S-Class (W222) 2014-2020

Honest advice - massage seat feature in the W222 S class

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Old 08-11-2018, 09:54 PM
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I have been reading all the posts on the massaging seats with interest and curiosity. I actually really like the massaging seats on my 2014 S550. For me it is soothing and relaxing since I also have lower back issues. I can drive for hundreds of miles and not get very tired in my car. On the other hand, if I drive my wife’s LS450h for more than a half hour my back starts to really hurt.

I imagine that the 2019 S450 now waiting to be released from the Baltimore VPC will be even better.
Old 08-11-2018, 09:56 PM
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Originally Posted by BeanTrader
I have been reading all the posts on the massaging seats with interest and curiosity. I actually really like the massaging seats on my 2014 S550. For me it is soothing and relaxing since I also have lower back issues. I can drive for hundreds of miles and not get very tired in my car. On the other hand, if I drive my wife’s LS450h for more than a half hour my back starts to really hurt.

I imagine that the 2019 S450 now waiting to be released from the Baltimore VPC will be even better.
Unsure about the 2019 models as I have not driven/sat in one, but I must say that the 2018 and the 2015 I drove today were both pretty appalling in this regard. (massaging seats). That said in the last 3 years, 4 specialist physicians have looked into my lower back and no real solution has been found. My condition is worse than most on here so please take my opinions with a massive grain of salt here.
Old 08-12-2018, 02:42 AM
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I'm sorry for the OP's back problems . I have learnt that Buick's sister brand called Opel comes with certified seats and it's touted that they're very comfy too . So, in this regard Buick should also have even plushier seats being a genuine American . However, it strikes my gizzard to recommend a Buick seat on Mercedes-Benz Forum
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Old 08-12-2018, 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by BenzV12
I'm sorry for the OP's back problems . I have learnt that Buick's sister brand called Opel comes with certified seats and it's touted that they're very comfy too . So, in this regard Buick should also have even plushier seats being a genuine American . However, it strikes my gizzard to recommend a Buick seat on Mercedes-Benz Forum
Just would like to add a quick comment regarding this. Certified seats are generally just a marketing scam. For example, the Genesis G90 seats are officially certified, and actually now that I think of it, I thought multi countour seats were also certified on the Mercs? Anyways, to me, it's all a marketing ploy. Humans are like snowflakes, we're all different, and thus imho it's a "to each to his/her own" when it comes to seat comfort.

I'm going to repeat what I said yesterday which is the new S seats give me more back pain. They are not as comfy as the Audi A8, the Genesis G90 or the Lexus LS. That said, I have driven all 3 of these cars more than I have a 2018 S class so maybe it's just a matter of me finding the right setting on the S because it is safe to say that the S class seats are "amazing" for the vast majority of people, so I suspect it's just me and my unique condition.
Old 08-13-2018, 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
Forum friends,

I am in need of some genuine advice here. I have debilitating back pain, and now am at a stage where my walking is impaired. I am a lot younger than many of you, but at this point, the pain is quite overwhelming when it comes to long distance drives (1 hour or longer).

An S class is within my budget, but there's only three things I care about.

1) Suspension - obviously air suspension on the S wins.
2) Quietness - obviously the S class is one of the quietest cars on the planet (in this class - vs a Bentley/Rolls/Maybach)
3) Seats - namely - massaging seats.

Massaging seats (the real ones that are not on cars) are amazing. I realize that there are limitations when massaging seats make their ways to car (safety is chief I guess). What I would really love to know is - do these massaging seats actually make your life better? E.g. - is it a tickle, or is it a pretty "crappy" real massage (which in my mind is great for a car).

What are your honest thoughts on the massaging seat feature? Bonus points if you have back pain and you feel your life has gotten a lot better or stayed the same with this feature.

Thanks!
They are not effective in my opinion as far as making my back feel better. It is a feature that is absolutely of no importance to me. On the other hand, the active dynamic seat function is awesome where it keeps you snuggled into your seat while making sharp turns.
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Old 08-15-2018, 10:29 AM
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I agree with your statement that everyone is different. That's key. I think most agree that the S class, especially with MBC, rides impeccably. I have back pain, but nowhere near what you must be dealing with. I'm 41 so maybe in the middle of the demographic, though at this this time I do not drive an S class. My 2018 E class coupe has massage seats, I find they do help, but are nothing like a real massage seat (in home, etc.) In-fact I thought coupe seats would be horrid where they are the most comfortable I've had yet.

I also had a first model year Audi that burned me, but Audi bought it back without hassle, so I'd consider them in the future. Best of luck.
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Old 08-15-2018, 12:22 PM
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Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
Just would like to add a quick comment regarding this. Certified seats are generally just a marketing scam. For example, the Genesis G90 seats are officially certified, and actually now that I think of it, I thought multi countour seats were also certified on the Mercs? Anyways, to me, it's all a marketing ploy. Humans are like snowflakes, we're all different, and thus imho it's a "to each to his/her own" when it comes to seat comfort.

I'm going to repeat what I said yesterday which is the new S seats give me more back pain. They are not as comfy as the Audi A8, the Genesis G90 or the Lexus LS. That said, I have driven all 3 of these cars more than I have a 2018 S class so maybe it's just a matter of me finding the right setting on the S because it is safe to say that the S class seats are "amazing" for the vast majority of people, so I suspect it's just me and my unique condition.
Everythjng is subjective as virtually every forum thread shows. For that reason this thread may not be useful at all for the OP.
I can only recommend driving as many cars as possible and if the massage function is priority, but the one that feels the best. Not my criteria but everyone’s different.

I would also also recommend the BMW 7 series just for comparison.
Min regards to Audi, I would agree to be cautious on new tech. They have a tendency to have issues and the not stand behind their product.

Good luck
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Old 08-15-2018, 06:32 PM
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Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
Forum friends,

I am in need of some genuine advice here. I have debilitating back pain, and now am at a stage where my walking is impaired. I am a lot younger than many of you, but at this point, the pain is quite overwhelming when it comes to long distance drives (1 hour or longer).

An S class is within my budget, but there's only three things I care about.

1) Suspension - obviously air suspension on the S wins.
2) Quietness - obviously the S class is one of the quietest cars on the planet (in this class - vs a Bentley/Rolls/Maybach)
3) Seats - namely - massaging seats.

Massaging seats (the real ones that are not on cars) are amazing. I realize that there are limitations when massaging seats make their ways to car (safety is chief I guess). What I would really love to know is - do these massaging seats actually make your life better? E.g. - is it a tickle, or is it a pretty "crappy" real massage (which in my mind is great for a car).

What are your honest thoughts on the massaging seat feature? Bonus points if you have back pain and you feel your life has gotten a lot better or stayed the same with this feature.

Thanks!
Hi Penguin!

I have to say this. I had the opportunity to test drive a 2018 Panamera with 10 miles on it for a Porsche Performance Drive event at Pikes Peak Intl Raceway just south of Colorado springs. Let me tell you, I LOVED the massaging seats in it. I cannot comment on the MB massaging seats but now that I know it exists (please excuse my lack of knowledge on MB vehicles but that is why I am here...LOL). Anyhow, I have some pretty severe back pain and arthritis and I could honestly see just how this would help me out. You now have me thinking about an S series so the search goes on! My wife will probably want to stick with the E series (for price) but it will be her car so if I like the S and she does....we might go this route as well!

The joys of car shopping.

Sorry to hear about your severe back issues...they stink.

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