Alright day 3 update on the E 200, I am starting to like this car a bit more. For general cruising around town the engine is sufficient, and quiet enough. But once you start to demand a bit more, eg a quick get away, overtaking or to have that feeling of effortless performance, this engine is clearly not up to the task. The 9G gearbox is a little excessive, the car barely get out of 5 to 6th gear on gentle 80km/h cruise.
The overall refinement is excellent, as it should be, road, wind and suspension noise has been kept to minimal. No rattle or creaks from the trim pieces.
The car ride like a Mercedes should in most situation, the car only become slightly unsettled when it goes over the short sharp bumps, other wise the springs and damping was able to handle the worse of what Sydney roads can throw at the car.
The car handles well for its size and weight, the steering is very response, not as sharp as the C class, but it is just right for the E class. There is body roll but it is well contained. I haven't push the car around corners yet, and I don't feel like it unless you guys want me to.
While the interior looks nice and luxurious, the actual quality of the interior falls short, and significantly so in some areas. The inner door panel trim feels cheap and hollow. Also the back of the interior door grab is made from cheap hard plastic, which is actually a big single piece of molded plastic with hollow sections. You can't see unless you look underneath (I will post more photos of that later). The vast plastic trim surrounding the window switches felt cheap and flimsy
Exterior built quality isn't flawless either, just look at this misaligned window sill trim.. not good at all.
I will do a separate write up on the Command/infotainment system next.
