2020/21 E-Class

[8IKERDAVE]

I'm currently in a 2021 BMW 330e and considering chopping in for a larger car. Having looked at the 5 series / A6 and E-Class the Mercedes is the current front runner.

I've owned a 2010 E250 in the past which I absolutely loved, but have no idea about the newer models. Is there anything in particular to look out for, models to avoid, real life experiences etc?

It would be the estate model I go for as I have a dog and we regularly travel to Europe as a family. This is partly the reason of considering a new car as my current one has quite a small boot due to the batteries.

[SL222]

I moved from an A6 to a 2022 E Class about a year ago and I've found:

Premium Plus Night Edition spec with the Burmester stereo and Panoramic roof is lovely
MBUX is pretty good but down to preference whether you like it more than the BMW equivalent
20" wheels on runflats are bad news
9 speed gearbox is great

Hope that helps!

[AddyT.]

I have a '17 E220d Coupe and it's a lovely car.

Agree with the previous poster on trying to get a Premium Plus. Mine is this and the Burmester alone makes it most definitely worth getting this spec among other options. For me, I have the 20's currently on runflats (will change these once needing replacing) but haven't had any issues so far. Do need to be aware of the alloys cracking on our potholed roads I do know.

As I think you are looking at a petrol (forgive me if I am wrong), I would be joining up to an MB owners forum and asking this question and you will get plenty of really helpful responses. I joined mercedesclub.org.uk to ask some questions about the 220d engine beforehand and everyone is very welcoming and extremely helpful.

Overall really happy with mine. Do a lot of motorway miles and it's faultless so far, seriously comfortable and a really nice place to be.

[8IKERDAVE]

Thanks for your responses all. I'm looking at the E300DE - I currently have a hybrid and it works well for me. Alternatively it will be the E350D depending on whats out there.

[gregpot2000]

I was in the same position last year.

If you're going for Premium Plus (I guess same applies to other trims) Make sure you get a 2020 / 2021. Latest 21 plate....occasionally a few 71 plates.

This is because 2022 cars are missing a lot of features due to Covid supply chains at the time. A lot of these features were never even put back even for the last cars made in 2023 (Matrix lights / steering wheel never came back)

Generally missing:

Matrix lights
Sportier two spoke steering wheel
Memory seats with controls on the door
Smaller screens - Physical size is the same, but they are comically large thick black bezels.
Sometimes the Burmeister sound system
Augmented reality camera for Sat Nav (can also be used as Dashcam)


Yet any adverts will not make it clear they are missing features they should have, and will still charge the same. I wanted a newer car at the time, but couldn't bear to pay top money for a supposed top of the range car that was missing a load of features that a car only 6 months older would have.

It really is a lottery what the car will be equipped with from 2022 onwards, they are all advertised as Premium Plus, yet you need to check through the pics and see what is missing that should be fitted.

Edited by gregpot2000 on Wednesday 10th September 14:12

[8IKERDAVE]

gregpot2000 said:

I was in the same position last year.

If you're going for Premium Plus (I guess same applies to other trims) Make sure you get a 2020 / 2021. Latest 21 plate....occasionally a few 71 plates.

This is because 2022 cars are missing a lot of features due to Covid supply chains at the time. A lot of these features were never even put back even for the last cars made in 2023 (Matrix lights / steering wheel never came back)

Generally missing:

Matrix lights
Sportier two spoke steering wheel
Memory seats with controls on the door
Smaller screens - Physical size is the same, but they are comically large thick black bezels.
Sometimes the Burmeister sound system
Augmented reality camera for Sat Nav (can also be used as Dashcam)


Yet any adverts will not make it clear they are missing features they should have, and will still charge the same. I wanted a newer car at the time, but couldn't bare to pay top money for a supposed top of the range car that was missing a load of features that a car only 6 months older would have.

It really is a lottery what the car will be equipped with from 2022 onwards, they are all advertised as Premium Plus, yet you need to check through the pics and see what is missing that should be fitted.

Thank you for that - very useful information. I'm getting a little put off by the amount of dealers pushing for a distance sale. Unfortunately (for them) I like to go and look round / test drive a vehicle before purchasing so I'll be holding off until I find one locally I can actually view! No rush anyway, I'm happy with my current car and have a good 6-8 months before I need to act.

