Those of you that own a w221.. Do you like the exterior better than the w222?
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W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
I feel the same zam. I've lived and breathed Mercedes since 1978 and you hit the nail on the head. The 221 is a timeless design. It's going to age the best, and I'm not saying that with any influence. It's a piece of art and should look muscular for a 100k car. Keeping my fender flares 
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May not be entirely true. The W220 looks dated the day it was released, especially without the AMG version. I still recall how lot of people though Mercedes would go down the tube with that car: cheap looking compared to the W140, small & blablabla style. It was never seen as a pinacle of Mercedes product.
The new 2012 -on SL is simply aweful looking, few years already and still couldn't pick up the "feel".
The new CLS is never seen as fashion statement as the previous one
The rear of the new S no longer looks commanding. And by the time the new C comes out, it would look identical !!!
The new 2012 -on SL is simply aweful looking, few years already and still couldn't pick up the "feel".
The new CLS is never seen as fashion statement as the previous one
The rear of the new S no longer looks commanding. And by the time the new C comes out, it would look identical !!!
Ironically, the era of Mercedes design that gave you the best looking SL, CLS (and you can throw in the E while you're at it) also gave you the 220. All of those cars share a common design language. I'll grant you that the non AMG 220 looks both generic and geriatric, but the AMG kit and the right wheels cures that.
I've owned both the 220 and 221.I like the 221 a lot. Beautiful, aggressive body. In AMG trim it looks like a mechanical shark on the road. Not sure how it will age. It's a bold design and those tend to have a shorter lifespan.
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W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
I think the 222 is much bolder and already will look old faster, because there are so many other cars on the road that look too smiliar. It blends in with the common cars.
S2000 for example. Good timeless design.
4Runner Limited, 96-02, before they changed it. That suv is 18 years old and still looks current.
S2000 for example. Good timeless design.
4Runner Limited, 96-02, before they changed it. That suv is 18 years old and still looks current.
Last edited by Jason B; May 27, 2014 at 06:57 PM.
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Porsche really holds the record for a timeless design with the 911. They started with a classic body design and changed it very slowly over time. Benz seems to go through distinct phases and you either love them or hate them.
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There's a lot to hate and love about the W222, I parked right next to one a few weeks after it released. I stood back and admire it because it's an S550 and I was trying real hard to find a reason why I should add that to a car I'd consider when the w221 start shows its age. I'm just not used to the more slanted rear end and losing the middle seats. But I think the one thing that I didn't notice is the flared out fender that gives the W221 a masculine look. The W222 look too typical as some has already mention. It doesn't scream 6 figure.
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I had the same revelation about the 222. Inside and out, it's feminine. Outside, silky lines and curves meld gently into one another. Inside, it's like the lounge in a nice spa, complete with lavish seats, mood lighting, hot stone massage and special fragrances. I'm not saying it's a chick car by any means, only that the design seems intentionally non masculine. The 221 has defined, muscular haunches, sharp, squared off edges and a handsome, no nonsense interior. Clearly masculine.
The W221's wheels are chunky man jewelry. The 222's are delicate.
Everything about the 221's body suggests forward motion. The 222 invokes calm reflection.
They'd make a great couple, but I think I'll keep the one that looks like if you lifted up its tail you wouldn't find a vagina. And I'm afraid the AMG 222s are pretty much going to just be tough lesbians.
Mr. & Mrs. S Class: Imagine these two going at it in a dark room. Who do you think would be on top?
The W221's wheels are chunky man jewelry. The 222's are delicate.
Everything about the 221's body suggests forward motion. The 222 invokes calm reflection.
They'd make a great couple, but I think I'll keep the one that looks like if you lifted up its tail you wouldn't find a vagina. And I'm afraid the AMG 222s are pretty much going to just be tough lesbians.
Mr. & Mrs. S Class: Imagine these two going at it in a dark room. Who do you think would be on top?
Last edited by Mike5215; May 28, 2014 at 10:16 PM.
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W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
I had the same revelation about the 222. Inside and out, it's feminine. Outside, silky lines and curves meld gently into one another. Inside, it's like the lounge in a nice spa, complete with lavish seats, mood lighting, hot stone massage and special fragrances. I'm not saying it's a chick car by any means, only that the design seems intentionally non masculine. The 221 has defined, muscular haunches, sharp, squared off edges and a handsome, no nonsense interior. Clearly masculine.
The W221's wheels are chunky man jewelry. The 222's are delicate.
Everything about the 221's body suggests forward motion. The 222 invokes calm reflection.
They'd make a great couple, but I think I'll keep the one that looks like if you lifted up its tail you wouldn't find a vagina. And I'm afraid the AMG 222s are pretty much going to just be tough lesbians.
Mr. & Mrs. S Class: Imagine these two going at it in a dark room. Who do you think would be on top?
The W221's wheels are chunky man jewelry. The 222's are delicate.
Everything about the 221's body suggests forward motion. The 222 invokes calm reflection.
They'd make a great couple, but I think I'll keep the one that looks like if you lifted up its tail you wouldn't find a vagina. And I'm afraid the AMG 222s are pretty much going to just be tough lesbians.
Mr. & Mrs. S Class: Imagine these two going at it in a dark room. Who do you think would be on top?
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I already wrote a novel, here on the forum. It's called "The Glovebox EQ Mod", which I cannot seem to shut up about.
On the topic of feminine vs masculine design, the dashboard design of the 222 has essentially a big IPad instead of analog gauges. Guys want a direct, analog, real-time readout of the status of the car's running hardware wherever possible.
On the other hand, chicks love tablets. Unlike real computers, with keyboards and mice and actual useful software, tablets are non-threatening and simple to use. You can give a tablet to a three year old and he'll have no trouble running it. Instead of a gauge cluster in the 222, you have an animation of a gauge cluster. It's another reason why the hardcore 221 guys can't seem to get jazzed about the prospect of trading up at some point.
The car needs gender reassignment surgery.
On the topic of feminine vs masculine design, the dashboard design of the 222 has essentially a big IPad instead of analog gauges. Guys want a direct, analog, real-time readout of the status of the car's running hardware wherever possible.
On the other hand, chicks love tablets. Unlike real computers, with keyboards and mice and actual useful software, tablets are non-threatening and simple to use. You can give a tablet to a three year old and he'll have no trouble running it. Instead of a gauge cluster in the 222, you have an animation of a gauge cluster. It's another reason why the hardcore 221 guys can't seem to get jazzed about the prospect of trading up at some point.
The car needs gender reassignment surgery.
Last edited by Mike5215; May 29, 2014 at 01:54 PM.
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I had the same revelation about the 222. Inside and out, it's feminine. Outside, silky lines and curves meld gently into one another. Inside, it's like the lounge in a nice spa, complete with lavish seats, mood lighting, hot stone massage and special fragrances. I'm not saying it's a chick car by any means, only that the design seems intentionally non masculine. The 221 has defined, muscular haunches, sharp, squared off edges and a handsome, no nonsense interior. Clearly masculine.
The W221's wheels are chunky man jewelry. The 222's are delicate.
Everything about the 221's body suggests forward motion. The 222 invokes calm reflection.
They'd make a great couple, but I think I'll keep the one that looks like if you lifted up its tail you wouldn't find a vagina. And I'm afraid the AMG 222s are pretty much going to just be tough lesbians.
Mr. & Mrs. S Class: Imagine these two going at it in a dark room. Who do you think would be on top?
The W221's wheels are chunky man jewelry. The 222's are delicate.
Everything about the 221's body suggests forward motion. The 222 invokes calm reflection.
They'd make a great couple, but I think I'll keep the one that looks like if you lifted up its tail you wouldn't find a vagina. And I'm afraid the AMG 222s are pretty much going to just be tough lesbians.
Mr. & Mrs. S Class: Imagine these two going at it in a dark room. Who do you think would be on top?
It's like comparing a thong to sweatpants. No contest.
One is spiking the ball while the other watches from the skybox.
S550 demographics would be interesting and I would fall on some outer edge. As I get closer to warranty run out, I will replace with a low mile well documented 2013. Not a '14 or newer.
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W221
Without a doubt the 221 has a better rear end than the 222, but as far as the front goes, I think the 222 has it for sure. This is just on the exterior, interior wise the 222 is in a different league as the new model always does.
However I remember people feeling the same way about 140 to 220 & 220 to 221.
However I remember people feeling the same way about 140 to 220 & 220 to 221.
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Without a doubt the 221 has a better rear end than the 222, but as far as the front goes, I think the 222 has it for sure. This is just on the exterior, interior wise the 222 is in a different league as the new model always does.
However I remember people feeling the same way about 140 to 220 & 220 to 221.
However I remember people feeling the same way about 140 to 220 & 220 to 221.
I think we have to realize that were not Mercedes target demo for the S Class. I think we're mostly dudes who were in the market for a $50k car and discovered how much car you get with an S.
It's funny you mentioned the 140 vs 220 issue.The 140 guys felt the new 220 had gone off in some strange new direction they hadn't expected and didn't like. That's also a case of Mercedes replacing a masculine design with something softer, flowing and more feminine.
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W221
In isolation the 222 front is fairly aggressive. The problem with the 222 front is that somehow all of those dramatic character lines established by the front fascia have to resolve into the body, down the flanks and into the rear. The choices Mercedes made result in an overall design with less *****.
I think we have to realize that were not Mercedes target demo for the S Class. I think we're mostly dudes who were in the market for a $50k car and discovered how much car you get with an S.
It's funny you mentioned the 140 vs 220 issue.The 140 guys felt the new 220 had gone off in some strange new direction they hadn't expected and didn't like. That's also a case of Mercedes replacing a masculine design with something softer, flowing and more feminine.
