Road Test: 2017 Mercedes-Benz E300 - Putting Autonomous to the Test

[@76carmel]

I like how John introduces this E-Class by being behind the wheel.

[@Sanpedranoazul]

This was more elegant than the model that came afterwards

[@neiljborja]

It was really nice to see John do this review from behind the wheel.

[@BEUSA42]

He loves E class BENZ I remember reviewing 300E 1990 just as good as now Good old days

[@redriver15262]

For the first time in 25 years he looks a little bit older lol, what a legend this man is!

[@nasafan2008]

Nice review. I custom ordered one and just picked it up a week ago. I noticed the ping ponging effect while in autonomous mode on the freeway. Sometimes it was like it wasn't even engaged and went right into the other lane. I've seen improvement over the last few days, but still has a long way to go. The lanes were well marked not he freeway as well, so not sure if this is something the sensors learn or adapt to over time. Doesn't seem that would be the case. I test drove the Tesla a few times as I was strongly considering that. The technology in the Tesla seems to be far more advanced. The autonomous driving in the Tesla does not ping pong and was as near flawless as can be. Only reason I didn't go with the Tesla is that they have a horrible leasing program. I ordered my E with the dual 12.3 monitors and it looks awesome. The comfort and the ride are great. Struggled a bit with the remote start. Couldn't get it to work until yesterday. Also noticed that if you remote start it and then go to unlock the doors with the key fob, the car shuts off. They seem to call it a safety feature. It doesn't make sense to me. If the concern is driving without the key then just like other cars (GM, Ford, etc.) the car should not allow you to put it in gear unless it detects the key. This is definitely a flaw on their programming. Hopefully they can fix this with an update. The other feature it lacks v. the Tesla is the ability to remote park and back/pull the car out. Tesla allows you to not only turn the car on from your fob, iPhone, or iWatch, but you can pull the car out remotely as well. Mercedes allows this in Europe with the MercedesMe app, but for some reason not in the U.S. Again, Tesla does! Tesla also allows you to adjust the climate control and roll the windows down or up remotely. Mercedes does not. Not sure how they can claim they're more technologically advanced than Tesla. Hopefully Mercedes updates their MercedesMe app to allow for these features. Otherwise don't say you're the most technologically advanced car on the market.

[@azalru]

nasafan2008 Does the E class have ota updates?

[@karmamule]

Did you have the assist on Adaptive or Standard? I figured Adaptive sounded more advanced, had it on that, and noticed it swim around a bit in the lane, but when I switched it to Standard it seemed to help quite a bit.

[@nasafan2008]

Did the exact same thing and found it to be better as well in Standard. Also had the telematics updated. They replaced unit and updated codes with Germany. Now everything works well. Remote Start works consistently now.

[@SDav21]

nasafan2008 You had your E Class in the wrong mode. It does not ping pong between lane markings.

[@Kevbox2008]

It looks like MB switched the front indicator lights and headlamps positions, bringing the headlamps inside near the grill and putting the indicators on the outside edges. Is that functional or only for aesthetics?

[@joelbolton7252]

Volvo S90 over this one, MB. I can't tell the difference between this and the C and the S, they are all so similarly styled and that's not a good thing in this class.

[@mitchlu]

John Davis is the original...and the best...

[@thesoundofthesuburbs]

Most of these are listed for $68-72k on the lot.

[@vitreoushumor]

Now they're $38-45k

[@thesoundofthesuburbs]

@@vitreoushumor Not new...

[@EDHBlvd]

Sorry, I'd go with an S90 T6 over this. MB really failed on this ugly styling. Last gen E class was awesome, this looks like a fish.

[@gordonmccracken1209]

and my CPO Mercedes SL5000 spends way too many weeks at a time at the dealer having warranty repairs done - no way I would justify buying a new one versus an equivalent Volvo model.

[@unknownunknowns]

Gordon Mccracken What repairs were done?

[@palebeachbum]

It's just not as handsome as the previous generation. This styling outside looks bland and dumbed-down. Nice interior though.

[@siseesan3147]

I know right the previous one had more emotion to the styling and the new interior is nicely done

[@Nequetrefi11]

since when have honda accords started looking better than e-classes? these newer mercs have just such an underwhelming, bland design

[@b4804514]

Mercedes do not compare in reliability to 100's of other cars and are way more expensive to repair. I believe that the Tesla auto driving is comparable and better engineered. Tesla does not ping pong. Did they use the Pong game software? No touch screen you have to use that stupid knob to control the screens. These are deal breakers at this price point. $10,000 for driver assist.

[@mercedescl]

Just in case you don't know. Tesla has used a lot of Mercedes parts, especially for infotainment, comfort features, and many buttons and gear knobs.

[@b4804514]

really? Give me some specifics, Mercedes was not the first to have heated seats or memory.

[@mercedescl]

B4804514 Back in 2009, when Tesla model S was still in developmental stage, Mercedes benz started its own electric car programs and started technologies transfers and cooperation between two companies. While Mercedes got their electric cars in forms of B class and SLS (or Toyota RAV4), Tesla had employees from Toyota and Mercedes to help to set up its manufacturing lines, supplier links, chassis tuning, and interior designs/ parts know-hows. Even though the powertrain components were done in house by Tesla, majority of interior and ergonomic parts are done with the help of Mercedes, Toyota, and their suppliers and former employees. You can find E class buttons and knobs in Tesla, including the rear hatch opening motors and touch senors & buttons.

[@karmamule]

As far as the 'ping ponging' I suspect they had it on the Adaptive instead of Standard setting. In my experience it happens more with the Adaptive setting and not much at all with the Standard. And, you have alternatives to the 'stupid knob' for controlling the screen, there's the touch pad immediately over it, and a touch pad on the steering wheel as well. Rather than having to take your hands off the wheel to touch the screen you can leave them on the wheel and do what you need from there. And, the $11,000 Premium 3 package is not just driver assist, it's a bunch of other things as well. (Adaptive high beam headlights, Burmester surround system, massage seats, surround view system etc etc)

[@loganwilson4679]

Household tissue dream prospect.

[@Dayfloss]

Fastest BMW on the planet

[@aayonce4]

they all look the same c class s class and now this thing all look the same in the back

[@aayonce4]

@A V it's CORNY!!!

[@aayonce4]

@A V lol you're a moron. Civic though like thats an insult. Have a good one.

[@ekscalybur]

"This is not a set it and forget it system." Too bad that is exactly how consumers will use it. Coming soon, E300s inexplicably coming to a stop in front of you on the highway. :P

[@yellowhammer3]

The '14-'16 E-class is a much better looking car than this one IMO

[@Nthstar]

I think Mercedes Benz have some of the ugliest designs out lately I'd rather my old Merc anyday