Well, I was sort of expecting this, but now that they’ve done it, it’s still a shock. For the “face lift” of the W213 E Class sedans, at the very least, MBUSA will not make the traditional grill, “Luxury Styling” available. They will all now have the AMG style grill. To me, this is absolutely disgusting and a true disappointment. I just can’t imagine that this is the same for the German market, as the Germans are very tradition oriented, probably an MBUSA specific decision. I have asked my dealer to try and find me an acceptable 2020 model with the Luxury Styling, as my wife is due to replace her 2016 E350 (pictured). We were thinking of going GLE for her this time around, but an E is a better fit for her. If we can’t find the appropriate E450, it will probably be “auf wiedersehen” Mercedes-Benz for her new ride. What’s next? An S Class with no traditional grill? Does every frigging MB need to be some AMG crapped up design? Sorry, but I’m upset.

 

I haven't read if it will or will not be available in the US; Mercedes obviously makes the luxury line with the classic grill for the E-Class. There is a chance that not enough people ordered the W213 luxury line to make it worthwhile importing. But why are you venting in the S-Class forum?

 

[QUOTE=Wolfman;8070321]I haven't read if it will or will not be available in the US; Mercedes obviously makes the luxury line with the classic grille for the E-Class. There is a chance that not enough people ordered the W213 luxury line to make it worthwhile importing. But why are you venting in the S-Class forum?[QUOTE]

If they did it with the E, what’s left? The S.

Here is a cut from the 2021 E Class DOG:

 

The traditional grill is what got me loving Mercedes Benz cars when I was as young as 6 years old (1969). Big mistake to abolish the design on the bread and butter car that made it a hallmark brand of luxury.

 

That 16 E-class luxury front end is a rare animal, don't see many of those around ...

 

Definitely looks like they pulled the luxury line from the US then. That is unfortunate... If memory serves, those luxury models were unicorns on the W213. I saw perhaps a few in show rooms when the car was launched but dealers here only had the sport line (think this is how the sport grill is called). Same with the C-Class.

The S-Class will continue to have the standard grill as MB always had it on base design, AMG sport package and AMG models. Don't think this will change...

 

Me too! I‘m older than you, but remember very fondly of drooling over various MB models in the early 60’s and have always loved the more traditional look.

 

Starting with the facelift W212 it also became a lot more difficult to swap grilles. I personally prefer the luxury grille and hood ornament, too, and had a couple of W204 sport trims where I simply swapped those over. Apparently on the 2014-2016 W212, the grille is riveted to the bumper meaning a simple grille change is no longer possible. I would assume that is the case with the W213?

Also - at least for now can you not still get the W205 with the luxury grille and star?

 

I remember a time while visiting my brother-in-law, maybe 10 years ago in Temecula, seeing this amazing silver Benz sedan, front looked similar to the one in the Hangover movie. Guessing early 70's. The guy had just washed it. That grille was prominent, and stunning, the hood ornament standing tall. Gorgeous car. Funny thing is he washed it, took care of it, was his wife's car, given to her by her former husband. He loved the car that much!

 

I have ridden / driven behind the silver star for close to the last 60 years. First as a child in my Dads cars and later in my own during college and work. It is a big deal to me to see the star on the hood. I don't even like that is not part of the grill attached to the hood anymore. I can't imagine buying a Mercedes sedan without one. If I have to buy a Mercedes without the star I might as well get a 2 door. The unfortunate (for me) reality is most modern Mercedes customers obviously prefer having the star in the grill.

 

As long as they haven't changed the hood design you can still but the stand up star and install it.
I've seen a few of the current E Class sedans with the sport pkg with the stand up star as well.

 

Survey says: TACKY!

 

Exactly

 

If you are focusing on an E450, that decision (no luxury grille) was made as early as 2015. When I bought my 2015 E400, all were sport grille. The E400 was not available with the luxury trim that year. . . so may not have been for any year after.

 

Yes. We had a new 2004 E500 sedan. What a wonderful car. Then, when we wanted a new one in 2010, the V8 models were only available with the AMG Sports Pkg., so we went with an E350 in Luxury trim. Had that until we got the 2016, another E350 in Luxury trim.

 

You can configure the current E450 with the luxury styling.

https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/bu...s/sedan/e450w4

 

Yes, but you can’t order one anymore. The books are closed on the 2020 models.

 

I wish MB would just make an E Lux with a V8. It could be the perfect car.

 

My vote is to keep the three pointed star standing proud on the front of the hood. Looking through the windshield and seeing that star is a HUGE part of what makes a Mercedes a MERCEDES! It would be foolish of Mercedes to eliminate that option all together.

 

Very well said and my thoughts exactly!

 

Come on... Just because of that grill?

 

Buying a luxury car is just that, a luxury. You want what you want. My coupe has the big pie pan star in the grille as it should it's a coupe. My previous sedans also had the same grille, I did not care for that.

 

I am with Streamliner on this .

 

AND, just imagine how cool it would look if the star was in the grille, on the license plate plug and on top of the hood........NOT!

 

fwiw it's grille, not grill