Hi all,
I'm looking for a new motor, one big enough to squeeze 3 kids in the back (ages 7, 3, and 1 so car seats can be an issue) and at the moment I'm really leaning towards a new E-Class. Before I make any decision I wouldn't mind bouncing a few things off some real owners rather than sales people.
The particular variant I'm looking at is the E300 BlueTec Hybrid Saloon - various reasons, but the primary driver is that it's a company car and it has really low tax (works out the same price as the E220).
The thing I'm initially struggling with is options, especially as the guy in the dealership really didn't have a clue. These are the options I'm considering, are there any I've listed that you'd avoid or others I've left out which are worth looking at?
-Reversing Camera (not sure if the surround camera is worth the extra, and I assume you need to buy both)
-Easy pack boot box (looks handy, not sure if it makes boot space more awkward when putting in larger items (such as prams) though
-Heated steering wheel - I've never had this, just how effective is it? Is it an option worth £200?
-Multi-contour drivers seat - lumbar support is a must
-2x Integrated Child seats - these look very handy and I'm sure I'd get a lot of use out of them. Dealer had no idea what they were. Not sure how invisible they are when folded, or whether it negatively effects comfort for adult passengers. Big appeal is that they'll be less bulky than messing about with ISOFIX offerings.
-Drivers Assistance Pack - I spend most of my life sitting in motorway traffic, so this really appeals
-Bluetooth? Can you also hardwire? Can you get album art and control the music from the car rather than just the phone? What benefit is the phone prewire?
-Standard speakers - assume not worth the extra to upgrade
I'd also appreciate any thoughts on colours. At the moment my favourite is the Tenorite Grey. Although Black is favourable, and white seems to be very popular in cars these days.
Thanks for any help you can offer!
I'm looking for a new motor, one big enough to squeeze 3 kids in the back (ages 7, 3, and 1 so car seats can be an issue) and at the moment I'm really leaning towards a new E-Class. Before I make any decision I wouldn't mind bouncing a few things off some real owners rather than sales people.
The particular variant I'm looking at is the E300 BlueTec Hybrid Saloon - various reasons, but the primary driver is that it's a company car and it has really low tax (works out the same price as the E220).
The thing I'm initially struggling with is options, especially as the guy in the dealership really didn't have a clue. These are the options I'm considering, are there any I've listed that you'd avoid or others I've left out which are worth looking at?
-Reversing Camera (not sure if the surround camera is worth the extra, and I assume you need to buy both)
-Easy pack boot box (looks handy, not sure if it makes boot space more awkward when putting in larger items (such as prams) though
-Heated steering wheel - I've never had this, just how effective is it? Is it an option worth £200?
-Multi-contour drivers seat - lumbar support is a must
-2x Integrated Child seats - these look very handy and I'm sure I'd get a lot of use out of them. Dealer had no idea what they were. Not sure how invisible they are when folded, or whether it negatively effects comfort for adult passengers. Big appeal is that they'll be less bulky than messing about with ISOFIX offerings.
-Drivers Assistance Pack - I spend most of my life sitting in motorway traffic, so this really appeals
-Bluetooth? Can you also hardwire? Can you get album art and control the music from the car rather than just the phone? What benefit is the phone prewire?
-Standard speakers - assume not worth the extra to upgrade
I'd also appreciate any thoughts on colours. At the moment my favourite is the Tenorite Grey. Although Black is favourable, and white seems to be very popular in cars these days.
Thanks for any help you can offer!