flint350

I finally got off the fence and found a 4matic S550 that I liked thru my local dealer. The car I first wanted didn't work out, but he found exactly what I wanted had just arrived in Port of Baltimore. Since I live in Baltimore and the dealer is here, he immediately added it to his inventory and I should have it as early as Tues/Wed this week. Designo Diamond White, black nappa with black poplar trim and the exact feature list I wanted - not the extras like rear entertainment, ect that I previously had thought about in my infamous ("are you crazy") remove-the-screens thread.

The car lists at $118K and I got $13k total discount - maybe there's money still on the table somewhere, but even so, I'm content and that's all I require. So, I'll be writing a big check Tuesday and truly joining this elite group, instead of just asking silly questions on screen removal and dealer swaps.

I'll be leaving my worry free, trouble free smooth riding Lexus LS behind (can't take the "new" styling and features) and praying that the Benz has even close to that car's reliability to match its luxurious improvements and looks! Thanks to those that chimed in and helped with my noob questions.

Ray

xrayaz

Enjoy your car!! I had to order mine and it took two month. After it arrived in Los Angeles it took another 7 days to get to me - one of the longest waits in my life.
Michael in Arizona

JapanDave

I am coming from a LS600, so I know your concerns. However, this car is that much better.

Streamliner

My 2015 S550 is my second S Class. Even though I have had several other new MB's, which were mostly SL's, my first S was a 2013 S550. Prior to that, I had EIGHT new, top line Lexus LS sedans as my daily drivers.

I didn't leave Lexus, Lexus left me, with their idiotic "spindle" grill and their decision to pretty much allow the LS to grow old and stale, while concentrating all of their attention on trying to make their line youthful and sporty. They had a substantial segment of the big luxury car market, but they allowed it to wither and die. What a shame.

flint350

Yeah, that spindle grill was my first real turnoff and that's before you get into the car itself. The turn to sporty would be ok if left to the GS or other line, but not the luxo LS. Lexus seems to be just marking time for now, which is too bad, because they made a great car for quite a while.

Jason B

Nothing drives like the S. Once you get a feel for it, you will never go back to the LS.

2014CL600

They were never in the same class to compete with each other. Only the 2015 compared to the new S Class are even close to being compared.

JapanDave

I have had 4 LS's in the past.

I was not so much put off by the spindal grill, but more so to the point you made about the car getting minor visual upgrades nearly every year. Buy a new car and it is outdated in a years time, I did not like that.

I embrace them putting a car out to challenge the AMG, but alas, all they can do is make it LOOK sportier. Lexus is going to have to do something big for me to go back after driving the S-class.

flint350

When I bought my first Lexus LS in 2001, it was easily in the same league as the Benz S430 and much more reliable. Times, however, have changed. The new S550 is truly stunning in both looks and technology, while Lexus has regressed. Reliability is yet to be proven, but I'm willing to chance it.

2014CL600

Good for you! Moving up in the Automotive world is always a good thing. The S Class and CL class have come a long way since the early 2000's. The LS are proven to be bullet proof. My friend has a 2000 Special Edition LS with 100K miles and has never had to do any replacement except hood struts (once) a few batteries, brakes, fluid changes and tires. The most reliable car I have ever known. You cant say that about the W220 or the W 216. They were always a much finer car but built for replacement. Not your Lexus, they were built to prove that Japanese cars are the best there was. They weren't really in the same class as far as prestige and looks but the Lexus was a far better car. I think you will have No issues with your S Class. Drive it in good health and enjoy!!!

flint350

Spoke with dealer this a.m. and was told my car arrived in port of Baltimore today, not last Friday as anticipated. He will have it on Fri and delivery set for Saturday. Slight delay, but no big deal.

Makes me wonder though, if car just arrived in port, it must likely be among the very last 2015's built. Aren't they now producing the 2016 for delivery in August? I don't know whether that is a positive or negative. Either I get one built with all the little things worked out to final condition or I get one rushed out the door to make room for the new. I'm sure the mechanicals are 99% the same with just some minor changes (from other thread), but it does make me wonder (not worry).

genesisknight

Infinitely jealous Flint!
The S-series is my dream MB...I will get there one day...lol

I'm excited for you to get your new ride...hopefully it's everything you want it to be and more!

2014CL600

I personally think buying a car at the end of a production year run is a mistake. You take a HUGE depreciation right off the top. The car even though brand new is considered a year old (even if its not). Second, the new S will now come with heads up display new interior colors and a exterior color pallet change, also the heads up display will now have speed limit technology and a few other upgrades to electronics etc. They better give you a MASSIVE discount because if your leasing it, your already upside down and if your paying cash you have just taken a huge loss before you take possession. I would order a brand new 2016, NOW, that way you get a FULL year of a new car instead of an old one. You might find the newer one for the same money will make you much happier and it will be worth quite a bit more money.

