2017 Mercedes Benz E300 4MATIC FIRST DRIVE REVIEW (2 of 4)

MotoMan drives the 2017 Mercedes Benz E300 4MATIC - the 10 th generation of Mercedes Benz’ arguably most important car. However, this Mercedes E Class is different than the nine Mercedes E Klasse that came before it - this one has A LOT more tech. More than just from one generation of car, no matter if it’s a Mercedes or not, so MotoMan breaks out the 2017 Mercedes Benz E300 into two different aspects - the car itself and then the technology as a stand alone item. So in this second of a four part series, the FIRST DRIVE REVIEW, MotoMan focuses on the car parts - engineering and driving dynamics - as well as the intersection of technology and design in this Mercedes. Coming up on a separate FIRST DRIVE REVIEW, the 2017 Mercedes Benz E300 and Autonomous Driving . . .
For more information, see our 2017 Mercedes Benz E300 4MATIC FIRST DRIVE REVIEW @ • 2017 Mercedes Benz E30...
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[@brucesarver9328]

I love 'adaptive cruise' and 'stop and go'. As a older driver - I think the safety systems are a big plus. The state of Florida should make those systems mandatory- if you know what I mean!

[@Cynchronia]

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder... and my eye is loving this version. And on the same note - Motoman's presentations are pure unadulterated infotainment!

[@chonaV]

What I don't like about some reviewers, like this guy, is that they turn it to be about themselves. What they like a car to be. What they prefer a car to be. What they expect a car to be. So of course if a reviewer likes driving a sporty car, good luck to the car that they are reviewing that centers more on comfort, like this car. Because it's going to be reviewed erring on the negative as far as ride quality is concerned. A good reviewer sets aside his/her personal biases and simply just tells the viewers what kind of car they're reviewing without interjecting their personal tastes.

[@SDav21]

It might be new for the USA but 2 litre 4 cylinder engines have been a staple of the E Class since even before the W124 E Class (the one with rectangular headlamps) as the 200E. Even the W211 sold from 2002 onwards had a litre 4 cyclinder...the E200 Kompressor. In most parts of the world other than the USA, these are the most popular models because the higher engine variants are pricey. The 2 litre 4 cyclinder is more than adequate enough and has always been refined. You guys in the USA are lucky with the low car prices you have where the base model is usually an E300 or some other V6. We start with the E200 petrol, the E220d (with the brilliant new 2 litre turbodiesel), the E350d (3 litre V6 diesel) and later will get the E43 and E63. So we have much more choice. I don't know why they don't do this in the USA. People have been brainwashed into thinking that luxury cars should have large V6 engines or other. Why? It's not necessary. But I get what you're saying though, while a 4 cyclinder is enough, nothing can beat the buttery smooth refined progress and sound of a V6. The only car I would rather have the larger engine is an SUV because it's heavy and has more drag so smaller turbo engines work harder. I have seen many reviews where the Audi Q7 3 litre V6 turbodiesel is lighter on fuel than the Volvo XC90 D5 2 litre 4 cylinder diesel that is highly boosted. The 4 cylinder just doesn't suit the XC90 in petrol form. Diesel is okay. We also get the GLE250d with a 2.2 litre turbodiesel and it is very spritely. More than you ever need really and it gets excellent fuel economy.

[@SDav21]

*...2 litre...* Not litre

[@gedaman]

North America usually doesn't get the same engine options as Europe because gas is cheaper here than almost anywhere else in the world. It's only been a couple of years since the V-6 powered Mercedes SL (SL400, SL450) has returned and it's been about 7 years since BMW decided to offer the 6 cylinder 7-Series (740i). I think it's great that luxury marques are offering lower powered engine options in North America again. "Waste not, want not." Am I right?

[@SDav21]

Agreed. They should then even offer you guys the E200 with the lower powered version of this engine with 180hp. Even that is enough in this car. Seriously. Then they can even offer the C180 with their 1.6 litre 4 cyclinder. Yes, 1.6 litres in a C Class and that is also more than enough. With the CLA 250 costing only 30,000 US Dollars or there about in the US i think, imagine how cheap a CLA200 would be!

[@headcas620]

I hate technology in cars. I want a car first, not a computer. The only technology I use in my current car is the aux jack I installed myself.

[@muhammedabbas242]

I totally agree with you. I've done the same with my Sentra. We want a well engineered vehicle with simplicity.

