ORIGINAL REDDIT POST
2012 E350 4matic Wagon vs 2020 V90 T6 R Design
Looking for a discussion here. I'm looking for a wagon that I'll probably keep till the wheels fall off. Not worried about cost of maintenance moving forward. Yes, I know one is 14 years old and one is 6, but from what I've been reading the W212 engine is…
Looking for a discussion here. I'm looking for a wagon that I'll probably keep till the wheels fall off. Not worried about cost of maintenance moving forward. Yes, I know one is 14 years old and one is 6, but from what I've been reading the W212 engine is amazing. Both are in great shape, mileage under 50K. Look to be taken care of consistently by previous owners. E350 is going for 25k and the V90 is 35K.
Collected discussion
The W212 is a naturally aspirated V6 (M276) that is simple and robust. The timing chain will be the point of failure that might kill the engine. Not much else, however you’ll replace several engine sensors and ancillaries over time. The Volvo has a turbocharged and supercharged 4 cylinder with a timing belt that requires periodic replacement. And by 2020, Volvo was Chinese. I have owned both platforms, Mercedes W212 and Volvo SPA. Flip a coin.
What do you think of in cabin comfort and drive for both? This is coming from a guy with 2 toyotas so there's much to be desired.
The seats in the Volvo are amazing. The Volvo’s infotainment feels a generation or two more advanced, as does the adaptive cruise and lane centering. Most things about the Mercedes will feel more refined from switchgear to engine vibration to ride quality. Most W212s have M-B Tex vinyl interior and most R-Designs have Napa leather… the leather holds up much better over time, although the fake suede alcantara inserts in some R-Designs doesn’t wear particularly well. I purposely sought out the 2022.5-up T8 R-Design PHEV as it’s much more powerful, more efficient, and ditches the supercharger. Just a better all around driving experience. Torque everywhere. Side note, the Bowers & Wilkins audio available as an option on the Volvo is far and away better than anything offered on a W212.
The W212 will outlast your grandchildren but you'll spend the difference in gas alone, that thing drinks like it's got a hole in the tank.