The current, outgoing E-Class always looked dated compared to the F10. Benz got confused with its design somewhere down the road, Hyundai lights, the late 90's dated interior design, all of it was just really bad in my opinion. Car had no road presence, especially when compared to F10.
The 2017 E-Class is going to be a completely new car, chassis, engines, tech, everything (plenty of articles on the internet). I think it will give BMW run for the money. Gotta love the competition. Customer always wins.
My take on the C-class vs F30....the new C-class interior is light years ahead of the F30 interior (yes, I know benz is a newer car). F30 is a great ride, but I personally wouldn't be able to live with that interior at that price point.
To each his own....