Considering ordering a E450. Potential first time MB customer!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,388
Likes: 1,107
.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 487
Likes: 159
From: DFW Texas
GL450, E450, Porsche 718 GTS
Is the HUD even viewable in the daytime? I didn’t want it because I rarely drive at night and thought it might be useless in the daytime. The only thing similar I ever had was the infrared projection on the windshield on a Cadillac I owned years ago. It was about as useless as the proverbial faucets on a bore swine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 5,388
Likes: 1,107
.
The HUD is easily visible even in bright sunlight. The only caveat is it is marginal if you wear polarized glasses.
Combined with Augmented Reality it projects nav indication onto your view of the road - such as arrows indicating where to turn.
Combined with Augmented Reality it projects nav indication onto your view of the road - such as arrows indicating where to turn.
Last edited by ua549; May 17, 2026 at 04:02 PM.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,564
Likes: 6,365
Is the HUD even viewable in the daytime? I didn’t want it because I rarely drive at night and thought it might be useless in the daytime. The only thing similar I ever had was the infrared projection on the windshield on a Cadillac I owned years ago. It was about as useless as the proverbial faucets on a bore swine.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 421
Likes: 97
I never look at the speed or speed limit on the driver display. I always reference the HUD.
It's one of the better HUD's being in color and good resolution. I have it on max brightness. On sunny days it could be brighter. I would lower it further if I could. There are also some conditions where it reflects bright sunlight onto the windshield. It isn't perfect, but if I was going to order another E class, I would definitely get the HUD.
The camera view navigation of the E-class where it shows turn arrows and street directions on a moving picture from the forward facing camera on the central entertainment display is very cool technology. I very rarely use it because it takes too much time to take eyes off the road and find the blue arrows on the video. Getting CarPlay turns on the HUD works great.
I wish Mercedes would put the turn signal indicators in the HUD. It would help the issue where the turn signals in the driver display are blocked by the steering wheel.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
Does it only show arrows for Apple Maps or were you simplifying it? In a BMW HUD, it shows street names, worded instructions besides graphics. I would expect the same in MB since I expect Apple providing the API for what's shown in a secondary screen. But BMW's own navigation instructions are also better in the HUD compared to Apple Maps. I personally always use Apple Carplay. Apple Maps is much better than its initial launch. I personally don't commute to work so I never use Waze.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
I came out of a 540xi into an e450 as well. I also could just not get over the styling or the color/option choices. I like the w214, it has taken me quite a while to get used to it but I loved the BMW. I had many 5 series over the years. The e39 was my favorite like most people but the last one I had was the best daily driver I have ever had. I had some issues with the first E that I had and it was replaced. The one thing I changed with the replacement was the suspension. This is a totally different car with the airmatic package. And it’s because of both the air suspension AND the steering. If you are used to a BMW this car with the standard set up has a float that you can’t dial out in any setting. With the Airmatic the suspension and ride quality is significantly improved. And in the different settings it does change the character of the car. I find the sport mode much closer to the standard comfort mode in the BMW. You can dial out most of the float with that if you want to. And in comfort mode the air suspension ride quality is much better it’s more controlled and gives a very smooth ride. But the other big difference is the steering. The feel is much different. And the turning radius is also much better. And it is also more configurable. Just my two cents.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
For me: Digital Light, Winter Package, Pinnacle Trim. You can research what's in those. I chose the e450 over the e350, same car but the 450 has a bit more noticeable power (to me). I got 10% off MSRP (sticker 83,000). Since I can afford that, I wasn't going to quibble over a few thousand dollars on an 83K car. You can wait till the 2027, but you likely will pay close to MSRP (if that matters to you), and you'll be dealing with a 1st year new design, which is never good in my opinion. Too many bugs to work out. Great discounts on the 2026! Avoid ALL service agreements and extended warranties. They are a rip off. Here in the DC area, Service A seems to run about $600, Service B $900. (My car is new, so I don't know if those numbers are real). If anyone here is in the DC area and know where to go to get great pricing on service, let me know! My new e450 has 2000 miles on it so it's a while before I have my first Service A. I did the math from what the service department told me me, paying for the services when they occur is less than the cost of a service agreement. One thing I do not like: The upgraded massage seats. For me, they are too stiff. If I were to order, I wouldn't get that option, and I don't use it anyway. Good luck!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 10
From: MA
23 E450 All Terrain, 26 E53 Wagon
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
I was at the dealership today and I had the chance to test drive the E 53 as well. What a machine!
