I’ll never forget working at a couple of Mercedes dealerships in the 80’s. The cars were quality, like nothing else, so well engineered, powerful, quiet and drove superbly. They lasted too and service from the dealer network was the best. Nowadays it’s harder to feel the difference, sure there is still the prestige, but where I live it is probably the most common car, so the whole Mercedes brand doesn’t appeal any more. It’s a victim of its own success😂
@@HighPeakAutos in the 80s only the most successful had a Mercedes Benz it showed you done well in life. But now anyone can get a brand new Mercedes who just apply for car finance and could work in McDonald’s. This has really ruined it tbh, to look good now range Rover L405 or L460 is the way to go for Image. Great video too Matt keep up the good work please do Q&A soon.
@@thehitman906 Not really, good luck trying to finance a new S-Class or GLE while working at McDonalds. Theres still a big difference between a base model diesel A-Class and an S580. Just like the difference between the slow n/a diesel mercs and the high end luxury models back in the 1980s
and it costs half :D but i guess the main difference on the 2017-2020 era is Sound insulation and abit more stuff for the rear seats on the S Class. spent 12hours each day for 6 months in a 2018 e Class and its fantastic :D 80kmh on the roads and u hear almost nothing.
@@Infernal_Elf Even the E63 and C63 has very good sound isolation, not only S class but S class obviously is more isolated. I feel like this is the main reason these 220d models dont appeal to me, coming from a f10 525D BMW that is insanely sound isolated, you hear no wind or road noise even at 120km/h
Road noise is due to 19 inch alloy low profile tyres - I have a 2017 e class coupe - why Mercedes’ insist on only supplying amg line in uk on coupes is ridiculous - they would have a much better quieter ride with normal wheels , normal suspension which would give a proper comfortable quiet Mercedes ride which is what Mercedes’ excel at
Thats why i bought a Avantgarde edition 😀 Not quite as good looking exterior styling or rims but more ride comfort and lower road noise due to the higher tire profile, It still loooks really good without AMG package
I’ve been lucky enough of having an E class of each since 2000. Each one has been a true evolution of the previous. My favorite were theW 211 and the current one. This version doesn’t have the full digital cluster as mine. I recommend it. Mine is a 300d AMG Line and can’t get tired of it.
Hi Matt, a good way to tell the C, E & S class apart when they are in your rearview mirror, the C has one Led strip light line in the headlight, the E has two and the S three.
Having had 3 Mercedes and being very satisfied with my present one, which I anticipate being my last car, I wouldn't want one without the emblem mounted on top of the bonnet where I can see it when driving. It just adds to the pleasure of driving and ownership experience, the little details matter and give character to a car, but I am not someone who just regards their car as a white good to get from A to B, which is why I will never consider an electric car.
@@abdbach379 yes they do, but aesthetically, they just don't work with that grille. It'd be necessary to change the entire front bar to incorporate the traditional chrome grille with three horizontal louvres divided by a vertical bar down the middle. If I were to get one of these, that's the first thing I'd do.
I had a 220d saloon of this version and it was great so I changed it eventually for a coupe. These had a one piece glass screen for sat-nav and instruments - brilliant. The BMW drives better because off its lighter throttle. But I was not tempted - the E-Class is a better ownership prospect, more comfortable and better quality in my view. The fuel consumption is amazing - over 60 on a motorway run,. My best is 65 mpg. Definitely you need Premium or Premium Plus. Reliability of both is 100 per cent. I agree with all your views. They dealers are okay, about on a par with BMW but not as good as my friend's experience with his Lexus.
The W213 E400s are starting to come down to a good price as they're coming off lease. I feel the W211 and W212 E Classes are less complicated and a bit cheaper to maintain but these W213s with their added features and space makes for a great car.
Not too long ago I had an E Class coupe. I was 26 when I got it and I certainly lusted for it. In the real world you don't need 4 series sport capability and who really cares about the plain Audi. Mercedes coupes simply ooze class and the interiors are way beyond that of its rivals... except for the creeks. But the Mercedes makes you feel just better
Mercedes coupe, pre this model, was described as a baby Bentley due to its shape. Was lent one for a day by Mercedes Sheffield as service loan and felt like a king. Fabulous car.
