50 Votes

How Does The New E-Class Design Compare To The Competition?

Agent001 submitted on 12/10/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 12:40:42 AM

71 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: www.autospies.com

Tag Links: 2010 Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5-Series, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M, Audi A6

The leaked photos of the new 2010 E-class have gotten quite a few readers excited and sparked a heated discussion whether it's a STUD or a DUD.

Based on what I've read through the comments, the majority seem to be keen on the new design and like the looks.

But the more important question is HOW does the new design stack up against its major competitors.

A car can look great but if the competitions design is better, guess which one people will buy?

And in the end it's the SALES figures that matter most.

So in your opinion, has Mercedes taken the new design to new levels and is it BETTER looking than what's on the dealer lots today?

Please rank the design in order of your preference of the cars pictured here and tell us WHY you placed them where you did.

I LOVE getting down to the nitty gritty hearing everyone's opinions.

And the car companies know that AutoSpies.com is the epicenter of where the customer opinions are voiced and formed in the premium segments.

And they read EVERY single comment...yes, they have employees that track all the opinions here on our site.

So let them hear how you REALLY feel.

How Does The New E-Class Design Compare To The Competition?

About the Author

The way a man treats his car is how he treats himself.
— Agent001 (View Profile)

User Comments

From look alone,

1st-Cadillac CTS
2rd-Lexus GS
3rd-BMW 5-Series
4th-Infiniti M35/45
5th-MB New E-Class
6th-Audi A6/S6

If the new Audi A6/S6 was in this comparison it would have either won 1st or 2rd second place on look alone. Performance wise I'm not sure i think BMW would win in that department because that what they specialize in.

This new MB E-Class look okay from the front and side but the rear remind me of a Hyundai.
— Lexus (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:02:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Hideous back. Looks like something from 70's.
The front is OK though.

I don't agree AUDI will in the 1st or 2nd in terms of look. I find its styling, other than those LED bulbs, conservative and boring. AUDI certainly looks well made like a LEXUS. But, so what?
— dlin (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:11:34 AM | | Votes: 0

1st Jaguar XF
2nd Jaguar XF
3rd Jaguar XF

4th the rest...
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 10:30:10 AM | | Votes: -12

Honda Legend....?
— hao420 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:58:26 PM | | Votes: -2

i would think twice before choosing a car that get recalled twice in a month.
having said that, i would definitely choose a car that is recalled by the manufacture voluntarily due to safety concerns than some irresponsible manufactures that refuse to recall their faulty design until the NHTSA forces them to.

— ghosthunter (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 9:06:09 PM | | Votes: -1

Is it me but GS and M are starting to look very dated already.

5er
MB
jag (btw - with jags new ownership will be 10 years before they change design no engneering)
audi
Volvo S80 V8
M
GS

Full disclousure I own a 5er and s80
— pharmaguy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2008 10:15:12 AM | | Votes: 1

1st - 5-Series
2nd - GS
3rd - New E-Class
4th - CTS
5th - M
6th - A6/S6

On looks...

I have only driven 4 cars on the list, so I can't compare the rest.

This is better looking the Genesis, but not as good looking as the XF, neither were on the list.
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:06:46 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

E-Class
CTS
5 Series
A6
GS
M

New E is very classy and tasteful. Others in the class, with the exception of the CTS, though I don't include it in this class per price, need freshening or redesign.
— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:12:04 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

5 series
A6
E class
GS
M
CTS

That's look more accurate to me !!!!
— fcukbg (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:50:33 AM | | Votes: 2

Cadillacs have a way of looking dated very quickly. There's something unresolved about the CTS's roofline where it meets the rear fender. The quality of GM sheet metal and fit and finish is not near what the Germans achieve. Thus, the Cadillac product looks old within a year or so. German brands keep it together better; the designs are more committed and resolved before it's brought to market; therefore, they look better for longer periods of time.
— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:27:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

M
5er
GS
E
A6

— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:53:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

From these pics/angles
5er
CTS
E
GS
A6
M
— cl0wn (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:19:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

From these pics/angles
E
5er
A6
CTS
M
GS

To be fair to the GS, I fell asleep after looking at the Infiniti, so I had to go on memory...
— Agent004 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:41:02 AM | | Votes: 6

Thats the 2006 Infiniti M without the updates on the wheels, grill, headlights, and some more stuff. All the other cars are pictures of the 2007 and 2008 models of them.
— nikejk (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 5:12:23 PM | | Votes: 1

The 5 Series still owns the segment...

