Has anyone driven a c-class to compare?

[roblaw]

Still waffling between a C300 and the Genesis. I know that I will like appreciate the ride and seats of the Genesis a bit more, although I have not done a test drive in either (I have sat in both in the showrooms). The C300 is tighter inside but given the relatively average heights of my family, no one will suffer in the back seat. And both have high quality interiors (although I do not love the interface with my wife's ML350 and know the new Genesis will be easy to learn).

Let me state that in most road tests I have reviewed of the C300 they test a loaded sport package equipped car and note the ride is not great. I have read a very few of the non-sport equipped vehicles and the ride is described as more consistent with a luxury car. I am not seeking a sports car. I live outside of Philadelphia were the roads suck and the ability to take a 75 mph sweeper are nil. I personally do not understand why over 50% of the upscale sedans in this area are ordered with sports packages that ruin the ride, have no practical improvement in handling, and force you to spend more on the even lower profile tires that are more likely to get damaged by our terrible roads. But I digress . . .

I own my 2012 3.8. Because I think the next gen Genesis (G3) will be both lighter, faster and more efficient I plan to lease my next vehicle and come back to purchase the next vehicle. In a purchase situation where I can keep the car 6-8 year the Genesis is superior because residual is less of an issue over 6-8 years and the maintenance costs are going to be much lower.

In a lease (36 month), I can roll over the maintenance cost on the MB into the lease and get a monthly cost below the Genesis lease cost (well equipped C300 but not as well equipped as a Signature, Tech Genesis). There are other cost savings as well. The C300 appears to get at least 5 mpg better fuel economy across the board (along with as good or better acceleration to the 3.8). While this is less of an issue with the reduction in gasoline prices recently, they can still go up. Another benefit for me (but not everyone) is that I bill by the hour for my time. Since the MB dealer does pick up and drop off for service and provides a free MB loaner (my Hyundai dealer does provide a free loaner but it is usually a Sentra or Corolla). Assuming at least 3 dealer visits per year for maintenance/tire changeovers, that is at least $12-1500.00 in revenue I do not lose.

Yes, these are not identical cars but they are both nice, comfortable, handsome vehicles that are price competitive and have different positive and negative attributes. Yes, I need to take a long test drive to come to an ultimate conclusion but I am curious if any others have seriously considered the c-class and have some thoughts.

 

[ksoze]

A test drive of both is the only way to forge your decision, which appears to have plagued you for a while here. It appears you are looking to justify the Benz, which is okay. The description of the Benz you gave shows someone sold already and looking for a nudge. Take a test drive and let us know - we won't be upset if the Benz suits you better. Also, see what other C class owners think.

Here is a thread of how the Genesis is viewed by the C300 drivers:

http://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/564057-15-c300-4matic-vs-15-hyundai-genesis-3-8-awd.html

 

[DavidA5913]

I have a 2015 Genesis and it is hands down a better car than the C-class and a quantum leap over my 2012 Genesis. I thoughtbthe 2012 was even better than the Merc, and you certainly can't beat the 100,000 mile warranty.

 

[DavidA5913]

BTW, the new Genesis is gen-2. It will be 5 years before the gen-3 comes out.

 

[PMCErnie]

1. Keep your '12 Genesis for 2 or 3 more years. You won't be shamed and you'll have a pocketful of money. You can always put that money into your kids' college fund.

2. Read "The millionaire next door." It explains how to get rich by living below your means.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Millionaire_Next_Door

 

[roblaw]

A test drive of both is the only way to forge your decision, which appears to have plagued you for a while here. It appears you are looking to justify the Benz, which is okay. The description of the Benz you gave shows someone sold already and looking for a nudge. Take a test drive and let us know - we won't be upset if the Benz suits you better. Also, see what other C class owners think.

Here is a thread of how the Genesis is viewed by the C300 drivers:

http://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w205/564057-15-c300-4matic-vs-15-hyundai-genesis-3-8-awd.html

I am really being honest when I say I am not sold on the Merc. I know the Genesis will be a great car. I am disappointed in the weight gain and slower acceleration. Were it not for those items I would buy, not lease, and get the Genesis. I am hoping the next Genny in 4 years does that and that is why I will not buy this one. I do not want to deal with the depreciation unless I am going to keep it at least 6 years when it is less relevant. But with Merc lease prices in the 400s and another $2000 back as a USAA or ABA member, it looks like my out of pocket costs will be noticeably lower with the Merc and I avoid having to schlepp to the dealer. That convenience has a tangible value although honestly I think I would like the Genesis a bit more on a day to day basis.

 

[Sam22]

Still waffling between a C300 and the Genesis. I know that I will like appreciate the ride and seats of the Genesis a bit more, although I have not done a test drive in either (I have sat in both in the showrooms). The C300 is tighter inside but given the relatively average heights of my family, no one will suffer in the back seat. And both have high quality interiors (although I do not love the interface with my wife's ML350 and know the new Genesis will be easy to learn).