I have the 2017 AMG styling model 220d, it’s an amazing car exceptional on fuel, smooth and fast when needed put it in sports + engine comes alive, utterly reliable, live it
Always loved these generation of C and E class, get them in work all the time, the mood lightings great and the reverse camera quality is so good on these generations they outclass brand new top end cars, im talking about you range rover velar with the camera quality from a 2010 nissan. no points from the recent cars i've had in work lol.
I’m showing my age here……always loved the E Class from the 80s. Always dreamed of owning the infamous E Class AMG Hammer. Monster horsepower and insane handling. Fastest production sedan of its day. Rare and extremely pricey….even today. Enjoyed your insightful review. Thanks.
I got picked up in a E class estate to Manc airport from my home in Blackpool. Emirates chauffeur drive service, it was glorious. I am not even a minor celebrity, I just wanted it and saved for it. Cheers Matt take care.
I took your advice and bought one. A low mileage 220 4Matic Premium Plus. You were right, it ticks all the boys-toys gadgetry boxes, and at the same time nearly makes me look like a grown up. Thanks, great advice. 👍
I've had a W213 E220d since late 2016, mine is similar spec to this one but with the widescreen cockpit. It was a dealer managers car so has the glass roof, Burmeister stereo and rear climate control. Other than the illuminated door-handle lamps failing and one of the rear 19" wheels cracking on a pothole it has been utterly superb. Can't recommend it highly enough. Glad you finally got round to reviewing one!
honestly if you get an E class it has to be in the premium plus spec for that widescreen cockpit. It completely changes the look of the interior with the dual big screens.
Widescreen a must. The old silvered dials look pipe and slippers in such a technologically advanced design. Resale wise I’m sure that budget cutting will affect the price.
Surprisingly my E class with the same engine was much quieter than the one you drove in this video. I guess because the sunroof was open. You can barely hear wind and tire noise in E class 2L diesel. in most of the driving time, the rpm remains under 2x1000rpm/min, except while very quickly accelerating from low speed. So the engine generates a lot of power at very low rpm. It is the most comfortable and cozy car for long-distance journeys. Efficiency is just great 5-6 liter/100Km. And most of the typical issues with the previous W212 generation have been fixed. I just sold my E class to give an electric company car, but I must say that I have missed it so much. Greetings from Finland.
Again thanks to the algorithm I just found this. Sitting on balcony drinking coffee watching Kyiv go by I nearly clocked. I just can’t imagine Matt 1 drunk enough to not be in control, 2 drunk in an Uber talking nonsense 😂🎉 to a strange driver 😅 I had an e220 chi manual, no not a Spanish person, when in my 40,s thanks, 20 something yrs ago. It was spacious, fairly reliable, and a lot cheaper than an S class. It rusted before your eyes, seats made from wood, any small part for the manual gear selector was a order from Germany FFs
6:17 *In ECO Mode with 8 Speed Gearbox will coast (Freewheel) for Ages when lifting throttle - adds many more MPG and saves brake pads - however can annoy following drivers, so use with consideration !*
Another good video. I have just changed from a late 2016 220 SE to a low mileage 2018 Jaguar XF R Sport. It’s interesting comparing them. I did 45000 on the Mercedes and it has 81000 on it now. Similar on mpg at average 45mpg but the Mercedes’ is in a different class build wise. It just feels more luxurious even though it’s the basic SE spec. There is a really annoying wind noise in the Jag and event though it’s a 240bhp diesel it doesn’t feel any faster than the 190 BHP merc. I had 6 mercedes in a row so wanted a change, will probably change back to one in a years time though.
The Mark I XF was lightyears ahead in build quality, less tech but had things like Alcantara headlining and leather dash and almost absolute silence with the windows rolled up, the MK II XF feels a bit more german, not a lot to separate them from BMW or Merc now. I personally have a 2014 XFR (whenever i get it back from the bodyshop) and being in that car feels like such an event. Never had that feeling in BMW, Merc or a modern Jag.