5er
GS
E
A6
CTS
M
— Milton (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:46:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

My list goes as follows:

BMW 5- 08 version is the first one I've liked..they've fixed it..especially the rear lights at night..Still looks more innovative than anyhting else out there
GS- Is aging well..especially like 450h
New E- At first look does not look young and sexy to me...very conservative
A6- Except for R8 and A5/S5 all Audi's are too conservative for my taste
M-Nothing wrong with it, just doesn't have me lusting for it
CTS- Not aging well in my opinion...it tries TOO hard..only one that works for me is CTS-V

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:47:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

But remember, I've yet to SEE the E-Class in person and in different colors and on the road...certainly my opinion will change then.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:48:48 AM | | Votes: 5

i'm sorry to say but the 5 series still runs the show!

5er
E
A6
GS
CTS
M
— Harrimantutu (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 3:08:30 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

Interesting to see that after all the shock and awe since the car came out, everyone is ranking 5er as a top 3 in terms of looks.

At night, the rear lights of the 5 are amazing, and the M lights are pretty good too.
— rumnyc (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 3:09:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I actually like all the cars in this segment as well as the segment which consists of the S-Class, LS, A8, XJ, and maybe the 7er (once I see it in person).

1) GS - I have always been a fan of the Lexus GS. Just a handsome looking car. One of my favorite Lexus'
2) A6 - Conservative, Clean, & Classy. Enough said.
3) New E - front is nice. rear needs to grow on me (will wait until I see a white, black or silver in sport package or AMG form). Overall looks classy as a MB should.
5) CTS - the best car Cadillac has made in years. Better quality interior and great road presence.
4) 5er - sporty, looks good with the M-package
6) M - getting dated but the M45 with sport package is a nice sleek looking car. But nothing to be crazed about.

????
7) XF - Where is the Jaguar XF? It's definitely on top of this list. By far the best looking Jaguars to come out of the camp for the past decade.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 4:55:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

Defo agree with the Jag being at the top of this list, awesome machine.
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 10:32:32 AM | | Votes: -1

No cars are perfect from the get-go. Initial problems do occur. Toyota & Lexus had recalls before but do you really hear about them? not really. So you're only judgmental because people make a big deal out of it. If Lexus had 500,000 recalls you would be in denial but if it was Jaguar you would bash it even if they did have a decent car.
— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 4:46:54 PM | | Votes: 1

Even in the last years of production, the 5 series manages to look brilliant. And I agree with 001, at night, the tail lights of the 5 series are one of the best in the industry!

I think you just need to replace the CTS with the Jaguar XF because it's more comparable.

So heres my list:

Jaguar XF
BMW 5er
New Mercedes E
Infinite M
Lexus GS and Audi A6 tied

Both the GS and the A6 look very outdated imo, and while the A6 is starting to look extremely dated, the GS is starting to look ugly, even though I liked the design when it 1st came out.
— M53R (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 4:57:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 10

Jaguar's XF is easily the best in this clas, how could Agent001 forget to include it, oh i forgot this is BMWspies.com of coure lol!!!!!!!!!!
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 10:28:18 AM | | Votes: -3

Hi !

Im from Sweden so exuse my spelling.

I think the new MB E-class is terrible. What we see now is a star falling....

The new star on the car sky is.......Lexus !!

1. Lexus GS

2. Infiniti M

3. BMW 5-series

4. Audi A6

5. Cadillac CTS

6. Mercedes E-class

I can also tell you all that is a lot of talking in Sweden now about Saab and Volvo. And what GM and Ford has done whit two brands. I can say that i think that GM and Ford wasn't the best owners for Saab and Volvo.
— Shogun (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 7:19:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I would say the lexus gs would be first the new e class looks exactly like the S-class but smaller but still a nice shape.
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 8:56:48 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

1.E/5er
2.M
3.GS
4.A6
5.CTS
— pchera01 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 10:02:47 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8

Jaguar's XF is easily the best in this clas, how could Agent001 forget to include it, oh i forgot this is BMWspies.com of course lol!!!!!!!!!! Minus the previous typo!
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 10:38:22 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The reason the Jag is not in the list is because of its uncertain position in the market.

