Anyone Else Shocked The 2010 E Class Got Slammed In The Latest C&D $50k Comparo?
08-09-2009, 03:18 PM
#41
Suzuka Master
I was out looking to test drive an Audi S5 today, and ended up at the MB dealership and drove the E550 coupe.
It is truly an awesome car.
Styling aside (subjective), are there any real downsides to it? Looking to probably lease, so reliability/repair cost past 3 years may not really be an issue.
Thoughts?
It is truly an awesome car.
Styling aside (subjective), are there any real downsides to it? Looking to probably lease, so reliability/repair cost past 3 years may not really be an issue.
Thoughts?
Let us know what you end up getting in the end.
08-09-2009, 03:29 PM
#42
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They could have done it but it would have required some funky engineering changes and the window would have rolled down weird. I think it's too bad to have that little bar there but not having a B pillar is still a nice look.
08-09-2009, 04:03 PM
#43
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Truly a hawt car for sure, I don't really think there are any downsides to it, reliability is still unknown because it's still a brand new vehicle. Did you end up test driving the S5? Last I checked, Audi had horrible leasing programs, maybe Benz offers better terms.
Let us know what you end up getting in the end.
Let us know what you end up getting in the end.
The Audi dealership only had a single used 2009 S5 MTin stock to drive, and truthfully, they were kinda pricks. I didn't drive it, as I really want to see what the AT is like (puts flameproof suit on).
"Too bad" regarding to wanting to test drive an Auto (IF we get one, you can keep calling to see if it's available to test drive) and the sales woman said there were NO deals to be had. None. Thanks have a nice day.
MB was very cool, gave a number of options, and let me beat the hell out of their car for a few minutes. The coupe is a solid car, no doubt about it. They don't have any specific leasing deals right now, as they are still trying to clear the 09s out (for which there are deals).
RWD FTW.
08-09-2009, 04:05 PM
#44
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Just awesome.
08-09-2009, 04:08 PM
#45
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The featured lease is $739 per month for 36 months.
Nokia, it blew my pants off driving it.
The Audi dealership only had a single used 2009 S5 MTin stock to drive, and truthfully, they were kinda pricks. I didn't drive it, as I really want to see what the AT is like (puts flameproof suit on).
"Too bad" regarding to wanting to test drive an Auto (IF we get one, you can keep calling to see if it's available to test drive) and the sales woman said there were NO deals to be had. None. Thanks have a nice day.
MB was very cool, gave a number of options, and let me beat the hell out of their car for a few minutes. The coupe is a solid car, no doubt about it. They don't have any specific leasing deals right now, as they are still trying to clear the 09s out (for which there are deals).
RWD FTW.
The Audi dealership only had a single used 2009 S5 MTin stock to drive, and truthfully, they were kinda pricks. I didn't drive it, as I really want to see what the AT is like (puts flameproof suit on).
"Too bad" regarding to wanting to test drive an Auto (IF we get one, you can keep calling to see if it's available to test drive) and the sales woman said there were NO deals to be had. None. Thanks have a nice day.
MB was very cool, gave a number of options, and let me beat the hell out of their car for a few minutes. The coupe is a solid car, no doubt about it. They don't have any specific leasing deals right now, as they are still trying to clear the 09s out (for which there are deals).
RWD FTW.
08-09-2009, 04:13 PM
#46
Needs more Lemon Pledge
How is it that AudiS5 manages to have a comparable 0-60 time despite being heavier and having less power?
08-09-2009, 04:15 PM
#47
Needs more Lemon Pledge
08-09-2009, 08:06 PM
#49
Needs more Lemon Pledge
I guess I assumed that would help in handling, but not necessarily straight line speed.
I learn something new everyday...
I learn something new everyday...
08-09-2009, 08:20 PM
#50
99 TL, 06 E350
I have the W211 or 2006 E350. This car is all about class, not driving performance. The V6 is great however, maybe not up to par with the new V6. But it can hold its own. I haven't been in the new W212, however I have read that materials are not up to high standards of the previous gen.
08-09-2009, 08:48 PM
#53
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08-09-2009, 09:23 PM
#54
Not just a smell
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08-09-2009, 09:23 PM
#55
Suzuka Master
It just sucks that Audi didn't treat you right, maybe try an other dealer? The S5 is truly stunning in it's own as well. Whatever you get, get it in white.
