To be fair (and I'm no fan of expensive cars per se), the Mercedes was an utter joy in every aspect. One of the few overpriced exec toys I'd rave about ... and even covet!
I have had all sorts of cars over the years but about 3 months ago treated myself to an E class. It is 6 years old and they are not a vast difference in price to anything else at that age.
Even my kids have said how comfortable it is over speed humps and pot holes, really like they are not there. Drove 250 miles down to Cornwall and it felt like a pop down the shops. It is really relaxing and easy to drive. In any other car, if I drove back late I would need an hour to "settle down" before going to bed. In the merc you just get out at the other end with no thought of stress.
Somehow everything on it just works better. Satnav chips in just at the instant you need it to and everything is just as you want it.
I have in mind to keep it 10 years so it should end up being a cheap car.