Both cars are very good. And both have disadvantages. Summarise both.
Let's say you have about 20 000 usd and you are considering just two models - the new Toyota Camry or the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Of course, you won't buy a new Mercedes, the price of the E-Class starts at 4.5 million, but a used pre-styled W213 made in 2018-2019 is affordable for you.
Class and size
To start with, these are different classes of cars. The Toyota Camry is D+ and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is E+ respectively. "The German is bigger in all dimensions. The main thing is the bigger wheelbase. The Camry has 2825 mm and E-class has 2939 mm - almost as much as S-class W220 produced from 1995 to 2005. So the interior is of the same volume. And the boot? The Camry has 500 or 525 litres, depending on a kitting, the E-классу has 540 litres. Mercedes can carry one more suitcase.
Toyota surpasses Mercedes in size of ground clearance (155 vs. 125 mm). But you don't intend to drive a business sedan on absolutely broken roads, right?
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)
X3, Q5 or ML - used (alas!) premium for 3 million
What kind of Camry can you buy for, say, 3 million? According to the price-list - almost any, except for most expensive Elegance Safety (3,222,000). That leaves seven options: Standard, Standard Plus, Classic, Elegance, GR SPORT, Prestige Safety and Lux Safety. Alas, the choice of power units is not so great: 2.0 for 150 hp, 2.5 for 200 hp and 3.5 for 249 hp. All engines are petrol. Transmission is Aisin K120 variator or 8-speed automatic. Drive is front-wheel drive only.
Now let's have a look at the E-Class variants. In terms of power - from 160 to 367 hp. Except for petrol versions there are also hybrid and diesel ones. Four-wheel drive - rear or all-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive E- Class in the secondary market almost more than all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a big plus for a passenger car, especially in winter.
And, of course, we shouldn't forget about dealer markups which can reach half a million rubles when it comes to such a sought-after model like the Toyota Camry. On the secondary market, it's much easier to bargain in your favour with sellers.
Pre-owned E-Class or new Camry: which shall we take? Toyota Camry
Design and equipment
Premium-class for 2 million rubles - all variants
Even the pre-styled E-Class looks more interesting than the Camry from the outside and even more so inside. Design has never been a strong point of Japanese cars, unlike German ones, and it's strongly noticeable in this case. As if the cars are of different generations. Mercedes-Benz has a completely digital dashboard, united in one block with a big display of multimedia system with excellent graphics. Toyota has a separate 7- or 9-inch multimedia display, the graphics are to your liking. Quality of finishing materials is also higher in Mercedes-Benz. In general, "Ashka" is very close to S-class in architecture of interior and in quality, and not to ancient, but modern one. It is also approaching to it as far as equipment is concerned.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers such options as an automatic parking system and pneumatic suspension with electronic control and multi-chamber cylinders. The Camry doesn't have that.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W213)
Dynamics, handling, comfort
In all this, the E-Class is also better than the Camry. Let's compare, for example, similar in power versions - E200 with 2-liter engine with 197 hp and Camry 2.5 AT in Elegance, 200 hp.
Autopremium is now all the same. The subtle differences are in the slogans.
And the E-Class has a nine-speed automatic. The Camry has an eight-speed. Fuel consumption in the combined cycle is almost equal - 6.9 litres per 100 kilometers of run in E-class and 6.8 in Camry. The Toyota's tank holds 60 liters, while the Mercedes is 50. That is, with the declared average fuel consumption Mercedes-Benz will drive 724 km on one tank, while the Camry - 882 km. In addition, Toyota allows filling with 92-m petrol (engine is atmospheric), unlike Mercedes-Benz with a turbocharged engine.
Presentation of the current generation of E-class was made on a racetrack. When tested on different public roads everyone praised the high comfort of the car.
Camry by general standards is also very comfortable car, but the steering of the current generation model is configured a little sharp, and the suspension is too "squeezed".
Cost of maintenance
The 5 most reliable premium crossovers
When you buy a new Toyota Camry, you'll be forced to buy a hull insurance policy at a premium rate, because this model is the most stolen in the segment. Anyway, insurance for E- class is not likely to be cheaper, because this model is also a "hit" with thieves. Therefore any sensible person will insure a fresh Mercedes.
It is natural that service, account materials and spare parts of Mercedes-Benz are more expensive, than of Toyota. A premium brand, after all - you won't be forgotten about it.
The warranty period for Mercedes-Benz cars in Europe is two years without mileage limit. So even the latest Mercedes from secondary market will no longer be under warranty.
Taxi, subscription, purchase: which is more profitable? Depends on a year mileage!
Toyota Camry is an option for those who are ready to settle for less comfort and prestige to win in reliability. The model itself is considered relatively trouble-free, the company gives the car a long warranty and then you can sell it quickly and easily (the Camry is one of the leaders in terms of liquidity).
Mercedes-Benz E-class wins in prestige (hardly anyone will distinguish three-year old car from the one which left the showroom six months ago), and in dynamics, comfort and equipment, but loses in cost of maintenance. One should not buy Mercedes with last money. However, it also concerns Camry and many other cars.
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