Uhm the new E Class is nice, but the E previous E class is not as nice and the interior is terrible.
If i were ur dad id go for the saloon C class, as the Coupe is ugly, but thats just me, as your dad likes its shape. :P
The C class's interior is not bad, its comfortable, though no big luxuries on it. Ive heard a lot of bad stuff bout the E and C classes. A friend whose dad also has a previous E class has encountered some trouble with electronics.
My uncle has a current generation C220 CDi estate, no problems yet but i trust that is because its quite new, as my confidence in mercs has been going downhill since their 2002 onward cars.
If your dad wants the C class, can i sugest the AMG equipment option? Looks great.
Well if ur dad wants a Merc than thats all i say, if hes willing to expand into other makers, i would suggest, equivalently to the C class, an A4 2.0 TDi (well not really, cose the 2.0 TDi has been the worst tdi engine ever, reliability wise, so i heard, never had a car with it tho, but i think they dont make the good 1.9 TDi with the current A4) Or a 320d, although if its luxuries you want and goodies and comfort, the 320d interior is not what you want.