[@brucec43]

These over-tech'd cars are harder to use when driving, and will become hot potatos when they get older. Old Mercedes could be fixed and driven for years and years. These will bankrupt their new owners who buy them cheap thinking they got a bargain.

[@Superfastjellyfish669]

I think this new e class will definitely appeal to people who are looking for technology and luxury specially those of us living out in silicon valley.

[@bkhealthymeals777]

It's not a driver car. Only comfort, nice review boss

[@SYSTEM__32]

MotoMan I'm all for it. Best of both worlds! I've loved the E-Class ever since I worked at Mercedes-Benz. With its newest iteration, we get the convenience of driving autonomy combined with the ability to be in complete control. As long as cars continue to keep this balance, I'm all for it. I drive a 2013 Smart ForTwo currently, and it lacks technology on a very obvious magnitude.

[@Qwerty_a1ex]

Hello Motoman, I love your videos of the new mercedes e class! but, where is the 3 of 4 , and 4 of 4?? still waiting! thx!!

[@niptodstan]

I like this. The tech I think is essential is e/windows, air con, cruise control, good mpg. Then I'd also like, good sat nav, night vision at eye level, a phone system that is universal which works, constant speed displayed on windscreen, Auto braking. Then park assist, autonomous driving that works and a front bench seat option for my dogs!

[@rongerardo1193]

I love my E class,saves me money on gas with luxury 😊

[@walterscott1067]

Took a giant step backward in tech when I switched from Infiniti to MB in 2014. SLK350 and GLK350 both have tech from 15 years ago. Hoping that the newly ordered. C43 with all the active stuff works at least as well as it did in the 2012 Infiniti.

[@gene978]

Motoman for most enthused man of the decade!

[@your_alter_ego]

E class should have a 6 cylinder as the base engine. 2.0 turbo? What a shame.

[@goons123flofy]

Stay focused Moto man. Don't get sidetracked by emblems when talking about suspension.

[@TheStoneReport]

Yes, the tech pulls me in. We have an 06 E500 and a GL 450. The new E class has us talking to our dealer! I just wish they would put this level of tech in the GLS, my ride of choice as I'm in the house game. Because of the tech, I'm seriously considering replacing my GL with a Tesla X.

[@iBOOM]

Most e-class are sold with 4 banger(mostly diesel) in euopre. What is the fuss Mr. MotoMan? For sure a v6 or inline 6 has the status.

[@RobinsM]

North America is a lot different we love our big engines. Plus its a big car for 60K

[@abecor7798]

How come all the 2017 e300 have the old speedometer dash and that one has the s class full digital dash? Is that one a certain trim level or what feature is that dash called?

[@ValFinale]

you can get the digital dash its like $2k more

[@lisastavy]

When are you planning a review of the MB E63AMGs (2017+)? I always enjoy your reviews.

[@ghosts12333]

Any coming review about the new 2017 Kia Cadenza?

[@the-boring-car-guy]

Too bad you guys don't get the diesel. It's truly amazing

[@AK-rx6hv]

Why?

[@st.thomas5802]

Agreed. The gas engine is good but I hear Merc diesels are very reliable and good overall performance

[@MarkIrmina]

Moto man, which car did you like better the e300 or the Cadillac CT6? I will be buying a new car in the next few months and will be cross shopping these two cars. I've owned two e350's in the past.

[@pete64041]

I hate 4 cylinders...it doesn't really even work in the c class...can't believe they put it in the e class as well...For how expensive this car will be the 4 cylinder is pathetic imo...Nobody wants to pay 60k-70k dollars for a 4 cylinder....

[@jamesmcd71]

I drove that engine in a Glk I think. It was a loner while my CLS was getting serviced. But any way I was shocked by the power and I'm use to the big power of my car.

[@justjacqueline2004]

Beautiful car wonderfully presented but unavailable here in the UK.

[@wastedrep9593]

Now all the mb sedans looks the same. I can't tell the new c class from s class from e class anymore

[@bumblebee9019]

same here, hard to tell the C from the E

[@rousseau327]

Because the Audis and BMWs look so different. Or Lexus...Lol.

[@Muhammed-pm5if]

brother there is huge difference ask me i drove many Mercedes new car special the S class is the best car that i have ever seen in my life in term of safety and technology men bro open eyes

[@myshare3996]

hye.moto man. is there any different winding noise between e 250 and e300 4 matic? which one is the lowest noise

[@CityTunes]

Nice car, but I would get the e350 2016 and below- V6 non- turbo, that turbo will go out eventually in the V4 and V6 in the 2017 and up!

