2017 E300 or 2016 E350?

lawcar

Back after almost 5 years since I bought my first 2012 E350 after getting great advice from all of you! Last time I was debating between the MB and two other cars I had before: the BMW 528 and the Lexus GS 300 (both of which are very good cars and which I liked). Decided on the MB and was glad with my decision. I always leased cars since my firm paid for them but decided to buy the E350 because the firm would pay for it and I planned to keep the car 10 years. My firm will still pay monthly payments on a new car, and since this will probably not happen again, am considering another MB: the new 2017 E300 or the 2016 E350.

Pros for new 2017 E300: lots of new safety features; new technology features (parking assist, etc.); completely new body style; hold value more since it is the newest E-series as opposed to the "older" series (although a 5 - 10 year old MB will undoubtedly drop even if it is a luxury car, since many who can afford the car may want newer model)

Cons for the new E300: read that the 2.0 liter turbo is under-powered for the vehicle; new safety technology seem much more than needed and looks like expensive options; new technology seems more than I need and looks like expensive options; more expensive upkeep with new technology if something goes wrong; possibly more glitches since first year roll-out than previous years' models

Pro for 2016 E350: more similar to my E350 and less learning curve with technology; less expensive due to the incoming new E300; most/all glitches worked out already

Cons for the 2016 E350: will be older series and drop in value in future; less safety features

Thanks for any suggestions.

Regards,

David

kyfdx

If you are keeping it for 5 years, and think the 2016 would suit you better, then that is the one I would get.

johnpar

I can't imagine driving an E-Class with 60 fewer HP than the 2014 model I have, which has barely adequate power with the 305HP six.

lawcar

I had my 2012 E350 serviced and drove a 2017 E300 loan over the weekend. I drove on streets and freeway and thought it was sufficiently powered. The controls took a little getting used to but nothing major. The cabin did feel smaller than the 2012 even though the car itself is around 1" longer and around 1" wider. It was nicer than I thought it would be. Still debating whether to keep my 2012 with 58,000 miles or trade in for the 2017.