I really like the W204 better than the W203. I still like the 3 better, especially the coupe, but then again I am a little bit biased.

I must say that when both of these models were unveiled, i was pretty impressed.

The W203 was a breath of fresh air, going away from the boxy design of the W201 and W202 and following the trend of the W210 (first E-Class with "bug eyes") and the first generation CLK (C208 is it??).

But now the W204 has gone back IMO to the tradition Benz design of yesteryear and they've done a great job. I think the car is good looking from every angle and it's bang up to date.

I would prefer the W204, not just because its the new model but because I think the improved quality of the interior and reliablility (the rigorous testing during development) should make it a better car than the W203.

Everyone seems to be picking on the rear. Why?

To me, personally, it looks sporty and also elegant in its own way. I quite like it.




Also, look what happens when you flip an R171 SLK on its back. See? Like I have been saying: an evolution of the R171 SLK tailights.

^lol thats kinda cool
did you come up with that yourself??
if so your nutts..haha
but right

I saw the lights of the W204 in the R171 SLK.

This summs it up pretty well

Thanks for getting these pictures first of all. Look at the 204 doorarches, big inmprovement. Not so much when it comes to the front fender, the cutlines look terrible in white. As for the sportkit, it looks better on the 203. I think it looks tacky on the 204, or rather the 204 doesn't need it. It's pretty evolutionary while matching well with the S-class.

The W203 (Facelft) was brilliant and stood its ground well against the oppositon. However, the launch of the W204 makes the W203 look aged, but in a graceful manner.

It's not bad looking -- but I said it before several times now, it vaguely reminds me of the old Audi A4 -- regardless if it is a development of older Merc styling or not.

I think I'll just wait 4~5 years for the face lifted w204 LOL!

I just want the better looking(?!?) rear lights.

The rear on the SLK(r171) is awesomely tight and bad ass looking but on the w204... well, it just doesn't ring a bell.