[JC72]

The 'final two' prior to ordering my F32 were (what I've ordered) and the W205 Hybrid. Couldn't get a drive in the Merc as they had none built, so took the plunge on the assumption the drive would be a compromise and I would only be ordering one on the basis of BIK rates (makes a huge difference to co cars). 430 is due in a month or so and I know you all know (if you know what I mean!?) How exciting the build up is.

Anyhow, out the blue I get an email......

"your C300 Hybrid AMG Line is now ready for appraisal, when and how long would like it for" (or something like that)

....I hope it's poop 'cos it was 'significantly' cheaper than the F32.

[SkyJawa]

Look on the bright side, at least the F32 is 'significantly' nicer to look at!

[JC72]

Originally Posted by SkyJawa

Look on the bright side, at least the F32 is 'significantly' nicer to look at!

I quite like the look of the W205, with a snazzy colour, big wheels and real (real real) leather. Subjective, but I think it holds its own.
My purchasing criteria was nicest (fastest) driving car I could get under my co2 limit. Thus the 430!

[Archer-s]

Would be intresting to see what you think of the w205 hybrid, but if it's for a company car the c350 hybrid hits the order books this month and will be in the 5% bik!

[F30Andy]

Originally Posted by SkyJawa

Look on the bright side, at least the F32 is 'significantly' nicer to look at!

And significantly better to drive.

[JC72]

Originally Posted by F30Andy

And significantly better to drive.

I'm hoping this is the case - should be no contest. Be interesting to see how big the gap is.

I have the car for 3 days from next weekend

[JC72]

Turned up today, have it for the weekend. F32 has already been ordered so the test is purely hypothetical.

Took it out for a quick run, will post more detail next week - but intial thoughts:

Light steering that doesn't seem to stiffen much with Sport+ but the steering is quick and very direct. (as in it's very keen to change direction). Not pushed it hard enough to get the back sliding, but seems to handle pretty well.

The ride is harder than expected for a Merc. Its on std passive with 18's but seems to crash over bumps and pot holes. Could be due to the extra weight of the hybrid stuff or because in 'AMG Spec' you need to tick the air suspension box?

The interior is nice, not that intuative, but guess that comes with time. The stick on 'I-Pad' though looks crap. Litterally like someone has stuck a cheap £50 tablet to the dash. Not a touch on the Pro-nav.

[SkyJawa]

My poor eyes! That rump is almost as bad as the old Megane!

[JC72]

I've had this thing now for a few days and come to the unfortunate conclusion for a car person that the comparison is mainly a bunch of personal preference and subjective bollocks.
Taking best deal or price out of the equation basically today's decision on these type of cars comes down to brand preference. Take this C, a 3 and I would presume XE and I bet there's a *** packet between them.
Looks subjective. Interior arguably C, dynamics could be the new XE?. Toys, most are covered on all three.
The hybrid drove great, ride a little rough compared to my F10, guess fixed by ticking the air box or softer suspension. Interior love it or hate it (screen looks shit) they've done a good job. Again I'm only comparing this to my f10 and memory's of my 430 test drive but the steering felt very sharp. The various modes changed its mood like a 3, in sport+ you could feel the rears twitching.
There is a problem though, and a reason why I, or would presume most on this forum wouldn't choose anything but the F3* under the current line up. 6 cylinders. The 300 hybrid (2.2d) sounds like a tractor (as does my 520). Only made more apparent because you can trickle through traffic under electric power. If I were in the market for a 4 cylinder diesel this and the new XE would have had more consideration.
Personally I think the F3* 3d + 35d engine (and fantastic gearbox) are untouchable, if the rumours are true and petrol is back they could well be the last of their kind.
I'm looking forward to enjoying mine for the next 4 years, I'm pretty sure next time around I will be forced intro ordering some form of the I8 running gear in the 3. No great hardship but I feel it's end of an era.
Fast diesels RIP?

[Nick the Greek]

Yes.

Fast diesel.

RIP.

So yesterday's car, the world has moved on......