Is the AMG tax on the maintenance a real concern? As far as I can see, even the auto insurance makes a big difference.
No matter which car I pick (E450 vs E 53), the wait will be a long one. 27 models will probably be delivered by Oct-Nov timeline. I may potentially get a better deal by buying a car off their lot but as you'd expect, they never have the configuration you want. They do have one 26 allocation for an E450 which might arrive couple months earlier but not sure if that makes a lot of sense.
Is the AMG tax on the maintenance a real concern? As far as I can see, even the auto insurance makes a big difference.
No matter which car I pick (E450 vs E 53), the wait will be a long one. 27 models will probably be delivered by Oct-Nov timeline. I may potentially get a better deal by buying a car off their lot but as you'd expect, they never have the configuration you want. They do have one 26 allocation for an E450 which might arrive couple months earlier but not sure if that makes a lot of sense.
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
After much research I convinced myself I wanted/needed an E450 and I was not going to wait around for months. There were like only 3 available new in a 100 mile radius and 1 used, 2 years old with low mileage, and a 3 year old low mileage E450 Cabriolet. A new one closest to my house had my preferred color and most of the options I was looking for so that is what I got a few weeks back. Because these E450's seem pretty scarce I ended up not doing a lot of haggling... they added $1K to my 10 year old Lincoln trade in, which put it at the top of the Kelly Blue Book range. Knock on wood, I hope I did not buy a lemon. I'm really enjoying it so far and am glad I got the upgraded engine. I've spent many hours trying to learn all the functions and capabilities... hoping I don't tax the battery too much or idle too long during this learning process. The neighbors probably chuckle seeing me sitting in it for so long in my driveway or garage. Once dialed in, the Burmester 4D stereo is excellent and quite capable. I'm also enjoying having my extensive music library easily accessible on a USB, playing immediately at start-up from where it left off. Building up my Hey Mercedes word library knowledge of asks makes adjustments much safer on the road than trying to look and tap the center screen. In all fairness, so many adjustments on a center touch screen while driving is pretty dang unsafe.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 676
From: Tennessee
W214 E450
After much research I convinced myself I wanted/needed an E450 and I was not going to wait around for months. There were like only 3 available new in a 100 mile radius and 1 used, 2 years old with low mileage, and a 3 year old low mileage E450 Cabriolet. A new one closest to my house had my preferred color and most of the options I was looking for so that is what I got a few weeks back. Because these E450's seem pretty scarce I ended up not doing a lot of haggling... they added $1K to my 10 year old Lincoln trade in, which put it at the top of the Kelly Blue Book range. Knock on wood, I hope I did not buy a lemon. I'm really enjoying it so far and am glad I got the upgraded engine. I've spent many hours trying to learn all the functions and capabilities... hoping I don't tax the battery too much or idle too long during this learning process. The neighbors probably chuckle seeing me sitting in it for so long in my driveway or garage. Once dialed in, the Burmester 4D stereo is excellent and quite capable. I'm also enjoying having my extensive music library easily accessible on a USB, playing immediately at start-up from where it left off. Building up my Hey Mercedes word library knowledge of asks makes adjustments much safer on the road than trying to look and tap the center screen. In all fairness, so many adjustments on a center touch screen while driving is pretty dang unsafe.
Newbie
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 676
From: Tennessee
W214 E450
You should find some Atmos versions of music you like and rip those making sure you preserve the multi channels and listen to that in the car. It's a significant step up in sound on the Burmester 4D system in the W214. It's really quite amazing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 3,130
Likes: 1,360
From: Fleriduh
W212 E63S Wagon - GSL580 - E63 - E350 - C300
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,930
Likes: 676
From: Tennessee
W214 E450
Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 42
From: Chicago
2026 E53 Wagon
I was at the dealership today and I had the chance to test drive the E 53 as well. What a machine!
