2020/21 E-Class

[8IKERDAVE]

I'm currently in a 2021 BMW 330e and considering chopping in for a larger car. Having looked at the 5 series / A6 and E-Class the Mercedes is the current front runner.

I've owned a 2010 E250 in the past which I absolutely loved, but have no idea about the newer models. Is there anything in particular to look out for, models to avoid, real life experiences etc?

It would be the estate model I go for as I have a dog and we regularly travel to Europe as a family. This is partly the reason of considering a new car as my current one has quite a small boot due to the batteries.

[SL222]

I moved from an A6 to a 2022 E Class about a year ago and I've found:

Premium Plus Night Edition spec with the Burmester stereo and Panoramic roof is lovely
MBUX is pretty good but down to preference whether you like it more than the BMW equivalent
20" wheels on runflats are bad news
9 speed gearbox is great

Hope that helps!

[AddyT.]

I have a '17 E220d Coupe and it's a lovely car.

Agree with the previous poster on trying to get a Premium Plus. Mine is this and the Burmester alone makes it most definitely worth getting this spec among other options. For me, I have the 20's currently on runflats (will change these once needing replacing) but haven't had any issues so far. Do need to be aware of the alloys cracking on our potholed roads I do know.

As I think you are looking at a petrol (forgive me if I am wrong), I would be joining up to an MB owners forum and asking this question and you will get plenty of really helpful responses. I joined mercedesclub.org.uk to ask some questions about the 220d engine beforehand and everyone is very welcoming and extremely helpful.

Overall really happy with mine. Do a lot of motorway miles and it's faultless so far, seriously comfortable and a really nice place to be.

[8IKERDAVE]

Thanks for your responses all. I'm looking at the E300DE - I currently have a hybrid and it works well for me. Alternatively it will be the E350D depending on whats out there.

[gregpot2000]

I was in the same position last year.

If you're going for Premium Plus (I guess same applies to other trims) Make sure you get a 2020 / 2021. Latest 21 plate....occasionally a few 71 plates.

This is because 2022 cars are missing a lot of features due to Covid supply chains at the time. A lot of these features were never even put back even for the last cars made in 2023 (Matrix lights / steering wheel never came back)

Generally missing:

Matrix lights
Sportier two spoke steering wheel
Memory seats with controls on the door
Smaller screens - Physical size is the same, but they are comically large thick black bezels.
Sometimes the Burmeister sound system
Augmented reality camera for Sat Nav (can also be used as Dashcam)


Yet any adverts will not make it clear they are missing features they should have, and will still charge the same. I wanted a newer car at the time, but couldn't bear to pay top money for a supposed top of the range car that was missing a load of features that a car only 6 months older would have.

It really is a lottery what the car will be equipped with from 2022 onwards, they are all advertised as Premium Plus, yet you need to check through the pics and see what is missing that should be fitted.

Edited by gregpot2000 on Wednesday 10th September 14:12

[8IKERDAVE]

gregpot2000 said:

I was in the same position last year.

If you're going for Premium Plus (I guess same applies to other trims) Make sure you get a 2020 / 2021. Latest 21 plate....occasionally a few 71 plates.

This is because 2022 cars are missing a lot of features due to Covid supply chains at the time. A lot of these features were never even put back even for the last cars made in 2023 (Matrix lights / steering wheel never came back)

Generally missing:

Matrix lights
Sportier two spoke steering wheel
Memory seats with controls on the door
Smaller screens - Physical size is the same, but they are comically large thick black bezels.
Sometimes the Burmeister sound system
Augmented reality camera for Sat Nav (can also be used as Dashcam)


Yet any adverts will not make it clear they are missing features they should have, and will still charge the same. I wanted a newer car at the time, but couldn't bare to pay top money for a supposed top of the range car that was missing a load of features that a car only 6 months older would have.

It really is a lottery what the car will be equipped with from 2022 onwards, they are all advertised as Premium Plus, yet you need to check through the pics and see what is missing that should be fitted.

Thank you for that - very useful information. I'm getting a little put off by the amount of dealers pushing for a distance sale. Unfortunately (for them) I like to go and look round / test drive a vehicle before purchasing so I'll be holding off until I find one locally I can actually view! No rush anyway, I'm happy with my current car and have a good 6-8 months before I need to act.

[SL222]

gregpot2000 said:

I was in the same position last year.


