S-Class (W223) Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) Facelift 2024

[Mr. Mercedes]

The taste and wallet of young people reach till here:

Those of us who are old enough to afford an S-Class don't happen to like these kinds of "experiments", so we will "reward" the brand by going to the competition (Lexus, Genesis, BYD, Hongqi, Nio, etc.).

And THIS is the harsh reality of Mercedes' 'woke' strategy.

S class buyers are now on average sub 45 thanks to Asian and Middle Eastern markets. And they are going to build what appeals to them, whether we like it or not.

The shift in product design and focus from the W222 to W223 clearly evidences this.

 

[mr.Mister]

S class buyers are now on average sub 45 thanks to Asian and Middle Eastern markets. And they are going to build what appeals to them, whether we like it or not.

The shift in product design and focus from the W222 to W223 clearly evidences this.

Forget this market - Mercedes doesn't sell anything in China anymore, because Chinese luxury brands have overtaken it (BYD U7, Nio ET9, Hongqi...).
I was last in Dubai, where Chinese cars are also flooding the fleets - the really rich drive RollsRoyces and supercars.

 

[Ozy]

Forget this market - Mercedes doesn't sell anything in China anymore, because Chinese luxury brands have overtaken it (BYD U7, Nio ET9, Hongqi...).
I was last in Dubai, where Chinese cars are also flooding the fleets - the really rich drive RollsRoyces and supercars.

Whenever Im in China I see the upper class still driving german cars. They dont deny the chinese cars are good, but those dont give you status yet.

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

The taste and wallet of young people reach till here:

Those of us who are old enough to afford an S-Class don't happen to like these kinds of "experiments", so we will "reward" the brand by going to the competition (Lexus, Genesis, BYD, Hongqi, Nio, etc.).

And THIS is the harsh reality of Mercedes' 'woke' strategy.

I think you'll find that the vast majority of people in your age group aren't going to be able to afford an S class either.

You can reward whichever brand you please to be fair though. The numbers will do the talking. But those Chinese and Japanese brands are just as chintzy on the inside and outside as well.

 

[mr.Mister]

Whenever Im in China I see the upper class still driving german cars. They dont deny the chinese cars are good, but those dont give you status yet.

Yes i'm in China also, you see German cars that were bought a few years ago.
Already last year (October, November) Mercedes did not sell a single EQE and EQS in China...there is also a big drop in Porsches. China is in the midst of its biggest transformation and there is no way that German manufacturers will come back - especially if they intend to continue to have a price 2-3x higher than an equivalent (or even better) Chinese car.

 

[mr.Mister]

I think you'll find that the vast majority of people in your age group aren't going to be able to afford an S class either.

You can reward whichever brand you please to be fair though. The numbers will do the talking. But those Chinese and Japanese brands are just as chintzy on the inside and outside as well.

Then you obviously haven't sat in a Lexus LS or a Genesis G90.
If you had, you wouldn't be spouting such nonsense.
The W223 is WAY behind the aforementioned vehicles in terms of material selection, final manufacturing and processing, and most importantly, durability.
Sorry. The times of W126, W140 are long gone...
Cost cutting is at every turn at Mercedes - I hope we've all figured that out.
For now, they are only being held up by their old reputation and image - but that won't be possible for much longer. Customers are complaining more and more - the consequences are coming, belive me.

 

[Merc1]

The Genesis G90 hasn’t proven anything durability wise it’s a brand new car. Hyundai is far from some long term durability standard. Most of Genesis lineup is far too new to know anything about their durability.

M

 

[MercFan]

Then you obviously haven't sat in a Lexus LS or a Genesis G90.
If you had, you wouldn't be spouting such nonsense.
The W223 is WAY behind the aforementioned vehicles in terms of material selection, final manufacturing and processing, and most importantly, durability.
Sorry. The times of W126, W140 are long gone...
Cost cutting is at every turn at Mercedes - I hope we've all figured that out.
For now, they are only being held up by their old reputation and image - but that won't be possible for much longer. Customers are complaining more and more - the consequences are coming, belive me.

I agree. The G90 interior is really good. Better than the W223.

 

[mr.Mister]

The Genesis G90 hasn’t proven anything durability wise it’s a brand new car. Hyundai is far from some long term durability standard. Most of Genesis lineup is far too new to know anything about their durability.

