I don't know why it is not offered in the U.S.(yet ?). We have E400 4matic sedan 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.

 

Yeah its a little odd that the E400 is not available in the US but can be had in Canada. Usually it is the other way around. In the US the E400 coupe can be had in 2wd and 4wd but in Canada only 4wd is available. Very strange packaging.

As for the SWB S-class in the US. I think the CAFE regulations has something to do with it. Wheelbase and actually physical footprint has an influence on the CAFE calculation. Perhaps that is why there is no E400

 

Yes.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/2018-me...peed-for-c300/

 

That's great news...only way I would ever consider the car. I knew the coupe had a 400 model.

It's a great car, biggest drawback was the 4cyl.

 

True. Nobody NEEDS a car with 500 HP. In this class, it is more about wants and status than actual needs.

(E400)

Just a guess on my part (not necessarily fact)...but offering turbo 2.0L fours instead of N/A V6s is becoming common practice now (that's one reason why I ordered the Lacrosse's N/A V6 while it was still available). CAFE rules in the U.S. are forcing the downsizing of a number of engines, and the E-class already has the relatively slow-selling AMG version, which probably does not impact as much on their corporate MPG-average as a better-selling V6 to the masses would. The E400 coupe, if it does come to the U.S., would probably not sell in as high a numbers as a sedan would. Anyhow, that's just my guess...not necessarily fact.

 

Your new Buick has active grille shutters and undefeatable start/stop tech. So Buick is offsetting a few things to address CAFE concerns.

 

So do MB models

 

as far as I know, the active grill shutter is still only available on the C class luxury grill and not any other model at least in the US

 

The start/stop system IS defeatable....where conditions allow, a 1-2 MPH "stop". It also occurs only when several conditions are met....engine temperature warm, low demand on the climate-control, and a minimum of other accessories in use.

I will hand it to the engineers, though...with the V6 and the new 9-speed transmission both having been designed for the start/stop system, the system operates as seamlessly as a con-artist. It also has a system that is supposed to help save wear on the starter.

 

Sounds more like cheating the system Vs defeating. Mercedes (not sure if all) can be turned on or off.

 

I suspect we will see it on more M-B products in the future...especially with larger engines.

 

Oh, it's defintely cheating the system......I mentioned that in my new-car thread. I agree with the other posters, though, that we're probably going to see it on more cars in the future......the engineers are doing everything they can to satisfy the CAFE Man.

 

We currently have an Audi and BMW and it can be turned off in both of them. I leave if off in both cars. Just a personal preference.

 

Have you driven one? It's very smooth.

 

Yeah I have driven it. It's smooth for a 4 cyl, but it still feels like a 4 cyl under load, and it also feels strained. I have no doubt the 6 cyl will make a huge impact.

I'm just not interested in a 4 cyl, certainly not in a luxury product.