Generally missing:

Matrix lights
Sportier two spoke steering wheel
Memory seats with controls on the door
Smaller screens - Physical size is the same, but they are comically large thick black bezels.
Sometimes the Burmeister sound system
Augmented reality camera for Sat Nav (can also be used as Dashcam)

]

Good point - mine is a 22 and missing matrix lights, 2 spoke sportier wheel and augmented reality camera. It had the other features though, sounds like it's a bit of a lottery.

[Dewi 2]

8IKERDAVE said:

I'm currently in a 2021 BMW 330e and considering chopping in for a larger car. Having looked at the 5 series / A6 and a Mercedes is the current front runner.

I've owned a 2010 E250 in the past which I absolutely loved, but have no idea about the newer models. Is there anything in particular to look out for, models to avoid, real life experiences etc?

It would be the estate model I go for as I have a dog and we regularly travel to Europe as a family. This is partly the reason of considering a new car as my current one has quite a small boot due to the batteries.

You are talking E Class W213 facelift.
There were some significant worthwhile changes with this facelift (MBUX and Starter/Generator/turbo lag fill-in, Mild Hybrid system), so you have picked the sweet spot.

Initially was going to buy a new W214, but after being refused (in UK) the 6 cylinder engine, I gradually realised that the present model is only a facelift of the W213 facelift. Altered front grille and rear lights, pop-out door handles and a (marmite) full width glass dashboard screen.
The present model also had a considerable price increase.

After 24 years of driving an almost faultless Mercedes CLK 320 V6 (average depreciation only £500 pa) I chose a 2022 E200 AMG Line. The petrols are not easy to obtain, so I felt very pleased to find an 'as new', 2 year old, 4,000 miles car, at half the cost of a brand new model. Saved a huge amount.

I tend to keep cars for a long time, so did not want the plug-in hybrid version. There have been a few E Class PHEV horror stories - complete battery failure, combustion engine cannot be used independently, cars scrapped at just 9 years old.
When charging, about half the electricity is generated by burning gas, after the battery is down to 20%, about a ton of dead weight has to be carried around. If I get 50 mpg on a motorway journey, then your diesel will do much better. Huge range on these cars, so fill and forget. Anyway, for anyone other than high mileage users, depreciation is always the main cost of motoring. Less luggage space with a PHEV too of course.

I am really enjoying my W213 facelift. A wonderful car. It seems to encourage gently wafting along, which is very relaxing. I like chrome (type) window surrounds on a luxury saloon, so that ruled out Premium Plus, which I think includes Night Package. Apart from not having 360° camera system which would be helpful when slowly manoeuvring, I have all the main options including rear climate, which some have some don't. Rear privacy glass is fun. I tell grandchildren that it saves them being bothered by autograph hunters.

For extreme contrast, I have a sports car. Feel every bump, but good fun in short doses.

I think some of the Estate models have 7 seats. Perhaps something to look for, if relevant to you.

Edited by Dewi 2 on Thursday 11th September 08:25

[BEARDYB0Y]

8IKERDAVE said:

Thanks for your responses all. I'm looking at the E300DE - I currently have a hybrid and it works well for me. Alternatively it will be the E350D depending on whats out there.

The E class from 2016-22 really was a brilliant car!

My father had a 2016 220d prem+ and did about 50k miles in 3 years. He adored that car!! It was super comfy, swallowed anything in the boot and did 70mpg on his commute. His had the drivers assistance pack so Lane keeping and distance cruise and they were both really good systems... makes you realise we have gone backwards since...

Personally, my choice would be the 400d. That engine is sublime! Wayyy smoother than the 350d and the battery on the hybrid does cut into the boot a little. Its also a fair bit heavier due to the battery.

Defo go prem+ if you can, and as other have said it could be worthwhile going for a slightly older one to avoid chip issue cars. I remember delivering brand new one to a customer in 2021 that didnt have burmister... he had paid 60k for the car... that conversation didnt go well...

Let me know if you need a hand of if you have any further questions. I left merc after 7 year earlier this year and really miss it! BB

[8IKERDAVE]

Thanks again all, some really good information there to go at.

I have decided against the hybrid now. I do like the idea of the 400d but there aren't many of them around however as I mentioned before time is on my side this time so I can afford to wait a while.

I've never even sat in one yet. My local dealer has a 220d in stock which I won't be buying but can at least have a look around it.

As I said originally I loved the 2010 E Class I had some years ago, it felt like a special place to be whereas the Audi S5 that followed and my current BMW 330e don't have quite the same prestige.