This is my fav car channel, no waffle, and a down to earth guy who comes out with some corkers, Terry n June!!! .. I'm still laughing... Thanks matt for a brilliant video as always... Paul (Devon)
I’ve always been a Mercedes’ man my entire family since I was a kid was always Mercedes’. Changed when I got my Bmw F10 and the build quality is just miles better
I had the older model e220d with the round head lights .. it was awful and I swore I’d never get another but this video has changed my view. Would def consider a premium plus model of this generation now so cheers for yet another belting video Matt. Everyone on the comms.. tell a mate about HPA and Matt.. let’s keep growing this channel guys 👏
@@martinsvensson6884 with 51,000 on the clock, the suspension collapsed, the turbo went, it was like turning the QE2 going round a corner. You just shouldn’t have to put up with complete failures on a 4 year old Mercedes’. I have since been told that gen were built in South Africa .. and not 🇩🇪.. possibly explains it. This one was a Heap of junk
It is an elegant mature car with a modern feel, its a good looking car, especially in the right colour , classy and sporty looking and a proper luxuary saloon
The E class looks great and somehow seems more understated and subtle that some of its rivals! If I was considering another car in this class might consider a Merc as an alternative to a Jag but have to say I find their vast model line up and spec variations are hard to understand.
Definitely hard to understand. Personally I think I’d go for a Jag XJ all day. It just seems to have the prestige that a Mercedes’ now lacks. Everyone seems to have a merc of some kind particularly as it can be hard to tell models apart at first glance but when you see the tail end of an XJ it’s unmistakable.
Looking at the residuals, I would avoid the Jags. As nice as they are, the brand is still trying to find a market. Older cars are not helping as they point to confused positioning in the market. My preferences over the MB would be the Volvo. They have excellent cars and a history of consistent branding/positioning.
I have the c class, C250d AMG line premium plus, great car worth getting the premium plus plus mine done 120k and still going strong. I have the piano black which I hate though thinking of changing that bit
Just got rid of my 2017 E220d AMG Line Premium Plus estate. Fantastic car for covering long distances- especially with the Driving Assistance Plus pack which will almost drive itself on the motorway. The new 220d engine works very well with the 9 speed box and the balance of performance and economy is great. The AMG Line models come with runflats as standard and the ride and noise is much improved/reduced by fitting standard tyres. However it’s been the most unreliable car I’ve ever owned - it’s been towed twice (handbrake failure and air suspension compressor failure), battery failed, problems with the door hinges on the front door the dealer made a total mess of replacing under warranty, suspension arm failed prematurely, GPS failed rendering the navigation useless and it would sporadically throw oil pressure warnings which they never managed to resolve. There were also some really annoying rattles within the dash. I didn’t even have the two most common issues with these which is NoX sensor failures and Adblue sensor failure which necessitates a whole new tank assembly which costs about a grand for the part alone. Early OM654 diesels also have issues with the rockers on the exhaust valves failing at higher mileage which causes a loud plopping noise at idle - this is thousands to fix at a dealer and can ruin the camshafts if it’s not sorted quickly.
Had a 2018 E220d and now own a 2022 E300DE - generally component motors and whilst the newer car is much better than the pre-facelift, there are some issues that remain. The interior looks fantastic and generally feels well built, but there's a hollow quality to it which isn't present in the equivalent 5 series. The ride on the newer car is a big improvement, but my previous E220d AMG Line was extremely fidgety and crashy for what is meant to be an executive saloon. The biggest complaint from passengers however is the lack of rear legroom, in part due to precious little space underneath the front seats. Previous generation E classes were extremely spacious in the rear but Mercedes seem to have lost their way a little with the latest generations.
Whoever designed the new facelifted mercedes cars needs to be fired. The newer interiors look crap too. Probably alot of libtards working at mercedes at the moment.
I was very close to buy E Class 400d few years back, but I finally have chosen BMW 530d LCI. I've been enjoying it ever since and even recorded a nice trip with top speed on German autobahn.
I’ve just bought a e class and got to say compared to the bmw 5 series the e class is on another level regards comfort and if you get the premium plus it as so many extras but each to there own
Thank you for the MPG to metric conversion - however, we "metricians" are used to litres per 100 km, not to kms per litre; it still requires us to convert it to something we have reference points in. Great review as always... and as usual, I'm mildly envious at how much bang for the buck Britons get in the used car market....
Well we prefer kmpl rather than L/100km where I am from , because it feel like you are having to do the math in your head with L/100km into kmpl to get the idea. I don't know why you guys in Europe prefer L/100km, maybe you can tell me ?
