2014 S-class




The problem is with most designs that there will be something you liked on the prior model. I should know. The new SL was/is very controversial in its design while the prior model was much loved. I am still not thrilled with the front end but from all other angles I like it better than the old one which has just become dated looking. The new S instead has all chocolate sides IMO.
2 years from now the W221 will just look dated as well.
The problem is with most designs that there will be something you liked on the prior model. I should know. The new SL was/is very controversial in its design while the prior model was much loved. I am still not thrilled with the front end but from all other angles I like it better than the old one which has just become dated looking. The new S instead has all chocolate sides IMO.
2 years from now the W221 will just look dated as well.
Regarding the SL, the HUGE problem for me is the fact that a "Luxury" version is available in Germany, with what I feel is a much more pleasing front end design, but MB doesn't offer it that way to the "peasants" here in the U.S. I feel very strongly that MB is trying to be everything to everybody and in doing so is cutting corners and offering customers fewer choices. Luxury is having MORE choices, not less.





What puzzles me is your comment re. the SL. There is no luxury version in Germany. It's actually the other way around. The U.S. Model of the SL "only" comes with the AMG package included which costs something like $8k in Germany. They removed the sport suspension (not available in the US) and then wheels which can be had as a $2k option here.
The only thing not available in the US is the low-end non-AMG standard body; in Europe you can also get the non-AMG version. Not sure if you were referring to that.
But limiting choices for the US market is not new to MB; it's been like this forever. Lots more options and choices in Europe.
Some has to do with brand positioning (aka no small engines in an S-class. The W221 for example was available with a 4 cyl. Diesel engine), EPA and DOT regulations (for example, no intelligent LED light here, dumbed down to meet US regulations) and stuff related to homologation.
I don't see any corner cutting, actually quite the opposite.
Last edited by Wolfman; Jan 12, 2015 at 09:21 PM.



Now, in defense of Streamliner.. He needed a new vehicle and of the current choices available, the S class is really the only option to suit the need. The S class has always won best luxury car in it's segment for many years, is super safe, so what was he to do?

What puzzles me is your comment re. the SL. There is no luxury version in Germany. It's actually the other way around. The U.S. Model of the SL "only" comes with the AMG package included which costs something like $8k in Germany. They removed the sport suspension (not available in the US) and then wheels which can be had as a $2k option here.
The only thing not available in the US is the low-end non-AMG standard body; in Europe you can also get the non-AMG version. Not sure if you were referring to that.
But limiting choices for the US market is not new to MB; it's been like this forever. Lots more options and choices in Europe.
Some has to do with brand positioning (aka no small engines in an S-class. The W221 for example was available with a 4 cyl. Diesel engine), EPA and DOT regulations (for example, no intelligent LED light here, dumbed down to meet US regulations) and stuff related to homologation.
I don't see any corner cutting, actually quite the opposite.
For many years in the U.S.--probably since there has been something called the "sports package," MB has offered the SL in the regular trim--what most folks refer to as the "Luxury" trim and with the AMG Sports Package as an option. When the 2013 SL was launched in the U.S., it was ONLY offered with the AMG Sports trim, even though a non-AMG Sports trim model was and still is available in Germany. MB CUT CORNERS. This cannot be compared to some odd Euro Zone only engine option that isn't available in the U.S. I buy "Luxury" trim vehicles. I don't care for the AMG styled vehicles. MB took my choice away with the new SL. So, there will not be a new SL in my garage until that changes. Luxury is all about choices. The fewer the choices, the LESS luxurious the experience.