Let me state that in most road tests I have reviewed of the C300 they test a loaded sport package equipped car and note the ride is not great. I have read a very few of the non-sport equipped vehicles and the ride is described as more consistent with a luxury car. I am not seeking a sports car. I live outside of Philadelphia were the roads suck and the ability to take a 75 mph sweeper are nil. I personally do not understand why over 50% of the upscale sedans in this area are ordered with sports packages that ruin the ride, have no practical improvement in handling, and force you to spend more on the even lower profile tires that are more likely to get damaged by our terrible roads. But I digress . . .

I own my 2012 3.8. Because I think the next gen Genesis (G3) will be both lighter, faster and more efficient I plan to lease my next vehicle and come back to purchase the next vehicle. In a purchase situation where I can keep the car 6-8 year the Genesis is superior because residual is less of an issue over 6-8 years and the maintenance costs are going to be much lower.

In a lease (36 month), I can roll over the maintenance cost on the MB into the lease and get a monthly cost below the Genesis lease cost (well equipped C300 but not as well equipped as a Signature, Tech Genesis). There are other cost savings as well. The C300 appears to get at least 5 mpg better fuel economy across the board (along with as good or better acceleration to the 3.8). While this is less of an issue with the reduction in gasoline prices recently, they can still go up. Another benefit for me (but not everyone) is that I bill by the hour for my time. Since the MB dealer does pick up and drop off for service and provides a free MB loaner (my Hyundai dealer does provide a free loaner but it is usually a Sentra or Corolla). Assuming at least 3 dealer visits per year for maintenance/tire changeovers, that is at least $12-1500.00 in revenue I do not lose.

Yes, these are not identical cars but they are both nice, comfortable, handsome vehicles that are price competitive and have different positive and negative attributes. Yes, I need to take a long test drive to come to an ultimate conclusion but I am curious if any others have seriously considered the c-class and have some thoughts.

Yesterday I got a chance to test drove a new 2015 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI. And, I have to say the 2015 Genesis is just unbeatable in terms of the built quality, performance, driving dynamics, features and of course the price.

 

[BrazGenesis]

I am really being honest when I say I am not sold on the Merc. I know the Genesis will be a great car. I am disappointed in the weight gain and slower acceleration. Were it not for those items I would buy, not lease, and get the Genesis. I am hoping the next Genny in 4 years does that and that is why I will not buy this one. I do not want to deal with the depreciation unless I am going to keep it at least 6 years when it is less relevant. But with Merc lease prices in the 400s and another $2000 back as a USAA or ABA member, it looks like my out of pocket costs will be noticeably lower with the Merc and I avoid having to schlepp to the dealer. That convenience has a tangible value although honestly I think I would like the Genesis a bit more on a day to day basis.

I've been thru a similar dilemma back in 2012. In a nutshell, my points:

1. Yes, MB C and Genesis are price competitive. The longer you hold the better for Genesis.
2. A G1 2012 was way better than a C350.
3. The REAL competitor is/was the E350. A wonderful car
4. Back in 2012 the total cost of ownership of Genesis was way lower than MB E-350. BY FAR
5. Given that now we have the outstanding G2 platform, that surpasses MB 350 both in functionality and cost of ownership you end up with one dilemma:

The emblem! A Mercedes is a Mercedes. A Genesis is a noble wonderful car. But it's family name is Hyundai.

My outcome in 2012 was a loaded Genesis. Today it would be a not so loaded Genesis. But I wouldn't even winck...
Good luck with your delicious dilemma.

 

[joeyz400]

I leased a 2009 E350 sport and then a 2012 E350 sport. I can honestly say that is the car you should compare to. For 2015 I went with the Genesis!!!! The Genesis hands down blows away the Benz in looks, comfort, technology and price.

 

[15GenesisAWD]

I recently drove 2015 C300 4Matic for a day, pretty loaded with panaromic roof, upgraded stereo, etc. It was nice, very well built, but just too small and the engine didn't feel lively enough.

I had 2010 E550 4Matic, pretty much loaded with all options. I would say E550 and Genesis feel somewhat similar. E550 was faster no doubt. But other aspects such as comfort, quietness, tempering the driver, etc, are similar. One thing I do notice is how Genesis's suspension kind of gives up when things go rough, like going over a small bump while turning etc. Mercedes was planted, genesis is a bit twitchy.

I think next E-Class should be on the horizon soon and that one should blow Genesis out of water, I would assume. Current E-Class is pretty much carry over from 2009-2010. They had mid cycle updates and MB claimed they made a lot of changes, but they are still more or less the same, IMO. So in a way, if one has to compare genesis vs e-class, it is like comparing 2009 debuted car vs 2015 debuted car.

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[DavidA5913]

Although the price may be close, the C-class is not in the same league as the Gen2. Perhaps a closer comparison with the E-class would be in order. The C is much smaller and 4 cylinder engine vs. the E in size and power. Of course the E-class is more expensive than the Gen2.

 

[joeyz400]

I recently drove 2015 C300 4Matic for a day, pretty loaded with panaromic roof, upgraded stereo, etc. It was nice, very well built, but just too small and the engine didn't feel lively enough.

