S-Class (W221/C216) So I finally drove the new S-class

[wltsm]

The reason it hasn't eaten the W111 is that it just finished eating a BMW and Audi for lunch....

Yea, OK, like a car can eat things!

How crazy can you be!

 

[NevadaJack]

Yea, OK, like a car can eat things!

How crazy can you be!

There is a saying in the US that "eat for lunch" means like "cleaning your clock" or "shown the door." Believe me the S550 can do all three of these things against a BMW or Audi.

Crazy...maybe, but like a fox BMW_Dude...

 

[wltsm]

Believe me the S550 can do all three of these things against a BMW or Audi.

We'll see!

BTW, I have never heard of that saying, learn something new everyday!

 

[Mr. M]

There is a saying in the US that "eat for lunch" means like "cleaning your clock" or "shown the door." Believe me the S550 can do all three of these things against a BMW or Audi.

Crazy...maybe, but like a fox BMW_Dude...

To be really unbiased, there is no way one can choose one car over another. Again it boils down to preference... You could say that the Mercedes is better, but it's more expensive and it's newer. It is expected to compare favourably against its competitors.

 

[NevadaJack]

To be really unbiased, there is no way one can choose one car over another. Again it boils down to preference... You could say that the Mercedes is better, but it's more expensive and it's newer. It is expected to compare favourably against its competitors.

I totally agree with that....

 

[Deutsch]

2nd time around

Got to driving the new S today, yet once agian, and things could not have been more different. First off, the enviorment was great, I actually got to put in "time" behind the wheel to get a good impression. The car I drove today was similarily equpped to the Andorite Grey car I drove almost a month back. Seeing the car as I pulled up in front of the dealer my jaws dropped, the color combo was a very rich loooking Capri Blue on Savanna/Cashmere leather, it's a perfect color combo for a car that exudes class and wealth. Slot in behind the steering wheel, just as before a very beautiful and well built interior. I'll stop with all of the praise on the looks of the car and get to what we had trouble w/ most the first time around: the drive. Driving the car the first time I had it in mind that it would be very sporting and have an element of tensity (like a BMW), and to be honest that was unfair. Whenever driving a car of any kind, especially a huge luxury yaht, one should always excercise objectivity before coming to some sort of end judgement (however obvious that is, it wasn't so obvious to me then). As before the car handled much smaller than it's actual size, like a C-class. The interior is dead quite, not a peep from the outside world could be heard which adds to a feeling of relaxation and at an even greater level shows just how much poise this car really has. Drop the accelerator, and like many have said here, this car picks up speed both quietly and very non dramatically. It's like sitting in a state of the art movie theater and seeing the trees and cars around you disappear faster and faster. There is enthusiasm, but it's more reserved. This is a car any Southern Californian can drive in L.A. traffic and never really pay attention to the time (except if you're on the watch for something) and be surrounded in both total comfort and relaxation (which to a very large degree is what this car is all about). I selected the "Sports" setting before even pulling off, so I couldn't tell the difference between the former and Comfort. Either way the element of comfort is very much still there. One cool feature the car I drove before didn't have but this one did were the drive dynamic seats, in one word their "amazing", though unecessary when looking at the bigger picture. The feel isn't awkward but very supporitve, looking at how the system works on paper you might think it would work against you and push you out of the seat, but it's very much the contrary, the seats seem to work with the contours of your body and seem to adjust more with the steering angle than the g forces the car encounters when cornering. For Mercedes Benz, this is the car to totally reinvent the brand, and will with very much sucess I believe, especially since it can win back the disenchanted MB fans. Want to know what Mercedes Benz stands for? What it means to drive in total comfort and relaxation in combination with typical German sportiness in a unintrusive manner??? Look no further.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Very nice review Deutsch. It seems like the S has won you over.

