MB was beaten to pulp when presenting their one and only S-class which tried to stand up from the crowd, the W140. They're doing well in exercising understatement in this class. Aggressive looks are okay for a Porsche Panamera or a Bentley, both made to show off. The S-class is working horse for people traveling in style for large amounts of miles - it shall be representative, not aggressive. Even the CL, as the lest-room-for-the-bug is trying to "keep it calm".
Great thing. Every car afficionado (spel?) will see: WOW, THE NEW S-CLASS! - any envious idiot will think: Oh, just another crappy MB... - I'm sure that was the design goal.
I guess the headlights had to be large as hell for all the stuff in them. Think about all the technology that's placed there now, including MBC cameras?!
I'm completely convinced that the exterior design is great - it is friendly enough for all the idiots out there - think of burning cars in Germany... and it's modern and sophisticated enough for a potential customers who wants to show class and style (and money... not a surprise that the car is shown in an Airbus Hangar - the (!) airbus hangar of the 380 - the plane that was built to satisfy our middle eastern friends...)
The interior design gives me some headache, especially the Atari Gauges - but I won't judge things anymore by looking on a photograph. There've been way to many cars I condemned on a photo and really liked in real life. Vice versa.
I'll go for the V222 in a year or so when MB has proved that the long delays were for a proven product, not because of technical glitches to be sorted out...