M

Then you clearly don't know the history of this brand.
The Genesis G90 has been around since 2015 - and its predecessor, the Equus, has been around even longer (since 1999). This is an era where we can easily say whether a car is durable or not. Well, the car is durable - more so than the S-Class, 7er or A8. I have quite a few friends in America who drive them, they all just fill up their tanks, that's all they have to do.
Also, in general, do any of you know a Hyundai or Kia owner who has had any major problems with their car? I don't. But I know a lot of them with Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and specially VWs.
''German Engineering'' is long gone, globalization and cost cutting have done their thing.
All that's keeping the Germans afloat right now is their old laurels.
But this will not last forever. The Chinese are coming and coming strong. The Koreans have also stepped on the gas. The Japanese are a little behind technologically this time, but they still compete with unique quality.
Slowly the nation will realize that image is not everything, but there are more important things.

 

[Design FIRST]

Then you clearly don't know the history of this brand.
The Genesis G90 has been around since 2015 - and its predecessor, the Equus, has been around even longer (since 1999). This is an era where we can easily say whether a car is durable or not. Well, the car is durable - more so than the S-Class, 7er or A8. I have quite a few friends in America who drive them, they all just fill up their tanks, that's all they have to do.
Also, in general, do any of you know a Hyundai or Kia owner who has had any major problems with their car? I don't. But I know a lot of them with Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and specially VWs.
''German Engineering'' is long gone, globalization and cost cutting have done their thing.
All that's keeping the Germans afloat right now is their old laurels.
But this will not last forever. The Chinese are coming and coming strong. The Koreans have also stepped on the gas. The Japanese are a little behind technologically this time, but they still compete with unique quality.
Slowly the nation will realize that image is not everything, but there are more important things.

Just a personal case in point:

My now 10 year old, very popular, smaller South Korean SUV has had...ZERO defects. Absolutely ZERO. The vehicle visits the shop for scheduled maintanence/inspections ONLY, so far at least. It is my first and only South Korean car so far. It follows some approx. two dozen + predominately German vehicles over the years, most from socalled "premium brands". And I have never owned a "ZERO defect" German vehicle.
At this rate, I'll probably be holding on to it until I draw my terminal breath.

 

[Merc1]

Then you clearly don't know the history of this brand.
The Genesis G90 has been around since 2015 - and its predecessor, the Equus, has been around even longer (since 1999). This is an era where we can easily say whether a car is durable or not. Well, the car is durable - more so than the S-Class, 7er or A8. I have quite a few friends in America who drive them, they all just fill up their tanks, that's all they have to do.
Also, in general, do any of you know a Hyundai or Kia owner who has had any major problems with their car? I don't. But I know a lot of them with Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and specially VWs.
''German Engineering'' is long gone, globalization and cost cutting have done their thing.
All that's keeping the Germans afloat right now is their old laurels.
But this will not last forever. The Chinese are coming and coming strong. The Koreans have also stepped on the gas. The Japanese are a little behind technologically this time, but they still compete with unique quality.
Slowly the nation will realize that image is not everything, but there are more important things.

I know the history of the brand, thanks. The G90 in ITS CURRENT FORM has only been around a few years and hasn't proven a thing yet. The Equus isn't related and nothing you've said here proves anything about durability. You saying it's durable doesn't make it so and you having friends in the USA (where I actually live) doesn't mean anything either. Hyundai is not a paragon of durability or longevity.

Do I know any Hyundai or Kia owners who have had problems with their cars? Is that a trick question? Their cars face one recall after another, fires and all other types of problems. It's well documented. They look good and are packed with features, but they're shit cars as they age in my experience and problems galore. Especially Hyundai.

Spare me the speech on German engineering, as I wasn't even debating this or pushing that narrative. Yeah we know at every single post you have to rieterate how the the Germans are coasting and the Chinese are the this and that. Yawn. My point here is that Genesis' newest vehicles, the G80, G90, GV70 and GV80 haven't been around long enough to prove their durability and these vehicles are far more advanced than anything that came before them so to try to tie their durability to the simpler, less advanced products that came before them is a false equivalence.

In general Kia ranks above average in dependability and Hyundai ranks far below it. That is based on actual DATA not word of mouth. Oh and Genesis also ranks BELOW average.

https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-vehicle-dependability-study-vds

This study looks at the 2022 models, the NEWEST GENESIS models on sale right now.

M

 

[AbsoluteUnit]

Just a personal case in point:

My now 10 year old, very popular, smaller South Korean SUV has had...ZERO defects. Absolutely ZERO. The vehicle visits the shop for scheduled maintanence/inspections ONLY, so far at least. It is my first and only South Korean car so far. It follows some approx. two dozen + predominately German vehicles over the years, most from socalled "premium brands". And I have never owned a "ZERO defect" German vehicle.
At this rate, I'll probably be holding on to it until I draw my terminal breath.

