Streamliner

Has MB been using cylinder deactivation prior to MY18 passenger vehicles anywhere? I know technology is light years ahead these days, but I still remember the horror stories when GM tried this in the 70's. Is this now a proven technology? I'm still reminded, every day, about MB's claim that their Stop/Start feature is "seamless," which is a flat out lie. To me, "seamless" means imperceptible, which Stop/Start is far from. I sure hope cylinder deactivation is seamless, in the true sense of the word. Can it be turned off? Will this be yet another button I need to push when starting the car? Right now, I hit Start, press ECO, hit the seat ventilation, release the parking brake (I know, it's automatic, but that feature is not seamless either) and then put the car in gear. I don't want to have to deactivate another "feature," just so I can enjoy "seamless" motoring. I know, I know: Another First World problem.

MTrauman

Many car manufacturers are using cylinder deactivation. My wife's 2017 Acura MDX uses "Variable Cylinder Management" ie cylinder deactivation from 6 to 3 cylinders. She has put on 12,000 miles on this vehicle and neither of us can tell when it switches between 3 and 6 cylinders.

Wolfman

From what I know, cyclinder de-activation is seamless and can only be recognized by a symbol I the instrument cluster. Furthermore, the feature is only active while cruising and then only in economy/comfort modes.

Eco start/stop modes using the new inline engines is seemless too since this is handled by the electric system. Of course those won't be here until next year.

konigstiger

MY ’81 Cadillac Coupe DeVille had V8-6-4 worked fine especially from Brooklyn to my in-law’s Shelter Island summer home - never noticed change other than dash readout. ’88 Lincoln Continental had air suspension, and heated windshield that deiced in less than a minute or two. Cannot attest to long term reliability though traded every 2 years back then.

Jason B

I can't believe that's a diesel when he rev's it! The exhaust sounds great! And he hit an option on the steering wheel to make the exhaust louder (like some Ferrari's have, etc) Did anyone catch that????

RJC

I was stunned to see it was a diesel too but for a different reason; approx. $167,000.00 USD.

I went back and checked out the sound...it was nice indeed.

For those that haven't heard it, the exhaust in the 550 coupes is very aggressive...luv mine.

Go to 51 secs and 3:12

quantira2

Thank you ! I thought the release of MY 2018 cars from VPC was up to MBUSA based on current inventory levels of 17 S Class sitting in the dealerships. Did not know the delay was caused by government agencies .

Jason B

Very cool. And why is that diesel so much??? Did you also see he hit a button on the wheel to make the exhaust louder???

Wolfman

Different country, different pricing. Includes 20% VAT and you can't really translate Euro in $ unless it's meant for export...

RJC

Thanks, realized it was another country but didn't realize the VAT was included.

it's good

I'm thinking it will be interesting to hear from the new MY18 owners about the C-deac system.Will it truly be seamless?When you want that quick little burst to complete a pass on the Interstate will it be there?Hope so.Is there no defeat other than running in S?Unrelated,is there no CD player?Man,I'm getting old!New digital sound quality stinks!

RJC

Interesting, they went to a smaller displacement (almost a full liter) yet still needed the C-deac system. I too hope there's another easy way to deac the deac. I like having the cd player.

Streamliner

Me too!

it's good

The CAFE requirements are putting tremendous pressure on the manufacturers,hence the c-deac system and 10% gas mileage improvement of the MY18.We all better enjoy the big V-8's.They will be a thing of the past on the next generation.S-class to have up to 40 MPG by 2025.

Streamliner

Yes, I agree and it is so the few may enjoy, at the expense of the many. MB would be in the proverbial "catbird's" seat with CAFE standards, IF they didn't insist on building AMG models. The AMG cars guzzle gas and skew the CAFE numbers for the entire MB line. It is because of AMG models--that are so horribly profitable for MB, that we no longer have the E550 models or S Class sedans with heftier V8's, not to mention an all new V12. S600? SL600? Forgetaboutit!
The non-AMG V8 E Class cars were a joy to drive, but they--and other wonderful models, have been flushed down the toilet, so MB can produce 600hp AMG cars, which cannot be used legally, anywhere even close to their potential, ANYWHERE on public roads, in the USA. BUT, MB makes a TON of money on them, because our country is LOADED with folks who MUST proclaim to the world, that theirs is bigger than yours. I laugh, every time I see one of these clowns on the road.
So, I hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend!

it's good

449HP is more than enough for me but guys will be guys!

UrBusted

Not a V8 but still shows how high the MPG can go. This is on a busy motorway where I drove between 50 and 70mph. It's quite accurate as the distance I travel on a tank seems about right. I haven't taken any pictures on a full 50mpg run, hopefully I will have one on Saturday. It'll probably be a bit depressing when I get my new car and get less than half, but the car should make up for it

Jason B

Here it is! It is a new feature and it's awesome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8FG...youtu.be&t=121

RJC

Isn't that just for the amg's?

usctrojans1

Is is exhaust button only for the S63? Or does it apply to the S65 as well?

Jason B

In the first video it was on the diesel also, so seems like it's on many.

"Specifically, Mercedes have included different modes on the exhaust. With the push of a button you can open up some flaps in the exhaust system. This allows for a bit more sound so that you can easily hear all the mighty roar of a German V8. Unlike many manufacturers that use the speakers to augment engine noise, this system is a real exhaust note."

Streamliner

Well, I guess MB figured that there is no place for anyone to experience the power of the AMG cars in the US, so let's give them a button so they can show off by ROARING, even while stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.

ChuckinTucson

We seem to have come a long way from the days of quiet is better. Remember the days of the acoustic side glass? (Still an option on the E Class.)

Streamliner

I believe the vast majority of S Class drivers are grown ups, who appreciate the serenity and elegance of the car, but as in any other group, there are a few who feel a need to proclaim their machismo by disturbing the peace and roaring around like idiots. Oh well.

Germancar1

Whoa, not true at all. Where did you get this from? The E550, ML550, SL600 and S600 Coupe all were cancelled due to them being poor sellers. It had ZERO to do with CAFE standards. These cars would still be around if people bought them. The current E-Class Cabriolet still has a E550 variant. The S550 now S560 isn't going anywhere. The regular wheelbase S600 sedan we cancelled in the U.S. market because next to the Maybach S600 it didn't make sense anymore.

That said the V8 will become an AMG only or a upper S/SL engine option in the future because the new I6 is just that good, see the new Euro S500 with the new I6 making 435hp. Rumors point to a new V12 which would be easy as pie now with the I6 architecture.

M