New Generation 2010 E-Class Voted LAST In 5 Car Comparo Against Current Generation Product!

Wow, didn't see that one coming...

— rom64 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:26:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

Not bad for a model at the end of its cycle, the competitors make excellent cars but BMW has always been the obvious solution for true car enthusiasts, the only one with a true manual as well

— Jaybrn (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:32:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

My list:

1. BMW 535
2. Audi A6
3. Jaguar XF
4. 2010 E350
5. Infiniti M45

Once again bias always take the lead with Car and Driver. I bet their writers have to change their pants every time their writers do a comparison. Not that it would have changed anything, but it would have been interesting if they threw the GS350 and Genesis in the mix.

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:38:25 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

Driving the latest E-class reveals a familiar character, but it doesn’t take long to realize that something is different. Steering accuracy is better and more BMW-like. Some of the sluggishness of the previous E-class’s helm has been ousted and replaced with more responsive tuning. Consequently, the car feels more alive. The slightly lethargic feel of the previous car, like the low-mounted turn signal stalk, was long a Mercedes trait and something we’d come to expect from the E-class. Some of the creaminess of the ride and steering is left, but it feels like the car is on a smaller dose of Vicodin than before

The tone of this excerpt is a bit different.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/09q1/2010_mercedes-benz_e-class_e550-first_drive_review

Very odd. I'm trying to be unbiased here, but these two articles strike me very differently.

— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:41:43 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Thats way its cheaper than the old one.

My list

1.M35
2.XF
3.535i
4.A6
5.E350
6.GS350

— 528i (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 2:25:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -5   

I'm not the least bit surprised at the E-Class' last-place finish. I test drove one, and found very little to actually like about it, and in fact found the styling, both inside and (especially) out, quite off-putting. Truth be told, when compared with the competition, it simply looks sadly outdated, and even cheap.

— Nostradamus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 2:34:20 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 8   

Because I haven't test driven the new 2010 E350 I will have to make my top 5 list to this;

1) BMW 5 series - good handling, sufficient luxury amenities
2) Mercedes E - Obviously luxurious, comfortable, and great value (much cheaper than the previous generation).
3) Jaguar XF - great exterior styling and cool but un-jag like interior but trendy. Also very comfortable.
4) A6 out-going and getting very dated but still built very well and luxurious as any German luxury midsize.
5) M45 - out dated but I still like the style of it. However, it's out of league of the rest.

— Agent63 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 2:51:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

the only people i trust less than auto journalists are religious fanatical sect members and conservative republicans

— DinamoR (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 3:59:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Why did the M45 make this list? And seriously why wasnt the GS there? Car and driver sucks. They contradict themselves all the time.

— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 4:02:05 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -7   

Agree with Nostradumus. New E class is a very unattractive car. Very Hyundai-like design, to me outgoing model's design was times better.
Shame it's the newest yet looks the most boring also V6 is outdated and some 50BHP short.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 5:56:59 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6   

The pics aren't very flattering but I went to see the new E and it really is very nice. Especially the coupe.

— 993Turbo (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 7:34:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Only, where's the Blutec???

— 993Turbo (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 7:35:57 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

I don't know why you would even bother with C&D.

And the A6 on top?

Obviously these people at C&D are very farfetched.

— motor1 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 8:17:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Anyone else notice that the XF and M45 are V8 cars while the rest are 6 cylinders? Car and Driver really has issues.

— Willis (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 8:30:34 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

It doesnt matter what people say. E class is a great car and certainly doesnt deserve a 5th place. A6 at the top is a joke.

— cls550 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 8:52:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

A6 on top in China and China is the world's largest auto market.

— trungdq (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 10:13:18 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Test drove the new E550. Solid, smooth, really well built. High quality materials. Felt very good, if not sporty.
Owned a BMW 550i and grew tired of its hard ride and hard seats. Great power, handling and reliability.
Test drove an '09 A6 4.2. Steering is way too light and every Audi product looks/feels the same. Boring.
Jaguar XF... not for me. Don't like the styling inside or out. Reminds me of a Mazda Milennia.
Infiniti & Lexus. Never. They're wannabe cars.
As for Car & Driver... who gives a rat's ass? Junk magazine.

