e_dasani

Our search has narrowed to an S550 and the BMW's new 750i xDrive that just debuted in 16. We do like both cars, 7-series is a joy to ride, but S-class seems sumptuously attractive (minus the keyfob).

We do like the 750i in Jet Black and thats available here in Boston but heart says to buy an S. However the S550 with sports package and other options we like is not available in pure Black. Our dealer talked about bringing one from FL though its color is a Magnetite Black metallic with designo black piano lacquer wood and brown exclusive nappa. What do you think about this Magnetite black color?

wilassasin

I prefer the w222 over the new 7 series although the 7 is sportier. Get the right S Class color, package combo and you just can't go wrong.

The color combination the dealer is offering should really stand out its gorgeous! I would look into that!

jenz

There's not a closer 040 black with the sports package than in Florida? I'd have guessed there would be at least 10 of these in the NYC area alone.

ajm0623

^ this. 040 black is everywhere! magnetite black - whilst very nice - is not black; it is grey.

ajm0623

to wit: (and note well the 040 black c-class in the back for comparative purposes)

Wolfman

I like Magnetite Black the most of Mercedes' blacks. We have it on our S-Class and it looks fantastic on sunny & cloudy days.
We had MB's in regular Black (04), Obsidian Black, Black Opal and Designo Mocha Black.
The Mocha Black is the most interesting color of them all but I think of it more as a more as a deep brown color instead. Still my favorite but not good with light interiors which is what I was looking for this time around.

MTrauman

I agree. Magnetite Black is a fabulous color.


I currently have Ruby Black on my '16 S Class and it is also an interesting color like Mocha Black. The Ruby Black is Black at night and cloudy days. In very sunny days the metallic paint sparkles with a copper/brown/maroon color. It is fabulous.


I had Obsidian Black on my '14 S and that is a nice color. It is more traditional like the standard 040 Black but with metallic paint.


I seem to like the more interesting colors since I also had a Majestic Black color on my '08 S Class and that was a neat color as well.

e_dasani

That is a beautiful car, is this magnetite black?
We looked at most of the black color variations today, really loved them all, its a really tough call to decide which ones you like more : )

e_dasani

I was just going through this, what do you all think about the CNET's review of 750xi vs S550, they gave a 2-0 win to 7 series:

http://www.7post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1222051

Wolfman

These were my thoughts I had posted at Bimmerfest at the time:
Not a bad review, given that CNET would be the last place I go for a car review

They did spend a fair amount discussing the interior design but completely neglected to mention a single word about the outside; which happens to be my biggest issue with the new 7.
It's just not a great looking car and for the money it matters (to me).

I admit I am biased (at this time) towards the S-Class because that's what we have and even in the video I am liking the looks of the Mercedes better. Just a prettier car.

The new 7 is definitely a drivers car and the first 7 series since the E38 to actually call itself that. Our F02 was definitely just a big couch with numb steering. BMW has done an outstanding job, including the suspension. Lots to like!

Why does every 7 series I see including the one in the review have these wrinkled leather seats (side bolsters and sometimes back-rests)? Wether its a seat adjustment or not, it's just unbecoming of a car in this price class.

Touch Screen: There are a lot of different opinions about those; personally I would catch myself wiping the screen with a microfiber every time after touching it. Definitely not for me.

In truth, both the navigation and app/audio integration offerings in the BMW or Mercedes are complete CRAP compared to your typical iPhone/Android flavor. User interfaces designed by auto engineers coupled with sub-standard voice recognition.
I can't wait for our CarPlay integration (later this month) so that I can finally use Siri and my Apple apps for navigation, music and video. I am sure that Androids implementation will be equally superior to what this cars have to offer.

e_dasani

The driving dynamics I understand since their driving impression was based on a race track and I think S-class would not be compete in that space.

However the interior conversation was puzzling to me, they preferred 7 series because it has an interior that is clearer, simpler and has modern look to it. Whereas they summarized S-class as "extremely ornate, almost baroque style as if you are back to the victorian pullman age". It was too much a classical design for them, but isn't that what the highest luxury vehicle would or should aspire?

Wolfman

CNET can't even properly review flat panel TV's, so their opinions on cars means even less to me.

I like the MB interior better and it's more coherent in its design. BMW want to be minimalist and plush at the same time. This is a matter of taste what one likes better.
FYI, most interior improvements are a direct result of MB's success with the W222. Fragrance, multi-color ambient lighting, Back seat massages, Panorama roof, patterned leather, ambient color speakers, etc. are all a 7 series firsts.

Other firsts are air suspension (a la MB) and their version of Magic Body control. Carbon Core is a technical advance and I am glad the car lost some weight.
I do like their 4 wheel steering and the latest version of iDrive easily beats MB's comand.

I don't like how the car looks though. Too 4 series in front, too Korean in the back. There are also some tacky elements in the interior.

Interesting that the new car has had little impact on sales unlike the new S-Class (only 721 more cars sold since introduction which includes sales of remaining prior F01 model inventories).

docsout

I admire the elegance of black and all of its nuances. How does one maintain a black car looking presentable. Will weekly hand washing it with biannual claying and waxing suffice? Or, does one need more frequent waxing or, a special coating? Or, does one simply accept the surface dusting as just something to accept.

wilassasin

That's a great video, thanks for sharing. Been looking for cnet to make a comparison like this for awhile now.

dbtk

I think the S-class interior will age better design wise than the 7 series. I still believe that BMWs tend to be over stylized versus Mercedes.

W210

I was looking at Magic Vision Control on the S which the 7 doesn't have. What's the general feedback on it?

e_dasani

Here is a video on it: It does look effective, if it really does as good job as shown in the video.

Breaking news: There is no going back for us, good bye 7-series, and hello to the 16 S-class. Our S should be reaching us this coming Saturday

The specs are: S550 4Matic
Magnetite Black
Nut Brown/Blk Exclusive Nappa with Designo Black Piano Lacquer trim
Exclusive Trim
Premium Pkg
Sports
20" AMG Multispoke
Driver Assistance
Warmth/Comfort
Headup display
Heated Windshield
Night Vision
SplitView
Surround View Cam
Reardeck Spoiler
wheel locking bolts, comfort box and other stuff that dont really care.

ajm0623

works well. i had it on my '13 sl550 and now on my '15 s550 (i think it is std equipment of the s?). anyway - i like it.

zukiper

In the past, I have leased 7 series. 740, 745 & 750
Each lease - I ended up visiting the service center many times. Numerous issues. Yes - it drove nice (when it was not in the shop). Currently I own a 2015 S550 4matic.
Hands Down - the better vehicle. Power. Responsiveness. Interior. Exterior.

People in the world call B.M.W ===> B.M.TROUBLE.YOU I know why. LOL.

W210

Thanks for the feedback.

Had 7 series before as well, thinking of pulling the trigger on S550 this time.

Trying to decide between the following colors:

Obsidian Black metallic
Selenite Grey metallic
Magnetite Black metallic
Black

e_dasani

Guys, I just received my S550 a few hours ago on a covered transport. It looks so gorgeous, will post some pictures tomorrow. It is a magnetite black, outside it looks heavy metallicy dark black, I have had a hard time so far seeing any grey in it.

Bison600

Let the good times roll!

e_dasani

Some quickies, hope you all enjoy : )

wows500

Congratulations, thanks for posting the pictures. Great color combination

wows500

I love it. Never had it in my previous cars and can see the difference. Like the name suggests magic vision. Specially on cold mornings when the winshield is frosted.