MTrauman

I have been put into the situation of deciding to buy a 2015 with a substantial discount or order a 2016 after my 2014 S550 4matic was totaled in a traffic accident at the end of June. I decided to order a 2016. When I worked the numbers for the equipment I wanted, the numbers worked out in the favor of ordering a 2016 (considering the 2015 depreciation vs the 2016 depreciation and the less of a discount on the 2016). Additionally, I was having difficulty finding the exact car I wanted throughout the entire US since the only option items I did not order were the 3d sound system and the refrigerator. In other words, the 2015s have large discounts but the 2016s ordered do not have the large discounts as 2015 in stock inventory.

MTrauman

What do you mean the new S Class will come with heads up display?


When I ordered my 2016, it is listed as an option item for I believe $990.

2014CL600

Yes, the heads up will come with more technology as an option unless you buy a 600, then it's standard. It will have Speed Limit assist. I would kill for that heads up display. You will have an upgrade in the electronics as well. They will discount even a 16 if you go to a dealer that does big volume. Don't buy a 15 as the depreciation is going to be steep and you would rather have a current model than an outgoing model. Even if they give you a good price on the 15 its already a year old, in model years so, you will never catch up, no matter how much they offer you. You might also like the new additional wheels and the Designo colors and interior color offerings better. IMO from many years of buying cars. Its best to get a new model unless money is a major factor and you cant afford a newer one but remember, you will pay in the end.

Jason B

^^What he said, but it also comes down to him having of possibly WAIT a few more months to get the car, when his will be here in 5 more days Some people can't wait.

MTrauman

Just want to be make sure future readers understand the options in the US for 2016 S Class:


* Driver's Assistance Package (code 997) for $2800 includes the Speed Limited Assist (code 513);
* Head Up Display (Code 463) for $990.


So if the HUD includes the Speed Limit Assist, it is because one orders the Driver's Assistance Package.


I believe this to be correct to the best of my knowledge.

flint350

I'm paying cash, no financing, not leasing and will likely keep the car for several years. I am not a quick trade type, so the loss you speak of will be mitigated a bit by time. As for the new features, I like the color combo I have and new ones aren't more attractive to me. The Speed Limit assist is (to me) of minimal value and is the only upgrade I read in the tech pdf of new functionality (which I studied before deciding 2015/2016). A major facelift or other large improvement is still more than a year off and I really like the car as is.

So, the only real question was short term cost and I doubt I'd find the 2016 with a $14K discount. Yeah, that's short term thinking, but I'm a longer term owner. And, more importantly, I'm happy with it.

Jason B

Cool, seems like the decision has been made. Only a few days to go! You made the right choice it sounds.

yamanote

Funny to hear coming from someone with a final year C216... talk about depreciation Kidding, of course.

Color palette changes only matter if he wants one of the new colors... the addition of Selenite Grey makes no difference to the enjoyment of his Diamond White vehicle. Haven't seen any mention of a new interior color choice or wheels in the 2016 DOG.

HUD was already available in 2015. The only technology upgrade to note in 2016 is the addition of Speed Limit Assist and a gimmicky NFC sensor.

You have a point regarding depreciation of an end-of-model-year vehicle, but I would argue the discount a dealer would offer is a more immediate benefit than the slight advantage in resale in the future. It's not like 2015 is the end of the model cycle. And of course there's the value of getting to enjoy the car in a few days, and not in a few months...

2014CL600

What every you want to do is just fine, its up to you. You asked I answered as for my 2014 full Designo CL 600, its 1 of 1 built of 55 total in 4 years. It has depreciated far less than any of the other CL's esp. the 63's. My Bentley GT Speed hasn't depreciated much at all. For me I didn't care for the New S Coupe and still don't. They are not selling, Mercedes is working on trying to figure out what is going on. My friend at AMG here in the US, is flying to Germany to speak about customer feedback. As for trying to fix the issue. I was just at the dealership and they have a new GTS what a car. I am thinking that might be a great little extra car to have. Ill never sell my CL as I am into design and keep the cars I like. Enjoy your car, coming from a Lexus, you have really moved up in the automotive world. Enjoy in the best of health.

Jason B

I'm not a fan of the new S coupe either. It's just bland to me. How about some pics of the CL and speed?

2014CL600

We will let this nice fellow enjoy his post. He is a happy man and I don't want to make it about me. Ill PM you my pictures.

flint350

You are confusing my original post and intent with the one by Yamanote which you seem to be responding to. I take your point though and thanks for the good wishes.