The W212 have it’s own soul, you can clearly see the difference between C, E and S class from that same generation. But the W213 literally a smaller W222 and a bigger W205
W213 is better. I’m now at 100,000 miles. Yes my 2018 is at 100,000. E300 4Matic. Besides PCV no problem and far better quality than the W212. No seat tears or switch problems. Just cup holder
Basic audio in w213 is horrible, my old Mondeo was much better. Climate control and entertainment system are visually nice, but comparing with budget limusine Skoda Superb 3 everything in Mercedes is complicated like in space ship, lagging sometimes and is non intuitive...
W213 interior is so much better. Both cases V6 diesel may be better choice then R4. W212FL front is nice but only front, estate both looks very similar.
W213 pre facelift looks really luxury, the facelift is more agressive and less luxury. Your information about the service is also not accurate. The petrol engine needs every 25k km a service and this is the first e-class with color changing ambient.
What evidence do you have to back up your theory here? Sounds like you are just saying things based on what other people are saying. Of course things will fail and break but it doesn't sound like you can provide any thing to back up your story.