[@minoritymind]

I4, just so you know. It's an inline 4, not a V configuration.

[@CityTunes]

@@minoritymind Yes I know, my point again is that it has a Turbo and Turbo's go out! I'm a dealer 🙂

[@mikehall4174]

I have a 2012 e250 diesel. Averages 36 mpg city, 44 hi way, smooth and powerful. I have turned most of the tech off because I am an old fashioned guy and love to DRIVE. Not sure if I like the idea of so much electronics that can break down, and it will..Jury is still out.

[@tgenesis8784]

I love Mercedes Interiors but the exterior doesn't cut it for me.

[@gentel916]

LOL if jack sparrow did car reviews . great work !

[@brucec43]

Hey, who wants to own one of these when it's out of warranty? LOL

[@HejdydyI4775]

You didn't explain what the stardust tail lights actually do! Can someone explain what the purpose of the stardust tail lights are?

[@3232schmitty]

Hey Motoman, how do you think this stacks up to Audi's Virtual Cockpit system? I can't help but make comparisons between the two systems

[@MotoManTV]

Tough question . . . Here's how I would break it down: - I MUCH prefer the interaction with the Audi system - specifically the steering wheel controls. How they break out the right and left menus with scroll wheels. Feel it is much more intuitive than what is in this car. - While I like the birds eye view of the maps combined with Google Map functionality in the Audi, I much prefer the design of this dash with the lager screens. - I feel the digital gauges on either are a push because they both are interesting and have choices. - In both cases, I would have loved to see one of the gauges to be a real gauge - meaning old school, flanked by screens on either side. - In terms of flexibility and what can be done to customize the settings and the car - the Mercedes is by far and away better. - Then last, but not least, MUCH prefer the design of the interior of the Mercedes.

[@mischadevries4099]

Please review the audi s8 plus. One hell of a car

[@ErikThureson]

Well done.

[@kylewhisman]

Disengages the transmission? Isn't that like shifting into neutral, and doing that in some states is illegal.

[@EhabAboud]

I think that technology is igniting a new type of interest in these cars. Most notably, you can see that with Tesla. You also see that with Volvo's new kids on the block. If I didn't just get the GLC I'd buy something very close to this. Interestingly, I already know that the next car u want to buy is going to be either somewhat autonomous or electric. Or both. Here's to the end of the 4 year lease with this car.

[@anthonyramirez954]

Nice car but personally not what I would go for. As far as having a four cylinder I don't mind it as it is just moving with the times and engines are becoming smaller and smaller if you want out right performance go with the AMG model or any other performance models. But as far as a car that is used for daily driving and having a nice ride I think it's fine to have a smaller engine and when your driving it in that situation I don't think you would care about how fast your car is because most of everything in that class is not gonna have super speed.

[@tippy35075]

I'll take the E400 4matic fully optioned

[@myvolvoforlife]

How does this compare to the S90?

[@andyhoov]

What tech do I use every day I drive? A six disc CD changer! And heated seats when it's cold out, which is often seeing how I'm a Michigander. Personally, I'm more inclined to want to skip excessive tech. I'm more than comfortable with my own ability to drive a car and I'm somewhat concerned about how modern infotainment systems are going to be functioning 10 years down the road. They're no different from computers nowadays, and I think we all know computers rarely age gracefully. All that being said, I must admit I've never really had the opportunity to experience a lot of the features now finding there way into cars. Maybe if could actually get my hands on such a car and experience it first hand I would actually change my mind. Until then, though, I'll remain cautious.

[@747boy]

I have a 2015 C400 and looked to upgrade to the E300. I love the technology in the E300 more than my C400 but I can't get over the engine choice. My C400 is fast and weighs less than an E300 with a 6 cylinder 326 Hp. What the heck were they thinking was that engine choice. I'm sure it was driven by the government regulations on MPG but nonetheless a poor choice in my perspective.

[@SDav21]

What's wrong with the engine choice? Heck we even get the 180hp E200 and even that is enough. You don't need more man. It's about the luxury and it's not like this struggles for power especially since the base engine in the US is an E300! Here a C400 is pure indulgence. It is wonderful but too pricey. Most of the C Class in my country are C180 and that has a 1.6 litre 4 cyclinder! And that is even more than enough. I think Americans are a bit spoiled here complaining about a more than powerful enough 4 cyclinder. I do however understand why you feel this way because they have never really offered 4 cyclinder in the E Class in the US so maybe are not used to it....