For many years in the U.S.--probably since there has been something called the "sports package," MB has offered the SL in the regular trim--what most folks refer to as the "Luxury" trim and with the AMG Sports Package as an option. When the 2013 SL was launched in the U.S., it was ONLY offered with the AMG Sports trim, even though a non-AMG Sports trim model was and still is available in Germany. MB CUT CORNERS. This cannot be compared to some odd Euro Zone only engine option that isn't available in the U.S. I buy "Luxury" trim vehicles. I don't care for the AMG styled vehicles. MB took my choice away with the new SL. So, there will not be a new SL in my garage until that changes. Luxury is all about choices. The fewer the choices, the LESS luxurious the experience.Funny

I guess you had to spell it out.
Never heard anyone call the base trim the luxury version. So to follow your logic, the base S550 is the luxury version and the sport package is the "lesser" sporty version?
I understand that you are upset by Mercedes not offering your choice of trim and that you are considering this cut corners but Mercedes has always provided limited models & options to the US as far as 40 years back. You may agree with some and not with others but this is nothing new.
All MB's in Germany for example are a la carte selections, you choose what you like. That just never existed in the US. There were always less options available in the US.
That said, any German I know would kill to get US top-optioned cars at the US pricing in Europe. US MB customers get more for less at the expense of some lesser choices.

I guess you had to spell it out.
Never heard anyone call the base trim the luxury version. So to follow your logic, the base S550 is the luxury version and the sport package is the "lesser" sporty version?
I understand that you are upset by Mercedes not offering your choice of trim and that you are considering this cut corners but Mercedes has always provided limited models & options to the US as far as 40 years back. You may agree with some and not with others but this is nothing new.
All MB's in Germany for example are a la carte selections, you choose what you like. That just never existed in the US. There were always less options available in the US.
That said, any German I know would kill to get US top-optioned cars at the US pricing in Europe. US MB customers get more for less at the expense of some lesser choices.
My big complaint about the SL--which is shared by many enthusiasts, magazine writers, etc., is the appearance of the front end. It is too aggressive and brash looking. Too "in-your-face" for what most folks feel is supposed to be a luxury touring car. MB produces the current SL with a much more lovely front end, in the base or what I call "Luxury" trim, but for the first time in DECADES, they refuse to make it available to U.S. customers. I know MB can't make every model and every option available to every market in the world, but on the SL, in what is probably THE largest market for that car-the U.S., not giving customers this basic but very important and TRADITIONAL choice, is to me, cutting corners in a very big and important way. AND, it would appear that the current SL is not selling very well at all in America. Speaking only for myself, I know why at least one customer won't place his order. Here are photos. Both cars are available in Germany, but only the style of the white one in the U.S. I want the style of the copper colored car. You might also want to watch this fantastic, factory produced video, which shows both versions side by side:
Last edited by Streamliner; Jan 13, 2015 at 12:07 PM. Reason: typos




My big complaint about the SL--which is shared by many enthusiasts, magazine writers, etc., is the appearance of the front end. It is too aggressive and brash looking. Too "in-your-face" for what most folks feel is supposed to be a luxury touring car. MB produces the current SL with a much more lovely front end, in the base or what I call "Luxury" trim, but for the first time in DECADES, they refuse to make it available to U.S. customers. I know MB can't make every model and every option available to every market in the world, but on the SL, in what is probably THE largest market for that car-the U.S., not giving customers this basic but very important and TRADITIONAL choice, is to me, cutting corners in a very big and important way. AND, it would appear that the current SL is not selling very well at all in America. Speaking only for myself, I know why at least one customer won't place his order. Here are photos. Both cars are available in Germany, but only the style of the white one in the U.S. I want the style of the copper colored car. You might also want to watch this fantastic, factory produced video, which shows both versions side by side:
My point was that MBUSA has been making these decisions for a long time now and that it's not a new strategy.
Remember the W221/C216 600 model that couldn't be had with a sport package for any money in the US?
Certainly was available in the rest of the world...
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
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The problem is with most designs that there will be something you liked on the prior model. I should know. The new SL was/is very controversial in its design while the prior model was much loved. I am still not thrilled with the front end but from all other angles I like it better than the old one which has just become dated looking. The new S instead has all chocolate sides IMO.
2 years from now the W221 will just look dated as well.




