BMW MSPORT 535D Touring *Now with pics*

[geordie56]

Having driven both now for a good amount of time, the beemer seems more hooked up and agile. However i prefer the merc sizing and styling, whats the general opinions i honestley dont know. Ive rule the jag sportbrake out i think after driving these 2! The mercs styling on ths new eclass is brilliant but the refinement and power from the bmw is immense. Any help on this one, who has an e350 merc to comment maybe?

[andrewparker]

I love big Merc estates, and I love the look of the new E-Class. The BMW is certainly going to be the better drivers car, and although I haven't driven the latest version our 09 320d M Sport is great. But it's not very big, so it kind of fails as the load lugger family car.

I'd choose the Merc.

[geordie56]

Thats the predicament im in pal both are great for different reasons, do you opt for refinement or styling!? The power from the 330 is just phenomenal and thats no joke.

[geordie56]

Or, the 535 msport?

[geordie56]

Someone must have some input?

[andrewparker]

I love the Merc, in fact we're looking at replacing the 320d with one.

I also love the 5-Series but I have some romantic notion that I'll buy a big Merc estate and run it for 50-years and it will be one of the family.

[Raffe]

I would associate the Mercedes brand with an older driving demographic, the BMW seems appeal to the younger audience.

[geordie56]

I know what you mean andrew and its just that bit harder opting for the merc, as its a brand new model with none on the road to look at i just have pictures to decide! The pictures do look good though to be fair!

[Tamiyoman]

I would go 330D (But I am biased, have a 59 plate 330d Touring), the New 3 Series 330D is very quick (5.6 to 60mph!), refined, good on economy and cheap to tax/insure. I drove a brand new 330D a few weeks back as my father is getting one.

Good luck deciding which one...

P.S. Mercs are associated with the 50's/60's set tho 

[andrewparker]

P.S. Mercs are associated with the 50's/60's set tho 

I think that is changing rapidly though. Look at the amount of younger (30's) people driving C-Class's theses days, and I imagine the A-Class will appeal to a younger audience too.

[Tamiyoman]

I would agree with that to some extent Andrew, but historically peoples perceptions of mercs are old mans cars for wafting along 

[geordie56]

I had a merc c class at 25 yrs old and enjoyed it to be fair. As andrew says, they have come on so far and performance figures, tax etc is just as good as the bmw in all fairness. The interior on the bmw looks nicer but the exterior on the new merc looks simply stunning especially with the pano roof. If youve not driven the merc then thats why your biased, the driving of the bmw is phenomenal but so is the merc and thats my issue. I much prefer the merc styling but prefer bmw cabin. The new merc isnt on roads untill end of next month so doubt ill get to see one in the flesh before i order!

[andrewparker]

Sounds like you need to get to a certain motorshow that is happening at the moment...

[geordie56]

Tell me about it! Next flight to geneva please!

[Tamiyoman]

Or just wait until your dealer has one, test drive it then place your order based on yor experience?