2018 Mercedes E class?
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: West Coast
I can't think of any cons. The 5er is probably marginally sportier. The E's styling is a little anonymous but that's a common theme for everything in this class.
Also, MB likely stocks dealers overwhelmingly with MB-Tex for the E300, I don't imagine things being much different for the E400.
Also, MB likely stocks dealers overwhelmingly with MB-Tex for the E300, I don't imagine things being much different for the E400.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,651
Likes: 426
From: ON/NY
Pretty nice car. I think there is an option where you can select vertical seat stitching or you can can horizontal. There is also a model with digital gauge delete. You can get some of the oddest looking afterthought speed gauges I have ever seen.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,582
Likes: 236
From: San Francisco, CA
the vertical stitching comes on both the sport and luxury models if you get MB-Tex. If you get the sport model with leather, it goes to horizontal stitching. And if you get nappa leather, it goes back to vertical stitching. I didnt want leather but was forced to because I couldn't stand the vertical stitching.
Last edited by RXSF; Feb 3, 2018 at 05:27 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: West Coast
the vertical stitching comes on both the sport and luxury models if you get MB-Tex. If you get the sport model with leather, it goes to horizontal stitching. And if you get kappa leather, it goes back to vertical stitching. I didnt want leather but was forced to because I couldn't stand the vertical stitching.
Trending Topics
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???
Michael S. Palmer
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)
Brett Foote
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,582
Likes: 236
From: San Francisco, CA
I have owned MBs with MB-tex and I have no qualms with it. To me, feels very leather like as MB leather is pretty rough anyways, not like the stuff we are used to at Lexus. Anyway, MB started using the same double stitching on MB tex anyways so visually its the same. In addition, it doesnt show any sign of wear. For those who do not have the time to use proper leather care, side bolsters and particularly the thigh support gets very wrinkly and that bothers me much more. In addition, the humane aspect of it is also note worthy.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 782
Likes: 1
From: West Coast
I have owned MBs with MB-tex and I have no qualms with it. To me, feels very leather like as MB leather is pretty rough anyways, not like the stuff we are used to at Lexus. Anyway, MB started using the same double stitching on MB tex anyways so visually its the same. In addition, it doesnt show any sign of wear. For those who do not have the time to use proper leather care, side bolsters and particularly the thigh support gets very wrinkly and that bothers me much more. In addition, the humane aspect of it is also note worthy.
My viewpoint may be antiquated, but for me personally a luxury car interior must have leather, real metals, and real wood. Otherwise you're just paying for the name. But then again, I'm young and don't have kids. My tune may change when that happens.
Last edited by BrownPride; Feb 3, 2018 at 07:17 PM.
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,611
Likes: 372
From: In your head
MB tex regardless of the stitching has always had the durability like no other. Vehicles with leather in the long run at least (like past warranty) end up in tears and rips for at least those who live in harsh climates and/or where you dont do anything to protect the leather. The MB tex/fake leather ages better.
In regards to owning vs leasing, its a sedan that is a good lease, lets be realistic in longevity, the E is alot of industry firsts in it, so expect till warranty its good. after that its going to be a cash cow, but again OP is buying or leasing new, so not an issue. Rule of thumb, going to the pioneer in the market with no intent to buy out, lease lease lease. If going to purchase for the long run, go with the one thats got a good record or says Lexus on the badge. :P
In regards to owning vs leasing, its a sedan that is a good lease, lets be realistic in longevity, the E is alot of industry firsts in it, so expect till warranty its good. after that its going to be a cash cow, but again OP is buying or leasing new, so not an issue. Rule of thumb, going to the pioneer in the market with no intent to buy out, lease lease lease. If going to purchase for the long run, go with the one thats got a good record or says Lexus on the badge. :P
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 9,999
Likes: 250
From: California
A great car, no question. Downside is it looks identical to the lesser C class. Mercede's biggest problem right now. I'd get the C class, save massive money, and everyone will think you have the more expensive E class.
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,582
Likes: 236
From: San Francisco, CA
I see your point as far as time goes. Haven't had a Merc but in the Lexus and multiple Bimmers the leather has held up just fine. An hour a few saturday mornings per year has kept them all in mint condition.
My viewpoint may be antiquated, but for me personally a luxury car interior must have leather, real metals, and real wood. Otherwise you're just paying for the name. But then again, I'm young and don't have kids. My tune may change when that happens.
My viewpoint may be antiquated, but for me personally a luxury car interior must have leather, real metals, and real wood. Otherwise you're just paying for the name. But then again, I'm young and don't have kids. My tune may change when that happens.
The technology, no question. I bought my E with every tech option I could because I really wanted the self driving tech. Then theres the extra engineering. I recently noticed this ridge that surrounds my E's side mirror. On the freeway, while its raining, I noticed the water drops hit the outside of the mirror shell, and then slides into the ridge where it is expelled on the far edge of the mirror. Details excite me.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 17
From: CA
I really like the two large screens in MB's interiors. I'm a tech geek and these large screens really appeal to me. The more there are the better and they can't be big enough.
MB, Tesla and Audi got it right, in fact, I like MB's iteration better than Audi just because the screens are larger. Tesla wins the grand prize, though (Model S screen and dash).
Lexus' digital dash-- in the few cars that offer it--is way too small. Doesn't have that WOW factor that MB's dash possesses.
MB, Tesla and Audi got it right, in fact, I like MB's iteration better than Audi just because the screens are larger. Tesla wins the grand prize, though (Model S screen and dash).
Lexus' digital dash-- in the few cars that offer it--is way too small. Doesn't have that WOW factor that MB's dash possesses.