Having driven the 2010 3.6 for a couple of years and only a week or so ago moved on to the 2012 4.4, IMO the 4.4 is the one to go for due to increased fuel economy and 8 speed box. 2012 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Current
2015 E220 with AMG Sport Pack - Currently driven by my son
2010 3.6 TDV8 Vogue - Written off by my son

I wonder if we compared the overall running costs of the 4.4 vs the 5.0 over a year what it would look like, sure the 5.0 is juicy, high teens at best but in real world whats the average mixed driving on a 4.4 26??

So if you take into account all the things that tend to go wrong with the 4.4 vs the ver few things with the 5.0 what the actual annual cost difference? I bet it closer than we all think.

I agree that the different fuel costs are insignificant unless you do high miles. The major cost is always depreciation but most of us (me included) like to ignore it. I don’t think that the 4.4 will cost more to maintain and repair compared to a 5.0 needing the camchain done.