsh ride because of air suspension and super quiet with double laminated glass. I would also add this is the nicest MB we have ever had. We have been driving them since 1983.
PS we ordered 19” wheells with RF tires mainly for safety for my wife. There is no harsh ride because of air suspension and super quiet with double laminated glass. I would also add this is the nicest MB we have ever had. We have been driving them since 1983.
Last edited by petee1997; Jul 11, 2025 at 05:25 PM.
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 593
Likes: 233
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
I have similar 2023 with multicontour seats with the air circulation system. Nice to have a massage at times, but the seat feels hard after an hour, perhaps the fan for the air circulation is to blame. My wife's GLC seats are far more comfortable.
Last edited by smiles201; Jul 11, 2025 at 09:15 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,894
Likes: 658
From: Tennessee
W214 E450
Thanks very much...
The Airmatic is the suspension upgrade. In my view its too risky repair wise for now.
I am interested in your views on the seats. Iv'e read a fair bit and the jury seems out. When you say they are far more comfortable, what are you comparing it to? Are you saying, even with the massage function Off, they are far more comfortable than the Nappa leather seats?
The Airmatic is the suspension upgrade. In my view its too risky repair wise for now.
I am interested in your views on the seats. Iv'e read a fair bit and the jury seems out. When you say they are far more comfortable, what are you comparing it to? Are you saying, even with the massage function Off, they are far more comfortable than the Nappa leather seats?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,328
Likes: 1,089
.
I had air suspension on an E55 (W211). The front 2 shocks were replaced under warranty at 35,000 miles/6 months. All 4 shocks were replaced at 75,000 miles/15 months for $10,000 ($2,500 per wheel). I traded the car when it was less than 2 years old. Other than the air suspension, the car was almost perfect. Even though there have been improvements, air suspension is expensive to maintain. When a shock fails, the car settles so close to the tire that the car isn't drivable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
@jtk44 - I have been debating the wheel choice. I am looking for comfort over performance. I am not driving the car in the northeast winter, but the roads aren't great up here in any case, even in the summer. Perhaps the 18" is a better decision.
The problem is that almost everyone at 5/7 years, between 50/75,000 seems to have problems with the air suspension. For me air suspension is a non starter.
People tend to get the optional wheels because of the way they look and increased handling. Personally I think the standard wheels look fine and I choose my E450 because it is a luxury car and I want it to ride like one - hence I have the standard 18" wheels. . I have owned many Porsches - that is what I would drive if I wanted sporty. To me the E450 should be as serene as possible. To that end I would suggest the 18" wheels.
POI: In Europe for taxis the E Class comes with 17" wheels! Better ride, better pot hole protection, longer tread life.
Good Luck!
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X214
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 214
Likes: 45
From: New York
2025 E450 Sedan: 2019 E450 Coupe
I have the MY25 E450, with 19 inch wheels. Prior to this I had the W213 with 18 inch wheels. When I ordered the W214 I was a little concerned about ride quality with the 19 inch wheels living in New York where the roads are terrible. To my surprise the W214 with the 19 inch wheels rides better than the W213 did and also better than my W238 (2019 E450 Coupe) which has 18 inch wheels.
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I have the MY25 E450, with 19 inch wheels. Prior to this I had the W213 with 18 inch wheels. When I ordered the W214 I was a little concerned about ride quality with the 19 inch wheels living in New York where the roads are terrible. To my surprise the W214 with the 19 inch wheels rides better than the W213 did and also better than my W238 (2019 E450 Coupe) which has 18 inch wheels.
The real question is comparing the ride of a new W214 with 18" wheels to a new W214 with 19" wheels.
In my opinion in buying a new W214 you are buying luxury and cannot understand why anyone would switch from 18" wheels to 19" wheels at the same price and certainly not for extra money.
Just my $.02: switching to bigger wheels is a classic case of form (looks) over substance
Last edited by JTK44; Jul 12, 2025 at 10:17 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 60
Likes: 16
From: Florida/Connecticut
E53
Ok, thanks all for the input. Very helpful. I’ve decided to go with the 18” wheels. Again, my need is comfort over performance.
