[stefan4]

I was looking forward to this but was really dissapointed. The road noise (or lack of) was about the only good thing about it. The auto box was slow and lazy, the controls arE confusing, the infotainment system was poor, the nav was pants and the seats weren't as comfy as my 3. I was hoping to cruise in luxury, enjoying the car for what it was but it failed.

Also, sometimes I think that I wouldnt miss hud but when you dont have ut you realise how much you use it! i also dobt think there was that much more interior space over the 3.

Personally I think the 340i can be a better and more refined luxury cruiser as well as turning into a beast when you want it too. It was an interesting experience.

[Archer-s]

Interesting, do you know if this is their new 9 speed auto?
Would be a massive fail if their 9 speed next gen isn't up to the job,

[TimMcC]

I thought all the new Es had the 9 speed...

My experience of modern Mercedes is that they need to be well specced otherwise they're horrid. Even worse than a badly specced BMW!

[nordberg]

All the MY2016 cars have 9 speed 'box don't they?

Was it the SE or the AMG Line?

Comparing the E Class and the 3 Series is a bit apples and pears to be honest. Totally different target audience.

[stefan4]

Originally Posted by mssond

Interesting, do you know if this is their new 9 speed auto?
Would be a massive fail if their 9 speed next gen isn't up to the job,

this was a '65 plate car with the 7 speed auto

[nordberg]

Originally Posted by stefan4

this was a '65 plate car with the 7 speed auto

Old shape then?

[stefan4]

Originally Posted by nordberg

Old shape then?

didn't realise there was a newer version but yes it would appear so. Still its not all the car that I thought it would be

[nordberg]

Old shape was always a bit of a dog. The new one is lovely though. The cabin is a fabulous place to be...

[M40CCA]

Originally Posted by stefan4

didn't realise there was a newer version but yes it would appear so. Still its not all the car that I thought it would be

The wife has my old E350 15 plate amg night edition
Yes the auto box is horrible doesn't have a clue what you want it to do
Quite like the cabin and once you get the hang of the controls they are not bad always thought it was a nice place to be sat in but not interesting at all to drive

[TodmordenLad]

Nice place to sit, drive is very ordinary and 220d motor is pretty agricultural - also hire car verdict

[UKF30]

I had 63 plate E220 AMG line line beautiful car from outside and was nice place to be inside but man that gearbox had mind of his own , put foot down and loads of noise no gear and next minute 2 gears in

I got F10 m Sport on 65 plate and never been so happy with gearbox not that keen on looks though but I need good gearbox as do many miles on motorway .

Can't wait to get 67 plate 5 series in brand new shape

[RichardM]

My brother has the new one and is really happy with it, the new E220 engine has had great reviews.

The standard nav is pretty crap but the optional Comand system is much better.

[Wills2]

A friend once described getting in to a hired e220d as like walking into an empty room.

The new one has gone full on back street Moscow vodka bar which will please some people but to me looks naff.

I drove past one on the M25 last week the interior looked comical with all the neon strip lighting.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Wills2

A friend once described getting in to a hired e220d as like walking into an empty room.

The new one has gone full on back street Moscow vodka bar which will please some people but to me looks naff.

I drove past one on the M25 last week the interior looked comical with all the neon strip lighting.

Indeed. I prefer the interior of my car not to look like a ****ing Christmas tree

[Sasquartch]

Originally Posted by TimMcC

I thought all the new Es had the 9 speed...

My experience of modern Mercedes is that they need to be well specced otherwise they're horrid. Even worse than a badly specced BMW!

Before I bought my 328i I was set on a c220cdi however when I test drove a executive spec c200 I was massively disappointed. Drove OK but that artico leather is nasty and it generally felt a bit plasticy . The 328i in luxury trim just felt so much more quality.

I know this was about e class but my opinion is that the recent mercs might be OK with some upgrades ie proper leather but otherwise aren't what the old 90s models were which is a proper quality product that feels like it will last forever

[SkyJawa]

Theres a forum to talk about shit mercs

[sygazelle]

It sounds like you rented the old model. There is a new one that just came out. I think it is the W213 model. We rented one in Europe last month and it was really nice. Much better than I expected from a "sofa on wheels". The new one comes with an amazing 9 speed transmission. A totally different experience than what you are describing.

Look, the e-class is not a 3er. Totally different market. But, the new e class is very nice indeed. Check out the review and test drive one if you get a chance.