Difference between Avangarde- Elagance

[cmax200]

I am thinking of buying a c class possibly 1-2 years old,or a demonstrator, but can someone explain what the difference is between an Avangarde and an Elegance Model. Which is the higher spec?
Also does Parktronic come as standard on any of these models.
Finally is there anything I should specifically avoid or look for when buying one. Looking to spend upto 20K
Thanks.

 

[Splatt]

In general the Avantguarde spec is a bit sportier and will usually have the options of lower profile tyres on larger rims, usually brushed alloy interior trim bits and perhaps an optional sport pack of uprated brakes and suspension,
the Elegance is the softer choice with wood trim. Parktronic is allways an option.
Things to avoid ? Only cr@p colours like white

 

[keith100]

The Avantgarde, pretty much as above, low profile tires, 17" wheels etc., plus a grill with the star in the middle and a flat medallion on the hood rather than the gunsight. Just looks really.

The "Sport" model has, in addition slightly different plastic mouldings, is lowered 1/2' and has wider rear tires. Still mostly looks.

HTH

 

[jberks]

Aside from looks, the AG is a bit stiffer. The elegance is comfier but can wallow a bit if hussled.

 

[tikw2124]

The Avantgarde, pretty much as above, low profile tires, 17" wheels etc., plus a grill with the star in the middle and a flat medallion on the hood rather than the gunsight. Just looks really.

The "Sport" model has, in addition slightly different plastic mouldings, is lowered 1/2' and has wider rear tires. Still mostly looks.

HTH

Just thought i'd mention my AG 2002 Model has 16" wheels on 7Js fronts are same width as backs. No star in the 3 bar grill and still has gun sight. I know the previous owner who did not change any thing from original spec. May be it is the year that things are changed.

Keith

 

[Geezer]

Quite simply, the Avantgard is better than the Elegance. Elegance = old people!

 

[NJones59]

For old, read mature

 

[Rory]

Just thought i'd mention my AG 2002 Model has 16" wheels on 7Js fronts are same width as backs. No star in the 3 bar grill and still has gun sight. I know the previous owner who did not change any thing from original spec. May be it is the year that things are changed.

Keith

My late 2004 (facelift) Avantgarde has 16" wheels, though they are wider at the back. Star is bonnet mounted too.

If the OP is looking at ex-demo cars then they'd be W204's now and they don't use the Avantgarde name, it's called Sport.

I have the brochures and for the late 04 models the only difference noted is staggered wheels on A/G, plus aluminium trim (wood on Elegance), blue tinted windows on a/g, green on Elegance and some Artico (artificial leather) on parts of the seats on the A/G.

The suspension is supposed to be the same (lower and stiffer only if Sport pack is specified). However mine doesn't have that but it certainly looks lower than Elegance models.

Both versions where the same price.

 

[paul c]

My w203 Avantgarde has lower suspension 17in AMGS but still has gun sight all factory fit i believe all have lower suspension and gun sight only the AMGS are an option on the w204 the gun sight is missing on the sport model

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Quite simply, the Avantgard is better than the Elegance. Elegance = old people!

I do agree. Our last Mercedes was an Elegance and I guess it did look a bit old fashioned inside, I think it's all that wood.

The Avantgarde is certainly a much firmer ride, especially if you have the bigger wheels which we have, took me some time to get used to it. I do love the aluminium trim though, so much more modern and sleek looking

 

[keith100]

Just thought i'd mention my AG 2002 Model has 16" wheels on 7Js fronts are same width as backs. No star in the 3 bar grill and still has gun sight. I know the previous owner who did not change any thing from original spec. May be it is the year that things are changed.

Keith

Seem to be endless variations, but the poster was referring to 1-2 yr models, or a demo, which I think are pretty much as described.

Cheers