Mercedes E-Class E450 vs S-Class S500 head-to-head test comparison!

Summary

This video compares the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class, evaluating their performance, luxury, and pricing. Both cars are praised for their comfort, with the E-Class offering a more sporty drive and better value for money, while the S-Class excels in luxury and rear-seat experience. Despite the S-Class's higher price, it may not justify the extra cost for many buyers, as the E-Class offers similar features at a more affordable price. Ultimately, the E-Class is deemed the best overall Mercedes model, balancing luxury, performance, and cost-effectiveness.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Mercedes E-Class and S-Class have similar engines, but the S-Class is heavier, offering a more luxurious ride, while the E-Class feels more agile and sporty.
• 😀 Both the E-Class and S-Class feature air suspension, providing a smooth and comfortable ride, but the S-Class offers a slightly more luxurious experience for rear passengers.
• 😀 In terms of fuel efficiency, both cars perform similarly, achieving around 8 liters per 100 kilometers (29 MPG US / 35 MPG UK).
• 😀 The price difference between the E-Class and S-Class starts at around 50,000 euros/dollars, but depending on customization, the gap could range from 30,000 to 90,000 euros/dollars.
• 😀 While the E-Class starts at a more affordable 60,000 euros, the S-Class starts at 110,000 euros. Adding features to either car can significantly increase the price.
• 😀 The S-Class offers more luxury features and customization options, including premium interior materials and more advanced technology, but the E-Class offers a high-quality experience at a lower price point.
• 😀 The S-Class has a more refined, plush seating experience, but the E-Class still delivers excellent comfort, especially with its animal-free seating options.
• 😀 Both cars are very quiet and stable on the highway, but the S-Class doesn’t provide significantly more sound insulation compared to the E-Class during high-speed runs.
• 😀 The E-Class provides a better driving experience for those who prioritize sportiness, while the S-Class is geared more toward luxury and comfort, especially for passengers.
• 😀 Despite the extra features and luxury offered by the S-Class, the reviewer concludes that the E-Class offers the best overall value for money in this segment.
• 😀 The E-Class is recommended for buyers looking for a great balance of luxury, performance, and price, while the S-Class is for those who want the ultimate in luxury, albeit at a higher cost.

Q & A

What is the key difference in performance between the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and S-Class?

The E-Class and S-Class share similar engine performance, but the S-Class has a slightly slower acceleration time due to its additional weight. Both cars handle well, but the S-Class is more luxurious and better suited for long, comfortable journeys, while the E-Class offers a sportier driving experience.

How does the driving experience in the S-Class compare to the E-Class in terms of handling?

The E-Class is more agile and feels sportier, especially with its shorter wheelbase. In contrast, the S-Class feels heavier and more refined, offering a luxury boat-like ride. The S-Class provides more precise steering and higher comfort, particularly at higher speeds.

Is the price difference between the E-Class and S-Class justified in terms of luxury and performance?

The price difference between the two starts around $50,000 and can go up to $80,000 or more depending on configurations. The S-Class offers more luxury features, but the E-Class provides a very high level of performance and comfort for a lower price, making it an excellent value for money.

How does the interior quality differ between the E-Class and S-Class?

The S-Class offers a more luxurious interior with better materials and more attention to detail. It also provides more options for rear-seat comfort. The E-Class, while still high quality, is slightly less refined and offers fewer luxury features, though it does come with non-animal seating options in some markets.

What kind of suspension do both the E-Class and S-Class use, and how does it affect the driving experience?

Both the E-Class and S-Class feature air suspension, which ensures a smooth and comfortable ride. The suspension is adjustable, allowing for a more relaxed, floaty feel in normal mode, and a firmer, sportier ride in sport mode. The S-Class, however, feels more plush due to its additional luxury features.

How does the driving experience at high speeds differ between the two models?

At high speeds, both the E-Class and S-Class offer a quiet, comfortable ride. However, the S-Class feels slightly more refined and silent, particularly at lower speeds, but on high-speed runs, the difference isn't as pronounced as some might expect.

What factors should buyers consider when choosing between the E-Class and S-Class?

Buyers should consider their priorities: if they want a more affordable, sportier vehicle with great driving dynamics, the E-Class is a better choice. If rear-seat luxury, additional space, and a more sophisticated, high-end ride are more important, the S-Class might be worth the extra cost.

What is the significance of the S-Class's long wheelbase?

The long wheelbase of the S-Class contributes to its more refined and comfortable ride, particularly for rear-seat passengers. It increases the vehicle's length, which allows for more space, especially in the back, but also makes the car feel heavier and less agile than the E-Class.

Can the price gap between the E-Class and S-Class be narrowed with additional features?

Yes, depending on the configuration, you can add extra features to the E-Class that might bring it closer to the S-Class in terms of luxury. However, the S-Class still has more upscale options that can push its price higher, sometimes nearing $200,000 with premium features.

What is the best model to buy between the E-Class and S-Class according to the review?

According to the review, the E-Class is considered the best overall Mercedes model to buy due to its high value for money, performance, and comfort. While the S-Class offers more luxury and refinement, the E-Class provides a similar driving experience at a significantly lower price.