E vs S Class

[Mcf07]

Hello all,

We are a family, we need a spacious but very quiet car (my son is autistic and noises affect him).

We are not sure if we should go for an E Class estate or a S Class.

Music help him, so a good quality sound system on a quiet car would be excellent.

My man question is: are the S Class considerably quieter than the E Class or just a little quieter?

I'm planning to buy a used car 2010—2013.

 

[SmartAmg]

I would have thought the
S class to be quieter, having said that, my
E class coupe 350cdi is very quiet, the S class has got a big boot for a family, but the E class estate is probably bigger, depends on what space you need. As for a sound system, the years you've said would be a Harmon Kardon system, which is superb.

 

[Blobcat]

The estate will be noisier than the equivalent saloon because of the large space behind the rear seats.

Probably best if you can arrange a test drive with your son and let him decide. I’d also look at ones with tinted rear glass if he has any light sensitivity issues.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome, sorry not had an S class to compare and my E isn’t too representative !
Having been chauffeured in both I have to say those experiences have proven the S to be quite a bit quieter if that helps
Just remember to avoid sports set ups in any you choose or you’ll get a lot of tyre rumble and go for the largest engine practical for you then it’s not straining and will purr along. Certainly V6 minimum

 

[Wighty]

You may have to budget differently for an S class for the ABC suspension set up should it need repairs . The E class doesn't have it .

 

[John Laidlaw]

You may have to budget differently for an S class for the ABC suspension set up should it need repairs . The E class doesn't have it .

Good point

 

[Crispian]

My father has an 07 S500,compared to my 2013 E class it's whisper quiet inside.
Different league altogether to an E.

 

[alexanderfoti]

You may have to budget differently for an S class for the ABC suspension set up should it need repairs . The E class doesn't have it .

ABC Is optional on the s class unless you have the 63/65 or 600

 

[Wighty]

ABC Is optional on the s class unless you have the 63/65 or 600

I never knew that , I might look out for one with springs

 

[Craiglxviii]

I know a a W221 S320L soon to be for sale, Aurmatic, all the toys and vvgc...

 

[alexanderfoti]

I never knew that , I might look out for one with springs

No such luck. On the UK they have airmatic on all other models.

They did a s250 cdi with springs, but not available in the uk

 

[the director]

In my time I’ve had an E270; x2 E220’s and an E250 estate (125 edition). I currently drive an S350.........does that answer the question ?

 

[Wighty]

In my time I’ve had an E270; x2 E220’s and an E250 estate (125 edition). I currently drive an S350.........does that answer the question ?

You recieved a big pay rise for the last car

 

[Mcf07]

I would have thought the
S class to be quieter, having said that, my
E class coupe 350cdi is very quiet, the S class has got a big boot for a family, but the E class estate is probably bigger, depends on what space you need. As for a sound system, the years you've said would be a Harmon Kardon system, which is superb.

Hi, thanks for replying SmartAmg, and for the info.

I think a large boot should be enough for most situations now. We have 2 children, one still needs a buggy, but if my current Citroen C5 can deal with it easily surely a S Class will too. Perhaps only if we get a dog in the future an estate would be better, but we probably won't, we have too muck work/chores already! Besides, I can't plan and prepare for every future possibility.

Good to know about the sound system. BTW, is it the same in both models, E and S class?

 

[Mcf07]

The estate will be noisier than the equivalent saloon because of the large space behind the rear seats.

Probably best if you can arrange a test drive with your son and let him decide. I’d also look at ones with tinted rear glass if he has any light sensitivity issues.

Good point about estates Blobcat, thanks.

My son is only 4yo, and his speech/communication skills are behind his age, and usually he doesn't like to reply to direct questions, so I'm not sure he would understand or reply. Maybe. He's starting to talk more recently. I can try.

Good point about light sensitivity, he was bothered by it in the summer. Thanks. A few weeks ago I saw an E Class Estate on Autotrader that had those little curtains that can come up from inside the rear doors. Difficult to be too picky when buying used but it would surely be a plus. Do you know if S Classes have them too?

 

[Mcf07]

Welcome, sorry not had an S class to compare and my E isn’t too representative !
Having been chauffeured in both I have to say those experiences have proven the S to be quite a bit quieter if that helps
Just remember to avoid sports set ups in any you choose or you’ll get a lot of tyre rumble and go for the largest engine practical for you then it’s not straining and will purr along. Certainly V6 minimum

Great point about sports set ups Laidlaw, I didn't know about that, thanks.

I thought all E and S classes were V6s, no?

 

[Mcf07]

You may have to budget differently for an S class for the ABC suspension set up should it need repairs . The E class doesn't have it .

Thanks Wighty, I'll keep an eye on it.

 

[Mcf07]

My father has an 07 S500,compared to my 2013 E class it's whisper quiet inside.
Different league altogether to an E.

Thanks Crispian. I'll try to test drive one. (I just feel it's a bit embarrassing to "use" a local dealer if I'm not going to buy from them just yet.)

I think I would prefer a S Class, the very quiet ride attracts me too! But my wife seems to prefer an E Estate.

 

[CJD]

Great point about sports set ups Laidlaw, I didn't know about that, thanks.

I thought all E and S classes were V6s, no?

The smaller engines ie. the 220d etc are 4 cylinder.

 

[Mcf07]

I know a a W221 S320L soon to be for sale, Aurmatic, all the toys and vvgc...

Hi Craiglxviii, what year please?