E-Class First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

[SpiritofEcstasy]

The 5 series is nice in the sense that it is very easy to like and is immediately pleasing to the eye. I think it's the same with the 5 as it is with many of BMW's cars. That's not necessarily a bad thing; in fact its a very good thing to make such amiable cars that have such a quick and powerful effect on its driver. I saw a 550i today at a shopping center and was taken aback by its beauty. Simple, clean, aggressive design. To be honest, its nearly perfect.

The E, on the other hand, has a more questionable design. The design elements are... an acquired taste of sorts. You either hate it, or you see something in it that makes you love it. From some angles (like the rear), the E Class is a deal breaker. But after looking at it for a while, I saw something completely different. I know it makes for a poor argument to say that I can't explain it, but I guess i'll have to take it. I don't know what it is- all I can say is that I love it now.

The 5 series is nice in the "modern, towering, contemporary skyscraper" way while the E Class is more like a... Mona Lisa. Not desperately pretty, not aesthetically sexy, but has something that forces you to think to realize its beauty. It's just intangible.

 

[K-A]

The 5 series is nice in the sense that it is very easy to like and is immediately pleasing to the eye. I think it's the same with the 5 as it is with many of BMW's cars. That's not necessarily a bad thing; in fact its a very good thing to make such amiable cars that have such a quick and powerful effect on its driver. I saw a 550i today at a shopping center and was taken aback by its beauty. Simple, clean, aggressive design. To be honest, its nearly perfect.

The E, on the other hand, has a more questionable design. The design elements are... an acquired taste of sorts. You either hate it, or you see something in it that makes you love it. From some angles (like the rear), the E Class is a deal breaker. But after looking at it for a while, I saw something completely different. I know it makes for a poor argument to say that I can't explain it, but I guess i'll have to take it. I don't know what it is- all I can say is that I love it now.

The 5 series is nice in the "modern, towering, contemporary skyscraper" way while the E Class is more like a... Mona Lisa. Not desperately pretty, not aesthetically sexy, but has something that forces you to think to realize its beauty. It's just intangible.

Well said, and I mostly agree. I think the E's design needs some studying to really understand (though some people love it right off the bat). I feel that if you do end up falling for it, it becomes an absolute masterpiece, with tons of character, yet still remaining understated and timeless.... Simply dynamic. While the 5 is always nice, and doesn't take more than a second to win you over. Difference is, the 5 doesn't make me think "Wow, I want to buy that", and doesn't keep me as excited. I think the E strikes a better balance of being both stately and understated enough to roll around low profile on the streets, but also has elements that can bring it alive when the time is right, and make it a captivating design that craves attention. I do very much believe that to the commoner, the E will be perceived as an instantly Luxury/Expensive car, over the more passive 5, for some of the very same reasons that will have the E being more polarizing as well.

 

[coolraoul]

I noticed I am increasingly in love with the W212, while the F10 leaves me increasingly cold. While very impressive, it lacks emotion in fact, imo.

The E is sharp and modern, it only needs the chrome exhaust to look perfect. AMG pack is not needed. While the 5er is very nice, instantly likeable, but lacks that smthg that imo an upmarket car like that should have. The interior looks more modern than the E though, and slightly more upmarket.

I think the W212 is a very, very well-resolved car, and those engines (that could not come soon enough) will allow it to regain some ground in Europe to what is probably the best 5er ever.

As far as the A6 is concerned, same as with the predecessor: it won every praise when released, but now that the novelty effect is settling down, I already noticed some reviews deeming it slightly inferior in pretty much everything to the two others...

 

[Zafiro]

I just met E-class Estate and right behind it came 5-series with M-package. I take it all back when I said the front on E-class steal more attention from a 5-series. Not in this case, my eyes went directly to the bimmer. The black car looked sinister.

Afterwards I had 5-series with M-package in the Mcdonalds drive through. Wow then it striked me what a handsome car the new 5 is. My babybimmer was so small next to it

 

[K-A]

I can understand that we all have an appreciation toward different things. And an M-Pack VS standard E bumper would give the F10 the edge IMO.

However, I don't personally think it's a question as to how much better, more stately, more arresting, premium, and even sporty/dynamic the E's front is over the F10's one weak spot: The bloated, wall-flat, and flabby front end.

I agree with Raoul's comment on "emotion". Even when I hated the W212, I could never call it un-emotional, while the F10 doesn't give me the same warmth and emotion (outside, it's actually warmer than the E inside, IMO).

