Model Year | 2015 | 2009 | |
Model | Chevrolet Malibu | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 107.8 in | 112.4 in | -4.6 in |
Length | 191.5 in | 191.0 in | 0.5 in |
Width | 73.0 in | 71.7 in | 1.3 in |
Height | 57.6 in | 58.4 in | -0.8 in |
Curb Weight | 3393 lb. | 3740 lb. | -347 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 21.1 gal. | -2.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.0 in | 39.1 in | -0.1 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.5 in | 56.4 in | 1.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.0 in | 52.4 in | 2.6 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.1 in | 41.9 in | 0.2 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.8 in | -0.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 57.1 in | 56.1 in | 1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 54.3 in | 53.8 in | 0.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.8 in | 35.6 in | 1.2 in |
Total Legroom | 78.9 in (over 2 rows) | 77.5 in (over 2 rows) | 1.4 in |
Cargo Volume | 16.3 ft3 | 15.9 ft3 | 0.4 ft3 |
2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2016 | Chevrolet's designers styled the new Malibu's instrument panel to appear low and out of the way, such that the front seat feels especially roomy and the view forward seems more open than in most competitors, including the Kia (the instrument panel in which seems significantly higher and more imposing). In the tested car, which had every option except the panoramic sunroof, headroom was so abundant I could have worn a fedora. The Kia Optima might have as much front headroom when similarly without a sunroof. The official specs, which often don't reflect real world differences, suggest it should have even more than the Malibu. But you cannot get a highly equipped Optima without the sunroof, as it's part of a large package on the SX and standard on the SX Limited. Though the Malibu's windshield is relatively large, you won't find outward visibility among the reasons to buy one. The Chevrolet's front pillars remain on the thick side, its instrument panel is considerably deeper than the Kia's, and the view to the sides and rear also could be more open. In the Optima, the view to the sides is more open but that to the rear is not. I did find the Cherolet's front seats more form-fitting and comfortable than the Optima's. The Kia's quilted seats aren't as cushy as they appear. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2015 Chevrolet Malibu Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2014 | 4dr Sedan 196-horsepower 2.5L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Both front & rear compartments very roomy & comfortable. Again, this is noted improvement over our 2009 Malibu. see full Chevrolet Malibu review |
2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Much better sized for me. My prior 2007 three series BMW was too small and cramped. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Can spend all day driving this car and not be exhausted. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The most comfortable seats among all its rivals including Lexus, Jaguar, BMW, Audi, and Infiniti. Plenty of adjustments in the seat and the telescoping steering wheel. Plenty of front seat room for people 6 foot tall and more. Provides ample support. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 268-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Driving 4-5 hours in a row left no fatigue or discomfort in my back or legs. The seats are just firm enough but very supportive where they need to be. see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |
2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2008 | 4dr Sedan 382-horsepower 5.5L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
The back seat is very comfortable and provides good headroom and seating support. They fold down to provide additional storage room. My complaint is that it is not S class roomy in the back. Leg and foot room can be limited if sitting behind a tall driver see full Mercedes-Benz E-Class review |