Test drive(2014 E Class W212) and also review. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

C280 Sport · #1 04-29-2013, 07:58 PM

Our local MB dealer in the Albany area has just got in the 2014 E Class. I went for a test drive today but unfortunatly it was downpour raining so pics where not possible and the service bay and car waiting area was full as well. Not worth getting all soaked in a new outfit.

The exterior of the W212 overall is similair but yet different. The front end of course has changed the most with the sport emblim in the grill and the luxury keeping the hood star. The new front end(Sport was the one I drove) Looks pretty nice in person and not so much in the pics. I personally would not want that and wished they kept it more MB traditional because it does look out of place a bit. The new design looks a tad bit more smoother if you will next to my current W212 but in some areas it looks bubbly and puffed up. The backend is pretty but you can tell its a post vs pre face lift.

The interior is pretty much the same layout as before but they made it more rich looking for sure and feels solid as all W212's are. They also made it more refined. I was dissapointed on how little options this W212 had but maybe because its a dealer ordered car? It all depends on your taste really when it comes to options. My current E350 has every option you can get on a E350(Heated/Cooled seats, parktronic, premium leather,DVD and TV, MBrace,HK system, heated sterring wheel, illuminated door sills, trunk closer, p1 and p2, keyless go, 4Matic) and much more all except for the Pano roof and Distronic Cruise Control I am missing. The sticker on this 2014 E was $59,000 and change while mine was $70,000.

Driving imprssions was in the Sport package so of course the natural thing to do is what the engine and tranny are all about. It puts out 302bhp from the 3.5 V6. I took it to about 65mph or so. The engine feels strong while it sounds nice when you give it some gas

It honestly did not ANY faster then my E350. I didn't notice ANY difference in the steering or chassis unlike what my saleswomen tried to tell me before I took it for a drive. I had to stop and fill it up too for them as it was on empty. Filled it up with some 93 Octane and away I went again. It was very comfy as the E should be, I felt right at home and it look the bumps great and felt very solid. It was enjoyable to drive and the HK system was perfect! The breaking power was solid and strong but somewhat more improved I felt like. The handling was good with some body roll here and there.

Overall when I returned I gave the keys back while they were ready to deal. They offered me a fantastic trade in value for my 2011 E350 4M Sport with 22k miles. I said no thank you but I appreciate letting me be of the first test drivers. I personally prefer the pre facelifted W212's more due to the style and overall feel. I do not hate the 14 E. I am just not too nuts about it and I do not ever see myself owning it. Usually with me I a more of a post face lift MB owner as you can see from my sig but for the W212 its the other way around.

~George.