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

[Rolf]

So the problem was the build quality & electronics? Not the car?

In terms of reliability and the standard of workmanship and build quality the original W220 was a disaster for Mercedes. It came in the era of massive cost cutting from the then CEO Shrempp who is the worst CEO Mercedes ever had, nearly destroyed the reputation of the brand. The W220 was a beautiful car with a modern interior but it's material quality inside the cabin was a big drop from the W140 and it had electrical and rust problems. It was also the first model with AIRMATIC and as a result of lackluster electronics these tend to fail and the car would have dropped suspension. The FL models launched in 2003 seemed to improved the build quality but I think the trust in the brand had eroded.

 

[klier]

In terms of reliability and the standard of workmanship and build quality the original W220 was a disaster for Mercedes. It came in the era of massive cost cutting from the then CEO Shrempp who is the worst CEO Mercedes ever had

Ola is the worst CEO they've ever had, not Schrempp

 

[Rolf]

Ola is the worst CEO they've ever had, not Schrempp

In my opinion Ola is a close 2nd. Schrempp inherited a Mercedes Benz that already had an unbeatable reputation for quality and reliability and the brand had massive recognition worldwide and also all the models were built to last. Then he F£ked everything up. Ola has inherited a brand that already was not in it's prime but Zetsche had rescued the company and improved the situation and Ola has taken the company down-market in quality but increased profits by raising prices hugely.

 

[klier]

In my opinion Ola is a close 2nd. Schrempp inherited a Mercedes Benz that already had an unbeatable reputation for quality and reliability and the brand had massive recognition worldwide and also all the models were built to last. Then he F£ked everything up

Schrempp had to bring Mercedes to the modern non hand build cars. Some things went wrong, but overall his job was incredibly tough.

The Corporate Expansion & Cost-Cutting Eras (1987–2006)
Edzard Reuter (1987–1995)

• The Era of Cars: The transition to massive electronics, heavy tech, and unfortunately, the start of weight and cost-cutting measures to fund Reuter's goal of turning Daimler into an "integrated technology giant" (buying aerospace and electronics firms).
• Defining Vehicles: The monumentally engineered (and incredibly heavy) W140 S-Class, the R129 SL, and the first-generation C-Class (W202).

Jürgen E. Schrempp (1995–2006)

• The Era of Cars: The controversial "DaimlerChrysler" merger era. This era was defined by rapid segment expansion, bold new designs, but noticeable declines in interior materials and electrical reliability.
• Defining Vehicles: The "Four-Eyed" W210 E-Class, the first-generation A-Class (and its famous "Moose Test" rollover incident), the original M-Class SUV (W163), and the beautiful but complex CLS-Class "four-door coupe."

I basically forgot about the whole DaimlerChrysler debacle though. Jeesh

The Modern Revival & Electric Shift (2006–Present)
Dieter Zetsche (2006–2019)

• The Era of Cars: The "Dr. Z" era focused on undoing the Chrysler merger damage, aggressively modernizing the brand's styling to attract younger buyers, and completely dominating Formula 1.
• Defining Vehicles: The incredibly sharp W222 S-Class, the AMG GT, a massive explosion of the SUV lineup (GLC, GLE, GLS), and the introduction of the digital MBUX infotainment system.

Ola Källenius (2019–Present)

• The Era of Cars: The current software-first, high-margin luxury, and electric vehicle (EV) transition era. Källenius became the first non-German CEO and spun off the truck division to hyper-focus on luxury cars.
  
  
• Defining Vehicles: The W223 S-Class, the all-electric EQS and EQE, the rugged electrified G-Class (G 580), and the upcoming MB.OS software architecture.

Dieter was a f#cking BOSS though

 

[Esp5]

In my opinion Ola is a close 2nd.

Well, Ola took over Mercedes when it was number one in the world, a position it held for years, and brought it to a distant second place, where it has the biggest gap in its history with its competitor, much larger than in the Bangle era. The worst quality, design, and management decisions it has ever had—all of that makes it the worst in my opinion.

 

[Serpens]

I still think Schrempp is the worst because he managed to severely damage two companies, not just one.

 

[klier]

And the best? Dr Z?