I can tell you now that this is not a common experience. There are no ends of people who have had problems with Kia and Hyundai, and I am a huge apologist for those brands. Kiad in particular all were eminently stealable and we're getting carjacked for fun. I've known people who've had to try and claim on that 7 year warranty only to get rebuffed by the dealerships and Kia/Hyundai over technicalities.

I'm not saying the Germans are better per se. But it's not all sunshine and roses.
Mayhaps Genesis is better. I don't know, but the underpinning technology. The electromechanicals, the engines, the platform are all shared with Kia/Hyundai. And I'm sorry, but they just aren't on par with the likes of Toyota when it comes to bulletproof underpinnings.

Perhaps the Chinese will come in and eat everyone's lunch. But I've seen W221s and W222s and even W223s that have done 100k plus miles and have their interiors look good as new. Will that be the case with Chinese cars? When costs are kept low, something must be sacrificed. What is it? If nothing is being sacrificed then I suppose the CCP is doing a good job of subsidising costs.

 

[SCOTT27]

In Europe you will not get the established class (Those that have driven a Benz,BMW,Audi etc) to change to a Korean or Chinese luxury car. It might be portrayed as either romantic or jingoistic? But they are set in their ways.
Although German manufacturers are studying and testing them intensely.

 

[mr.Mister]

I know the history of the brand, thanks. The G90 in ITS CURRENT FORM has only been around a few years and hasn't proven a thing yet. The Equus isn't related and nothing you've said here proves anything about durability. You saying it's durable doesn't make it so and you having friends in the USA (where I actually live) doesn't mean anything either. Hyundai is not a paragon of durability or longevity.

Do I know any Hyundai or Kia owners who have had problems with their cars? Is that a trick question? Their cars face one recall after another, fires and all other types of problems. It's well documented. They look good and are packed with features, but they're shit cars as they age in my experience and problems galore. Especially Hyundai.

Spare me the speech on German engineering, as I wasn't even debating this or pushing that narrative. Yeah we know at every single post you have to rieterate how the the Germans are coasting and the Chinese are the this and that. Yawn. My point here is that Genesis' newest vehicles, the G80, G90, GV70 and GV80 haven't been around long enough to prove their durability and these vehicles are far more advanced than anything that came before them so to try to tie their durability to the simpler, less advanced products that came before them is a false equivalence.

In general Kia ranks above average in dependability and Hyundai ranks far below it. That is based on actual DATA not word of mouth. Oh and Genesis also ranks BELOW average.

https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-vehicle-dependability-study-vds

This study looks at the 2022 models, the NEWEST GENESIS models on sale right now.

M

You didn't understand.

I wrote about Genesis G90 models, even those that have been around for 10 years and more - the vehicles have no noteworthy problems.
Now let's look at the 10-year-old S-Class: problem after problem, recall after recall, and problems that should NEVER happen with such a car (e.g. the window buttons falling off and the V8 engines up to 2016 having problems with the chain - this is the shame of all shames)

Oh yeah, and about the recalls:
''As in the previous year, Mercedes-Benz again recorded the most recalls in Europe in 2024 - a total of 24.''

Die häufigsten Rückrufe der Automarken 2024

Im vergangenen Jahr zählte das europäische Safety-Gate-System in Europa 249 Fahrzeugrückrufe von 41 Autobauern. An erster Stell...

www.autohaus.de

 

[Merc1]

You didn't understand.

I wrote about Genesis G90 models, even those that have been around for 10 years and more - the vehicles have no noteworthy problems.
Now let's look at the 10-year-old S-Class: problem after problem, recall after recall, and problems that should NEVER happen with such a car (e.g. the window buttons falling off and the V8 engines up to 2016 having problems with the chain - this is the shame of all shames)

Oh yeah, and about the recalls:
''As in the previous year, Mercedes-Benz again recorded the most recalls in Europe in 2024 - a total of 24.''

No you didn’t understand, that car has NOTHING to do with the current car. So saying that the new G90 is more durable or better based on older cars doesn’t mean anything in 2025. I can find horror stories about any old car out there. Doesn’t mean shit. A 10 year old Hyundai is typically junk. Your link is in German. And to be clear Mercedes has problems but I’m saying nothing you’ve shown has shown that Genesis current vehicles are any better. There is no long term data on them and what data there is shows them to be below average. The old G90 is irrelevant to the new one. You’re trying to general lose based off old old car that isn’t related while their CURRENT lineup is already below average. Its a BS argument.


