Carl Lassiter

Quick question. I see 750iL's all over the place, and A8 4.2L's but am unsure as to whether the W221 S Class can be had in LWB form or if they have released just one version?

whoover

There are two versions, but all models currently imported into the US are LWB. There is no external model designation change.

MBProS320

My cousin in India just purchased an S350 MY07 and he said he got the short-wheels base since it was cheaper. He ended up paying US$200,000 for the car.

dr.skp.ortho

Both Short and Long wheel base versions are available.

Diesel Benz

Well, see the S-class price list for Denmark (a small country in Western Europe if you did not know):
http://www.mercedes-benz.dk/personbi..._prisliste.pdf

The S350 SWB base price is 460.000 Danish krone, the sales price is 1.541.000 krone. That equals approximately US$283.000, basic car.

I believe Denmark has by far the highest car tax in Western Europe, most European countries do not have car tax at all but a yearly fee is common, usually dependent on the emissions.

whoover

Do I interpret this correctly: an S65 is $850,000? I hope it's fully equipped.

MBProS320

whoover, if you would like to purchase an S65 for $850,000, I will personally come and sell you the car wherever you are located. I will even throw in my house for free.

Diesel Benz

Well, in order to compensate things, the salaries in Europe are lower than in the US, and the income tax is multiple times higher, Denmark again being one of the best.

They do have social security that outperforms US by a similar factor, I don't want to speculate which option is better.

You can take you car to Denmark and sell it by $850.000, but you have to pay at least 2/3 of tax from that value first. Doesn't make a big profit after all.

emilner

Every S550 in the US is LWB, the SWB is not imported here...

MercPlease

the fact that they make a SWB is so weird.

openwyder

Most other countries have far smaller roads compared to US. SWB's are selling good outside US actually.

Carl Lassiter

Thanks for the clarification. I'd been wondering for weeks. Make sense not to offer the SWB over here.

boylston

Canada will sell a SWB S450 4-matic this year.

I personally would prefer a SWB as I rarely have anyone in the back seat and it is easier to drive and park in city congestion. I presume that the 450 gets better mileage also, which should be a consideration for MBUSA.

I also would consider an R class if we could get the SWB in the US. This car actually looks more in proportion in the shorter version.

MercPlease

Really? I dont like the S class SWB. I'd just get an E class.

openwyder

Although E class is nice, It doesn't come close to the amenities of S. SWB or LWB S class is the flagship.

MercPlease

True, but SWB looks to "stubby" for me. Just the proportions are off to me...

kevine310

Apparently, some car manufacturers (Audi, BMW) have made LWB versions of "smaller" cars, like a LWB 5 Series and A6L. I believe most of these are sold in Asia, where there are people who couldn't afford to purchase an S-class or its competitors but still has a driver due to the cheap labour costs; therefore, they prefer to be in the back seats even in a 5-Series or A6. I believe it's a possibilty that a LWB E-class (only sold in Asia of course) will be in the future.

I also saw a limo version of the E class in Hong Kong, it has 3 rows of doors and seat and looked frankly more like a bus than a limo.

obaidan

In addition to the advantage in leg room for the long version, the short wheel base S-Class doesn't have:
1. Panoramic roof option.
2. Business table option.
As far as I know AMG versions come as long wheel base models only.

Diesel Benz

No, S63AMG is available as a SWB model in Germany and most European countries.

Germancar1

The only S that doesn't come in SWB anywhere is the S600 I believe.

M

Diesel Benz

The current status looks like the following models were available as SWB:

320 CDI
420 CDI
280
350
450
500/550
63 AMG
320 CDI 4matic
350 4matic
450 4matic
500 4matic

If I got it right, S600 and S65AMG are not available as SWB.

obaidan

Maybe in Europe S63 LWB is available. In Middle East, the SWB comes on S280 only where all other models such as S350, 500, 600, 63 and 65 are LWB versions.

The SWB is not bad at all since it has almost every option available for the higher end models (except for engine performance and related accessories). For me the option I can't give up now since I tried it is the panoramic roof, what a pleasing feature both internally and visually.

hawk20

In the UK only the S600 and S65AMG are available as LWB only.

I have the SWB, which is by far the most popular in the UK. Even that is much longer than most parking spaces. Most supermarkets here lay out parking spaces about the length of a C class. And so do most towns when parking bays are marked on the road.

But quite honestly. I find ample room in the back and I am 6ft. Good deal more than the E class. Suits me just fine.

obaidan

It is an S if you get it in 3 pieces it will still look beautiful. I saw few people painting the roof of their SWB glossy black and honestly can't tell the difference from panoramic roof specially from distance.

Enjoy it.

ree

Over here in germany it's such a question of money! The LWB is about 10.000 € more expensive, then the SWB! Nevertheless the LWB looks a lot better and the comfort it adds on the rear seats is just great.
Diesel Benz is completely right - every model (except S 600 and S 65 AMG) are avaible as SWB and LWB (here in germany).