If you take the car for what it is...what it stands for, it's the undeniable benchmark of the class...at least technically speaking. Aesthetically, there’s lot's to chose from, but for me at least I still find the S most appealing in this regard as well. But thats besides the point. There's just so much variety on offer in this class.

 

[SDNR]

What? ..did the MB dealer perform an exorcism on you Deutsch ...this is almost the complete opposite of your first review.

 

[audi_rudy]

this review is so diferent than the other one. Very odd how the same car can be so diferent. glad you liked it though

 

[NevadaJack]

Re: 2nd time around

Got to driving the new S today, yet once agian, and things could not have been more different. First off, the enviorment was great, I actually got to put in "time" behind the wheel to get a good impression. The car I drove today was similarily equpped to the Andorite Grey car I drove almost a month back. Seeing the car as I pulled up in front of the dealer my jaws dropped, the color combo was a very rich loooking Capri Blue on Savanna/Cashmere leather, it's a perfect color combo for a car that exudes class and wealth. Slot in behind the steering wheel, just as before a very beautiful and well built interior. I'll stop with all of the praise on the looks of the car and get to what we had trouble w/ most the first time around: the drive. Driving the car the first time I had it in mind that it would be very sporting and have an element of tensity (like a BMW), and to be honest that was unfair. Whenever driving a car of any kind, especially a huge luxury yaht, one should always excercise objectivity before coming to some sort of end judgement (however obvious that is, it wasn't so obvious to me then). As before the car handled much smaller than it's actual size, like a C-class. The interior is dead quite, not a peep from the outside world could be heard which adds to a feeling of relaxation and at an even greater level shows just how much poise this car really has. Drop the accelerator, and like many have said here, this car picks up speed both quietly and very non dramatically. It's like sitting in a state of the art movie theater and seeing the trees and cars around you disappear faster and faster. There is enthusiasm, but it's more reserved. This is a car any Southern Californian can drive in L.A. traffic and never really pay attention to the time (except if you're on the watch for something) and be surrounded in both total comfort and relaxation (which to a very large degree is what this car is all about). I selected the "Sports" setting before even pulling off, so I couldn't tell the difference between the former and Comfort. Either way the element of comfort is very much still there. One cool feature the car I drove before didn't have but this one did were the drive dynamic seats, in one word their "amazing", though unecessary when looking at the bigger picture. The feel isn't awkward but very supporitve, looking at how the system works on paper you might think it would work against you and push you out of the seat, but it's very much the contrary, the seats seem to work with the contours of your body and seem to adjust more with the steering angle than the g forces the car encounters when turning. For Mercedes Benz, this is the car to totally reinvent the brand, and will with very much sucess I believe, especially since it can win back the disenchanted MB fans. Wnat to know what Mercedes Benz stands for? What it means to drive in total comfort and relaxation in combination with typical German sportiness in a unintrusive manner??? Look no further.

Well described Deutsch...I get that feeling every time I get in it. Your reference to the seats is what I found so great...you meld into the car so you feel part of it. I have recently used the S Mode more in and around town and it is hard not to want to tromp on it at every stop sign or light. It really can set you back in your seat.

I just had my voice/phone module installed (was backordered at the factory when built) and drove a C230 for three days. The 230 was peppy, handled nice and well put together...but, when I picked up the S it was like I had entered a new world of driving all over again. The S is absoutely such a pleasure to drive and as you stated...is as quiet as any car I have driven in. With the ABC, the ride is like nothing else I have experienced.

Enough adjectives and the like...I am happy you have endorsed this car with such favorable comments

 

[Merc1]

Re: 2nd time around

Hey Jack, how many miles do you have now? Any problems?

M

 

[NevadaJack]

Re: 2nd time around

Hey Jack, how many miles do you have now? Any problems?

M

7100 miles plus and counting. Car has been absolutely perfect so far...not a complaint or service request. Could not be more pleased

 

[Deutsch]

If you read the second review at all, you'd see where the difference opinion not only stems from but why I have this new found appreciation for this special and beautiful car.