Hi there. Finally it has happened ! I managed to test drive the ES. Premium edition. I had previously asked for adv from all of you and I got very useful info. My previous cars - Range Rover, Maserati Ghibli, BMW 3 GT. currently E class 350d. Here are my thoughts.
Exterior - in the flesh this car is a beauty. Loved the Premium and Takumi with New front mesh and 3 eye bladescan headlights. Looks sleek, sporty yet elegant. Rear is also lovely with the right amount of angles but not too much. I for one did not like the black alloys and mesh etc in F sport. As you all would have guessed I am the serene luxury kind of guy.
Interior - outstanding in one word. Design, materials are the best I have come across. The panel gaps are ridiculously tight. The metallic finish in some places is classy. The cream leather seats were so refined. Only one downside - the infotainment is rather dated looking almost 10 years behind the Germans. Is almost as good or bad as my Maserati. Thankfully Apple car play is there though not wireless which is a bit annoying but not a deal breaker. Touch screen with applecarplay is lovely.
Room and practicality- outstanding again. Is almost Merc S class rear leg room !! Front seats are super comfy. So are rear seats with very nice centre arm rest. Boot is good. Disappointing that power tailgate is only in F sport with takumi pack or Takumi model. Again not a deal breaker. Boot space is plenty for me. Sunroof is not panoramic but good enough to make the car feel roomy.
Audio - standard is good enough for me. Mark Levinson is one of the best I have come across. As good as the Burmester in my current Mercedes.
Drive - Serene. Smooth. Relaxing. I am no junior Lewis Hamilton and have never revved my car or thrown my car around ever. Even the Maserati I drove sedately the only reason I went for it was the sheer exterior beauty. Fuel efficiency is out of this planet for petrol. I drove the tester for 1 Hour mixed city and highway and got close to 52 mpg.
Exterior colour - liked the red, blue and grey. Interior the rich cream is my fav.
In a nutshell loved the car. Had gone in with very negative thoughts. But came out smiling. Sleek and beautiful outside, luxurious and comfortable inside, refined and smooth drive. And fuel efficient. So am going to order soon.
let me know what you all think of my comments. Thanks