[SL222]

gregpot2000 said:

I was in the same position last year.


Generally missing:

Matrix lights
Sportier two spoke steering wheel
Memory seats with controls on the door
Smaller screens - Physical size is the same, but they are comically large thick black bezels.
Sometimes the Burmeister sound system
Augmented reality camera for Sat Nav (can also be used as Dashcam)

]

Good point - mine is a 22 and missing matrix lights, 2 spoke sportier wheel and augmented reality camera. It had the other features though, sounds like it's a bit of a lottery.

[Dewi 2]

8IKERDAVE said:

I'm currently in a 2021 BMW 330e and considering chopping in for a larger car. Having looked at the 5 series / A6 and a Mercedes is the current front runner.

I've owned a 2010 E250 in the past which I absolutely loved, but have no idea about the newer models. Is there anything in particular to look out for, models to avoid, real life experiences etc?

It would be the estate model I go for as I have a dog and we regularly travel to Europe as a family. This is partly the reason of considering a new car as my current one has quite a small boot due to the batteries.

You are talking E Class W213 facelift.
There were some significant worthwhile changes with this facelift (MBUX and Starter/Generator/turbo lag fill-in, Mild Hybrid system), so you have picked the sweet spot.

Initially was going to buy a new W214, but after being refused (in UK) the 6 cylinder engine, I gradually realised that the present model is only a facelift of the W213 facelift. Altered front grille and rear lights, pop-out door handles and a (marmite) full width glass dashboard screen.
The present model also had a considerable price increase.

After 24 years of driving an almost faultless Mercedes CLK 320 V6 (average depreciation only £500 pa) I chose a 2022 E200 AMG Line. The petrols are not easy to obtain, so I felt very pleased to find an 'as new', 2 year old, 4,000 miles car, at half the cost of a brand new model. Saved a huge amount.

I tend to keep cars for a long time, so did not want the plug-in hybrid version. There have been a few E Class PHEV horror stories - complete battery failure, combustion engine cannot be used independently, cars scrapped at just 9 years old.
When charging, about half the electricity is generated by burning gas, after the battery is down to 20%, about a ton of dead weight has to be carried around. If I get 50 mpg on a motorway journey, then your diesel will do much better. Huge range on these cars, so fill and forget. Anyway, for anyone other than high mileage users, depreciation is always the main cost of motoring. Less luggage space with a PHEV too of course.

I am really enjoying my W213 facelift. A wonderful car. It seems to encourage gently wafting along, which is very relaxing. I like chrome (type) window surrounds on a luxury saloon, so that ruled out Premium Plus, which I think includes Night Package. Apart from not having 360° camera system which would be helpful when slowly manoeuvring, I have all the main options including rear climate, which some have some don't. Rear privacy glass is fun. I tell grandchildren that it saves them being bothered by autograph hunters.

For extreme contrast, I have a sports car. Feel every bump, but good fun in short doses.

I think some of the Estate models have 7 seats. Perhaps something to look for, if relevant to you.

Edited by Dewi 2 on Thursday 11th September 08:25

[BEARDYB0Y]

8IKERDAVE said:

Thanks for your responses all. I'm looking at the E300DE - I currently have a hybrid and it works well for me. Alternatively it will be the E350D depending on whats out there.

The E class from 2016-22 really was a brilliant car!

My father had a 2016 220d prem+ and did about 50k miles in 3 years. He adored that car!! It was super comfy, swallowed anything in the boot and did 70mpg on his commute. His had the drivers assistance pack so Lane keeping and distance cruise and they were both really good systems... makes you realise we have gone backwards since...

Personally, my choice would be the 400d. That engine is sublime! Wayyy smoother than the 350d and the battery on the hybrid does cut into the boot a little. Its also a fair bit heavier due to the battery.

Defo go prem+ if you can, and as other have said it could be worthwhile going for a slightly older one to avoid chip issue cars. I remember delivering brand new one to a customer in 2021 that didnt have burmister... he had paid 60k for the car... that conversation didnt go well...

Let me know if you need a hand of if you have any further questions. I left merc after 7 year earlier this year and really miss it! BB