— 204E60 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 10:57:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -8   

The A6 with its new Supercharged V6 is very, very, very impressive!!
Still less money than most of its competition, offers more technology and incredible built quality!
Is it the most dynamic car of the bunch? No.. the 535 still is king, but for every day use and over all appeal, I'm sorry, but the new E-Class cannot touch it.

— AlexTx (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 11:00:32 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

This review really floors me. The technology in this car is top notch. Everything about it is improved over the prevoious version and it's 10% less expensive. The ergonomics are outstanding and material quality is fantastic. Very solid ride, great everyday handling, extremely safe, and a bold look. I guess I don't understand the problem...

— diesotto (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 11:08:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

"May I be so forward to ask when HASN'T a Mercedes-Benz felt numb, vague and heavy?"

C63, CLK63 Black Series, SL63 Black......

— henbmw (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 11:40:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

I haven't read Car & Driver in 15 years.

Who cares about that nasty rag!

C&D, you can go out of business anyday now.

— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 11:45:58 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -12   

Duh, the A6 and 535 are blown sixes with good low-end torque and the M45 and XFs are proper V8s. The US 350 uses an ancient weaser six while the european 350 gets an up to date Direct Injected six.

Serves MB right for dumping old engines in the US market. Hope the product planner that decided that reads this. The 550 is a much better car: V8 and air suspension for not a lot more $.

— sdcarguy (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 11:56:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I am in the market for this kind of car in the next few months. I just test drove a 2010 E350 on Friday ($58k version). I also checked out the dealerships remaining 2009 E350 (also $58k version but selling for $48k), and recently test drove BMW 535i ($60k), BMW528i ($53k), BMW 335i ($50k), Audi A4 3.2 ($48k), Jaguar XF 4.2 ($58k), Lexus GS350 AWD ($52k) and the Hyundai Genesis 4.6 V8 Tech ($42k).

I love the way the new E350 looks on the outside, but I found the interior of the 2009 model much warmer and more luxurious and with much better materials than the 2010 model - the 2010 really felt cheap, from plastics to leather (actually MB-TEX in all the four E350s I checked out), to buttons and door pulls (steering wheel was nice however). During driving when I put my foot down to redline nothing happened except the weak engine got very noisy in a harsh way from about 4000rpm onwards. Handling was slow and ponderous as you would except for such a big heavy car (the 'sport' model was slightly better than the 'luxury' model probably due to bigger tires, but way behind the BMW or Jaguar).

In all honestly the $42k Hyundai Genesis V8 (which has better materials than the V6 version) is better in every way (engine, interior quality, handling, performance, gadgetry) than the new $58k 2010 MB E350 except badge appeal and maybe the transmission.

— pelucidor (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 11:56:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

MB most of the time will be a heavier car. Why ? Safety. IF you see the crash test All other "luxury" brands are behind the MB. Regarding C&D, they are a good magazine, of course they are sport oriented and for that reason, sport oriented cars will get better opinion. But if you see whay JD power said...Fact, BMW still the king if you prefer Sport, But Luxury, even the new 760il still behind in the preferences of people that is looking for luxury.
MB: Safety, Comfort, Luxury, Sportiness.
BMW Sportiness, Comfort, Smart Budget, Safety....In the mind of the people, a very few see MB as sport but most know it is luxury, in the other side very few see BMW as Luxury but most of them know it sport.
Pick that one that match your preferences. I'll chose MB.

— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:02:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

In terms of styling alone the E should be in last place.

It's weird how the E sedan can look so boring, but the new E coupe looks pretty damn hot.

And regardless of whether or not you like it, the GS should have been included. Why not have a big group of cars in a comparrison test?

— answer (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:09:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Cause there are a lot of people that fear the challenge....

— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:11:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

MB has been on a downhill path for quite a long time. No real surprise here.

— supermoto (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:12:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I do not like Lexus...but it is a great car...And there is a lot people that when they buy reliable products, they demmand Japanesse, amreican or european people.

— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:13:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

This ranking is surprising but not nearly to the extent that people are mkaaing it out to be:

FACT: Audi's A6 outsells BMW's 5-series and Mercedes-Benz's E-class worldwide.

The A6 with its supercharged V6, attractive price, Quattro AWD, and sumptuous interior is worthy of its first place finish.

Is it old? Yes, but when you have the attributes that MOST buyers look for in this class you will win.

The BMW 5-series is certainly the best handling car of the bunch, but so what? Do prospective buyers whiz around racetracks and canyon roads...NO!

Prospective buyers would much rather have a car with a well-built interior, decent handling, secure AWD, and an attractive price.

— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:37:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I don't remember Mercedes ever winning anything in a comparo - so I don't think it was ever a surprise. Oh, well, come to think of it, I think E-class was once in the first place for one magazine issue back in 1996 comparo with almost the same auto manufactures. That was when the first major re-designed of the E class (the quad oval headlamp design) was introduced.

— BMWRU (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:39:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Looks like an accord to me.The benz.

— truthpursuit (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 1:43:37 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Ill wait to read the test to see their justification but my first thing is the A6 has never won a comparison test against these cars and typically is in last place. Not sure how it swapped places with the benz, as they normally are tied for back pack. Otherwise the M should be last it just is no longer competitive in this class, which im sure the next will be a knock out especially since the essence is the styling excercies its using.

1.535i
2.XF
3.E class
4.A6
5.M

— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 2:33:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

I certainly would not have ranked the cars this way...

My ranking would have been:

1. M45
2. XF
3. A6
4. E350
5. 535

but hey, i dont need your opinion because i could care less how you would rank these cars :P

— KZ258 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 2:44:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

They can rank them however they want to. Mercedes-Benz has been fumbling continuously on its non-S/SL/CL models.

Too bad the S, SL, and CL models can only be afforded by a very small percentage of the population. If MB made its C-class and E-class better there sales would not be as awful for the year.

— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 3:04:25 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

hmm, I guess C&D received a bigger check from Audi this month :)

aren't these the same clowns that rated M3 > GT-R?

C&D = Confused & Delusional

— sector (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 3:47:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Some you guys are just a bunch of whiney 'tards, I swear. Benz had M&S tires, which seems to always make a difference with C&D. Is there even a Sport model for the E350 as in the past? I'm not sure. Surprised none of you are whining that the Jag made the 10-best list (at least from the posts I've read), but only finished 4th here to 3 cars that never made the list or haven't been on the list in years. Reminds me of when the CTS came in 3rd in a comparo, 2nd was the G37 (before this year's upgrade), but the CTS made the 10-Best and G37 didn't.

Seriously, C&D is just a schitzo mag. I remember when they rated the Honda Prelude a 98 or a 96 in a comparo, out of a score of 100, and it didn't make the 10-Best list that year. And, I agree that someone else said that C&D contradicts themselves all the time.

— senorgato (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 3:52:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

for C&D BMW is always in the 10 best cause they prefer thats all, but as you point, they are very contradictory. I would like to know how they will compare the Audis Sportback with the BMW GT pigs series...that will be very interesting. Thats why I prefer to read every magazine about one car that I want to buy, so in that way I'll get a more balanced review.

— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 4:28:51 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Surprised no one has commented how mysteriously the Jag that could beat the 550 a few months ago, gets trounced by a 535...

001

— Agent001 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 4:37:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Ya know, when it comes to cars I like to think I give credit where credit is due and I'm rather hard to offend design-wise. Even when my friend took delivery of his 2002 745Li, I was rather open-minded about the design and excited about the future models Chris Bangle would introduce. Plus, after drive the 745Li, I didn't care what the thing looked like. The fact that something that big and heavy drove the way it did was enough to make me drool. It was a similar story when the 2004 5 series was introduced. I see and understand that not evryone loves it's design, but the drive of that car makes you forgive BMW for any other sins it could possible commit.

