ML test drive vs E sedan test drive
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul, MN
2013 E350 Wagon, prev 2005 ML 500 SE
ML test drive vs E sedan test drive
Hi,
anybody else do a back-to-back test drive of a 2012 ML BlueTec and 2012 E 350 gasser?
I did one yesterday and came away mighty impressed with the ML.
I have a 2005 ML500 and was seriously considering ordering a 2013 E 350 Wagon as it's right up there with the ML Bluetec on highway milage.
I had driven the E350 gas engine before (as there are no E wagons to test drive). The ride seemed fine then. Yesterday I took the new ML out first and that really soaks up the bumps/chop/expansion joints and is so quiet at 70 mph, with the diesel just laofing along. I then took out the E sedan and the ride was not bad, but after the ML experience it just seemed like the bumps were a little harsher and noisier. E had the 18" AMG wheels/lower profile rubber so the ML had a lot more tire to dampen the road junk.
Same type of experience with the motors. Previously the E 350 gasser seemed fine and it still was fine but very different personality. That low end grunt of the BlueTec was mighty impressive. The E goes when you want it to, but you do have to spin it up to get the acceleration.
The ML was so impressive that it makes me rethink which is the best choice. I don't really need the size/weight of the ML. An E wagon would serve me well but that ML has really stepped up its game....
Anybody else torn between E and ML?
anybody else do a back-to-back test drive of a 2012 ML BlueTec and 2012 E 350 gasser?
I did one yesterday and came away mighty impressed with the ML.
I have a 2005 ML500 and was seriously considering ordering a 2013 E 350 Wagon as it's right up there with the ML Bluetec on highway milage.
I had driven the E350 gas engine before (as there are no E wagons to test drive). The ride seemed fine then. Yesterday I took the new ML out first and that really soaks up the bumps/chop/expansion joints and is so quiet at 70 mph, with the diesel just laofing along. I then took out the E sedan and the ride was not bad, but after the ML experience it just seemed like the bumps were a little harsher and noisier. E had the 18" AMG wheels/lower profile rubber so the ML had a lot more tire to dampen the road junk.
Same type of experience with the motors. Previously the E 350 gasser seemed fine and it still was fine but very different personality. That low end grunt of the BlueTec was mighty impressive. The E goes when you want it to, but you do have to spin it up to get the acceleration.
The ML was so impressive that it makes me rethink which is the best choice. I don't really need the size/weight of the ML. An E wagon would serve me well but that ML has really stepped up its game....
Anybody else torn between E and ML?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Love both, prefer the E-Wagon in all respects except the price! If money was no object, an E63 Estate would be my choice 
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul, MN
2013 E350 Wagon, prev 2005 ML 500 SE
The ML I drove had stock steel springs, not the airmatic.
E 350 sedan had stock sport steel suspension.
If I order an E 350 Wagon it comes standard with rear airmatic so it would probably ride a little better than E sedan ?????
Anxiously awaiting 2013 E Wagon build options, like what Greg posted for 2013 MLs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
The ML I drove had stock steel springs, not the airmatic.
E 350 sedan had stock sport steel suspension.
If I order an E 350 Wagon it comes standard with rear airmatic so it would probably ride a little better than E sedan ?????
Anxiously awaiting 2013 E Wagon build options, like what Greg posted for 2013 MLs.
E 350 sedan had stock sport steel suspension.
If I order an E 350 Wagon it comes standard with rear airmatic so it would probably ride a little better than E sedan ?????
Anxiously awaiting 2013 E Wagon build options, like what Greg posted for 2013 MLs.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 625
Likes: 4
From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
airmatic or springs on teh new ML?
The 4 cylinder was ok, however for the 350, I could not help but select an extra mountain road course to test the airmatic on the "Sport" setting.
The final decision was easy - when I decide on other features, I will be ordering Airmatic regardless of cost!
