ThroughandThrough
Kraftkurve King
After waiting over three long, grueling months, my new car finally arrived last Wednesday. 
Having driven a nearly basic 2012 W204, I have to say this is quite a step up for me.
As Wolfgang knows, I planned on ordering a W205:
The day before I planned on placing my order, my father and I found a W205 on the lot with its doors unlocked. We got in the car and enjoyed several things, most notably the fresh-design language. However, several things were a turn off for me including: the entry-level category, narrowish tires, small engine, lightweight doors (HUGE turnoff), and the fact that I have already been driving a C-Class for the past three years. No thanks.
Additionally, I recently had a W205 loaner and noticed several issues. First was the panorama roof screen - it was extremely loose. Second was the ride and steering. While not really an issue, for me the Sport mode was too loose and had no feeling. Third, there were some squeaky door arm rests. Every time you either pull the door closed or rest your arm, the door would squeak. Lastly, the fact that it is made in the USA led me to believe that quality would be inferior to the E-400 Coupé built in Bremen.
So, the next day I went into the showroom and sat in the E400 Coupé. What first came to my mind were several things: dated interior, ghastly front, and C-Class based chassis (I believe). However, as I opened the long, heavy door I suddenly began to like the car. I jumped in and loved the airy feeling of having no B-pillar and frameless windows. The seats looked very sporty and up-market in my eyes. I then realized that this was the car...I loved it!
The next day I ordered my new car:
I must admit I had second thoughts about the car, but I waited until it arrived.
And when it did, wow, it looked so much better than what I had imagined...I could not have been more pleased.
The next five or so days I began to really enjoy all of the features of the E400 Coupé:
While I haven't made time to take detailed photos here are some I took the first night:
Having driven a nearly basic 2012 W204, I have to say this is quite a step up for me.
As Wolfgang knows, I planned on ordering a W205:
- Sport Package
- Lunar Blue Metallic
- Premium Package
- Lighting Package
- Panorama Roof
- Multimedia Package
- Power rear-window sunshade
- Air Balance Package (no, I'm not joking)
- 19-inch AMG multispoke wheels (Black)
- AIRMATIC Package
- Driver Assistance Package
The day before I planned on placing my order, my father and I found a W205 on the lot with its doors unlocked. We got in the car and enjoyed several things, most notably the fresh-design language. However, several things were a turn off for me including: the entry-level category, narrowish tires, small engine, lightweight doors (HUGE turnoff), and the fact that I have already been driving a C-Class for the past three years. No thanks.
Additionally, I recently had a W205 loaner and noticed several issues. First was the panorama roof screen - it was extremely loose. Second was the ride and steering. While not really an issue, for me the Sport mode was too loose and had no feeling. Third, there were some squeaky door arm rests. Every time you either pull the door closed or rest your arm, the door would squeak. Lastly, the fact that it is made in the USA led me to believe that quality would be inferior to the E-400 Coupé built in Bremen.
So, the next day I went into the showroom and sat in the E400 Coupé. What first came to my mind were several things: dated interior, ghastly front, and C-Class based chassis (I believe). However, as I opened the long, heavy door I suddenly began to like the car. I jumped in and loved the airy feeling of having no B-pillar and frameless windows. The seats looked very sporty and up-market in my eyes. I then realized that this was the car...I loved it!
The next day I ordered my new car:
- Sport Package
- Steel Grey Metallic
- 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels
- Espresso Brown / Black Nappa leather
- Black Ash wood
- Wood/leather Sport steering wheel
- Premium 1 Package
- Premium 2 Package
I must admit I had second thoughts about the car, but I waited until it arrived.
And when it did, wow, it looked so much better than what I had imagined...I could not have been more pleased.
The next five or so days I began to really enjoy all of the features of the E400 Coupé:
- The Nappa leather is very supple and really makes the cabin
- The contrast piping is a nice accent to the leather
- The wood/leather sport steering wheel gives the cabin both sportiness and class
- The full-LED headlights are completely wonderful
- The power rear-window sunshade is extremely quiet, you can barely hear it
- The interior looks better in person, plus, the black plastic buttons don't squeak when pushed
- The engine, well, the engine is beautiful! Passing people in Sport mode is easy as cutting butter.
- The fuel consumption is better than expected - 25mi at 68mph returned an impressive 37.3 mpg
- The interior noise is unexpectedly muted and is very quite while on the expressway
- The ride quality is just what I was looking for - smooth with a bit of sport
- The lumbar seat adjustment control not only looks cool, but is very accommodating
- The active ventilated seats are nice, especially when leaving the gym or heading to a formal dinner
While I haven't made time to take detailed photos here are some I took the first night:
