Here's my dilemma... I really don't need a full-size luxury sedan. If I can find what I need in the E-Class, I'm good with that car. It appears to have all the technology that the S-Class has. My main interests are head-up display, lane keep assist that actually steers (not just beeps), and ventilated seats... Other than that, I'm looking for what is the quietest and softest ride...

From reading I get the feeling that the E-Class and S-Class are about the same as far as road noise, wind noise, and noise from outside the vehicle. What I'm not too clear on is how much difference there is in smoothness of ride between both vehicles WITH the air suspension...

I really don't think I need the latest technology that sees bumps before the wheels reach them. Honestly, the Lincoln Town Car and Cadillac Fleetwood were perfect for me years ago. And a ride that smooth would be greatly appreciated again. Of course, cars like the S-Class can ride that soft - but still handle competently - which makes them not only comfortable, but safe...

Is the ride outrageously softer in the S-Class with air suspension over than the E-Class with air suspension? Or is the difference minimal?

 

IMHO, if you're looking for a 4 door sedan, there is simply nothing, from any manufacturer, that can compare to the ride and features of the S-Class.

 

well said. Go drive one and see how u feel.

 

I have an E class E450 CAB, and I can affirm that it is an extremely, comfortable riding car. I agree that your best bet is to drive both models and see for yourself if the big price difference justifies the difference in ride.

 

Thank you. The price difference isn't too concerning to me because I know I'm getting the very best. It's the size... I do love large cars - but I've become really comfortable with midsize cars lately... If the difference is night and day, I'll choose the S-Class. Otherwise, I really like the E-Class. I figure I'll get some input from the community before I go test drive both...

 

HOw much larger is S vs E?

2019 E Class vs S Class
E Wheel base = 115.7"
S Wheel base = 124.6"

E OA Length = 193.8"
S OA Length = 206.9"

E Front Tread Width = 63.7"
S Front Tread Width = 63.9"

So 9" in wheelbase and 13" OA is difference.
Ialways thought it would be more.
Bet it was back in 90's

 

s > e for what you are looking for. larger, yes. easy to drive, however. to me, the drives are night and day. nothing compares to the ride of the s - not even the e. my s is in for service now and have an e loaner. it’s amazing the difference between the two.

 

I've owned both.....not recently lol, but the S is far superior to the E in practically every way, they make sure of it.

 

You are not going to get an answer here that would fully satisfy your curiosity, everyone here has different taste, perception and opinion (opinions are like *******s, everybody has one).
For example, an E63S is a comfy barge to one guy and totally unacceptable as daily driver to another guy concerned the ride will loosen up his crowns.
The only way for you to make a decision is to test drive both, preferably one after another, in the same road conditions.

 

My wife has a 2014 E with airmatic. I have a 2015 S, of course with standard airmatic. The E class is more harsh to drive, like noticeably. We take the same route to work each day and the roads I drive on with her car make me grit my teeth... She has 18" oem wheels with dws 06 continental all seasons, non run flat. I have 20" oem wheels with the same tires. However, it might be different for the newer E but that doesn't seem likely based on the W212 reviews which speak for themself.

 

Consider this. The S is a big car, the car is not nearly as responsive or nimble because of its size and weight, and you are far more isolated from the road in the S class. The S has all manner of gadgets and technology and so many creature comforts. More of an old man's car.

The E is much more of a drivers car, it can be had in an AMG version with performance tires, it handles, breaks and accelerates better and it gets better fuel economy but it has a lot less passenger and cargo space. Plus it's $40,000+ less expensive. I test drove both extensively before I bought, and these are my observations.

A lot. depends on whether you are buying new or old as well. Both are wonderful cars and have their own personalities.

 

My wife and I have had both E and S sedans for years. I currently drive a 2018 S560 with MBC. She has a 2016 E350 Luxury Sedan. I realize that the new, W213 with AirMatic will ride better than our E350 and I have driven the new E300 as a loaner. That said, the bottom line IMO, is that similarly equipped E & S sedans are DAY & NIGHT different. My S560, equipped with 18” wheels and Bridgestone Serenity Plus Tires is “THE” best riding car I have ever driven or ridden in and I have driven most all of them. Everything about the S is better. It is quieter, far more comfortable and in no way ever gives you a billowy ride that would ever give you a feeling of being overly insulated from the road. If you get the S560, it’s a rocket ship, very fast & quick. My wife likes the smaller proportions of her E, but when it comes to a road trip, we ALWAYS take my car, as there is no comparison when it comes to comfort. And, I believe that the W222 is the safest car on the planet. “Old man’s car?” Maybe, but only because it is mostly older folks, who have worked their *** off for years, who can afford one.

Aw, what the heck, why not post a photo!

 

^ Well said Stream

 

I'm an old man who has worked his *** off for years and could afford either one of these cars. I can't speak for the old cars, but my observations hold for the new ones I have test driven and the E that I have now. The E is more of a driver's car as opposed to the S. It just handles better on the road. You want a bigger car, go for the S. Both great choices

What the heck, here's my E450.

 

Thank you for this post. I have the same dilemma. Don't want nearly as big of a car as a S-Class but want the ride quality. One interesting thing is that under Consumers most comfortable cars the S Class ranks best, The C is included but the E is not.