@@mahinahmed2316 Like most standard measurements used, it's mainly a matter of habit - but it also has the practical advantage of making cost per km easier to calculate.
I bought a used 2018 Mercedes E220d, at 3 years old. 18 months ago. The car is lovely to drive and has a beautiful interior. However, that’s all I can say that’s positive. As I drove the car away from the garage when I bought it, the ‘bonnet open’ sensor started beeping away when I got above 40mph. Then, 10 minutes later, the oil pressure light came on. These were resolved under what was left of the warranty. I soon realised the sat nav was highly temperamental, and quite often just had you driving off into the sea at the most inappropriate time. Then the dash cam I installed messed up my DAB. I also had problems filling it with diesel, as the pump would keep clicking off. It took forever to fill it up. Recently, the engine management light came on, and the cause is faulty nox sensors. Got that booked in next week. At least, it will be if I get the car back from Mercedes. They currently have it because the brakes failed on Monday just past as I drove my kids to swimming. Luckily I was going slowly, although I was approaching a busy road junction. Honestly, I’m done with Mercedes. How can one car have so many problems? It’s 4 years old, and by far the most problematic and faulty car I’ve ever had. Avoid buying one until MB get their shit together.
Have you a new editor Matt ? Like the extra touches ( 70's grainy "flashback"; fade in of the engine under the bonnet etc. ). Not sure we need L/100km to 3 decimal places though :-) I like these cars, but not sure whether that super slippy design will age well. I think it will look a bit "90's" before too long ....
Wisdom comes with age. An E Class from the pre volume sales push Mercedes changed to in 2012. In my opinion they pushed up the volume whilst decreasing the quality. A dealer told me his customer came back each year for his service claiming the MPG got better with age so he wasn’t changing. These older generations were built to last. German taxis set to challenge Mercedes 999,000 mile or thirty years warranty.
The engine is great! Till you learn about the recall... Mercedes decided to combine the oil pump and vacuum pump together inside the crank case. The seals inside the pump fail and seep oil into the vacuum system. A crappy brake pedal and oil consumption is the main symptom, leading to an engine-out job to replace the pump with a modified one, along with all the vacuum lines and solenoids. Just wanted to throw this out, the cars are great and reliable other wise - the 9 speed gearbox is typical of mercedes quality
I agree with all that you said about the E class, I'm on my 8th. My favourite, like many, is the 124. The one that came out after it was quite poor. The Nox sensor is a common fault, should be a recall, but isn't and can cost €1,000 to resolve
I absolutely love my E350 w213 estate, it doesn’t have the amg styling pack but has every other option. Best car for the money IMO. 3.0V6, prem+, air ride, HUD, self drive, dual digital screens, so on and so on.
I love the new info-infographics for boot size and under the bonnet display. Really ups the quality but doesn't clutter the screen. Fairplay to you, keep up the great content.
Great review as always, in India, we get the long wheelbase version only with immense room at the back. Makes a very weak case for the S Class! Compared to the normal wheelbase, you need to turn into corners much earlier to compensate for the length. The exterior looks a bit awkward but most buyers in this segment are chauffeured and it works. The back seat is heaven! Also with rough roads out here, one needs a spare wheel so the boot space shrinks.
I was on the fence thinking "This is just slightly exciting modern car, meh" until you pointed out the wood. Can't appreciate that being there enough! Mega bonus for them having kept up with the straight-6 diesel estate.
Man, everyone says the E class is for oldtimers, but i own w210 since i was 20yo, now im 28 and i still love it. When the avarege wage in Bulgaria goes above 500 euro, i'll consider buying this one :D
My friends gave me a ride in both e43 and e63 amgs.. The e43 is a regular good performing car, while the e63 is a scary beast that you should be very careful with.. Its dangerously fast. Love the look and feel inside. The outside is also ok but not wow..even the amgs. The extras in this cars are insane also, especially the premium music setup, the screens, the automatically adjustable seats and the adaptive cruise control.
Love the E class Merc yes if I had £30 000 to splash out I would definitely get one they are very stylish speak good to drive. Reliable fantastic cars Kevin
But gotta say that I love this model. Don’t own it, never did, as I live in a city and don’t need a car (apart from not being able to afford it) but I used to rent it for a weekend, pre covid days for 90-110€ for the whole weekend. 220d. Nowadays it’s 700€ for the weekend, so no, thank you.