I think we have to realize that were not Mercedes target demo for the S Class. I think we're mostly dudes who were in the market for a $50k car and discovered how much car you get with an S.
It's funny you mentioned the 140 vs 220 issue.The 140 guys felt the new 220 had gone off in some strange new direction they hadn't expected and didn't like. That's also a case of Mercedes replacing a masculine design with something softer, flowing and more feminine.
As for the target market, I think for some time, the flagship vehicles of the top three German manufacturers (BMW - 7, AUDI - A8, MB - S) have been mainly targeted as, to be fair, what they are - limousines. However I think its right that the AMG spec be substantiantly different, because those vehicles are rarely (if ever) bought as limousines and bought primarily as a 'drivers' car. And (although personally a fan) its obvious that many people just want more from the current 222 AMG spec, whether that be the full AMG vehicle or just the AMG Line.
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We are such a minority.
My friends, who are not car guys, will buy the 222 all day long. Reasons - perceived as best in class: safety, comfort, performance and brand name. Not to mention new and loaded with warranty.
The more I consider the body, its a designer's Crown Vic that hit the cutting room floor. I know, to harsh but I will ride a 221 for awhile.
Having said my peace, I am headed to the car wash and then tinker with my, yet to install, JBSpeed rear spoiler. And a beer. Cheers!
My friends, who are not car guys, will buy the 222 all day long. Reasons - perceived as best in class: safety, comfort, performance and brand name. Not to mention new and loaded with warranty.
The more I consider the body, its a designer's Crown Vic that hit the cutting room floor. I know, to harsh but I will ride a 221 for awhile.
Having said my peace, I am headed to the car wash and then tinker with my, yet to install, JBSpeed rear spoiler. And a beer. Cheers!
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About the only think I am not liking on the W222 at this time is the grill. It is probably just me, but, it is so large, that it almost looks like a caricature of an MB grill. Like if an insurance company was showing some "generic", unbranded, luxury car in an ad. I suspect that the W222 facelift will provide a modified grill. Damn that thing is big. If they were going for big, I would have preferred a more vertically stretched grill than the horizontal width they chose.
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About the only think I am not liking on the W222 at this time is the grill. It is probably just me, but, it is so large, that it almost looks like a caricature of an MB grill. Like if an insurance company was showing some "generic", unbranded, luxury car in an ad. I suspect that the W222 facelift will provide a modified grill. Damn that thing is big. If they were going for big, I would have preferred a more vertically stretched grill than the horizontal width they chose.
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Crap. I sat in a 222 today. It's really, really nice. Seats are terrific. They were just closing so I didn't get a chance to play with the stereo or anything but I'll make it back at some point.
I'm just gonna go ahead and say this. I love the 221, but getting back inside after sitting in the 222 made the 221 feel like the inside of a Sonata by comparison. The 222 is so detailed, intricate and lavish it may be the nicest interior in any price range. Like if Mercedes found a way to install a vagina in that interior I'd be single. It's THAT kind of nice.
In black the AMG car looks suitably aggressive from the front:
I'm just gonna go ahead and say this. I love the 221, but getting back inside after sitting in the 222 made the 221 feel like the inside of a Sonata by comparison. The 222 is so detailed, intricate and lavish it may be the nicest interior in any price range. Like if Mercedes found a way to install a vagina in that interior I'd be single. It's THAT kind of nice.
In black the AMG car looks suitably aggressive from the front:
Last edited by Mike5215; Jun 2, 2014 at 07:50 PM.
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Sorry man. That's kind of like telling me to compare a swimsuit model to my wife but only look at the model from the neck up
I want to go back and audition the stock Burmiester audio system. The good news about the 222 is that, at least in person, the non-AMG body to me looks a little better. The proportions in the nose aren't as exaggerated and it still looks reasonably aggressive. The non AMG stock 18" wheels are horrible but a set of 20's would fix that. Configuring the base car, with a Premium 1 package, standard leather, standard audio puts it at just over $102k.
I want to go back and audition the stock Burmiester audio system. The good news about the 222 is that, at least in person, the non-AMG body to me looks a little better. The proportions in the nose aren't as exaggerated and it still looks reasonably aggressive. The non AMG stock 18" wheels are horrible but a set of 20's would fix that. Configuring the base car, with a Premium 1 package, standard leather, standard audio puts it at just over $102k.
Last edited by Mike5215; Jun 2, 2014 at 10:07 PM.
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W221
I think this is awful...
The interior of the 222 is mind blowing! I think in terms of quality, we have seen a return to the pre 140 days (I hope at least). I have had the opportunity to be around the 222 for a while and personally I love the look I think its brilliant.
The interior of the 222 is mind blowing! I think in terms of quality, we have seen a return to the pre 140 days (I hope at least). I have had the opportunity to be around the 222 for a while and personally I love the look I think its brilliant.