Is the AMG tax on the maintenance a real concern? As far as I can see, even the auto insurance makes a big difference.
No matter which car I pick (E450 vs E 53), the wait will be a long one. 27 models will probably be delivered by Oct-Nov timeline. I may potentially get a better deal by buying a car off their lot but as you'd expect, they never have the configuration you want. They do have one 26 allocation for an E450 which might arrive couple months earlier but not sure if that makes a lot of sense.
Is the AMG tax on the maintenance a real concern? As far as I can see, even the auto insurance makes a big difference.
No matter which car I pick (E450 vs E 53), the wait will be a long one. 27 models will probably be delivered by Oct-Nov timeline. I may potentially get a better deal by buying a car off their lot but as you'd expect, they never have the configuration you want. They do have one 26 allocation for an E450 which might arrive couple months earlier but not sure if that makes a lot of sense.
Personal experience - My insurance actually dropped when I switched from E450AT to E53 Wagon. I was shocked.
Member
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 148
Likes: 44
2026 E53 Wagon; 2011 G37 Convertible
I got my Sonoran Brown E53 wagon delivered a week or two ago. When it was right before the lock-down on the custom ordering, I switched from the Exclusive trim to the Pinnacle (and added heated rear seats) bc I thought that if I ever have rear passengers, they would appreciate being able to control their own temps. I had no idea that I would love the HUD as much as I do. I rarely look at the drivers dash unless I want to see what kind of battery level I am at. It really is worth it...color, adjustable intensity, adjustable height on the windshield, all the info you need right on the windshield...and I think someone said earlier that they use carplay because it gives the ETA. If I use MG's navigation system, it also gives me the ETA.
If anyone is on the fence or not thinking about the Pinnacle, the HUD is 100% worth it in my opinion.
Now if I could just get the car to recognize my driveway and automatically switch to "home" charging, that would be the bees knees...
If anyone is on the fence or not thinking about the Pinnacle, the HUD is 100% worth it in my opinion.
Now if I could just get the car to recognize my driveway and automatically switch to "home" charging, that would be the bees knees...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 262
From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
. Regarding the MY27, dealers are telling me that there is no facelift/any major changes for 27.[/QUOTE]
That is correct. I have the build sheet for the 27E450 that I have on order.Changes are more in standard equipment. Rear door air bags are now standard and there may be some updates in the MBUX. This car is close to,perfection and I ordered same as my wife’s car. With b375HP I did not think the E53 was worthwhile in my case. Probably would have gone for it if not PHEV. I did not want an 800 lb. Battery. It would be a great car if I was commuting to work. In my case I drive less than 10K kms per year. I am anxious to get it. Build date is July 16th with ETA Aug.31st.
That is correct. I have the build sheet for the 27E450 that I have on order.Changes are more in standard equipment. Rear door air bags are now standard and there may be some updates in the MBUX. This car is close to,perfection and I ordered same as my wife’s car. With b375HP I did not think the E53 was worthwhile in my case. Probably would have gone for it if not PHEV. I did not want an 800 lb. Battery. It would be a great car if I was commuting to work. In my case I drive less than 10K kms per year. I am anxious to get it. Build date is July 16th with ETA Aug.31st.
Member
Joined: Aug 2025
Posts: 148
Likes: 44
2026 E53 Wagon; 2011 G37 Convertible
I wish my 2026 had the rear airbags standard as I almost paid the extra $500 for them. And I would love the volume wheel controller on the steering wheel that I hear is coming on the 2027's. I read in the forums that someone called the capacitive volume the "volume randomizer". Couldn't describe it better. I am sure with practice I will get better at using the capacitive volume control, but having a roller would be 1000% better...
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,564
Likes: 6,365
I wish my 2026 had the rear airbags standard as I almost paid the extra $500 for them. And I would love the volume wheel controller on the steering wheel that I hear is coming on the 2027's. I read in the forums that someone called the capacitive volume the "volume randomizer". Couldn't describe it better. I am sure with practice I will get better at using the capacitive volume control, but having a roller would be 1000% better...
