I drove the S 580 with AMG package this afternoon. As I make my decision to finally get a “big boy” car, I wanted to test the validity of my 25-year aspiration to own a S Class when I could finally afford it. Prior to today, my most recently driven S Class was a 222 generation S 550 without AMG package.
First thing first, this S 580 drove leagues better than the old S 550. I personally could not pick a difference between Comfort and Sport. I did not go into sport plus. I was taken aback by the spongy feel of the brakes and accelerator. I had read for years how the S 580 tries to build a syrup-like layer around your actions for the sake of luxury and today I found out I am not much a fan of that. The seats felt super big and I found the pillow in the front seats pointless (no support). It did not help that at the time of this test drive my neck for whatever reason started acting up (I bet it was the stress of driving a car that was not mine
, though it went away later when I drove the new E 53
).
I gave it the beans briefly and, yes, the power was more than adequate. I could not hear the V8 except for a brief second at startup (though maybe because the salesperson somehow insisted on taunting the sound system by keeping the music on lightly).
The ride was overall dreamy. As I like a bit of sporty flavor on my car (I currently drive a BMW), I feel the S 580 is too sedate. Though I bet my annual five hour drives up north to our lake vacations would be amazing.
They had two S 63 E Performance models, one white in the showroom and one black in the lot. I made the tactical mistake of disclosing my budget, because the salesman demurred when I asked if they were available on the test drive. I did not feel like begging, especially because I have zero intent of considering that size of purchase.
I drove the E 53 immediately after, because I made the comment that the S felt too big. I wrote about that on another thread. Long story short, I found it much more pleasing overall, nimble, athletic, powerful, with the right kind of spice I’ve apparently grown to appreciate in cars.
I went there to validate a long held feeling and I think I’m cured of it. A regular S class is likely not in my immediate future. I wonder how different an AMG S Class feels! But for now, the E 53 has given me much to think about. Especially because it looks like a mini S 63 that has gone to the gym and cut weight for competition.
