The 4 cylinder trend is nothing new in Europe, for decades you could buy big, expensive, prestige cars with tiny engines over there and they're still popular because gas is $5 a liter. Its just in the past 5 years or so that they've started doing this in the United States, personally I blame the EPA and increasing fuel economy standards and their stupid tests that don't accurately reflect real world MPG. A 4 cylinder turbo on the EPA test cycle gets better gas mileage than a V6 because it stays off boost during the test. In real world driving this fuel economy advantage is negated in day to day driving because you go into boost. Guess what, way more air goes into the engine, thus you need more fuel when the engine is on boost.

I will grant that the tech on turbo 4 cylinder engines is pretty amazing now days, in that they are pretty smooth and turbo lag is minimal. Still if you're used to a powerful naturally aspirated V6, you can tell a difference in idle quality, throttle response is more immediate(might be because of turbo lag or transimssion programming on new cars that always have it in a gear too high to conserve gas), and most importantly they sound a lot nicer.

 

Went to the dealer and ordered myself an E class for delivery in December. Stay tuned.

 

Build sheet? Price?

 

 

Is that $16k in options?! The Burmester Surround looks like a deal at $850. How many watts is it?

Does this E300 replace your '09 C350?

 

Wow the stereo upgrade worth every penny!! It cost me 3700 for my B&O and my buddy 4800 on his X5, and it really isn't that good ...

and why they charge for 12'3 display when they should include that in the premium pack 3 :/

 

That is not the high end burmester surround which is over 4K! This is just the regular one that is included in all the premium packages. Its the mid tier level but its good enough. This one is 650 watts versus 1400 or something. But yes, 16K in options, but I know I wouldn't be happy with a low spec car. I really just wanted all the cool tech.

This is going to replace my 09 C350. It has less than 52K miles and has been a great car with almost zero issues. Still puts a smile on my face when I drive it everyday, especially when I give it some gas. Small enough to easily weave through traffic situations and parking. However, hard to seat the family and friends, plus the lack of tech.

Purposely told my sales rep to find a car that will arrive in December, so the planned production for this car is the second week of October. With the holidays around thanks giving, this should arrive 2nd week of December, just in time for the best of year deals.

 

I don't blame you, I'd load it up too!

Sounds like a rewarding car that will be missed. Hopefully your new E Class provides another exceptional ownership experience

 

congrats rxsf... very nice.

 

Thanks all, its going to be a tough 4 month wait!

 

Awesome. Thanks for posting. Looking forward to hearing a review on it from you!

 

Unfortunately you won't have that experience when you give the E300 some gas

 

haha, yeah i know. its one of two compromises I've learned to accept (the other being the lack of stitching on the dash and door trims).

 

RXSF,

these active multicontour seats will be amazing.
I have them on my E350, it's really comfort when you drive long distance, and feel confident when you make sharp turn.

Your option is really good.

Congratulations.

 

Life's all about compromise lol