That being said, I have to now say that I find Mercedes' 2010 E class design borderline offensive. During the days when we were getting spy photos, I never thought the hyundai-inspired tail lamps would make it to production. I never saw how they could get the non-oval and now angular headlights to "gel". I thought it all was a case of someone getting their hands on some design concepts. Please note I have never driven the car so I can not speak to how it drives, but I still have enough confidence in Benz to think they got that right. For some reason, car designs never "grow" on me. I either love it, or am neutral to it (being a Lexus owner, you can tell a bland exterior doesn't upset me much). Hating a design (for me) is rare. I can say very positively that I HATE this current E-class design. I hate it from its over-ambitious exterior to it's 80's-inspried boxy interior (which is laden with chintzy materials). As a former S-class owner, I have no disdain for the brand and I love a lot of their other models but I cannot, for the life of me, comprehend why the ruling brass would approve this design for their bread and butter sedan. The 03-09 model looked cohesive, inspiring, clean and elegant all at once. Dare I say it was, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful modern-day production cars on the road. I look at this one and genuinely feel disheartened.

I apologize for the lent of this post, but I want to throw in that I test drove an Audi A6 3.2 last July (08) and couldn't find a complaint to save my soul. Only a very callous attitude from my local dealer and their unwillingness to negotiate made me walk away. I'm excited to see what they do with the next A8 and A6.

— Lexxxus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 6:29:09 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I apologize for the numerous typos in my previous post. I was interrupted several times while writing that novel.

— Lexxxus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 6:33:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

This is a serious question Willis, I am not attempting to be condesending here but...Are you old enough to drive?

— Lexxxus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 10:17:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

*condescending

— Lexxxus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 10:18:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

I'm sure there are others here a bit more...refined, so I'm sure they read enough of my apologetically lengthy spiel to know that I am a former S-Class owner. I also take a jab at myself for choosing a Lexus yet criticising another automobile's styling. Its an LS by the way, I don't where the Willis guy got GS from.

I apologize to anyone else if they are offended by anything I said...but I won't apologize to anyone who is "conveniently" offended.

— Lexxxus (View Profile)

Posted on 8/3/2009 10:23:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0   

Well WHEN YOU PUT AN OLD ENGINE in a NEW Car you are gonna have some angry customers paying a lot of money for old tech! Most women who will buy the E-class, or really make their gullible whipped husbands buy them an E-Class won't know or care, they all are delusional and think Mercedes = Good! Expensive = Good! Diamonds = good! Shoes = Good! Men who don't need them and can say no to that = Bad!

— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 8/4/2009 10:47:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Hmm, so the 2010 E350 with the 3.5 liter 268 HP engine came dead last to cars that have more Horsepower and torque than it does...Gee, how predictable.

— Inline6 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/4/2009 10:48:00 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

The Audi wins becasue it is the ONLY one of theos mid sized sedans with A FULL SIZE TIRE WITH THE ACTUAL WHEEL RIM THAT COMES WITH THE CAR...Praise The Lord! It is possible omg!

I am going to fall out of my chair and die now that a Car company would be so kind to include a real spare! This is Blasphamy they are not cheep lemmings with their accountants taking away my spare tires!!!

— pennfootball (View Profile)

Posted on 8/4/2009 10:50:36 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

wow to V8, must of misread something...smh, im sure they know the M35 has a V6, also GS and Genesis V6 could of easily replace the XF...FACT

— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 8/4/2009 3:22:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

1. BMW 535
2. Jaguar XF
3. Audi A6
4. 2010 E350
5. Infiniti M45

the W124 and the W140 were the last great Mercs. I think their over-engineered, relatively minimalist/low tech approach had a charm that overshadowed their comparatively low-rate driver dynamics.

— lemmyb2 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/8/2009 11:19:51 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1