Very good review indeed, i had been looking at the previous 4 gen, but after this i will have to save more pennies and get this model, around the 2018/2019 year given its now 2024, i do prefer the info system and the dash layout. Keep up the good work.
Im a driver ,and i can tell uou why i use amg mats ,its much easier to clean them for sure .i even changed a car 2021 e300 hybrid now and still use those amg mats from 2018 amgline )
I have owned the 2006 CLS 320 cdi purchase it 5 ish years ago with only 58000 miles now with 118000 miles the 3.0ltr V6 has been flawless and in 5 years ownership the only things have gone wrong drivers front suspension spring snapped - glow plug relay - and the usual odd occasion ball joints motorway cruising I'm averaging 45 mpg around town 28 / 32 mpg. Best car I've ever owned. The main thing I would recommend if you have the 7G-Tronic gearbox get it serviced every 35/45000 miles my local specialist charge about £200 or lower to do this.
I have just invested in a 213 to replace my old 212, went for the V6 diesel as in my previous which I have found to be the best all round for me. Generally very pleased, one issue to watch out for is over zealous tyre fitters warping the discs! The discs are now a horrible 2 part design (the hub bit is now pressed I believe rather than cast) that warp very easily if not torqued correctly in stages, apparently fairly common!
I’ve got the coupe which is an absolute beauty and the best value for money coupe you can buy…..as close to a Bentley GT you can get for 30-40k. The coupe rides absolutely beautifully and easily most comfortable car I’ve ever been in. Build quality is a little questionable but there’s a real sense of occasion. The 220 is excellent - quick enough and great on fuel but if you can stretch to the 400d you’ll be truly impressed. However it must be specced probably and you can’t get one without the double screens….absolute sacrilege!! Great review as usual
Mercedes Benz are OK when purchased new and under warranty but the gloss soon wears off when out of warranty and issues start to occur. "The best or nothing" phrase is very misleading. If you want a "posh badge" and are prepared to put up with frequent expensive repair bills then buy one. My money would be on a Lexus. Yes Lexus can be expensive to fix but the chances of having issues will be minimal if serviced properly.
Oooh, new graphics and x-ray engine view. plus chase car view, very smart delivery. IMHO I'd say MPG and litres/100km would be the two fuel consumption figures most people understand. Should still have that top job on BBC Top Gear. Enjoy the wide variety of vehicles reviewed, thank you for your continues efforts, its hard to fully appreciate the time and effort you put into each video.
Funny thing is when I saw the thumbnail my first thought was ‘I’ve fallen out of a few those in the early hours’ only to realise so have most people in London (or Manchester evidently). Given the 100k miles this one has covered in 3 years I’d say I might have even fallen out of this one at some point!
Feel the production in your vids has really improved of late , not that it was ever bad just looking very polished lately. Well dude pal. Also love the mix of cheap cars and luxury not so cheap cars.
I have the premium plus with the 20inch wheels on a 16 plate was a very rare find with only 13 k on the clock it’s worth more than what I paid for it 2 years ago It’s only done 25 k now I’ve just diamond cut the wheels again and the car is selenite grey and been detailed a real head turner best car I’ve ever had
I have a the same car, same colour except mine is a 2017 estate, I'm really happy with it. When I visit my daughter in Berlin I have the same late night drunken conversations with Taxi drivers, most are the S231/W213 over there now. "Ich nabe ein E class " :) Stick it in sport + and it flies :) Take care, Drew
If i recall correctly, all classes of mercedes with LED DRLs have a number of lines corresponding to which model it is. I think the C has 1 line of DRLs, the E has 2 lines and the S class has 3 lines.
We had one of these at work for a while as a cheaper alternative to the limos. Drove it a few times and was really good. Just a shame this E-Class, well, the C-Class too, don’t get the grille options you can get in Germany.
Retire and use some of your money on a Merc. Get the bill of £751 for engine sensor and realise your mistake. Enjoy admiring it on drive. Sell at huge loss to dealer. Buy a Fiesta when realising you dont go anywhere much. The tale of so many. .