SteveHI

Same here. When I'm in the market a couple of years from now, I'm hoping there are E60 M5's w/ DCT. As much as I like my E55, I think my preference is toward tighter handling and higher revs rather than stump-pulling torque...

220S

The E Class handles like an improperly made paperweight. It's unfortunate to mate a great motor to a such a sloppy chassis. It's really just a freeway cruiser with punch.

As a long time P-car owner, I can tell you that you'll appreciate the difference. But you'll give up the better comfort and luxury. And long trips are what the MB is made for... so think twice unless you can have both.

p.s., get a 997.2 C2S. Don't bother with a 4. You don't need it in SoCal and it adds weight. There's really no reason for it unless you don't trust yourself (although there are enough nannies in a 2 to keep you safe anyway.) A 2 is a better driver's car and with less understeer of the AWD.

And if you really want handling and that truly raw visceral feel, get a 964 or a 993. Less power (or get a Turbo) but pure handling. The steering is phenomenal and the sound of an air cooled motor is definitely unique. And you could keep the E63

AMG1

I will no be purchasing one, just can't get into the new styling. However I will say that I prefer the '10 E63 styling compared to the '10 E550 styling.

Blue_Monster

Someone please PS some regular old oval quad amg tips on that rear?
That might help... a little

france2112

I actually really like the new look of the 2010 E63 including the exhaust tips. I think the car looks great from all angles and the interior is way better from what the pictures show. It has a much better transmission, race start, and you can fully turn off the ESP. The deal breaker for me is the engine. I need TORQUE. I'm spoiled with my 65 and don't think I can go backwards with respect to power. If AMG ever puts a TT in this new E class then I would buy it. It is a shame because I know this AMG designed 63 engine is really a great engine. Just lacks the punch us enthusiasts really want. The supercharged E55 is what really put MB/AMG on the map and it is a shame they are following the current BMW M route with low torque and high revs. I am disappointed that I will be passing on the new E63

CWW

Nooooo...that thing looks nothing like a W211.



Certainly not like the Sonata/W212 situation...those two are kissin' cousins.

liquiddi

I think the E classes handle great. I have a C6 vette with the F55 magnetic ride suspension and I actually think my E63 handles better. Granted, it might not pull the G's that the Vette pulls but as far as a refined feel goes it blows it away. The Germans know how to make cars go fast and feel good around the corners.

Ali_E55

i'm thinking to keep my E55 untill the new CLS arrive, as i heared it will be by 2011 and will have the new 55 turbo engine reaching 580hp

c32AMG-DTM

I see you didn't share the front pic



and...



Sure, the Merc looks better and we can tell the difference - but John Doe off the street might not be able to. I'd say the same for the w212 E63 vs. a Sonata... IMHO.

LADY_AMG

I came from a string of BMW's, most recently an E46 M3 and I'll always sing its praises in terms of handling and power. Out of the box, the E46 M3 is a well-balanced car beautifully paired with a responsive gearbox and power band. Of course, comparing the M3 to the E63 is like apples to oranges, but I had grown accustomed to that type of driving experience. Even the non-M models are able to provide a very solid and sustained feel on the road. And...DSC/DTC has saved me a couple times...

I don't mind losing some luxuries in the future, but I am really enjoying the extras that the E has to offer.

I see your point on the 2S, so I suppose I'd have to drive one. Since you mention it, 993 turbo is on my list of favorite cars of all time. C'mon...how can you not love this?




Every so often, I'll spot this one Black 993 Turbo on PCH in the Corona Del Mar area near me and I have to slow down and admire it each time.

Bisco

If it's not broke, don't fix it. I'll keep the 55

gcpa

I saw the 2010 E63 AMG in person at the NY Auto Show and it looks much better in person than it does in pictures. The interior is almost as luxurious as the S-class. The engine is the same, but apparently with the new 7 speed DCT transmission, so I suspect the car will feel not different enough from the 2007-9 E63 to justify the price difference of trading in for the new one.

LADY_AMG

I hope it handles better, at least.

phonetics

panamera 4S

bonboon

Have you gentlemen seen this ride in person? (via NY Auto Show)

I loved it, personally.

Here is a link to some fantastic pictures from the show, courtesy of some generous chaps at Germancarzone.

http://www.germancarzone.com/e-class...vealed-19.html

I think when we all see one in black there will be much more of a consensus on this vehicle. Also, the prospect of it coming in at 5k under what the outgoing model went out at is alluring.

K-A

The Sonata and W212 share a lot more similarities than the simply copied oval lamps on the Kia VS W211. I'll bet a lot of average Joe/Jane's couldn't tell a difference between a 212 and a Sonata in the Profile view, yet the 211 and Kia have very different profiles. I actually think, at least in pictures, the W212 has a more similar look to a Camry than a Sonata even.

IMO the 212 is a stylistic mess and fail, I don't think it'll age well and think it's the hardest M-B's tried to fit in with design trends and fit in with other cars on the road that have adopted similar styling cues.

c32AMG-DTM

It's not just the lamps... look again. Similar hood, fenders, crease lines (or lack thereof) back the sides, wheel similarities, etc. Point is, a lot of the styling cues were copied by Kia; they look quite a lot alike. Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks so:

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ted-birth.html

Agree 100%, and therein lies the real issue, I think - a lot of these cars look at least somewhat similar... Camry, Sonata, w212, A6... likely others as well.

I will say, I'm happy that MB/AMG differentiated the w212 E63 from the run-of-the-mill E class with more substantial and meaningful changes than in past years.

VCA_AMG

Of the 2 people I know who work at MBZ dealerships, they've both told me that in general, no one likes the new 212 '10 rear end..and that many people are actually upset about it. LOL

I'm not upset...just don't have any plans to buy the new model. The 55 and 63 styling is my cup 'o tea, yo.

K-A

True, upon studying them it's obvious Kia copied many elements of the W211. However I don't think most people would get them confused (that funny Thread is indeed noted), the Kia's super-upright roofline is a dead giveaway to even the least of "Car-People" IMO.

Speaking of the Kia, holy sh** that's an UGLY car.

Yeah the rear of the W212 is I think where everyone can agree is a big let down. I'm just pretty much upset with the whole car.

If M-B put that amazing technological beast under the skin of a truly evolved version of the W211, I'd be in love. This new Chief Designer Wagoner I think is trying to be the new Chris Bangle and is gonna try hard to be "the one" who changed the styling of M-B.... We'll see how it pans out.... but I know I can say he's starting to alienate me from the Company's products for one.

Blownbenz

I will not be buying the 212 63 until it comes with twin turbo. With the same engine as the 211 63 the 212 63 is going to be slightly slower than the 211 63 due to more weight. the 212 is a little over 200lbs heavier than the 211.
As a matter of fact im not getting rid of my e55 unless they make a 212 with at least over 550hp. I refuse to spend 100k on a new car slower than my old one.

CharlyE500

I think the Amanti looks more like W210, I used to have a W210 and everytime I saw a Amanti makes me laugh....