Personally, there are some models that I like instantly (like the new AMG GTS). Looks fantastic IMO and will look even better in person. Same with the W222; looks much better then the W221. Same with the coupe. When the first C216 came out in 07/08, it looked gruesome. Those fender flares. Nasty.
On the SL I had to get used to the look but it was fairly easy with a few minor mods. I was tired of the old SL after driving those for over 11 years and there is no competition to MB when it comes to convertibles (Solidity, hardtop, glass roof, high-speed top driving, safety, etc.). Not a lot of other options.
But I have seen many existing MB drivers react to model changes in person (friends, MB club members, people at the dealer, etc.) All buyers of new cars. These are different IMO as CPO buyers have long been conditioned to the look and features of the cars ahead pulling the trigger.
Forum members are also a bit different as they are the most informed and have seen images of new models way ahead their showroom availability.
In any case, I'd say a good 25% like the old ones better (while seeing the new ones in the flesh) and probably 5% will actually buy a new-old model because of that.
Streamliner is very unusual in that he was buying a new model while liking the old one better. He would have been better off in the 5% group.
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The ECO/start-stop system does not work well....most of the time it does not work at all. The gas mileage is way below my expectations, since I typically get 2-3 MPG better consumption than EPA City figure. This S-550 does not even get up to the EPA City mi
leage of 17 MPG. This is my 6th MB, and the first that disappoints. The second issue is the Steering-Assist and Stop&Go Pilot. It does not work as described in MB publications available to me, or as shown on videos available on internet. It is barely capable to turn the wheel and as a result it does not stay in lane or follow the car in front. IMHO it is not an assist but a dangerous distraction.
The car has been at several MB dealers for check-up, but they can not find out why the car does not perform as advertised. Neither have they been able to provide answers to simple questions about system operation.
Anyone with similar experience?



The ECO/start-stop system does not work well....most of the time it does not work at all. The gas mileage is way below my expectations, since I typically get 2-3 MPG better consumption than EPA City figure. This S-550 does not even get up to the EPA City mi
leage of 17 MPG. This is my 6th MB, and the first that disappoints. The second issue is the Steering-Assist and Stop&Go Pilot. It does not work as described in MB publications available to me, or as shown on videos available on internet. It is barely capable to turn the wheel and as a result it does not stay in lane or follow the car in front. IMHO it is not an assist but a dangerous distraction.
The car has been at several MB dealers for check-up, but they can not find out why the car does not perform as advertised. Neither have they been able to provide answers to simple questions about system operation.
Anyone with similar experience?
Do you feel the new model rides about the same? I couldn't tell a difference. The ride quality was superb on the 221 and same on 222.
For the 2015, the ECO/start/stop was modified. MB does not tell me what they did, but the point is that it works seldom, which is "normal" according to MB. This is my 6th MB, on my previous 5 I got better than EPA city mileage in the type of driving I do, on the 2015 I don't even get up to the EPA city MPG.
The Steering Assist is worthless, and "normal" according to MB. The car runs off the road in very, very gentle turns. The Stop@Go Pilot is a joke. I would think that if this was normal every 2015 S-Class owner would complain, since the "Intelligent Drive" is one of MBUSA's selling points.
For the 2015, the ECO/start/stop was modified. MB does not tell me what they did, but the point is that it works seldom, which is "normal" according to MB. This is my 6th MB, on my previous 5 I got better than EPA city mileage in the type of driving I do, on the 2015 I don't even get up to the EPA city MPG.
The Steering Assist is worthless, and "normal" according to MB. The car runs off the road in very, very gentle turns. The Stop@Go Pilot is a joke. I would think that if this was normal every 2015 S-Class owner would complain, since the "Intelligent Drive" is one of MBUSA's selling points.
I expected 1-2 MPG lower mileage on the S-550 based on EPA data, but am getting 4-5 MPG less.
I expected 1-2 MPG lower mileage on the S-550 based on EPA data, but am getting 4-5 MPG less.
Last edited by AppleFan1; Mar 1, 2015 at 12:39 AM.
Last edited by AppleFan1; Mar 1, 2015 at 12:49 AM.











