Comparing S550 and S63/S65 suspension feel
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 2
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2016 Golf R
Comparing S550 and S63/S65 suspension feel
Hey all,
I currently have a small Golf R and with the arrival of my son I'm looking to get something bigger. Looking at W221 S550/S63/S65 or W222 S550. Primary concern is rear-seat room (for the rear-facing infant seat) and overall ride quality. With W221 S63/S65 depreciation leveling off they seem like a very fun option, but I am concerned they are tuned towards overall sporty suspension feel vs. pure road isolation (which is how I presume the S550 feels).
Anyone driven a few of these cars that can comment?
Thanks to you all, looking forward to Benz ownership.
-T
I currently have a small Golf R and with the arrival of my son I'm looking to get something bigger. Looking at W221 S550/S63/S65 or W222 S550. Primary concern is rear-seat room (for the rear-facing infant seat) and overall ride quality. With W221 S63/S65 depreciation leveling off they seem like a very fun option, but I am concerned they are tuned towards overall sporty suspension feel vs. pure road isolation (which is how I presume the S550 feels).
Anyone driven a few of these cars that can comment?
Thanks to you all, looking forward to Benz ownership.
-T
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Hey all,
I currently have a small Golf R and with the arrival of my son I'm looking to get something bigger. Looking at W221 S550/S63/S65 or W222 S550. Primary concern is rear-seat room (for the rear-facing infant seat) and overall ride quality. With W221 S63/S65 depreciation leveling off they seem like a very fun option, but I am concerned they are tuned towards overall sporty suspension feel vs. pure road isolation (which is how I presume the S550 feels).
Anyone driven a few of these cars that can comment?
Thanks to you all, looking forward to Benz ownership.
-T
I currently have a small Golf R and with the arrival of my son I'm looking to get something bigger. Looking at W221 S550/S63/S65 or W222 S550. Primary concern is rear-seat room (for the rear-facing infant seat) and overall ride quality. With W221 S63/S65 depreciation leveling off they seem like a very fun option, but I am concerned they are tuned towards overall sporty suspension feel vs. pure road isolation (which is how I presume the S550 feels).
Anyone driven a few of these cars that can comment?
Thanks to you all, looking forward to Benz ownership.
-T
Room on the backseat however will be more than adequate for a rear facing car seat!
Good luck with your search, keep us posted.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 24
Likes: 2
2011 S600
Hey all,
I currently have a small Golf R and with the arrival of my son I'm looking to get something bigger. Looking at W221 S550/S63/S65 or W222 S550. Primary concern is rear-seat room (for the rear-facing infant seat) and overall ride quality. With W221 S63/S65 depreciation leveling off they seem like a very fun option, but I am concerned they are tuned towards overall sporty suspension feel vs. pure road isolation (which is how I presume the S550 feels).
Anyone driven a few of these cars that can comment?
Thanks to you all, looking forward to Benz ownership.
-T
I currently have a small Golf R and with the arrival of my son I'm looking to get something bigger. Looking at W221 S550/S63/S65 or W222 S550. Primary concern is rear-seat room (for the rear-facing infant seat) and overall ride quality. With W221 S63/S65 depreciation leveling off they seem like a very fun option, but I am concerned they are tuned towards overall sporty suspension feel vs. pure road isolation (which is how I presume the S550 feels).
Anyone driven a few of these cars that can comment?
Thanks to you all, looking forward to Benz ownership.
-T
As far as room, these are huge cars inside. My dad can recline the rear seats, and at almost 6' 1", he still has all the legroom he wants. This is true of my S600 221 and my brothers S550 222. Both have the rear reclining seats. A rear facing car seat, not even an issue.
I strongly encourage you to go drive several different models, ESPECIALLY an ABC suspension version and draw your own conclusions.
Good Luck!
Kirk
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 265
From: Sacramento, CA
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2008 ML550 4Matic; 2004 C320
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 803
Likes: 74
From: Staten Island, NY
2010 MB S550, 2017 MB SLC 300
Thor, I seriously doubt you will find any S Class that the ride can be considered "sporty". Coming off the Golf R, it will feel like a very supple rolling hug by comparison. I have a 2011 S600, others in my family include a 2011 Air ride S 550 and a 2014 222 Rensport modded ABC suspension S550. None of these are what I would consider "sporty". They are, very well tuned and sorted suspensions for cars that weigh -+ 5000 pounds. The air ride model is the more isolating of the two suspension styles. That said the ABC suspension is superior to the air ride ( my .02) in virtually all aspects. The ABC cars, once switched to "sport" mode (WAAAYYY more gentle than the Golf R) can feel a little harsh when pushed over rough pavement. You may get a few drops of your latte splashed out and down into the cup holder. in standard mode, the ABC is like no other suspension I have ever felt. it is simply the best combination of comfort, ride quality, high speed control, and stability you can buy. Tires DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE! I use the Michelin Pilot Sport AS 3+ tires, my brother uses the Michelin Pilot Sport (summer tread) and his has a noticeable difference in ride harshness compared to the S600.
As far as room, these are huge cars inside. My dad can recline the rear seats, and at almost 6' 1", he still has all the legroom he wants. This is true of my S600 221 and my brothers S550 222. Both have the rear reclining seats. A rear facing car seat, not even an issue.
I strongly encourage you to go drive several different models, ESPECIALLY an ABC suspension version and draw your own conclusions.
Good Luck!
Kirk
As far as room, these are huge cars inside. My dad can recline the rear seats, and at almost 6' 1", he still has all the legroom he wants. This is true of my S600 221 and my brothers S550 222. Both have the rear reclining seats. A rear facing car seat, not even an issue.
I strongly encourage you to go drive several different models, ESPECIALLY an ABC suspension version and draw your own conclusions.
Good Luck!
Kirk
Coming from a compact Golf to one of the largest production cars being made today n the S 550 should set your mind at ease about the child seat fitting. You will have room to spare.
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 100
Likes: 13
From: Indiana
2007 W221 S550 (mine), 2006 W211 E350 (family's), 2015 W205 C300 (family's)
I only have experience with the Airmatic version of the car, but it rides superbly well. It can even have some fun on a twisty road when switched into sport mode. But, ABC is better in all aspects for driving performance. As far as size, the W221 is absolutely gargantuan inside. I can sit my 6’5 friend behind my 6’3 self with at least 5-6 inches of legroom left. I’ve also had my little cousin’s car seat in the back of my W221 and it’s pretty easy to get in and out because of the space. But, the long rear doors don’t make it easy in tight parking spaces.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 579
Likes: 37
My current rides are a 2013 GL550(26k miles) and a 2007 S65(81K miles) and for what it is worth the S65 even being older and having triple the miles is hands down a much nicer ride.
When I get out of the GL or my wife's new Infinity neither compare at all to the S65 in my opinion.
It has tons of room and kicks some serious rear. But I love both.
Johan
When I get out of the GL or my wife's new Infinity neither compare at all to the S65 in my opinion.
It has tons of room and kicks some serious rear. But I love both.
Johan
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Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 95
Likes: 10
2008 S550
For the W221, make sure you get a LWB (long wheel base) as there are SWB (short wheel base) versions out there as well. The simplest way to tell the difference is by looking at a picture showing the side of the car; the LWB rear door/window will look longer than the front door/window. The sure way to tell is to get the VIN and do a VIN check.
