past16

I’m deciding which one to order and wondering if the upgrade is worth the extra money

BenjaminKohl

On the previous generation i think it was worth it as the 4 cylinder M264 was far less refined and less efficient then the 6 M256 and also the M264 had some known reliability issues, but now the M254 is a FAR better engine in many ways and actually makes the 4 quite good. Only unknown at this point is reliability, but because from what I understand the engine is far more similar to the proven M256, hopefully that means things will remain poisitve. So really, for the $6k now, you're getting the power, sound, and natural smoothness of the 6, while loosing out on some handling due to the heavier front end. Makes it a tougher choice.

300SE1993

I have the E350 and it has everything I could want. It's plenty fast (I clocked 0-60 in 5.85 sec) and gets fantastic fuel economy on the highway. It also comes standard with plenty of creature comforts.

lelouch0202

Pretty much what @BenjaminKohl said.

If you need to ask, I would recommend saving yourself the cash and going for the E350. It's got enough power for everyday driving and the hybrid motor gives you decent pull from a stop.

Povitica3

As an owner of a W213 E450 and having driven a W214 350, I can tell you that the extra 2-cylinders, +100bhp and included 4MATIC of all standard E450s are well worth the $6K investment. I mean, how can +100 bhp not be a better more agile and superior value? The inline 6-turbo in the W214 450 is even better than the v6-turbo in my W213 450, so expect better performance for not much more $$$. If you want the overall best E class model, it is the 450 which gives the best of all worlds nicely slotted between a 350 and the AMGs.

Go drive a 350 and a 450, the difference will be very clear. But will it be worth $6K to you? To me it is a no-brainer... but YMMV.

ps: I have the same i4-turbo in my W206 C300 4MATIC with AMG-line specs, and in the smaller. lighter C-class, the turbo-4 feels perfect for the size, and does a great job without much fanfare. For the bigger E, it isn't a dog by any means, but when you step into the 6-cylinder model, you realize the difference immediately...

ua549

Don't forget to compare the sound made by each engine (from outside the car). IMO the 4 banger still sounds like a diesel engine rattle.

BenjaminKohl

Less so now with the M254 then especially with the older M274 but a little for sure.

Alan Smithee

It’s a personal preference…drive both and decide. Personally, I’m not going to pay 70k for a 4-cylinder; only so much acoustic engineering can do to mask the sounds and vibrations to my ear. And I would never pass on an in-line 6 if offered…the inherent smoothness and additional power make it a no-brainer, IMO. That said, I’ve had E350 loaners, and they were very nice. Less expensive to buy, fuel, insure, and service, with plenty of power. Depends on your priorities.

PSims

Coming in late on the subject but after test driving the 4 cylinder I decided it drove and sound too much like my wife’s 2017 C300. The 4 cylinder has pep and acceleration however I wanted the feel of my previous 2014 E350 that had a 6 cylinder engine. Still, it’s a matter of personal preference.

estark

I have the W214 E450, sold my W213 E400. IMO, the 6 cylinder engine works less than the 4 cylinder engine and have seen 34.5 MPG cruising at 70 mph. Also, one other small thing, with the 4 cylinder when stopped at a light and the engine turns off, the AC compressor also stops, with the 6 cylinder, the AC compressor is electric so when stopped at a light and the engine turns off, AC operates as if the car is on. For some reason the 4 cylinder still has the AC compressor run off the engine, while the 6 doesn't.

ddatin

Excellent information for those in warm climates.

L1Wolf

The compressor does stop but it's simple to press a button to turn off the auto-shutoff on the engine and not deal with that issue. You do have to turn it off every time you start the car but it's easy enough to do. It's a minor pain IMO. There are other reasons to get the I6 with the biggest one being that this is a large and heavy car that should be motivated by at least 350HP. With the I6, you get 395HP but with the I4 it's only 255HP. It's a no-brainier for me to get the I6. I'm driving the I4 now and it's okay but you have to push the engine to get any type of performance out of it. You can tell it's struggling a bit. Looking forward to the E450 I have on order.