I had 2010 E550 4Matic, pretty much loaded with all options. I would say E550 and Genesis feel somewhat similar. E550 was faster no doubt. But other aspects such as comfort, quietness, tempering the driver, etc, are similar. One thing I do notice is how Genesis's suspension kind of gives up when things go rough, like going over a small bump while turning etc. Mercedes was planted, genesis is a bit twitchy.

I think next E-Class should be on the horizon soon and that one should blow Genesis out of water, I would assume. Current E-Class is pretty much carry over from 2009-2010. They had mid cycle updates and MB claimed they made a lot of changes, but they are still more or less the same, IMO. So in a way, if one has to compare genesis vs e-class, it is like comparing 2009 debuted car vs 2015 debuted car.

The E-class changed drastically in 2011.... Not one part was a carry over. New body, interior and engine/trans. I had both body styles and my 2012 was much better in every way than my 2009. The 2015 E-class has minor changes cosmetically but the same as my 2012. That is what helped me make up my mind switching to the Genesis. You just can't compare a C-class with a Genesis.... Even a C63 would just be faster and handle better but fall short in tech and comfort.

 

[homeofstone]

The E-class changed drastically in 2011.... Not one part was a carry over. New body, interior and engine/trans. I had both body styles and my 2012 was much better in every way than my 2009. The 2015 E-class has minor changes cosmetically but the same as my 2012. That is what helped me make up my mind switching to the Genesis. You just can't compare a C-class with a Genesis.... Even a C63 would just be faster and handle better but fall short in tech and comfort.

2010 was the model year that the MB e class changed not 2011. My 2011 replaced my 2007 Mercedes. I have not driven a 2015 Genesis yet but plan to do so soon. IMO the E class is a better handling and riding car when equipped with the airmatic suspension and has better seats than my 2011 Genesis but the genny is much more reliable. My Merc E63 requires more TLC than the my Genesis. The Germans better keep watch over their shoulder because the Koreans are coming.

 

[15GenesisAWD]

The E-class changed drastically in 2011.... Not one part was a carry over. New body, interior and engine/trans. I had both body styles and my 2012 was much better in every way than my 2009. The 2015 E-class has minor changes cosmetically but the same as my 2012. That is what helped me make up my mind switching to the Genesis. You just can't compare a C-class with a Genesis.... Even a C63 would just be faster and handle better but fall short in tech and comfort.

Well,for the sake of preventing mis-information, EClass from 2012+ were changed but they were mid cycle refresh. A lot of parts were changed with new engine options but they are still W212 model year regardless. "Not one part was carried over" is mis-information. A lot of new parts replaced a lot of old parts on the same platform.

And I have to dissagree with how C Class and Genesis can't be compared in terms of tech and comfort. MB did a tremondous job this time. Interior fit, finish, and materirals were superb, better than genesis. Technology should be comparable if not better than genesis if optioned right. C400 with adaptive suspension, driver assistance package, park assistance package, lighting package, upgraded stereo may be enough to better genesis in everyway except interior volume. I like genesis, so much so that I drive it more often than optioned 2014 Lexus GS350 AWD. But it is not superior than new C Class, perhaps comparable.

 

[ksoze]

But it is not superior than new C Class, perhaps comparable.

They are two different car classes, so comparisons are tricky. Comparing them is interesting but they represent two different car sizes and classes. It is the same as comparing the Genesis to the BMW 3 series - kind of hard to make a true comparison, aside from features and gadgets when they are built as much different cars.

 

[Midnightsun]

The previous gen was comparable to the C class yet was still not up to par however the 2015 is definitely up there with the E class. I cross shopped them and I can tell you even if they were the same price I would still have gone for the Genesis although it would have been a tough call. on top of that the literally dozens of reviews done by major mags and whoever all compare it to the 5 series and E class so I can't believe they are all wrong. Before, the gen 1 was not even in the same ball park of any Merc or BMW it was more trying to get there and almost succeeded which was an accomplishment by itself for a first go at it.

 

[EXBMWGUY]

The previous gen was comparable to the C class yet was still not up to par however the 2015 is definitely up there with the E class. I cross shopped them and I can tell you even if they were the same price I would still have gone for the Genesis although it would have been a tough call. on top of that the literally dozens of reviews done by major mags and whoever all compare it to the 5 series and E class so I can't believe they are all wrong. Before, the gen 1 was not even in the same ball park of any Merc or BMW it was more trying to get there and almost succeeded which was an accomplishment by itself for a first go at it.

^ yes.

 

[joeyz400]

I stand corrected the major change took place in 2010. I had a 2009 and then a 2012 and they were drastically changed in every way. Here you can see them side by side when I turned in my old and picked up my new. I don't think there are many changes from 2012 to 2015 though, same body style with some cosmetic updates.

 

[ksoze]

on top of that the literally dozens of reviews done by major mags and whoever all compare it to the 5 series and E class so I can't believe they are all wrong.

They compared it to those cars because that is the car class/segment they are in and what Hyundai tells then it is competing with. The Hyundai's lack of a model letter or number which segments it leads in some way to it being compared freely as a small mid-size to a large car.