Streamliner

So disappointed with the interior & exterior color choices for the FL 2018 S Class, I decided to finally drive a new 7. The one I drove happened to be their hybrid and I was amazed at the smoothness, but turned off by the sound of the 4-cylinder under the hood. That said, what the immediate killer was for me, is the positioning of the driver's seat in relationship to the B pillar. The seat, set to where it is comfortable for me (I'm 6'1") sits to the rear of the B pillar, making entry and exit difficult. In my S550, with the seat positioned to my liking, it is even with, if not slightly in front of the B pillar, which is much nicer. So, scratch the BMW off my list, but I sure wish MB had an interior like this.

syswei

I'm underwhelmed by the 2018 also, and plan to check out the 2018 A8 when the time comes.

Wolfman

I am confused by all this negativity about the 2018 S-class. It is a facelift and as such is designed to deliver some mid-cycle updates.
Technically it does so better than prior S-Class facelifts and brings new engines, finally a much improved AMG MCT transmission, completely new onboard electronics, etc.
Problem for anything but the S63, the car will be very nice, just like the current one. No huge differentiation. Which actually speaks for the current W222.

The constant whining about interior/exterior color choices (sorry, streamliner) is little more than wishful thinking about what MB should do, not the car itself.

The Audi A8 will be a new car and should be very interesting but the BMW is just an awkward car. Unless you pick a BMW individual, their interiors are nothing to write home about...

Steinhart

I looked at the BMW 7 Series also. I'm 6'4" and was uncomfortable in the drivers seat. The interior is ok, not that impressive to me, I think my S class is much nicer, but that's just me. My S550 V4 is the best car I have ever owned.

Streamliner

[QUOTE
Trump = puppet of Putin
Trump "Making Russia Great Again"
[/QUOTE]

You know, this a forum for discussing cars. Specifically, MB cars. There are other forums, on this website, reserved for expressing political views and other non-auto related topics. Please relegate your political comments to that venue.
Thank you.

Socalsteve

As a previous owner of a Forum website, you may want to relegate your requests and concerns to a moderator. He-she would be the person to have a chat with the person you are concerned about.

Good luck and enjoy!

Predator 007

Been driving BMW for years and just made the switch to MB. Got a pretty good deal on a 17, so Itook the plunge. After driving the 7’sfor years, my take is that if you want a driver’s car that can accelerate, corner well, it’s a good car. If you arelooking for luxury and smooth ride, go S class. BMW is the ultimate driving machine, but I was ready for a change and not real excited about the 7 with all of their gimmick technology. Both are fine car’s, to each their own.

Also, I used to race my 7’s and have been down the road of adding tuners and mods to get the most out of them. In fact, I have the unofficial world record on the Bimmerfest forum for the fastest 7. Turned a 12.5 in the qtr in my 13’. The MB transmission is geared for smoothness and efficiency. I won’t even try to turn the S into a performance car.

BenzV12

G11s are the best designed and technically evolved cars for BMW but they still stay behind S Class in terms of sales . I sat in the G11 7 Series , it was awesome but quality wise W222 is better , you need to buy ceramic control buttons to enhance your interior for G11 whereas W222's buttons and controls are more quality products .
However, design wise I prefer G11 over W222 , sorry

phillyreem

what kind of deal did you get on your S. MSRP and final sales price. If you don't mind sharing.

Predator 007

I think the MSRP was 121,010 and I got it for 106,000. They also agreed to tint the windows, install a rear spoiler and hardwire my V1 radar detector. Felt like a fair deal, but with the 18's coming I'm sure better deals are out there. Hopefully picking the car up tomorrow or Wed.

Streamliner

Good point, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks.

phillyreem

Would love to see pics when you get it. I'm picking mine up this week as well. 2nd guessing why I went with 19 AMG's vs 20's but oh well. The deal is done and car in transit.

Socalsteve

It's very easy to swap out wheels and tires. I found a local dealer who took my used 19's in trade and some cash for AMG 20's. Easily accomplished.

Wolfman

That only works on a purchased car (new or used). Any lease requires the return of the stock rims.

Rockland

Yes, I agree with you that the seat in position to the B pillar is awkward. I am 6'5" and it is difficult getting in and out of my 750. The S class was MUCH better for me in this regard. But I still bought the 750. I much prefer the ergonomics of the 7 to the S. Both cars are great though.

hyperion667

Do you think I should take my S class to a test drive or my F150? I'd like to try a BMW maybe....

superangrypenguin

Same. Right now Audi Canada is giving $8500 off of the 2017 A8 with Audi Care thrown in.

It's making me think as to whether or not I want to buy a '17 A8 or wait until the '18.

No way I'm buying the S. The exterior, and more importantly, the interior of the vehicle is amazingly a turn off for me.

Rockland

$8500? Not a lot of money in the whole scheme of things. I don't even think $18,500 would sway me. Just wait for the '18.

superangrypenguin

To be fair, it's much more than money at this point which is what is killing me.

1) The 2017 Audi A8 is probably the most reliable A8 ever sold, mainly because it's the last year of that model. If you order that in the 3.0 TFSI engine, you're also buying an engine where you know that carbon buildup on the intake valves isn't a concern (because it has dual injection - both direct injection and port fuel injection).

2) We also know that the first year of any German car that is made in a new body shape likely results in higher incidents of gremlins that have to be fixed.

Don't get me wrong, I love a new car, but I also prefer waiting for the first year of a refreshed model (just like the 2018 S class, or in my case, I had bought a 2012 C class since that was the first year of the refreshed W204 and that turned out to be a very good decision reliability wise).

Anyways, I know we're slightly OT but thought I'd provide additional reasoning to my thought process. What a FWP!!

hyperion667

^My '14 S has been rock solid! Some squeaky brakes once but that was taken care of.

RJC

From personal experience, Audi USA does not step up when there's a problem requiring the factory to get involved like MBUSA does/has for me. My '17 Q7 is a sweet ride, but is my first and last Audi. I think the financial consequences after the lying/cheating emissions scandal is causing VAG to pinch every last nickel going forward, ultimately causing the customer to suffer/pay they price for their misgivings.

superangrypenguin

I've happened to take a look at all of the Audi A8 videos now, and I'm scared of all of the new technology (e.g. mild hybrid systems).

No way I'm buying the new A8. We're talking about a brand new "high" volt electric system, new semi-hybrid parts, etc.

That and from what I can tell of the new interior, BLAH. Same S type crap. Huge screens everywhere.

I may just buy a 2017 A8 now. Sigh.

alphainfinity

We have one of these in the family. I own the W222 and he owns the BMW. Seats are not nearly as comfortable. I like some of the infotainment things in the BMW better, but I drove the car and don't think it is as quiet or smooth. The comfort+ setting makes the suspension way too squishy. This video sums it up well: