E vs S Class

[Mcf07]

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 ?

The Ss are much better then?

 

[Mcf07]

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

I see, thanks.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Petrol will be quieter especially the bigger engines V6/V8 whisper quiet

 

[Mcf07]

Petrol will be quieter especially the bigger engines V6/V8 whisper quiet

Yes, generally I would prefer a petrol, also because we don't do much mileage, but they are harder to find, used. And if one tries to find a good one, well maintained, just one or few owners, etc., it gets even harder. But I'll keep that in mind, thanks. I guess more important if we go for an E class.

 

[SmartAmg]

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?

Yep, those years you've said 2010-2013 , E and S class have the Harmon Kardon sound system, the E class has it depending on the model, i presume all
S classes have it, you would have to check.
2010-2013 years would get you a face lift S class , very nice motor.

 

[Botus]

the S will be a lot quieter (but the diesel engine is distinctly coarse and often with less toys)

by 2013 the later 222 came out
the last of the 221s can have steering assist on the distronic plus, but its an option on any of them.... wouldn't get one without it
I'd be concerned about the wallowy ride
they very costly to run insurance is hideous and if you go petrol which drives much better the road tax is silly

don't forget tyres make a lot of the noise and between brands vary a lot... continental are much noisier

 

[Blobcat]

You might be able to find a decent S500, loads of toys and generally well looked after. The S350’s make good executive taxis so fhave massive miles and no toys. The 500’s are bought for different reasons and have the toys.
Also the 500’s are relatively cheap as the taxi drivers don’t really want a 5ltr V8...

 

[John Laidlaw]

^ this....a 500 would make sense

 

[the director]

The Ss are much better then?

All mine have been diesel. I wouldn’t say “much” and to be fair, the S350 is a bigger V6 engine so, cruises at very low RPM. Ultimately, you’re comparing different cars.

Personally, I’d go for a late facelifted W221 (very late 2011 thru 2013). In effect, you’re picking up much of the same technology as the current W222, but not the body shape. The price difference between an E and S may only be as much as a couple of thousand pounds.

Drive both though. Either are great cars.

 

[Craiglxviii]

Hi Craiglxviii, what year please?

2010 from memory. Lovely car.

 

[Craiglxviii]

I see, thanks.

So I can compare:

S500 petrol V8. Whisper quiet inside and out. I can pull into the driveway and the memsahib won’t hear it.

E320 diesel V6. Less refined, coarser engine sound for sure, but the E Class pretty much sets the benchmark for Euro E Segment and the V6 diesel is towards the top of the model grade level.

R320 diesel V6. Same engine as above but with much better NVH performance, not far off the equal of the S500 inside the cabin.

S320 diesel V6. Same powertrain as above but with better NVH performance than the S500. That car is so quiet you have to check outside to see if it’s moving.