M

 

[mr.Mister]

No you didn’t understand, that car has NOTHING to do with the current car. So saying that the new G90 is more durable or better based on older cars doesn’t mean anything in 2025. I can find horror stories about any old car out there. Doesn’t mean shit. A 10 year old Hyundai is typically junk. Your link is in German. And to be clear Mercedes has problems but I’m saying nothing you’ve shown has shown that Genesis current vehicles are any better. There is no long term data on them and what data there is shows them to be below average. The old G90 is irrelevant to the new one.


M

lol, i'll obviously have to draw it to you

A 10 year old Genesis G90 is much better quality, with fewer problems, than the 10 year old S-Class - will that get into your head now?

And yes, even the new G90, which has been around for 2 years, has much fewer problems than the W223 - Even more: the interior also has much better materials and is better build.

And also English regarding recalls:

Mercedes was recalls champion in 2023

Mercedes was recalls champion in 2023 with 38 recalls, from which 7 are for commercial vehicles and 7 for passenger cars

mercedesblog.com

Mercedes is in first place, with the most recalls in 2023 and 2024 in EU.
Mercedes has become shit, just average or not even that anymore.

 

[Merc1]

lol, i'll obviously have to draw it to you

A 10 year old Genesis G90 is much better quality, with fewer problems, than the 10 year old S-Class - will that get into your head now?

And yes, even the new G90, which has been around for 2 years, has much fewer problems than the W223 - Even more: the interior also has much better materials and is better build.

And also English regarding recalls:

Mercedes was recalls champion in 2023

Mercedes was recalls champion in 2023 with 38 recalls, from which 7 are for commercial vehicles and 7 for passenger cars

mercedesblog.com

Mercedes is in first place, with the most recalls in 2023 and 2024 in EU.
Mercedes has become shit, just average or not even that anymore.

So ill say it again for you, that doesn’t prove anything about the CURRENT G90. Like what part of that isn’t understandable? The old car isn’t related to the new one.

Just saying that the new one is less problematic than the W223 doesn’t prove anything.

You actually failed to mention that in your link the number of recalls have been trending down and that some are for commercial vehicles. Genesis doesn’t have the lineup Mercedes has either.

Like I said before we know Mercedes has problems but your argument about Genesis is bullshit.

You act like Genesis is Lexus. They aren’t. They recall vehicles here in the USA just like anyone else.

A quick search easily proves this:

Genesis vehicles in America have been recalled for various issues, including seatbelt pretensioner explosion risk, fuel pump problems, and electrical system issues. Recent recalls affect models like the G80, GV80, GV70, and G90, with some issues potentially causing crashes or fires.

Specific Recall Details:

• Seatbelt Pretensioner Explosion:
  A significant recall (24V282000) involves 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, GV80, G80, and G90 vehicles, where the seatbelt pretensioners may explode upon deployment, potentially causing injury.
  
  
• Fuel Pump Issues:
  Several recalls (23V630000, 24V282000) have addressed fuel pump problems, potentially causing the vehicle to stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
  
  
• Electrical System Issues:
  Recalls (24V205000, 24V282000, 24V868000) have been issued for issues like wiring problems, the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) potentially stopping the 12-Volt battery from charging, and a potential electrical short circuit in the ABS module.
  
  
• Starter Solenoid:
  A recall (24V107000) involves 2015-2016 Genesis and related models where water contamination in the starter solenoid could cause an electrical short.
  
  
• Turbocharger Oil Feed Pipe:
  A recall (23V630000) addresses potential deterioration and oil leaks in the turbocharger oil feed pipe on specific engines.
  
  
• Other Issues:
  Recalls have also addressed issues like trunk latch malfunctions and potential engine compartment fires.
  

How to Check for Recalls:

• Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to search for recalls by VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
  
  
• Visit the Genesis website or the Cars.com website to find recall information.
  
  
• Many recalls are also announced on websites like USA Today.
  

Try again.

M

 

[Pagani]

Wow, nothing new on the FL S Class yet two weeks worth of alerts on this thread. Sad.

 

[MercFan]

Then you clearly don't know the history of this brand.
The Genesis G90 has been around since 2015 - and its predecessor, the Equus, has been around even longer (since 1999). This is an era where we can easily say whether a car is durable or not. Well, the car is durable - more so than the S-Class, 7er or A8. I have quite a few friends in America who drive them, they all just fill up their tanks, that's all they have to do.
Also, in general, do any of you know a Hyundai or Kia owner who has had any major problems with their car? I don't. But I know a lot of them with Audis, BMWs, Mercedes and specially VWs.
''German Engineering'' is long gone, globalization and cost cutting have done their thing.
All that's keeping the Germans afloat right now is their old laurels.
But this will not last forever. The Chinese are coming and coming strong. The Koreans have also stepped on the gas. The Japanese are a little behind technologically this time, but they still compete with unique quality.
Slowly the nation will realize that image is not everything, but there are more important things.