08-09-2009, 09:32 PM
#56
Looking at the new E-class coupe or sedan from a frontal angle just reminds me of down syndrome. Maybe I'll like it more in person. I like their V8s.... but everything else that happens to bring the car down i.e. questionable reliability, high price compared to competitors with equal features and luxuries, and the lack of a manual transmission option in the more powerful models gives them a solid meh.
Its just that every time I look at it, it makes me think of someone who just got punched square in the nose. I like the pillarless windows but the aforementioned shard of glass by the C-pillar kinda ruins it.
Its just that every time I look at it, it makes me think of someone who just got punched square in the nose. I like the pillarless windows but the aforementioned shard of glass by the C-pillar kinda ruins it.
08-09-2009, 09:44 PM
#57
Needs more Lemon Pledge
08-09-2009, 10:19 PM
#58
I feel strongly both ways
Thread Starter
File this under: WTF were they thinking!
The fact that M-B redesigned the car from the ground up and then carried over an engine and drivetrain that hasn't been updated in close to 10 years is just mind boggling in it's stupidity.
They had a shot at a world class luxury sports sedan and they blew it.
Big time!
The fact that M-B redesigned the car from the ground up and then carried over an engine and drivetrain that hasn't been updated in close to 10 years is just mind boggling in it's stupidity.
They had a shot at a world class luxury sports sedan and they blew it.
Big time!
08-09-2009, 11:09 PM
#59
fap fap fap
File this under: WTF were they thinking!
The fact that M-B redesigned the car from the ground up and then carried over an engine and drivetrain that hasn't been updated in close to 10 years is just mind boggling in it's stupidity.
They had a shot at a world class luxury sports sedan and they blew it.
Big time!
The fact that M-B redesigned the car from the ground up and then carried over an engine and drivetrain that hasn't been updated in close to 10 years is just mind boggling in it's stupidity.
They had a shot at a world class luxury sports sedan and they blew it.
Big time!
lets see... 2005 e320 --> 2006 e350. the e500 was updated to e550. both well under 10 yrs.
08-10-2009, 05:21 AM
#60
I feel strongly both ways
Thread Starter
Like I said, M-B blew it big time carrying over a 10+ year old engine/drivetrain design.
08-10-2009, 05:35 AM
#61
Your Friendly Canadian
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There's more to a car than an engine. Hell, Acura had its 3.2 and 3.5 engines for about 7 years, and it's still a great car.
Chassis, interior, exterior...these are all more important to the average buyer of a Mercedes or BMW or Audi customer than the engine. Why do you see so many 328s and A4s, but not as many S4s or 335s?
Different people, different priorities. Now, if you were buying something like a Viper or a Corvette, an engine would be your priority, and both engines have had numerous upgrades accordingly.
Mercedes just decided to spend their R&D money somewhere where their average customer would appreciate it more.
I personally think the new E looks nice from the rear, the front end is almost a deal-breaker for me, however. I'd take an S5 hands down.
Chassis, interior, exterior...these are all more important to the average buyer of a Mercedes or BMW or Audi customer than the engine. Why do you see so many 328s and A4s, but not as many S4s or 335s?
Different people, different priorities. Now, if you were buying something like a Viper or a Corvette, an engine would be your priority, and both engines have had numerous upgrades accordingly.
Mercedes just decided to spend their R&D money somewhere where their average customer would appreciate it more.
I personally think the new E looks nice from the rear, the front end is almost a deal-breaker for me, however. I'd take an S5 hands down.
08-10-2009, 06:00 AM
#62
I feel strongly both ways
Thread Starter
There's more to a car than an engine. Hell, Acura had its 3.2 and 3.5 engines for about 7 years, and it's still a great car.
Chassis, interior, exterior...these are all more important to the average buyer of a Mercedes or BMW or Audi customer than the engine. Why do you see so many 328s and A4s, but not as many S4s or 335s?
Different people, different priorities. Now, if you were buying something like a Viper or a Corvette, an engine would be your priority, and both engines have had numerous upgrades accordingly.
Mercedes just decided to spend their R&D money somewhere where their average customer would appreciate it more.
I personally think the new E looks nice from the rear, the front end is almost a deal-breaker for me, however. I'd take an S5 hands down.
