I really thought I would be won over by the G12 that joined my family at the end of last year, but can see some weak areas, which can comparatively be bested by this W222 facelift. I do hope BMW are putting some finishing touches on a few, middle of the "pre-LCi" run, updates to the 7er for 2017 (MY2018). Naturally one expects a facelift in 2019 (MY2020), to follow this one.
It might be a little off-topic to state that here, but I really believe that for once MB has truly made an invincible S-Class that truly holds its weight. A feat I believe they last seamlessly succeeded with in the W126 (before introduction of the E32 750i), even if I have a soft spot for the W140.
At times, I can't really see where MB really needs to improve this car, except as a measure to stave off redesigned competition in Audi,
Lexus, and etc. As someone who doesn't have a W222 in his personal stable nor in my immediate family (instead new G12 7er), I consider it my favourite, which I expected from the moment a quarter scale model was teased of it 7 years ago.
Although I might be biased, in having been driven around lately in both of my uncle's S600 and S600 Maybach saloons, which even the regular former is head and shoulders above the BMW and just as good as a Ghost or Flying Spur.
Crazy to think, we should start seeing the next generation S Class out testing soon after this facelift..
I believe by the end of this year they will be choosing final designs for the next S-Class. The design freeze for the W222 successor is next year, which isn't too surprising. I'm not sure what it will be designated, as since the W220, model codes hardly change.
The W222 was a heavy evolutionary redesign of the W221, a reason why it is so successful. The W221 was stylistically a sharp evolution of the W220, melded with cues from the Maybach 57. The W220 was stylistically a drastic revolution from the W140, which is what created initial hype for it.
The W222 might be a great car, but a major revolution is needed with the next generation to move the brand even further or the same criticisms will occur that currently affect the G11. Will it be called W223 or a higher chassis code designation like W300? Unlikely the case with the latter, as with modern Daimler products, they only increase in increments of 1 per generation. Does anyone know why MB chassis codes used to drastically change with higher increments (W126 to W140 to W220)?
With BMW it is in regards to various prototypes/projects in R&D over the years (i.e. E40), the 35up platform models, and sub-models (i.e. E66, F02).
Well, I would say the changes have been implemented to some key areas The new rearlights graphics and the larger exhaust pipes give the car a more up to date look, the new grille looks better and the smaller and meaner front lights will probably be paired to larger air intakes in the front bumper. I remember when the first pics came out, some were complaining that the standard W222 had a bit of a "bug" face with the rounded lights and small air intakes.
Which is great news. The W221 FL improved the rear but messed up the front end and the interior IMO. This does not look to be the case.
Why do you believe that the W221.5 interior was messed up? It looked cheaper to me before the facelift. Never liked the angular front end nor the revised headlights, but feel it was massive improvement overall.
Mick I am already feeling a tinge of disappointment with the looks of the new A8 mules, especially the front lights and grill. In my opinion the first 2 gen A8's looked really great but the current model just appears like an overgrown A4 and the new model, just has more angular shaped lights. I am truly worried about Audi saloon future styling, The late 1990s and early 2000 models looked great but in the last 5 years they have lost the styling edge and BMW and Mercedes saloons are more attractive.
At this point, they're pretty much the real deal and no longer mules. I hope that once the camouflage comes off, the D5 will look less underwhelming. To be honest, I get the impression that Lichte only had 6-8 weeks as Audi design director before VAG settled on the final D5 exterior design in February 2014.
Contrary to what many think the 2014 Prologue Concept was developed after the D5 and next generation A7 designs were chosen, not before them. It is no wonder why they won't look as striking. The D3 managed to be such a beautiful car, the best of its contemporaries and took the least amount of time to develop by comparison (to D2, D4, and now D5).
