I think the W204 looks fantastic compared to its predecessor. You can see the word 'modernity' from every angle of the car when your views move from the W203 to the W204. In terms of freshness of design and appeal, I certainly think the W204 is an update which is done appropriately and tastefully.
The W204 now looks more 'tight', in the way that the elements that put the car together now blend and synergise together better than how it did in the W203... That is not to say, however, that the W204 is by any way smaller - they managed to squeeze more space, more bulk into a sleeker-looking sedan - I must give credit to them for that.
My favourite details in this car come straight from the S-Class - the flared wheel arches, the crease at the side which slopes downwards, the simple and uncluttered front - all of which contributes to the appeal of the AMG package, because the car simply looks sporty. Remove the AMG trim however, and you get a car that's half-done with the 'sporty' job - I believe that's why the W204 without the AMG package doesn't look half as good as the W204 w/o the package.
As usual, AMG makes excellent rims and this one is no exception in the W204. It now looks bigger, more sleek and more eye-catching. The one in the W203 always reminded me that it was squished and compressed.
That said, however, I have some issues with the car: the rear. It looks like a half-done job. I am inclined to believe that the bootlid is raised somewhat to act as a subtle spoiler - it is too intrusive IMO, and should have been integrated better. The rear lights, when viewed from the 3/4 angle, also look awkward, though this must have been attributed to Mercedes making those lights act as aerodynamics supplements.
Overall, a well-deserved successor to the W203... Congratulations Mercedes.
of the interior and reliablility (the rigorous testing during development) should make it a better car than the W203.