The 2026 order guide shows nominal changes. Fingerprint scan is standard. R10 wheel no longer available, That’s about it.
The 2026 order guide shows nominal changes. Fingerprint scan is standard. R10 wheel no longer available, That’s about it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
I think that is correct and sensible decision!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,912
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
With all due respect, one would hope that a new car always rides better than a old car with thousands of miles on it. If it didn't few would trade their old cars for new cars. Comparing an old W213 with thousands of miles to a new W214 is like comparing apples to coconuts!
The real question is comparing the ride of a new W214 with 18" wheels to a new W214 with 19" wheels.
In my opinion in buying a new W214 you are buying luxury and cannot understand why anyone would switch from 18" wheels to 19" wheels at the same price and certainly not for extra money.
Just my $.02: switching to bigger wheels is a classic case of form (looks) over substance
The real question is comparing the ride of a new W214 with 18" wheels to a new W214 with 19" wheels.
In my opinion in buying a new W214 you are buying luxury and cannot understand why anyone would switch from 18" wheels to 19" wheels at the same price and certainly not for extra money.
Just my $.02: switching to bigger wheels is a classic case of form (looks) over substance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
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Joined: Oct 2022
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X214
I had both the W213 E450 All-Terrain Wagon and currently have the W214 E450 All-Terrain wagon, and by any kind of objective measure, the W213 version had a FAR higher quality of materials and in no way, shape or form is it behind in any way to the W214 version.
This applies to better interior space (the usable hatch-space is worse in the W214), better materials used in the interior, utilization of extensive quantities of real wood in the front and the rear passenger sections, usage of FAR more expensive aluminum buttons/switches/knobs as opposed to the el-cheapo screen controls for even basic functions, FAR better camera lenses for the rear-view camera etc. In the W214, they hide the elimination of the real wood etc from the door areas in the front/rear, via the pasting of a ton of the MB-TEX vinyl/plastic all over, and remember, this is an E-class Mercedes and not a Hyundai or Kia where plastic works well.
Bottomline, your C-class comment is stemming from sheer ignorance and instead of hiding ignorance, it is being flaunted.
PS: A brief check of the German component% used in the pre-W214 E-classes also tell a story. My W213 E450 All-Terrain had 85% German components, with the final assembly in Sindelfingen, Germany. My W214 E450 All-Terrain had 35% German components (as was the case with every single E-class and S-class across the entire region), even though the final assembly is still Sindelfingen. A clear sign of ground-up cost-cutting in their flagship mid-size and full-size luxury products.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
PS: A brief check of the German component% used in the pre-W214 E-classes also tell a story. My W213 E450 All-Terrain had 85% German components, with the final assembly in Sindelfingen, Germany. My W214 E450 All-Terrain had 35% German components (as was the case with every single E-class and S-class across the entire region), even though the final assembly is still Sindelfingen. A clear sign of ground-up cost-cutting in their flagship mid-size and full-size luxury products.
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Joined: Oct 2022
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X214
The reason is very obvious, and that's because Germany is literally in a survival mode, due to the steep energy cost increases that came from the sabotage of their Nordstream-2 pipeline (Sept 2022), and the rapid de-industrialization that followed.
That "survival mode" also means that they will look at every single avenue to cut costs, and I can clearly see that reflected in the 2025 German manufactured product, when compared-and-contrasted against the S213 German manufactured Wagon that I owned before this (and currently owned by my brother).
PS: Right after the worst industrial sabotage of a civilian energy source in decades, the then German Chancellor stood stony-faced beside the then US president, as the then US-president crowed about the sabotage (not difficult to surmise who the saboteur was, since only 3-4 countries in the world had the intent, the motivation and most importantly, the capability to execute that complex undersea operation !), and how it will hurt the supplier of that gas. Seems like the supplier found other avenues to supply and is doing really well, while the customer of that gas is dying out through de-industrialization.
