German Car Zone

Agree, that is truly amazing! I guess for everyday driving, there is no other than the E-class... especially if you have roads like in Sweden.

I just want to say that every single E-Class rear has been conservatively styled. I saw three new W212 E-Classes today (pictures coming up) and they look really nice in person or on the street.

The 5er interior looks really, really old suddenly

At least if you compare to the E-class. The A6 looks like something from the late 90's.... oh... pardon me, it (almost) is...

If I were going to buy an E-Class I would really think it twice reading some reviews and comparos. The advantage for the W212 is pretty small it seems, and having seen what BMW is preparing for the F10 5er... I would wait.

The Benz continues to do what it does best. The point of the new E class is to do what its predecessors have done before, but more refined. And, of course, when you're comparing cars of this caliber you have to remember personal taste. The E strikes a perfect balance which in my opinion is the best way to play the game in the luxury class.

528i offer only 230hp ?
Of course its underpowered in this test.

2010 Mercedes Benz E350, 2009 Audi A6, 2009 BMW 528i - Base Price, Chassis, Measurements - Luxury Midsize Sedan Comparison - Automobile Magazine

Well said.


The E-Class is not about sporty driving a la BMW 5-Series / Audi A6. The E-Class has done what it has always done and what has always sold it: a balanced luxury car that is both comfortable and somewhat sporty. Why change a successful formula to adapt to BMW or Audi standards? Those two German rivals also adhere to a formula and strategy of their own.

Changing a winning formula is like Coco Cola suddenly deciding to only produce sugar-free Coke from now on - they would loose a big chunk of their market if they did this.


Also, the new W212 has set the standard in this class for comfort - something the E-Class has always been known for. When the new BMW 5-Series comes out, it will definitely set the standard for driving dynamics - as it has always done. Remember up to a few months ago when there were several comparisons involving the W211 E-Class? What every tester praised and liked about the W211 was the comfort. When the W211 E-Class debuted in 2002, it handled better than the W210 but it was still inferior to the then BMW E39 5-Series in that department. My point is simple, these brands focus on a particular criteria in this class: BMW = handling, Mercedes = comfort.

Tarek, in the NA market there are only 528i & 535i available. The W211 E-Class doesn't have a smaller petrol engine than the E 350 but the C-Class has the C 300 which is competing with the 328i in the NA market. That's why the 535i is a more direct competitor for the E 350.

Edit: Actually there is an W211 E 300 in the Canadian market which further confirms that the 535i is aimed at the E 350.

Good point and I've often said that MBUSA should sell an E300 here in the U.S. If they'd add DI to the engines the E300 would have nearly the E350 power and the E350 would get closer to the class-standard, 300hp. Currently it is night and day going from an E350 to E550. I drove an E350 and liked it, but I drove an E550 and loved it. The power is insane.


M