What are the exterior differences between the Mercedes-Benz E200 and E300?
3 Answers
E300 features a panoramic sunroof, while E200 has a standard sunroof. The rear lettering differs, with E300 displaying 'E300' and E200 displaying 'E200'. Below are relevant details: 1. E200 and E300 primarily distinguish between high and low configurations; the smaller the number, the lower the configuration and the cheaper the price. For example, the E200 is equipped with a 2.0T L4 inline four-cylinder engine, whereas the E300 comes with a high-power version of the 2.0T engine, delivering up to 255 horsepower. If there were an E320, the configuration would be even higher, featuring a 3.0T V6 engine. 2. The side profile of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is characterized by a straight 'horizon line' waistline that spans the body, creating an elongated visual effect that extends towards both ends. This is one way to differentiate it from the S-Class and C-Class.
I just picked up an E300, and my neighbor happens to drive an E200. We often park next to each other. The most noticeable difference is the wheels—the E300 comes with 19-inch five-spoke AMG-style rims, while the E200's 18-inch double five-spoke ones look more delicate. The rear badges are obviously different, one says 200 and the other 300. I’ve compared the front ends carefully—on the sport version, the E300 has thicker chrome strips on the side air intakes of the front bumper, while the E200’s are slimmer. Once, a car washer even asked me if I’d modified the exhaust, but actually, the E300 comes standard with dual exhaust tips on both sides, whereas the E200 has a single tip on one side. To me, from a distance, they’re hard to tell apart, but up close, the wheels are the most obvious giveaway. Oh, and the E300 has an option for black piano-finished mirror caps, while the standard version comes with body-colored ones.
Over the years working as a salesperson at the 4S dealership, these are the two models I've most frequently helped customers compare. First, note the different tail badge numbers, but the most substantial differences lie in the configurations. The E300 Luxury trim comes standard with Multibeam LED headlights featuring two additional blue stripes in the light housing, while this is a paid option for the E200. The wheel designs differ most significantly - the E300 sports 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloys, whereas the E200 gets standard 18-inch spokes. On the body side, the E300 Sport edition features AMG-branded side skirts, which the base model lacks. The auto-dimming rearview mirror comes standard on the E300 but requires the higher E200 trim. I always advise customers to park both cars side by side in sunlight to examine the paint - the metallic finish shows superior quality on the E300.