PeterUbers

More power for $6k, full manufacturer warranty ... can't pay for any tune that offers that

there's more to the drive than 0-60... having that extra power in the entire power band / range is a big deal and $6k is a small price to pay that some will regret not considering

fleuger99

Apart from the extra power which makes the driving experience significantly nicer and more upscale there is also the factor of refinement. A 6 cylinder will always be smoother, more linear and effortless compared to a 4 cylinder. I'll always take a 6 cylinder over a 4 cylinder.

petee1997

First, let me say I have no intention of buying a 4 cyl. That said, it was only a few years ago when the 6 cyl E class barely produced 200 hp and we thought they were adequate. Turbo charging has changed propulsion systems for all manufacturers. I have driven E350 loaner cars from my dealer and they were solid performing cars. If we are honest, most of us could be very satisfied with a E350.and very few do us use the extra 120 hp of the 450.
Personally I ordered the E450 for my wife simply because the car is fully equipped and I think I will do better on resale value.

W205C43PFL

and... it sounds better too : ) for those who care about that.

I always thought it was wrong to have four cylinders in a luxury car especially of a midrange MB like the E-Class and at such tier and price point but I am not always right either, which I do admit.

fleuger99

Yes, the sound is nicer too I totally agree, I always thought paying $60K plus for a luxury or performance vehicle with a 4 cylinder engine was crazy and I'd never do it. Each unto their own though, its not for me.

Alan Smithee

The 6-cylinder E-class has had over 200hp for ~25 years...

L1Wolf

I don't think this is correct. My 2012 E350 had 302hp and I didn't think it was adequate. It was okay, but I always wanted more power for that size of a car. The current model year 6 cyl is much better with 395hp which is much better IMO. I have the 2024 E350 with the I4 engine and at 255hp it's okay but not adequate in my opinion. There are many who will feel it's enough but not me.

petee1997

The current E450 has 375 hp. The 4 cyl only has 255 hp but the difference in all these engines is torque and that his what makes the the E350 quite adequate for most people. Am I buying one? No!

WZ214

Was unaware of the compressor (reminds me of the SLK Kompressor) - thanks for that. I ordered the 450

btx24

Well a screw up happened, was going too smoothly. they got my order built but did a 350 instead of a 450
Put a post in 2025 order, So leaning to not taking it maybe locating a leftover 2024

When think about it most new high ends have 4 bangers, BMW and cadillac, Unless go into the
V or BMW m line. At one time his would have been a no go on the 4 right off but now at least thinking

Just going to drive around town, So my main concern on the 350 is it sluggish in just pulling out
into traffic and merging in without getting run over. I test drove a C43 amg and it was fun, but
loud (exhaust and not real smooth) why went up to e class.

Guess my question is do 350 owners feel have adequate power to keel from getting run over
or get into an uncomfortable low powered car

ua549

I have an E300 with the same power and it is OK around town, but it is inadequate for passing when the distance is limited. I won't take it on the highway because the 55 mph to 75 mph acceleration does not allow for safe passing on a two-lane roadway. The 4 banger is quite noisy on the outside or with the window open.

L1Wolf

I have 2024 E350 and feel the power is adequate for most things. It has a 48V electric motor that assists on take off and during the delay in the turbo kicking in. Gives it a good pickup that does not feel like a 4 banger to me. Having said that, I have a 2025 E450 on order because I want more than what the 350 offers. For many, the 350 will be fine. Best bet is to drive on and judge for yourself. If you are expecting a sports car, you will be disappointed but if you expect a luxury sedan with decent power then I think you will like the 350.

btx24

Not expecting sports car performance, but if have to pass on 2 lanes or pull into traffic it will go.

Drove Corvettes most of my life till a couple of years ago. Which is no comparison but had my days of that,, hp mustangs and buick turbos.
Some car reviews stated it had lower power for passing. Going to test one I test drove a c43 amg and like it but on lot color combos dont
care for guess could order one. like you say it probably offering enough power for 90 percent of my driving. The one built is waiting on
a ship and dealer said would take my name off if like