Anyone here ever gone from e550 4matic to/from an AMG car...?

I saw a gorgeous '09 e550 4matic and it has me thinking. Obviously, the engine difference is significant, but I'm not a drag racer, and dont open the e63 up fully too often (just now and then). Wondered if the e550 with its powerful V8 and all wheel drive transmission might be an interesting alternative as winter approaches, and would LOVE to hear from someone who has owned both, in either order.

 

Sorry no I just wish they made 4matic AMG! Power and all wheel drive would prob take over The audi niche

 

I've seen 4matic AMG in Germany when i was there for Oktoberfest back in 2005. Figure the G55 is awd/4matic so platform is out there, but not for the US.

I have an E500 4matic and E55amg. Big difference i must say. 302hp vs 469hp. Thats why i have both. Winter and for performance. Wife drives the 4matic, me AMG.

 

550 is not only 300hp, it has 380hp instant power. Of course, AMG will be faster but do you really step your car all the time ? I also drive W210 E55 with 349 hp 491 torque and its still very fast. E550 has even more power than W210 E55 and with 4Matic is a Big plus for snow season. I am lucky to be in Socal. This is the coldest time we have for the entire year, 39F

I used to own E500 3 years ago but again, I don't race, track my car so E550 is a great choice. Good luck !

 

I consider myself to be an E-Class expert. I've owned these over the past 5 years...

2012 E550 4Matic (current)
2011 E550 4Matic (current)
2007 E550 4Matic (traded for the 2011)
2004 E55 AMG (traded for the 2012)
2005 E320 4Matic (white one in my pic...long gone)
1999 E320 (way long gone)


The E55 AMG is an absolute monster. I would never have traded my E55 for an 09 E550. It's not even close to comparable. My wife was driving an 07 E550 at the same time i had my E55. Even in snowstorms, i preferred to drive my car. Every aspect of the car is a little bit nicer than the 550.

Actually, when i bought my E55 in late 2008, i was deciding between a brand new 2009 E550 and the 2004 E55 i bought (new lease vs. pre-owned finance payments were almost equal). I never, ever regretted that decision for a second.

I wouldn't have traded it for a 2011 E550 either, but it would be a much closer decision, just for the extra options/new body/warranty/etc.

The first time i drove the new 4.6L TT, it changed my mind. This new engine is awesome....but i have owned it for about a month & am still undecided on whether i should've kept my E55. Realistically, the car was 8 years old and i was out of warranty. Those are the ONLY reasons i switched. My plan is to buy a 2012 E63/CLS63 when my lease is due on this car that i just bought. That's the car i really want, but i didn't want to fork out the dough to buy a new one. I'll pick up someone's seldom driven, garage queen for half price in 3 years like every one else on this forum is planning on doing

I guess a shorter answer would've been: The W211 E550 4Matic is not an exciting car for me and does not hold a candle to the E55/63. It's okay for my wife to drive

Instead of an '09 E550, have you driven the 2012 E350 with the new V6? It's a surprisingly good engine in the E and the fuel mileage is way up over the old one.

 

Definately comparing apples to oranges. I have an E55, and my wife an '08 E350 4Matic. Living in Wisconsin, I choose to store my car over the winter and drive hers from time to time instead of my truck. I will say that the E350 is a much more refined (smoother driving) car than mine, and still has respectable power with the V6. It handles well in the snow, and is a good all-around choice for a four season climate.

Would I trade the E55 for the 350 or even 550... not a chance. (When summer is here she BEGS me to let her drive the AMG!) But given our location, the AMG is not an all-season car either and certainly not the most practical choice. your location will obviously dictate whether or not you want or need the 4Matic.

Keep in mind that most any Benz is a quality ride... which model you choose is just personal preference.

 

E 63 to E 550 4m = WTF
E 63 to S 550 4m = FTW
Hope that helps.

 

The new Bi-turbo E550 with a Renntech tune has 530 HP @ 4900 RPM; 606 LB-FT @ 4100 RPM. Not a bad compromise.

 

So freakin wierd that this tune on a non-amg will make it a monster. The new twin turbos will definately be a match for an E55.