Estate Car poll

[glojo]

Am I alone in disliking the modern design lines of Mercedes-Benz estate cars?

We have an estate solely because we use it to carry our pooch on long trips. I'm sure saloon cars have more than enough boot space to carry all our luggage but putting our mangy mutt into a boot is not something 'She that must be obeyed' will even consider

Why do I like this modern design? My own personal major objection is the sloping rear window. When a dog travels in the rear of these vehicles there is very little respite from the sun, this sloping back makes this issue even worse. The sun can blast straight down upon them. Secondly of course we have the antique dealer with his grand father clock that just fits. Close the tailgate and smash the rear sloping window. We choose an estate because of the rear stowage, not for design values. I fully accept safety issues and the problems they impose upon design but lets have a proper estate car.

I have always stated I prefer the 124 as opposed to the C, E or the terrible R-class.

By all means take this thread in whatever direction we want.

I've asked for votes just to see if I'm way out of kilter. Owners can vote non estate users as well.

Regards
John

 

[fuzzer]

There is a point when a van would become more practical!

 

[hawk20]

Am I alone in disliking the modern design lines of Mercedes-Benz estate cars?

We have an estate solely because we use it to carry our pooch on long trips. I'm sure saloon cars have more than enough boot space to carry all our luggage but putting our mangy mutt into a boot is not something 'She that must be obeyed' will even consider

Why do I like this modern design? My own personal major objection is the sloping rear window. When a dog travels in the rear of these vehicles there is very little respite from the sun, this sloping back makes this issue even worse. The sun can blast straight down upon them. Secondly of course we have the antique dealer with his grand father clock that just fits. Close the tailgate and smash the rear sloping window. We choose an estate because of the rear stowage, not for design values. I fully accept safety issues and the problems they impose upon design but lets have a proper estate car.

I have always stated I prefer the 124 as opposed to the C, E or the terrible R-class.

By all means take this thread in whatever direction we want.

I've asked for votes just to see if I'm way out of kilter. Owners can vote non estate users as well.

Regards
John

I think you are absolutely right. The E class of the late eighties were classically beautiful IMO and totally practical. With each new model the windscreen slopes more and more horizontal so you hit your head on entry and egress and you lose interior space. Plus the sun pours in on your lap. Similarly, at the back, as you say, the slope gets more and more especially on the C class. Looking more and more like spaceships every day. The extreme to which we are all tending at the moment is the Peugeot range. All slopes and swooping space-age lines but no bloody room at all.

 

[Dieter]

Hi John,

More space in E-estate (as have just done our Sotland trip in one courtesy of MobiloLife. Thank you ) than M- but M-does not have sloping rear window problem and rear space is higher so 'big pooch' can sit up properely.

I believe the new C-class estate will have a much flatter 'rear end' so perhaps MB are (beginning to be) with you on this one.

Cheers,

Dieter

PS Spurs got their point(s) OK :bannana: but they will still finish below ****nal next season

 

[hawk20]

Read the poll quickly. ONE HUNDRED PER CENT AGREE WITH YOU AT THE MOMENT. (one out of one vote!!!)

 

[glojo]

There is a point when a van would become more practical!

Or a lorry?

We surely buy vehicles to suit our needs?

John

 

[glojo]

Hi John,

More space in E-estate (as have just done our Sotland trip in one courtesy of MobiloLife. Thank you ) than M- but M-does not have sloping rear window problem and rear space is higher so 'big pooch' can sit up properely.

I believe the new C-class estate will have a much flatter 'rear end' so perhaps MB are (beginning to be) with you on this one.

Cheers,

Dieter

PS Spurs got their point(s) OK :bannana: but they will still finish below ****nal next season

We tested an ML before buying the E and I totally agree. The rear space on the ML is woeful.

Next season Next season will see the top four being threatened C'mon you Spurs.

I would like to congratulate ****nal but am having problems trying to get a certain location to freeze over first

Yours sincerely
John

Edit:
Could folks that like the new design and own an estate possibly explain why please?

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I was behind a W211 Estate yesterday, I really like the rears

 

[BonzoDog]

Fuzzer makes a good point; our estate is a compromise van and it sometimes crosses my mind that we might just be better off with a van. Otherwise I like the styling. The 124 now looks dated and in estate terms I would consider the Volvo to be a more serious contender.

 

[Satch]

Mixed views really. Happy with the styling of the sloping rear but the older more upright rear door is more practical. That said, can look a bit like a hearse at times.

 

[DITTRICH]

Fuzzer makes a good point; our estate is a compromise van and it sometimes crosses my mind that we might just be better off with a van. Otherwise I like the styling. The 124 now looks dated and in estate terms I would consider the Volvo to be a more serious contender.

Oh Dear,
IMHO the W124 was the pinnacle of MB design in terms of looks.
I'll get my coat now...
Les

 

[glojo]

I would consider the Volvo to be a more serious contender.

I was considering using the Volvo as the example, but felt it might cause criticism. It is just the rear end we are talking about

Regards
John

 

[tmienterprises]

Can I be the lone dissenting voice then? We got the C200k estate because we liked the front styling and the rear was good to fit a pram and all associated stuff that goes with a new born baby.. changed over from an A class because of lack of boot space.

