Let me just say that this car has reinstated my faith in cardom and I now have a favorite car again. Mercedes did a wonderful thing here: with design cues used one way or another elsewhere in its [downstream] lineup, it managed to bring out something original, breathtaking and innovative. The interior has its star role here; and that is all I will say on that subject, given I have said it in previous comments.
Unlike the 221, which reinstated the concerned heartbeats of the brand's fans in terms of quality (and some heft and authorit to the design), the 222 returns to the habit of introducing the next automotive technology frontier. Some of the tech we see in this S-class - though, sadly, no braking bag just yet - is new or with a new implementation level on the S-class. BMW and AUDI have received their marching orders. It will be great to see what they will deliver.
I remember the debut of the 221 like it was yesterday. By pure coincidence, I had to visit my old business school campus where I was attending at the time, so it put things into an interesting experience. I do recall the fascination with that model, both from an exterior (it was grand, masculine, aggressive, yet beautiful - appologetic for its predecessor's softness, almost) as well as interior (a blatant copy of the 7-series of the time, yet better implemented, with quality and simplicity theretofore unseen). But the model did not break any frontiers. Much of the technologies were carry-overs. Even pre-safe, which was still revolutionary at the time, had come out with the predecessor's facelift. About the only new thing was the engine: the 389hp V8.
So, it seems indeed the century turned yesterday, not more so since the 220 made it (for all its flimsiness, that car was a tour-de-force and was aptly named most beautiful car in the world. Design and feature-wise, I do not ever recall a redesign more radical).
Lately I warmed up a lot to the idea and the first interior combo you posted is my second choice for the S-Class. What was the name of the grey wood trim as I couldn't find it in the configurator?