When the EQUUS was sold in our country it had a 7 years full warranty! And the price was rather adequate.

 

[mr.Mister]

So ill say it again for you, that doesn’t prove anything about the CURRENT G90. Like what part of that isn’t understandable? The old car isn’t related to the new one.

Just saying that the new one is less problematic than the W223 doesn’t prove anything.

You actually failed to mention that in your link the number of recalls have been trending down and that some are for commercial vehicles. Genesis doesn’t have the lineup Mercedes has either.

Like I said before we know Mercedes has problems but your argument about Genesis is bullshit.

You act like Genesis is Lexus. They aren’t. They recall vehicles here in the USA just like anyone else.

A quick search easily proves this:

Genesis vehicles in America have been recalled for various issues, including seatbelt pretensioner explosion risk, fuel pump problems, and electrical system issues. Recent recalls affect models like the G80, GV80, GV70, and G90, with some issues potentially causing crashes or fires.

Specific Recall Details:

• Seatbelt Pretensioner Explosion:
  A significant recall (24V282000) involves 2022-2023 Genesis GV70, GV80, G80, and G90 vehicles, where the seatbelt pretensioners may explode upon deployment, potentially causing injury.
  
  
• Fuel Pump Issues:
  Several recalls (23V630000, 24V282000) have addressed fuel pump problems, potentially causing the vehicle to stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
  
  
• Electrical System Issues:
  Recalls (24V205000, 24V282000, 24V868000) have been issued for issues like wiring problems, the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) potentially stopping the 12-Volt battery from charging, and a potential electrical short circuit in the ABS module.
  
  
• Starter Solenoid:
  A recall (24V107000) involves 2015-2016 Genesis and related models where water contamination in the starter solenoid could cause an electrical short.
  
  
• Turbocharger Oil Feed Pipe:
  A recall (23V630000) addresses potential deterioration and oil leaks in the turbocharger oil feed pipe on specific engines.
  
  
• Other Issues:
  Recalls have also addressed issues like trunk latch malfunctions and potential engine compartment fires.

How to Check for Recalls:

• Use the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to search for recalls by VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
  
  
• Visit the Genesis website or the Cars.com website to find recall information.
  
  
• Many recalls are also announced on websites like USA Today.

Try again.

M

You still don't understand.
I wasn't just talking about the 10 year old Genesis, but I can also safely say that the 10 year old G90 has MUCH LESS problems than the 10 year old S-Class.

Anyway, I was also talking about the CURRENT G90 and I wrote to you loud and clear that it is much better assembled and made than the current W223.
How do I know that? Because I've tested and sold many of both, Mercedes is shamefully assembled.

It's true, Genesis is not Lexus.
- it's a brand that has much nicer cars than Lexus (obviously, when the chief designer is a former chief designer at Bentley)
- it's a brand whose models drive much better than Lexus (obviously, when Bierman, the former head of M gmbh, was involved in most of their development)
- it's a brand whose interior is 10x more refined than current Lexuses (much more refined materials, much more attention to detail, better solutions etc.)

WHAT’S NEXT FOR GENESIS CABINS? OUR INTERIOR DESIGN CHIEF EXPLAINS

SEOUL, April 24, 2025 — The career transition from exterior to interior automotive design was quite a simple one for Jaeho Oh. He was captivated by the “whole different world of creativity” found in the intricate details within the cabin, which quickly fueled his desire to make a mark in the...

newsroom.genesis.com

At Genesis, every vehicle has a 5-year warranty, but you can extend it to 10 years.
Mercedes has a 1-year warranty. This says more than a thousand words about who trusts their products more.
Once again: we've been driving Mercedes at home since 1974, I've owned practically every model, I've worked at Mercedes for more years, I've co-founded Mercedes clubs - it's hard to find a bigger fan of this brand.
But as hard as it is for me, I have to admit that Mercedes is currently a crappy car and I would never buy one in my life. Not a chance. The older ones - everytime (thats why i own an S600 and a CL63) , but the current ones - never ever.

Genesis on the other side has just introduced the most beautiful coupe I have seen in the last 10 years or more...especially the interior which is beautiful, interwoven with a variety of details
It looks like a futuristic Bentley with a interior craftmanship, which Mercedes can only dream of.
Yes, it is a concept, but in all likelihood it will be very similar to it and will also go into series production.