This is the way it's always been. Same sausage, different lengths.

 

To a degree, but IMHO they are a lot more similar now. I never had an issue picking out a C, E or S from a distance, but now even I have to look at one for several seconds, even closer than say 20 feet away, to know if its an E or C...the S is clearer because its so big, but from a distance even the S is hard to distinguish, especially from the rear.

 

Every E class thread talks about the 4 cyl engine and the styling...

Anywhoo, Mercedes styling has been top notch these past few years, so it is a compliment to say it looks like a C or S. I will admit its hard to tell them apart from the rear in the daytime, but at night its easy. From the front, even easier.

Rear:
C class: light tubes form two rings per tail light
E class: slat design used for tail light
S class: light tubes form three rings per tail light

Front:
C class: smooth LED light strip eyebrow
E class: smooth dual LED light strip eyebrow
S class: "dotted" LED light strip eyebrow

I mean, how hard can it be

 

I like the C Class, and I like the S Class, but for some reason the E Class doesn't do it for me. Saw one just now in the road...just doesn't look like a 60-80k car at all to me.

 

I just saw an E Class in the mall where they were exhibiting and thought it was a C Class until I saw the trunk badge.

 

I'm trying to like the E, in fact considering a E63 since I want to get a smaller car, but the fact it looks so much like the cheaper C keep pushing me out of it, sigh.

 

well they seem to be selling (or rather leasing) well despite the family resemblances.

just got an hour ride today in one on lovely NJ highways, and the car was spectacular. as far as looks, the rim and color choice obviously make a difference, as usual.

 

yes the e300 is surprisingly smooth imho, even smoother than the c300 i think.

 

yes, the friend who has the e300, his wife has the c300 and she says it's not as smooth, but aren't they pretty much the same drive train? i wonder if it might not be more to do with a shorter wheelbase and perhaps less sophisticated suspension.

 

I have relatives who own both the IS300h & GS300h in Europe, and the isolation and refinement in the GS version is way better than in the IS.
I suspect it has to do with engine and suspension subframes, and their respective hydraulic fluid-filled mounts, plus insulation material.

 

^^^ makes sense...

 

no the c300 and e300 don't have same drive train. both of them have the same engine setup but the c300 has 7 speed auto and the e300 has 9 speed auto.

from what i have read, the 9 speed by mb is a very nice and smooth design. it makes up for the less than ideal power output of the engine and makes it smoother and more transparent to the passengers. of course i am sure the insulation and suspension would help but i think the tranny makes up a lot of the difference. the GLS450 also got the 9 speed tranny and it is very nice

 

I might consider a E400 with comfort package with the traditional MB sedan grill, vast majority would think it is a SWB S class, cannot tell it's an E from rear view mirror.
I also think the E class dash/front seats portion interior design does not look as geriatric as the S class, though similar, but more modern and sporty. Get the designo interior option, and the materials can look better than a standard S class interior.

 

Is there going to be an E400 sedan in the US?

 

I don't know why it is not offered in the U.S.(yet ?). We have E400 4matic available in Canada, which can be ordered with the comfort package with the traditional sedan grill. You cannot get that grill for E43 and E63s, but I probably don't care, I do not need every car with 500+hp, particularly with a sedan. We also have swb S450 and S560 available in Canada.