Mercedes · Reviewed by BIM Auto · Published 2026-05-19
Based on a review by BIM Auto (accessed 2026-05-19).
Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about superior ride comfort and high-speed stability thanks to a five-link suspension system — just accept lacks the driving thrill and performance 'kick' found in volkswagen's 2-liter engines or bmw's cars.
The reviewer concludes that for maximum comfort and a luxury feel, especially when transitioning from a Jetta or Octavia, the Mercedes E-Class is the top recommendation. If performance and handling are the priority, the BMW 3-Series is deemed superior. For those considering used cars, the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6 are recommended for 2010-2017 models, while the BMW 5-Series (2017-2023) is praised as a comprehensive choice.
This video provides a comparative analysis of Volkswagen Jetta and Octavia models against various luxury cars, including the Mercedes C-Class, E-Class, and BMW 3-Series and 5-Series. The reviewer evaluates these vehicles based on performance, handling, reliability, maintenance, and ride comfort to help viewers decide on a suitable luxury upgrade.
The Mercedes E-Class is a top recommendation for those upgrading from a Volkswagen Jetta or Octavia who prioritize comfort and reliability. Its high-speed stability and ride quality are significantly better than the Jetta, especially on bad roads, providing a sense of being cut off from the outside world due to its refined 3-liter engine and excellent noise insulation. However, it lacks the raw thrill and excitement found in Volkswagen's 2-liter engines or BMW's performance cars, feeling less engaging to drive. If you seek superior ride comfort, high-speed stability, and reliability over raw driving excitement, the E-Class is an excellent choice. But if pure performance and handling are your priority, you should consider a BMW 3-Series instead.
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reviewer_claimnegativet=00:36–00:53
The reviewer states that the thrill and kick provided by the 2-liter engine in a Jetta or Octavia cannot be matched by an E-Class or C-Class, even models like E350 or C250, based on his personal opinion.
hands_on_demoneutralt=00:53–00:58
The reviewer mentions having driven an E-Class for 4-5 months and also owned a Passat during that period, indicating direct experience with the vehicle.
comparisonnegativet=00:58–01:04
The reviewer claims that the Passat's 2-liter engine provided more driving fun than the E-Class's 3-liter engine, even considering their performance capabilities.
specification_claimneutralt=01:10–01:17
The reviewer provides on-paper figures, stating that the E350 CDI achieves 0-100 km/h in 6 seconds, while a Jetta or Octavia takes 8 seconds.
reviewer_claimpositivet=01:19–01:27
The reviewer notes that the E-Class engine, particularly the 3-liter variant, is highly refined, and its excellent noise insulation prevents engine sounds from entering the cabin.
reviewer_claimpositivet=01:27–01:31
In contrast to the E-Class, the Jetta and Octavia are described as having a 'raw' driving feel, which contributes to increased excitement.
reviewer_claimneutralt=01:39–01:46
The reviewer ranks the performance of the cars, placing BMW at the top, followed by Volkswagen, and then Mercedes in third place.
hands_on_demopositivet=01:49–02:00
The reviewer states that the E-Class was the only car he owned that never presented any issues (engine, gearbox, or error codes) and that its maintenance costs are similar to a Jetta if third-party workshops are used.
reviewer_claimpositivet=02:00–02:03
The reviewer asserts that Mercedes cars are more reliable when compared to both BMW and Volkswagen models.
comparisonpositivet=02:05–02:22
Despite the E-Class and C-Class being rear-wheel-drive, the reviewer states that the BMW 3-Series is significantly superior in handling, describing it as the 'queen of handling.'
comparisonpositivet=02:22–02:33
The 3-Series offers a very good steering feel, while the E-Class and C-Class steering, despite having weight, lacks meaningful feedback, making Mercedes cars less connected to steering inputs than BMWs.
specification_claimneutralt=02:35–02:44
Most luxury cars from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes feature five-link suspension, which greatly enhances ride comfort, a characteristic not found in Volkswagen or Skoda cars.
comparisonpositivet=02:59–03:04
The reviewer emphasizes that Mercedes' ride quality is much better than BMW's, identifying the E-Class as a 'best option' for superior ride comfort.
comparisonnegativet=03:06–03:19
The C-Class engine is described as less refined than the E-Class, and its NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels are not good. The same 2-liter diesel engine, which is quiet in the E-Class, negatively impacts the experience in a C-Class.
reviewer_claimneutralt=03:20–03:26
The reviewer notes that both the E-Class and C-Class have undergone significant price depreciation in the used car market, often leading to them being available at similar price points.
The reviewer suggests that if you appreciate the performance and DSG gearbox of a Jetta or Octavia, you might find the thrill factor of a Mercedes C-Class or E-Class disappointing. While the E-Class (e.g., E350 CDI) is quicker on paper (0-100 km/h in 6s vs. Jetta/Octavia in 8s), its refined engine and excellent noise insulation result in a less 'raw' and exciting driving experience compared to the Volkswagen cars.
The reviewer claims that the Mercedes E-Class is highly reliable, having given him no issues with the engine or gearbox during his 4-5 months of ownership. He also states that if serviced at a third-party workshop, the maintenance costs for an E-Class can be comparable to those of a Jetta.
The reviewer definitively states that the BMW 3-Series is far superior in handling, even over the rear-wheel-drive E-Class and C-Class, referring to it as the 'queen of handling.' Additionally, the 3-Series provides a much better steering feel, offering more connection and responsiveness to driver inputs than Mercedes cars, which have weighted but less effective steering.
The reviewer highlights that most luxury cars from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes feature five-link suspension, which significantly improves ride comfort, unlike VW/Skoda cars. He specifically identifies the Mercedes E-Class as a 'best option' for ride comfort, stating that Mercedes' ride quality is much better than BMW's. The C-Class, however, is noted for having a less refined engine and poorer NVH levels, making it less comfortable than the E-Class.
The reviewer advises that for luxury cars manufactured between 2010 and 2017, the Audi A6 and Mercedes E-Class are the best choices. If a balance of performance and comfort is desired, the Audi A6 is a strong contender. If reliability and comfort are the primary priorities, the Mercedes E-Class is the recommended option.
For luxury cars produced between 2017 and 2023, the reviewer strongly recommends the BMW 5-Series, describing it as a 'complete car' that provides significant driving pleasure. While acknowledging that the newer 3-Series is fun, he notes that it compromises on comfort, making the 5-Series a more balanced and fulfilling choice.
The reviewer observes that both the E-Class and C-Class have significantly depreciated in the used market and are often available at similar prices. He advises opting for the E-Class over the C-Class because the C-Class offers less of a luxury feel, has a less refined engine, and poorer NVH levels compared to the E-Class, even when equipped with the same engine.
85/100 source quality
The video discusses upgrading from a Volkswagen Jetta or Octavia to a luxury rear-wheel-drive car, focusing on Mercedes C-Class, E-Class, and BMW 3-Series. The reviewer notes that Jetta/Octavia's 2-liter engine can feel more thrilling than the more refined C-Class/E-Class, ranking performance as BMW > Volkswagen > Mercedes. Mercedes cars, particularly the E-Class, are highlighted for their reliability and comparable maintenance costs to a Jetta in independent workshops. While Mercedes offers better ride comfort, the BMW 3-Series excels in handling and steering. The reviewer advises choosing the E-Class over the C-Class due to better refinement and similar used market prices, ultimately recommending the E-Class for comfort and the 3-Series for performance.
Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.
This page converts BIM Auto's review of the Mercedes Mercedes E-Class into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.
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