[@rachidsalhi2233]

very good car

[@julianbuchen898]

ct6 all the way!!

[@IceDree]

Crap here goes my #AskMotoManTV question. Anyway, to answer your question, honestly I'd rather avoid it if I could because of the maintenance down the road (its gonna be expensive & I don’t have much confidence in our local dealers' ability to fix it properly). I can balance things when it comes to electronics & technology but I'll avoid the drivers aids & autonomous stuff if I can. And I agree, I prefer the E with the classic grille & hood ornament. On unrelated notes, Happy 7th Anniversary\Birthday M! (I know its tomorrow, but still … :) ) What do you think of the new Porsche Panamera? I guess that counts as #AskMotoManTV

[@MotoManTV]

Hey Amro - Thanks for remembering!!!! Tomorrow is the big day - in fact, we are doing one hell of a celebration - more news tomorrow. Keep an eye on social medias. Porsche Panamera? May have to punt that one to #AskMotoManTV . . .:)

[@Peter-dm2jf]

MotoManTV

[@Peter-dm2jf]

ETA on the E43?

[@KingStivan]

really man ? a first drive review of the E-class and its fitted with the 4MATIC AWD and you're talking about taillights ?? how does it drive with the AWD is it better or worse than the RWD is the engine too small for AWD you know !! it's your job to ask the good questions . nevertheless it's a good review but i really wouldn't call it a drive review ^^ and i would go with gopro's black edtion as it has more dynamic range that way we could see the road as well as you in the car .

[@MotoManTV]

Both in car cameras are indeed GoPro Black Editions.

[@KingStivan]

MotoManTV tint the windows then :P it was over exposed on the outside view ^^ we at least we couldn't see the road so that gave us less of a heart attack while u were driving and playing with the apple car thingy :P

[@Jimmy-hf8fz]

I wouldn't choose any of the german cars. From what I've seen on google they have terrible reliabilty for a high priced vehicle but reviewers keep praising them. Why?

[@kenneth61]

To bad the Americans can´t get the new 3 billion dollar 220d engine, who is THE engine for Mercedes i Europe. Why? Some tax regulation or Americans attitude to diesel?

[@SDav21]

Yes it is a very nice engine. Very torquey, smooth and refined and uses very little fuel.

[@NelsonBurotto]

Hey guys always you do review of mercedes bentley or rolls wy dont you you try a review of hyundai equus is an incredible car at low cost.

[@MotoManTV]

Take a wild guess what was the FIRST EVER car we featuring on the show . . . kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGOyZoSkiLGXm6c

[@NelsonBurotto]

Ok Thanks maybe in the futuro hoy can add azera and genesis

[@MotoManTV]

Again - a car we have already had on the show: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pp2Tg6adpr6rmNU It's funny - we get a lot of comments 'HEY! You only feature fancy cars on the show - none of us can afford them'. When in reality, we feature A LOT of cars like Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and others . . . In fact, we do it soooo much, sometimes we get comments in those episodes "Why do you put so much time into these types of cars that no one wants to see' . . . I guess we can't win for losing:) Here are some playlists: Hyundai: kzbin.info/aero/PLF6ek7dWy48oQVaVl_pTsfkSvb3szUCNU Kia: kzbin.info/aero/PLF6ek7dWy48qhqNPKIWWs6o-FM1rKZrVX Nissan: kzbin.info/aero/PLF6ek7dWy48q6ca62R2PdoRD-8LKDfKeE

[@elliottmanning4116]

I love all of the technology in this car, and if I had the money, I would consider it, or at least take out for a test drive. Since my daily is a 2005 Ford Focus, the only tech I have is a USB port from an after-market radio.

[@SimpleRides]

Do you guys think KZbin red would have been called red tube if the name wasn't taken

[@gus1gus112]

Did those purple ambient lights make you feel like you were in a Las Vegas lounge?

[@MotoManTV]

True story: Purple is not really my color . . . I had them set to blue for most of my time with the car, however I had a friend visiting from out of town and when I she saw the lights I got to talking about the flash tech on the car and asked her what color she wanted for our drive. She chose purple and I was too lazy to change it back . . .