 

[coolraoul]

I just met E-class Estate and right behind it came 5-series with M-package. I take it all back when I said the front on E-class steal more attention from a 5-series. Not in this case, my eyes went directly to the bimmer. The black car looked sinister.

Afterwards I had 5-series with M-package in the Mcdonalds drive through. Wow then it striked me what a handsome car the new 5 is. My babybimmer was so small next to it

Don't say anything bad about your babybimmer, 'cause I just bought one

 

[Zafiro]

Don't say anything bad about your babybimmer, 'cause I just bought one

Well, if size does matters, you bought the wrong car

 

[SKY]

Guys, I was doing a little more research and I still think that the DRLs will still retain the hockey-stick design for Sport Trims. If you look at the review they also tested the 2012 E550, which now only comes in 4MATIC All-wheel Drive and Sport Trim: 2012 Mercedes Benz E550 Sport First Drive -- Autoblog

I´m sorry but you are wrong. By the time of the review you post, the AMG pack still have the hockey stick LEDs, but all the new E-Class to come will have the straight LEDs, no matter what package you choose. It makes sense, since the E-Class and E-Coupe were the only MBs with hockey stick LEDs.

 

[coolraoul]

Well, if size does matters, you bought the wrong car

Sh!t! I'm wrong again... What are people gonna think of me now?

 

[Tarek]

Give me one good way in which it is more complete than the F10.

Well we can easily say that it's more luxurious and comfortable and with the new engines it's more efficient while equally powerful.

 

[Zafiro]

Well we can easily say that it's more luxurious and comfortable and with the new engines it's more efficient while equally powerful.

Thats all a subjective opinion my old friend. Both A6, 5er and E-class are closely match and falls down to personal opinion which one you choose in the end. Happy to see you Tarek

 

[mini_cooper4]

Well we can easily say that it's more luxurious and comfortable and with the new engines it's more efficient while equally powerful.

Haha yea and less dynamic

 

[K-A]

(Barely) less dynamic. The F10 isn't the most dynamic driving Sedan. It's true that these cars are becomingly increasingly interchangeable in regards to driving dynamics, one still keeping a slight Luxury and comfort lead, and one still keeping a slight sport lead.

 

[jorgex]

SKYSONY is rigth.

I´m sorry but you are wrong. By the time of the review you post, the AMG pack still have the hockey stick LEDs, but all the new E-Class to come will have the straight LEDs, no matter what package you choose. It makes sense, since the E-Class and E-Coupe were the only MBs with hockey stick LEDs.

 

[DexterMorgan]

Can we put this issue to rest already. Please visit your local dealer and ask them for the 2012 order guide. The 'bent' LED's are gone, the horizontal bars are in.

Are you guys 100% sure? I hope you are wrong, but I guess time will tell!
Not that the linear design is ugly or anything, but the hockey-stick design was so unique and athletic looking.

 

[K-A]

Nice comparison. The E-Class definitely grabs my attention more than the 5. It's a better car overall as well in many aspects

Thanks, and I agree! To me there's NO comparison on the front end, if someone told me the W212 cost 2-3 times more than the F10, and I didn't know any better, I'd believe them. IMO that's how much better and more upper-class the E's front looks over the F10's (at least the non M-Pack, maybe it looks just 1.5-2 times more expensive than the M-Pack F10 front ).

Also, look at the E's dynamic greenhouse at that angle, how it crisply comes down toward you, while maintaining an imposing and stately demeanor. The way the upper swag line crisply ascends from the wheel arc to the rear, the controlled and tight, yet still sophisticated enough sheet-metal drama on the doors, and the aggressive rocker panels. The F10 lacks those interesting elements IMO.

About the hockey sticks, they're gone from the '12 models and on, and chalk it up to cost cutting. I for one am VERY HAPPY!!!! My 2010 will have one element that will keep me happy about having a relatively more unique front look, since I'll have to suck it up due to missing out on the new power trains and beautiful new LCD Display after what will be just over 1 year of ownership of my car.

 

[Zafiro]

And 5er rear looks 10 times more dynamic and sportier than E-class rear. Thats the view most MB drivers are going to see

 

[K-A]

Yes because we'll let the 5'er pass us so we don't have to stare at that front!

 

[Zafiro]

Yes because we'll let the 5'er pass us so we don't have to stare at that front!

BMW drivers care about MB drivers. If you guys stared at the front you would lose control of your car and create nasty accidents thats why we drive ahead of you

 

[K-A]

And we happily oblige letting you pass us for that very reason, as we too care about BMW drivers, and wouldn't even think for a second that they can make it out alive after an encounter with a Benz!