It's got that old-school, Mercedes, boxyness to it. I like it a lot.

Source

Initial impression is that it's a bigger version of the 2008 C-Class Luxury. Of course details like the headlights have changed, but that's my overall impression...and that's a good thing.

Well spoken, Mitlov.
I like the new E-class much more than the older one. Just back to the roots, more timeless.
...The exact opposite to BMW on its way.

I'm not feeling the taillights.

I do wanna see the rear of the car before I judge too quickly though.

I know it's said way too much, but it looks to me like a Korean or Chinese knock-off of a Mercedes more than a Mercedes itself.

I'm by no means a Merc. expert, and this is why. It's so boring and same-old.

First thing I thought of when I saw the front was the Genesis

Disgraceful, I hate it.

It's not bad looking, but it's really plain. This is why BMW started using the Bangle designs, to prevent a stagnant design philosophy. I've got to say, if this weren't a Mercedes Benz, they would be in trouble with this car. New Audis are much, much, much better looking.

Having said that, Mercedes could sell the Pontiac Aztec, and people would buy it because of the hood ornament. And they would pay out the ass for it.

This car will sell.

Old Jewish women with big hair and tracksuits will be driving this to bingo.

Is it just me or does it look like the car has struck an iceberg and is sinking with those lines?

And I think its a big step down.

You mean, they'll be driving the copy Lexus makes off of this.

Yeah, old Jewish women don't drive German cars in my experience. With the exception of my great-aunt Ruth, who was the scandal of the family when she got one.

The crazy thing is, I'm not kidding. Even my mother (born in 1946) was opposed to owning German cars until very recently. She wanted a Karmann Ghia when she was a teenager, but wouldn't buy a German car. I did think it was exciting that she cross-shopped a Rabbit when she bought her xD this year...big change for her.

I think this entire segment looks pretty stagnant right now. All of the cars on sale seem to be the weakest representations of their company's various design philosophies. The GS and XF are the exceptions to that rule.

Also, Merc tried to sell the Aztek. They called it the R-class, and it didn't work (though the Brabus-fettled version looks absolutely badass).