cawimmer430

While at the Benz dealership that morning, I spotted a facelifted W211 E-Class (E220 CDI Classic) sitting amongst the new dealer cars. Classic trim level is the lowest available on the E-Class and is used primarily by taxi, police and business fleets, but some private buyers do go for them as well.

My reaction? Well, at first I was thinking to myself “So this is the facelifted E-Class, eh?” It didn’t look too bad in real life. When I first saw the pictures, I was pretty shocked by the front bumper design. My thoughts were as follows: “What the f*** where they thinking?” Well, the front bumper design isn’t too bad in reality. It looks sporty and has a hue of elegance to it, but just a hue. I think what disgusted me instead was the new grille. It looks fat and unsporting and definitely not elegant. The new mirror design too is horrible. I can see that they tried going for a sporty look with them, but it just doesn’t come across IMHO.

The rear is probably the nicest aspect. The rear lights look ok to me, the extended chrome-imitating plastic bar is a little overdone though. I liked the one on the pre-facelift W211 much better.

On the inside, I detected very little changes. Probably the most obvious change is the steering wheel, followed by the shifter knob for the manual transmission, which has been carried over from cars like the A, B, C, SLK and CLK-Classes.

Overall, I wasn’t too attracted to the facelifted E-Class. But maybe I am being too hasty with my decision. The car pictured here was a Classic trim vehicle with no exterior chrome-imitating plastic and other features that the Elegance and Avantgarde models sport. For now, I prefer the original W211 style.



















Oh, and before I forget, they had the new “budget Benz” C160 Sportcoupe on site. This is the smallest C-Class engine available in Europe and is primarily aimed at affluent youngsters or older buyers who desire a premium city car. If I was an urban youngster, I’d be interested in an A-Class, but this C160 strikes a nice compromise as it’s bigger, sportier and looks better. 1.8-l 122-hp.

Here's an English review of it: - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

BMW_Dude

I didn't know you could get a C160, tiny engine!

Thanks for the pictures, the car doesn't look bad in them, your dog seems to like the car!

BTW, when will you have a chance to drive the car?

Tycoon

Nice write up, Christian, as always. Interesting, a huge MB fan is not so happy with E's facelift...

Just_me

If Wimmer dont like a Benz, then its really bad

The Artist

that first pic on the new E looks really nice.. so far i like it..maybe i wont when i see it in real life.. who knows

Mr. M

The absence of chrome certainly enhances the appearance of the car. But as it is, Wimmer's comments is exactly what I didn't want to hear about the car. I thought it would appear better in real life.

Hope the grill isn't as bad as it sounds... I would hate to see such a beautiful car like the W211 go to ruin.

cawimmer430

The C160 is a new addition to increase sales of the Sportcoupe, which is very popular in Europe. I've noticed that this car is also quite popular in London!

I'll probably get to drive the car sometime after June 10. That's when the new E-Class will officially get introduced in my little city.

cawimmer430

Thanks Tycoon.

When it comes down to it, I could live with the mirrors and front bumper, but the grille is just so fat. Mercedes' grilles have always been elegant and classy and fitting for their time period. But this grille looks like a lazy fat pig.

cawimmer430

...BUT IT STILL LOOKS BETTER THAN THE 5-SERIES!

Just kidding.

cawimmer430

It's not that bad, except for the grille. I can live with the mirrors and front bumper, but that grille...