[@gus1gus112]

I can't imagine Mercedes E Class target audience really wants to play around with ambient LED lighting inside the cabin. Seems a little gimmicky....unless you are a big Prince fan and really like purple.

[@TheSuperMotoHooligan]

F to the D to the R...

[@The099az]

lol DFW Dallas Forth Worth represent

[@marinoint]

I highly doubt that most people would get used to it in 3 days... Mercedes is making things way too complicated for driving, this much distraction will eventually result in serious accidents.

[@geecee1895]

I went from a BMW 3 series to a 2017 E300. The 3 series drove and handled better. My E300 was peppered with problems. Had to bring it in the shop over 25 times in the first few months. Ridiculous! I bought a car do drive, not to bring it into the shop twice a week for several months! They put me in another E300 (this time a package with heads up display and massaging seats, etc.). First few months, in the shop over 6 times, and Mercedes initially refused to fix the creaking in my door when it went over bumpy roads because they could not duplicate it! Then they were able to duplicate it but wouldn't fix it because it wasn't "continuous" enough! Screw Mercedes! What a POS product they produce! I took a huge loss on the trade in for a BMW. It's night and day! The BMW drives and handles great and has no rattles. It nearly glides everywhere I go. But I paid the price to experience how bad Mercedes is! I will NEVER buy a Mercedes again!

[@st.thomas5802]

What issues did you have?

[@ValFinale]

e300 or c300 coupe?

[@MotoManTV]

C63s Coupe or Convertible.

[@ValFinale]

MotoManTV hahaha i wish!! But seriously

[@goons123flofy]

Would buy car with tech car in a New York minute. I wouldn't buy a non tech car. Have a golf r (dsg), use adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, Lane keeping assist, backup camera, cross-traffic alert, parking sensors front and rear, navi, android auto, adaptive dampers. I wish I had sailing or coasting mode, and surround view camera, and cameras in front fenders to look for cross traffic.

[@adrianesteves3260]

I test drove the 2017 E300. Let me tell you I was blown away from that interior! But damn that engine noise was completely econo car! The damn car is 60 grand to sound like a damn Corolla! Huge turnoff! I'm still getting it tho, Just blast the radio so I wont have to listen to that lame engine.

[@steverogers9894]

Thanks! I thought it was just me. I had to test drive multiple cars before I believed that was how it was supposed to sound

[@ValFinale]

is it the same sound as the C Class? as the engines the same

[@adrianesteves3260]

@@ValFinale I believe so.

[@ValFinale]

@@adrianesteves3260 Then not sure why people are complaining about it. I have the C300 coupe and love the way it drives. I'm just missing a lot of features besides having the AMG package that the dealer is letting me bring it back and take an e300 with an increased payment of $30 a month. The e300 also has the AMG package and wheels along with Premium 1. Don't really need all that safety hooplah the other packages give so I am figuring out if I want to do the trade

[@adrianesteves3260]

Vallen Goldshmidt go for it the interior in my opinion is much nicer. I loved the 4 circle air vents in the middle. I had the sport edition with the 19” AMG wheels. I’m a speed freak since my last car was a Z06 corvette. So I traded the benz and got a Type R Civic. Yes the quality is not the same. But AMG is over 100k so I bought the type R for 40k had it tuned and now I’m at 400hp. It’s just me since I like to drive quick lol

[@bumblebee9019]

Can't believe MB allows you to play around with that computer while driving!? Waiting for the first lawsuit. I would still choose this car for the technology, plus it's an MB

[@NS416]

I really wish BMW would go back to there old routes, and not follow along with Mercedes and Audi.

[@SimpleRides]

I'm pretty sure that 'routes' is spelled 'roots' in that context. I could be wrong but it doesn't matter because the way you spelled it created a nice pun, even if it is wrong.

[@NS416]

Yeah, the correct term is roots, I just spelled it liked that

[@JR-mg6mm]

You sound like Saul Goodman

[@craigt8432]

Tesla's Autopilot which came out before drivepilot.

[@johntrussell7228]

I can't stand the new Mercedes design language. The interiors look so swirly and cheap. What's with the ugly LED lights glowing everywhere? It looks like a cheap Kia interior with an Asian swoopy design for the exterior.

[@andyb8501]

F direct injection .

[@samithanha8763]

This 2.0 liter engine is a peace of shit . Why don’t you just be honest ?