[gregpot2000]

No problem....this was actually in my thinking as well!

2020,2021 = Basic petrol / diesel for most (non-hybrid) engines.

2022 - Onwards introduction of mild hybrid 48 volt systems / batteries for all engines (even 220d)


I know it's the way things are going, and soon we will have no choice, but I've heard far too many horror stories (from all brands!) of the mild hybrid system failing, rendering the car inoperable, or needing a new battery costing between £5 - 15k. It seems much added complexity (I already have all the diesel emissions stuff!) to worry about, just to save a few extra MPG when the battery actually has power, and not just driving around with the added weight of an extra system.


This was another reason it had to be a 2021 for me.

Thanks

[Peterpetrole]

Was wondering about when there was going to be a thread about these, as I was very loosely involved in the supply chain for the pre covid cars. In my limited experience, I thought blimey what a car.

[Dewi 2]

gregpot2000 said:

No problem....this was actually in my thinking as well!

2020,2021 = Basic petrol / diesel for most (non-hybrid) engines.

2022 - Onwards introduction of mild hybrid 48 volt systems / batteries for all engines (even 220d)

I know it's the way things are going, and soon we will have no choice, but I've heard far too many horror stories (from all brands!) of the mild hybrid system failing, rendering the car inoperable, or needing a new battery costing between £5 - 15k. It seems much added complexity (I already have all the diesel emissions stuff!) to worry about, just to save a few extra MPG when the battery actually has power, and not just driving around with the added weight of an extra system.

This was another reason it had to be a 2021 for me.

Are you confusing a huge high voltage Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle battery, with a small 48 volt Starter/Generator battery?
The cost of a new Mercedes-Benz 48 volt battery is about £1,000. Expect can self fit if anyone wants to.

Strangely, no emissions test is required at MoTs, even though the car cannot be moved at all by battery power.

[gregpot2000]

No I know the difference :-)

Maybe Mercedes is "cheap" although £1000 is still not reasonable by any means for something of little benefit!

I was looking at Audi A6s at the same time though, their forums are littered with people with problems with the 48 volt battery. They've paid Audi 5k to fix it once yet it keeps cropping up.... driving along and the car just cuts out with all dashlights on. The 48 volt battery charges the 12 volt battery instead of an alternator. so if there are issues or glitches with the system, the whole car is basically unusable.

[Dewi 2]

gregpot2000 said:

No I know the difference :-)

Maybe Mercedes is "cheap" although £1000 is still not reasonable by any means for something of little benefit!

I was looking at Audi A6s at the same time though, their forums are littered with people with problems with the 48 volt battery. They've paid Audi 5k to fix it once yet it keeps cropping up.... driving along and the car just cuts out with all dashlights on. The 48 volt battery charges the 12 volt battery instead of an alternator. so if there are issues or glitches with the system, the whole car is basically unusable.

Perhaps I will have a different opinion if the mild hybrid system develops faults, but so far it is a delight.
When starting the engine, there is no sound and no feeling of movement before the engine is running.
Noticeably different from cars with mechanical starter motors.

I have heard of trouble involving two M-B E Class cars with Plug-in Hybrid systems (scrapped at 9 years old), but have not yet come across MB mild hybrid problems. Mercedes might have now made more mild hybrids than PHEVs, because I believe the mild hybrid system is fitted to most of their recent petrol and diesel cars, so surely there would by now be widespread reports of defects.

I had a quick look at the Audi system. The engineering seems to be different from Mercedes.

Audi statement - 'The compact yet powerful electric drive module in the new MHEV plus system is the powertrain generator (PTG). This component also represents the biggest difference to the MHEV technology previously offered by Audi, which works exclusively with a belt alternator starter. The PTG, which is installed in a compact unit with integrated power electronics directly on the output shaft of the transmission.'

Their original belt system was an odd approach, but now they seem to have installed the low voltage electric motor in strange location.
The Mercedes motor is between the engine and transmission, whereas Audi say theirs is on the output shaft of the transmission.
I wonder how the engine crankshaft is rotated to start the engine? It would need the transmission to be in gear, but then the car would move. A mystery to me.

One funny point is with DVLA.
For an electric motor that cannot even propel the vehicle, their description is; Fuel type Hybrid Electric (Clean).
No emissions test is required during MoTs.

For a 2 litre petrol, nearly 2 ton car, you can get 55mpg on a long motorway journey.
The range is about 600 miles, which I call fill and forget.