Between the takeover, unnoticeable sales and the car itself having reliability issues, I can't feel comfortable recommending it to my readers.

It does have a nice looking exterior.

Although to my eye it looks like an English interpretation of a Lexus and does NOT look like a proper Jaguar.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 12:20:02 PM | | Votes: 3

You could say the same about the CTSs' position in the market.
— BMW_DRVR (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:25:02 PM | | Votes: 1

i would say that this is an unfair comparison. none of these cars have a sport package except for the beastly looking 5 series.

anyway, here goes:

1)BMW 550i w/M package
2)Audi A6 w/S-Line package
3)Infiniti M
4)Lexus GS
5)Mercedes E
6)Cadillac CTS
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 10:59:27 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

sorry, the A6 has a sport package as well if that's what you want to call it.
— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 11:00:23 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

yeah you right the 550i is more aggressive looking that would be number 1 on my list also....Thanks for bringing me back but my choice would be

1)BMW 550i w/M package
2)Infiniti M w/sport package
3)Audi A6 w/S-Line package
4)Lexus GS (needs the GS-F package when available)
5)Mercedes E
6)Cadillac CTS (still not feeling the CTS)
— B7FAN (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 12:32:01 PM | | Votes: 9

Merc's design direction is where Hyundai wants to be. I'm sorry but the rear wheel flares are totally out of place for a car of Merc's stature. The new E looks like a cheap Asian import.
— E36er (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 12:09:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I'm a big MB fan and currently have new gen S with sport pkg. I was curious to see the new E.
However based on the photos I think its bland.
If I was buying at this price point the current 5er is buy far the most attractive
2.infinity.
3. really wouldn't consider any of the rest unless CTS-V
— vonbeeler (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 12:52:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Agent001 - Jaguar's reliability is fantastic btw, nearly all manufacturers have minor recalls these days. I would much rather have a car which is exclusive aswell. Why the obsession with German cars, over here in Europe, Jag's are considered to be slightly above Lexus, BMW, Merc etc...
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:05:28 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

XF
5
CTS
Genesis
E
GS
A6
M

i know XF and Genesis are not on the list, but i just cant ignore them.
— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:12:31 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

If I could plus 100 I would.

How can we car afficianados sit around and praise the new Jag and Genesis, when compared directly with the above rivals, and yet not include them in a comparison like this.

Hippocrates...bloody hippocrates.

Especially you 001. We all know you LOVE BMW and with your hatred of all things American it dosent surprise me with your comment on the NEW CTS. But to totally discount the American(Indian) Jag and the Koreans Genesis entirly.

Nice...real nice. Way to collect that BMW paycheck.
— Spectator (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:55:24 PM | | Votes: 2

Jag XF sure is the number one.
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 7:24:32 PM | | Votes: 0

Mercedes E
Infiniti M
Cadillac CTS
Audi A6
BMW 550
Lexus GS
— PerformanceGuy (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 1:13:40 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

looks like the S

E Klasse
CTS
BMW
Infiniti M
Audi
Lexus
— snatchandgrab (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 2:40:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Jag XF first for sure
A6
E Class
Lexus
BMW
Infiniti
— llaroo (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 3:01:32 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

XF = 1st place
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 7:25:58 PM | | Votes: -1

The front is nice, but how about comparing the rear end to its competitors?
— Designer1 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 3:23:52 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

A6
E
XF
5
CTS
GS
— AudiNewEngland (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 4:09:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8

Ew, I love Audis too but the A6 is their least competitive product and definitely not the best-looking car here.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 11:32:12 PM | | Votes: 1

1ST JAGUAR XF !!!

than in the following order....

