cawimmer430

I wish it were, but it's a standard gasoline E320 (224-hp V6, 315 Nm, 5-speed A/T). My dad originally wanted an E220 CDI or an E270 CDI but the diesel tax would have killed us since we were probably not going to drive 15,000 km+ a year. Hence he went with an E320 (E240 was a little sluggish) and it's been a great decision because the car is quite agile and the fuel economy is really impressive. Even with spirited driving we get around 8.7 L / 100 km average. Impressive for a 1.7-ton car.

I've driven the E320 CDI though (with the old 3.2-l inline-6) and that thing was a monster. The new 3.0 V6 CDI is even smoother, responds better and the acceleration is even better in part to its mating with the 7Gtronic.

For our next family car, my dad is considering a B180 CDI / B200 CDI. I like the B-Class, but c'mon, for a family of four like us, that car is way to small and the handling is terrible when compared to the A-Class.

Tycoon

Thanks for the reply, Christian.

I hope your dad will change his mind.

cawimmer430

Same here. I wouldn't mind a new E280 CDI or an E320 CDI, but he's got these three criterias:

1) The "new" car will have to be second hand (stable depreciation)
2) Diesel powered
3) Automatic

I can live with all of these, but a B-Class is way to small for us. I was trying to convince him to get another E-Class or an ML320 CDI. A GL320 CDI would be cool, but even the '320 CDI needs a lot of diesel because that truck weighs a ton.

He's also checking out the Audi A6 3.0 TDI. I'm sorry to say but he doesn't much like the BMW 5-Series. He likes the design, but his friend has a 525d and he always rides with him to the pubs and he said the inside feels a bit cramped compared to the E-Class (same thing with the Audi).

Either way, B-Class? No thanks! Nice car but not for us.

monster

I will race you when i manage to get my car from sydney to your place..

I think for me personally i will get the 5 series. The steering in the E is too light for me, and it has no feel.

cawimmer430

Try the facelifted E-Class. I thought the steering on our E320 Avantgarde was direct, but then I tried the facelifted E280 CDI Avantgarde and the steering is direct, responsive and the feedback has been substantially improved. Probably not on the same level as ther 5er, but good enough for the kean driver.

Just_me

thats a lame attempt to fish for votes Caw, shame on you MONSTER has done his choice and its acceptable

bmer

Last time I checked the E-Class was in lead so why aren't you criticizing the E-Class voters? A bit weird to have a poll and then put down the people that didn't vote as you wanted...

cawimmer430

LOL

Not at all. Read this: http://www.germancarzone.com/mercede...-e280-cdi.html

monster

LOL guys. i haven't voted yet, still deciding right now, between the E and the 5.

HighestOfHigh

When that post was made the 5 series was in the lead. I am not criticizing E-class or 5 series voters. Neither am I demanding that everyone vote a certain way. But it would be nice to see people pick car based on their looks and if they actually like it then "German" loyalty.

A lot of people voted because they actually like the car and perhaps own it, but other just picked it based on "fan-boy" routine.