 

I have owned a couple of E class over the years and 3- S class to date. My neighbor has a the new E and I just bought a '16 S550. Getting out of one and into the other, there is no question the S is significantly better. Its a big difference. Just prior to my new purchase I was test driving the new E with the salesman and trying to talk myself into it. After my third test drive the salesman laughed at me saying "Jim, this happens a lot". ?? He explained, I get many guys who have been S owners trying to be E owners. Sometimes it's money, sometimes it's just getting older and wanting a smaller car. There is no where to go after an S class!!!!! LOL We both laughed and he was right. I bought a lightly used 2016 S sport package that month and have no regrets. Neither are bad both are great, but the S is another level.

 

well, you could go S63/65. I would 😁

 

Get the S Class, it's the ultimate Mercedes-Benz .A Class is nimbler than E Class but that doesn't automatically qualify is as a better car over E Class and in the same way E Class offers more agility over S Class but doesn't make it a better car than its brother . I have been driving my dad's Cadillac Fleetwood and turning circle is 13.4 meters still it feels more maneuverable than old Jags .I think W222 offers better in this department too

 

I suppose that some might take offense to the comments of old mans car and not being a drivers car

Everything depends on personal opinion of course but it depends on the details...
The E-class, no matter which model can’t compare to the S with MBC. It will be inferior as Airmatic can’t match the MBC suspension. It simply isn’t as good of a suspension.
Most E-classes will ride on springs and won’t be able to match a base S-class with Airmatic.
Last, and this is subjective of course, the S will outclass the E if both are equipped with Airmatic. Mercedes has calibrated the car for maximum comfort for front and rear.
It will be very good in front and no comparison in the rear seats.
This excludes AMG’s of course.
Plus you have a cab and it’s a lovely car! Coupes and cabs do ride different than the sedans altogether, including the S-clas coupe/cab. Time for another comparison on those.

 

The W222 S63 is on the list! I didn't want the head bolt issue on the W221 S63. My present S is a sweet ride with no issues so an S63 will be a year or two away! Thanks

 

Not to sound like a douche, but the S class is superior any which way you want to look at it. That includes comparing it to every other model MB offers. To me this is not even a debate. I still have the W221 and dare I say even though its a decade old, from a comfort standpoint, it is still very relevant to me, which is the reason I never got rid of it. Nvm the W222.

 

Not douche at all man! It's true!

 

You make a great point! The S Cab that I test drove just didn't handle nearly as well as the E model and felt more lethargic in agileness on the road. Road comfort was similar IMO and both had air suspension.

Thank you for the compliment Wolfman. I realize these observations are subjective, but that was the purpose of the thread, is it not!


I'm sorry, but the Mayback has them all beat!

 

“Has them all beat” how? The Maybach S560 is nothing more than an extended length W222. Of course, if you go to the S650, you can have the V12, but other than the engine in the 650 and the extended rear seat leg room, tha Maybachs offer nothing special. In addition, to my way of thinking, the Maybach models are cars where the best seat is in the rear. I would feel funny driving one around with just my wife and I in the front and nobody in the back. I wouldn’t mind being driven to the airport in one, but I just don’t see them as personal, owner driven cars, even though I know many owners do drive them. IF the Maybach offered a truly substantial increase in the level of luxury, I guess I could understand somebody wanting one. But, the color choices are the same, interior choices the same, other than the V12, the drive system is the same and based on my test drive, the Maybach with 20” wheels and RFT does not ride nearly as nicely as my lowly S560. It doesn’t even have a larger trunk! It just has more rear seat leg room, costs a lot more and is near impossible to park in a metro area. I don’t think it beats the basic W222. If it was the same price as the standard model, I’d still go for the standard model. Just sayin.

 

You're pulling my leg, right? First of all the colors are not the same; you get over 22 standard colors plus custom 2 tone and special custom paint if you desire. The interiors are the most luxurious to date. Notwithstanding, that you can customize them to your taste. To say the Maybachs offer nothing special is like saying a McLaren SLR Benz is nothing special compare to a GT model. You get more headroom (for taller people such as myself) and of course the rear seating and it's creature comforts are unparalleled! The additional amenities scream luxury and the ride is nothing short of the best in it's class!

Were not talking parking. Were not talking just you and your wife's needs. We're talking luxury and comfort. The best of the best; and the Maybach models are what Mercedes considers their top of the line model in comfort and luxury. It's a wonderful car! That all being said, is it the best? Not necessarily. It all comes down to what is best for you. It's certainly not best for me. It's like debating ABS versus standard suspension; both sides will argue why they prefer one over the other. It all comes down to needs.

It's funny how everyone thinks their particular model is the best or far superior to other models. I've never advocated that. My comment that the Maybach has them all beat was more of a tongue in cheek response to the "nothing is better than the S " claims being posted. The best is what suits your needs, period. In my case the E class is a better driver and handler than the S (at least in the CAB models), and as is in the case of yourself, it's just me and the wife....so I don't need the additional space of the S model. To me the ride is similar and not that much different...which was the original premise and question of the OP. The best could be an A model; or a C model...a GT, E S, or G. The best is what is best for you.