Lexus
BMW
Audi
Benz
Infiniti
CTS
— wkc5354 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 5:27:35 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

bang on the money here. Jag XF is awesome.
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 7:26:43 PM | | Votes: -2

stomp17, some recalls for you to look at.
BMW recalls here - http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/recalls/recalls.jsp?modelID=E3&modelName=5+Series&makeName=BMW&makeId=A4

Mercedes recalls - http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/recalls/recalls.jsp?modelID=K3&modelName=E-Class&makeName=Mercedes-Benz&makeId=C7

Lexus recalls here - http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/recalls/recalls.jsp?modelID=A0&modelName=GS300&makeName=Lexus&makeId=C4

Audi recalls here - http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/recalls/recalls.jsp?modelID=B2&modelName=A6&makeName=Audi&makeId=A2

I rest my case stomp17!!! ha ha

— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 7:22:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I thought the GS would look dated - but best are:
5, GS, E

Especially GS & 5 own.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 11:24:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3

1- MBZ E-Class
2- Bimmer E-Series (w/sport package)
3- Audi A6 (MY09)
4- Infiniti M (MY09)
5- Cadillac CTS (this vehicle really doesnt compete in the same class. I dont even know why it is included.)
— Tonee (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 11:24:23 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Agent 001,

Ubercool, Agent63 and other are right. The Jaguar XF is easily the best-looking car in this class, but you did not include it in your compilation of competitors to the E-class Benz. How come?
— Audiphile (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 11:32:22 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Read my comments above.

And I respectfully disagree.

001
— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 12/10/2008 11:40:05 PM | | Votes: 2

You are bang on the money here bud, XF is one serious bad boy motor!
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 5:13:37 AM | | Votes: -1

From Design viewpoint:

1. Lexus GS. Gorgious design. Long bonnet, fast back, short trunk. Beautiful fascia and simple yet elegant rear lights.

2. Cadillac CTS. As bautiful as GS, but from some angles it looks boxy and sharpishh lines compare to GS more rounded and elegant shape.

3. BMW 5 Series. Like it or hate it design. I thouh only like it.

4. 2009 Audi A6(refreshed). Refreshed A6's new tailights and LED healdights are improvment. Still the too-round design could have been improved and sharpened especially at the front.

5. Infiniti M. Look neither sharp/straight lines nor round. It's something in between. From some angles look very ugly too.

6. 2010 All new Mercedes E class. The leaked images didn't look good at all. Car looks very balnd and like MB version of Lexus GS. From side and rear it also looks like Hyundai Genesis. btw maybe seeing more high resolution shots and in real life, it would grow on me.

btw Spies forgot to add some nice looking competing sedans like Jaguar XF, Volvo S80. For me those 2 are near the top of the list with Lexus GS.

JUGNU
— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 4:58:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Jaguar XF is my number one fav.
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 7:13:51 AM | | Votes: -2

"Jaguar XF is my number one fav."

WE KNOW. YOU SAY THAT FIFTY TIMES A DAY.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 11:30:19 PM | | Votes: 0

So what does the MB Avant look like? Will there be a Blue-Tech 4-Matic version? The Cadillac version will be here next year! I want versatility with functionality and style. Who's going to give it to me?
— dalejean (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 9:38:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

On looks:

1. BMW 5
2. Cadillac CTS
3. Mercedes E-Class
4. Audi A6
5. Lexus GS
6. Infiniti M

I think the refreshed 2009 A6 looks better than the E, but not as good as the CTS or 5. It looks more... substantial/classy than the CTS but with the right wheels that Caddy is hard to ignore.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 11:27:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

I have to add, the E60 5 Series is a hugely underrated design. It is the best embodiment of Bangle's philosophy because it doesn't look dated like the E65 7 Series and it doesn't look bland like the E90 3 Series (before refresh). It manages to look fresh and sharp, especially with the M pack.

I saw a black one with the sport package (not M pack, just the black window trim) and 18" wheels the other day, it was simply stunning. The M5 is even better-looking.

Here is an identical model:

http://www.zeckhausen.com/images/Cars/BMW/E60/545i.jpg
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 12/11/2008 11:36:36 PM | | Votes: -2

The Toyota is proper example of "Low & Wide"

The Nissan is opposite.
— StickShiftCamry (View Profile)

Posted on 12/12/2008 11:12:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

204E60 - are you visually impaired or something, this new Aston will be the best four door luxury car in the world period.
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2008 4:07:15 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

clicked on the wrong page by mistake, was meant to go on the new Aston Martin Rapide!!!

http://www.autospies.com/news/Aston-Martin-Rapide-First-official-images-renderings-released-38800/
— ubercool (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2008 4:10:14 AM | | Votes: 1

1- 5 Series
2- M
3- E
4- CTS
5- GS
6- A6
— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 12/13/2008 8:20:38 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

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How Does The New E-Class Design Compare To The Competition?

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