New E Class Estate – Disappointing.

[Mudster]

Personally I buy an Estate car so I don't have to put the seats down to get things in the back.

We have a wheelchair, two dogs and a daughter that go in regularly. If I need more space than that I use a van.

I'll certainly take the above into consideration when I test drive, but so far I've found the seats very comfortable having tried the saloon sport version.

 

[Mactech]

There seems to be a trend with many consumer goods at the moment where newer doesn't actually mean better. My new Sony phone is slimer, yes but dosen't seem to have quite the reception of the out going model.
I have owned and loved two S211's and have yet to try the S212, but I spent a week in the ML last week (had to move stuff about) and have to say I found it a fantastic companion over 600 miles and at 37mpg not really all that expensive to run on long haul journeys fully loaded.
I was thinking about the S212 as a replacement for the ML at some point, but I can see no reason at this stage to change. The ML goes for it's second annual service in a couple of weeks, maybe I'll check out this new 'improved' E Class estate then.
At much closer to 'Hamster' size than Clarkson size, I'm unlikley to run out of leg room

 

[bpsorrel]

I also was thinking that when my S211 gets to replacement time, an S212 might be the one. But, after trying one yesterday, I'm not impressed. In all comfort areas and load practicality my S211 felt better. Also, I prefer the S211s dashboard and general ambiance inside. So, looks like S211 could be in for the long haul! (maybe I'll take a close look at the new Saab 9-5 wagon if/when it makes it! - actually, there's the seed of a nice idea...S211 > NG Saab 95; Saab Convertible > MB E Convertible..could be nice.. )

 

[Mudster]

Out of preference I'd like an ML but Mrs M simply can't get in and out of it comfortably.

Maybe worth going for an end of line s211 and saving a chunk of money......

 

[fuzzer]

The new E class is worth it for the steering wheel in the sport alone

 

[corned]

I'm a little baffled by the rear seat 'thing' in the S212.

Yes, it's a bit of a pain in the asre in the S211 to have to go round both rear doors and faff around with the seat squabs before you can get the load area sorted.

But the S212 'solution' is even more compromised. I like the idea of being able to simply pull a lever and the load space opens out before your eyes without the above rigmarole. So you have a convenient method when you want it.

Here's the 'but'...

But - to not be able to get a proper flat load space, with or without the seat squab 'barriers' as previously mentioned, is quite unforgivable.

Why was it not deemed possible (or desirable) to offer the quick and easy method AS WELL as the ability to still tip the seat squabs forwards when you require? For the price of a couple of hinges (a la S211), this seems very poor form to me.

Count me out!

 

[Mudster]

I guess it made the quick release system obsolete if you're still required to walk around to each door and pull seat squabs forward.

The squabs in My Saab don't lift and when the seats fold down they don't provide a completely flat load area. I have to say I've not noticed an issue with that and hadn't even considered it an issue until I read this thread.

If the load area is that important then a traveliner or similar would surely be more appropriate. Or am I missing something?

 

[wemorgan]

If the load area is that important then a traveliner or similar would surely be more appropriate. Or am I missing something?

It's about being able to offer something to everyone. Personally I wouldn't want a Traveliner just for the occasional large load.

When MB analysed their typical E-class customer I guess convenience out-ranked practicality.

~5 years ago I went to a car conference in which Fiat talked about the new Grande Punto. The level to which they categorised their target customer was incredible. Age, height, music, possibly even what they eat for breakfast.

 

[Soltan]

I was quite impressed with the quick folding mechanism on the S212 and like Mactech I don't really need loads of legroom up front. However I also agree with Bpsorrel in that I prefer the general look and feel of the 211 inside.
I didn't notice that the seats didn't fold completely flat, I guess that's one of the decisions that they have to make when fitting new options to cars, otherwise things would never improve. Live and learn as they say. I think MB do quite well in trying out new tech and I do love my gadgets, it's why I paid so much for my car, especially over the previous model. OK so the new stuff won't suit everyone and there is a risk that it will drive away the more traditional driver. On the flip side, if the new features (rear seats, driving position etc.) affect sales then I'm sure there will be a revision along in a couple of years.

 

[Mr E]

It's about being able to offer something to everyone. Personally I wouldn't want a Traveliner just for the occasional large load.

When MB analysed their typical E-class customer I guess convenience out-ranked practicality.

~5 years ago I went to a car conference in which Fiat talked about the new Grande Punto. The level to which they categorised their target customer was incredible. Age, height, music, possibly even what they eat for breakfast.

Absolutely. Although I have no specific detail on the 212, I expect that they found that most users rarely folded the rear seats and, when they did, the flat floor did not impinge on the typical loads carried (probably bags of stuff for the tip.

We chose the estate so that we could carry more for the trips down to France by piling higher (behind the net). I've had the seats down about 4 times in 2 years, and only once pulled the squabs up and even that was convenience rather than necessity (it was something long and I was on my own).

So the folding seats on their own wouldn't be a showstopper for me, but it would be a strike against.

 

[prprandall51]

If MB can make the rear seat backrests go down from a little lever right at the back, then that lever could also have swung the seat base up first (after all, a little button on the dash turns all of the rear head restraints through 90 degrees and then lowers them into the seat backs).

There is no excuse really, other than cost saving.

The grim dash in the 212 is also going to be a problem for me after the elegant lines of the 211. To be honest, right now, I am getting excited about the new 5 Series. I got the brochure and price list through the post last week and it looks seriously tempting. I have always missed the split rear tailgate (oh, and the decent handling).

 

[stumpy1]

I have a E500 on loan and my goodness is it plasticky inside. The fake leather doesn't help matters.

 

[corned]

If MB can make the rear seat backrests go down from a little lever right at the back, then that lever could also have swung the seat base up first (after all, a little button on the dash turns all of the rear head restraints through 90 degrees and then lowers them into the seat backs).

There is no excuse really, other than cost saving.

Good point!

Mudster - I think you missed my point. I meant that it couldn't have cost much beyond a couple of hinges to have given the customer the best of both worlds by allowing the choice of convenience (lower the seat backs only) or practicality (raise seat squabs first, then lower the seat backs).

I lug around lots of stuff fairly frequently, and I value the flat load area for sliding in many big heavy boxes, which I would not be able to do in the S212 by the looks of it. So it would be a deal-breaker for me.

 

[fuzzer]

I have a E500 on loan and my goodness is it plasticky inside. The fake leather doesn't help matters.

what fake leather? The E500 comes with standard leather in it.

 

[stumpy1]

what fake leather? The E500 comes with standard leather in it.

Perhaps it is the Artico stuff then. Whatever it is, it is not very pleasant and feel out of place in a premium car.

 

[fuzzer]

Perhaps it is the Artico stuff then. Whatever it is, it is not very pleasant and feel out of place in a premium car.

Nope , Its just standard leather. Maybe youre used to nappa. £600 extra.

The E500 doesnt come with artico.

 

[stumpy1]

Nope , Its just standard leather. Maybe youre used to nappa. £600 extra.

The E500 doesnt come with artico.

Maybe, proper Nappa makes such a difference. I am just not a fan of the new E interior. The grain on the dash matches the grain on the leather and to me it feels cheap.

 

[fuzzer]

It could be that its an avantgarde with the lux pack on it.

That comes with an artico covered dashboard with the sewn seams but that also comes with nappa leather.

who knows

 

[stumpy1]

It's a Sport. Goes well though

 

[Druk]

And if you value the nice discreet Ambient lighting your 211 has you can wave goodbye to that in a 212 as well. Why remove a good feature you've just thought up?
Personally think the 212 dash is hellish. Silver and black plastic and switches scattered everywhere.