Chassis, interior, exterior...these are all more important to the average buyer of a Mercedes or BMW or Audi customer than the engine. Why do you see so many 328s and A4s, but not as many S4s or 335s?
Different people, different priorities. Now, if you were buying something like a Viper or a Corvette, an engine would be your priority, and both engines have had numerous upgrades accordingly.
Mercedes just decided to spend their R&D money somewhere where their average customer would appreciate it more.
I personally think the new E looks nice from the rear, the front end is almost a deal-breaker for me, however. I'd take an S5 hands down.
Now these things may not be dealbreakers in a $35k car, but in a $55k+ car with pretensions of being a no compromise sports/luxo sedan, there's really no excuse.
08-10-2009, 06:02 AM
#63
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
You now, the new E is growing on me. It's a bit angular, and not as rounded that photos show. Like I said earlier, is this their effort at stemming the tide of Americans buying the CTS? Either way, 
But the S5 is just
But the S5 is just
08-10-2009, 07:11 AM
#64
Burning Brakes
The back end of the new E looks pretty nice, but the front just doesn't do it for me. It's too angular considering the E is supposed to be more of a luxury car.
08-10-2009, 08:03 AM
#65
I feel strongly both ways
Thread Starter
08-10-2009, 08:06 AM
#66
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Which looks like a Honda Accord, so I can say my car resembles a mercedes
08-10-2009, 08:08 AM
#67
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Don't misunderstand me, I think the new E is a tour de force on the inside (the outside is not as appealing....too much 'C-class on steroids' look). M-B really cleaned up the weaknesses on the current E. There's more overall interior room, the front passenger footwell now actually has room for two human feet, the instrumentation is vastly improved and no longer the ergonomic nightmare it once was and the electronics are up-to-date (time will tell about their reliability). With this amount of R&D I find it beyond amazing that they wouldn't have modernized the engine and drivetrain. And the steering is still without road feel or overall feedback.
Now these things may not be dealbreakers in a $35k car, but in a $55k+ car with pretensions of being a no compromise sports/luxo sedan, there's really no excuse.
Now these things may not be dealbreakers in a $35k car, but in a $55k+ car with pretensions of being a no compromise sports/luxo sedan, there's really no excuse.
I guess all automakers are compromising these days. If they were on a limited budget, I think they cut back in the places it would least be noticed by prospective owners i.e. drivetrain. However, if they did have the cash to spare I agree you think they wouldve done something significant.Oh well, an AMG should solve that problem.
08-10-2009, 08:18 AM
#68
Burning Brakes
Well, they did use their new 7-speed auto, but it doesn't really make up for the underpowered engine. Also, you think they could've tightened up the steering a bit. I remember the steering feel was decent on the C350, so I don't see why they couldn't have retained it on the E.
I remember the steering feel was decent on the C350, so I don't see why they couldn't have retained it on the E.
08-10-2009, 08:35 AM
#69
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I agree that a 268hp 3.5L V6 is underwhelming on a $50k+ luxury car. I am not one who thinks that power is the most important aspect of a car, but it's a bit unimpressive when a high-end luxury car has the same amount of power as an Accord.
08-10-2009, 10:00 AM
#72
Senior Moderator
with your post AND that of juniorbean as well (re: the E Class' probable success) .
08-10-2009, 12:15 PM
#73
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Well you're not entirely correct. There is a direct injection gas engine available in the 3.5 litre engine that puts out, I think, 300 HP and is more efficient. It'll be coming to the US in a year or so I think. Also the 7 speed was new in 2006.
And the new E will sell very well and many of the features it has will be copied by other automakers so I don't think Benz has much to worry about. The base MSRP is also $3,000 less than the 2009.
I also don't think the E Class is trying to be a "no compromise sports/luxo sedan." We'll leave that to others who try and reach the level of MB.
And the new E will sell very well and many of the features it has will be copied by other automakers so I don't think Benz has much to worry about. The base MSRP is also $3,000 less than the 2009.
I also don't think the E Class is trying to be a "no compromise sports/luxo sedan." We'll leave that to others who try and reach the level of MB.