With the C Class however, I have done more than 5 channel crossings to Holland to visit my inlaws and each times I have managed to bring either furniture like chairs, round tables, coffee tables and toys - tricycles, sit in cars (not sure about terminology on that one), but dont have a dog as Glojo does - so absolutely love my estate and its styling... sporty front, but practical rear....

a bit like my better half actually.... lol...

 

[BonzoDog]

Oh Dear,
IMHO the W124 was the pinnacle of MB design in terms of looks.
I'll get my coat now...
Les

I didn't want to imply anything wrong with the W124. Given my druthers I would like a W123 Estate.

 

[KLP 92]

I like the W124/W202/W210 (Facelift) estate models but agree with Glojo about the later designs.

I now own a W203 estate along with the W202 estate but i don't like the lines of the the W203. I prefer the later design saloons to the estates.

 

[BTB 500]

There is a point when a van would become more practical!

Yup, that's what I have on order! 6 seats, V6 CDi plus auto box, lots of creature comforts, and "adequate" room in the back for our dogs

 

[glojo]

Fuzzer makes a good point; our estate is a compromise van and it sometimes crosses my mind that we might just be better off with a van. Otherwise I like the styling. The 124 now looks dated and in estate terms I would consider the Volvo to be a more serious contender.

I think we are in agreement that we buy vehicles to suit our practicle requirements (apart from the great majority of 4x4 owners ) The best example that has been posted so far is the member with four working dogs. An excellent all but custom made vehicle that the icing on the cake would be a 4x4 option and coloured exterior mirrors (sorry).

We have also opted for a custom made vehicle but unless it is really required is a van the practical option for an every day driver?

Folks should be really aware of the strength of the sun shining through that rear window. If you are driving long distances then any cargo should be covered over
as it cannot get out of the suns glare. I'm not just talking about foodstuffs but woods, cloth etc. Look at peoples skin if they lay out in the sun for just two or three hours!! Then think how long you drive for on some sunny days. The side windows are usually fairly vertical and we are in the shadow of the roof, but how many gentlemen that are folliclely challenged would drive all day in a convertible with the roof down on a hot sunny day and not wear any head gear?

I welcome all the excellent posts that are both in favour and against. Hopefully I have respected the views from both camps.

As they say in Australia:

Slip slop slap


John

 

[fuzzer]

I think we are in agreement that we buy vehicles to suit our practicle requirements (apart from the great majority of 4x4 owners ) The best example that has been posted so far is the member with four working dogs. An excellent all but custom made vehicle that the icing on the cake would be a 4x4 option and coloured exterior mirrors (sorry).

We have also opted for a custom made vehicle but unless it is really required is a van the practical option for an every day driver?

Folks should be really aware of the strength of the sun shining through that rear window. If you are driving long distances then any cargo should be covered over
as it cannot get out of the suns glare. I'm not just talking about foodstuffs but woods, cloth etc. Look at peoples skin if they lay out in the sun for just two or three hours!! Then think how long you drive for on some sunny days. The side windows are usually fairly vertical and we are in the shadow of the roof, but how many gentlemen that are folliclely challenged would drive all day in a convertible with the roof down on a hot sunny day and not wear any head gear?

I welcome all the excellent posts that are both in favour and against. Hopefully I have respected the views from both camps.

As they say in Australia:

Slip slop slap
Guess what I think about the seven seat conversions for this modern styling


John

I hate to be so practical , but if one has difficulties with the sun coming into the car and would like to cut back on this , then it would be an idea to loook into getting some sun protection glass fitted. This is a film that will cut back on the UV and cut back on the heat.

Just an idea

 

[big x]

Here's an example of an estate that's better looking than the saloon.
The Audi A4 Avant has long been better looking than the saloon too IMHO.

adam

 

[big x]

Check out the super wagons video here: http://autocar.co.uk/VideosWallpapers/Video.aspx?AR=225464&page=1&Mode=B
I guarantee you will wince at at the RS4 Avant acceleration test.

This caught my eye in the full magazine article... quote:

"Unsurprisingly, the M5 is very good at going fast.It's spring and damper rates are better tuned to the rigidity of the body shell
than the Mercedes E63.At road speeds it feels no different to an M5 saloon,which is quite an achievement.
The Mercedes is over-sprung and over damped:the primary ride is as good as the BMW's,making it as comfortable at motorway speeds,
but jagged edges like cat's eyes ping through the cabin harshly whereas the M5 smooches them under it's michelins.
The M5 also steers better with its faster,more direct rack.
The Audi's performance disadvantage is nothing like as pronounced on the road,where the RS4 can still be considered indecently fast.
In fact this car refuses to follow the script written by a dozen fast Audis of old (massive urge,bad everything else) in being a truly rounded road car.It steers as well as the M5,has a slight advantage in ride comfort and upsetting its composure on a public road would
require abject silliness from the driver.An Audi that handles as well as an M5: who'd have thought it ?
Lest we forget,this is on a dry road,in the wet the others wouldn't see where the RS4 had gone...."

adam