Don't misunderstand me, I think the new E is a tour de force on the inside (the outside is not as appealing....too much 'C-class on steroids' look). M-B really cleaned up the weaknesses on the current E. There's more overall interior room, the front passenger footwell now actually has room for two human feet, the instrumentation is vastly improved and no longer the ergonomic nightmare it once was and the electronics are up-to-date (time will tell about their reliability). With this amount of R&D I find it beyond amazing that they wouldn't have modernized the engine and drivetrain. And the steering is still without road feel or overall feedback.
Now these things may not be dealbreakers in a $35k car, but in a $55k+ car with pretensions of being a no compromise sports/luxo sedan, there's really no excuse.
Now these things may not be dealbreakers in a $35k car, but in a $55k+ car with pretensions of being a no compromise sports/luxo sedan, there's really no excuse.
Last edited by CL6; 08-10-2009 at 12:17 PM.
08-10-2009, 01:17 PM
#74
fap fap fap
Audi has used the same 4.2 forever. Bmw the same 3.0. mercedes hasnt done anything different than its competitors.
08-11-2009, 12:10 AM
#75
Needs more Lemon Pledge
08-11-2009, 09:21 AM
#76
Changin bulbs since '73
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Whenever MB comes out w/ a new car they start off with the same engine choices as the previous generations. Then, in couple of years they upgrade. Keeps you always wanting to buy a new one. They are good at it!
08-11-2009, 03:18 PM
#77
Suzuka Master
The real reason C/D doesn't like it? It doesn't have this on the hood:
I've never seen a magazine so biased towards a single car company. I don't even bother reading their comparison tests anymore. If it has a BMW, the outcome is guaranteed. BMW could send C&D a turd with the roundel on it and it would still win.
I've never seen a magazine so biased towards a single car company. I don't even bother reading their comparison tests anymore. If it has a BMW, the outcome is guaranteed. BMW could send C&D a turd with the roundel on it and it would still win.
Truly a hawt car for sure, I don't really think there are any downsides to it, reliability is still unknown because it's still a brand new vehicle. Did you end up test driving the S5? Last I checked, Audi had horrible leasing programs, maybe Benz offers better terms.
Let us know what you end up getting in the end.
Let us know what you end up getting in the end.
Space grey and magma red interior FTMFW. You gotta test drive it though, the car is pretty damn heavy in city driving.
08-11-2009, 04:30 PM
#78
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Srsly, that's why I gave up my C&D subscription for R&T, much better mag IMO. That is until Jefford hooked us up with the free C&D. TTYTT I was surprised the BMW didn't take top honors. Wonder why they didn't run the GS350?!?
Audi leasing for S5 is horrible. When it first dropped I looked into leasing it as I didn't want to be saddled with first year reliability in an Audi, normally I buy all my cars. Their monthly lease was actually equivalent to the monthly cost were I to have financed my 911 or roughly 1400/month (I ended up just buying the 911 in cash).
Space grey and magma red interior FTMFW. You gotta test drive it though, the car is pretty damn heavy in city driving.
Audi leasing for S5 is horrible. When it first dropped I looked into leasing it as I didn't want to be saddled with first year reliability in an Audi, normally I buy all my cars. Their monthly lease was actually equivalent to the monthly cost were I to have financed my 911 or roughly 1400/month (I ended up just buying the 911 in cash).
Space grey and magma red interior FTMFW. You gotta test drive it though, the car is pretty damn heavy in city driving.
on the S5 lease, and I will have to check out that color combo.MB weighs 150# less than the S5.
08-11-2009, 06:26 PM
#79
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File this under: WTF were they thinking!
The fact that M-B redesigned the car from the ground up and then carried over an engine and drivetrain that hasn't been updated in close to 10 years is just mind boggling in it's stupidity.
They had a shot at a world class luxury sports sedan and they blew it.
Big time!
The fact that M-B redesigned the car from the ground up and then carried over an engine and drivetrain that hasn't been updated in close to 10 years is just mind boggling in it's stupidity.
They had a shot at a world class luxury sports sedan and they blew it.
Big time!
08-11-2009, 07:36 PM
#80
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AS I said there is a direct injection gas engine coming to the States soon. And let's not even talk about Honda/Acura's horrible record when it comes to 5 speed transmissions.
A TL's engine has its baisis from 1996 is sohc and has only a 5 spd transmission. The 3.5 M272 engine was introduced in 2006 is a dohc 4 valve head while the 3.2 used prior had a 3 valve head. So obyiously it was more than just boring out the old block which has been Honda's trick.