How many U.S W222 shoppers would be interested in an SWB?
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
How many U.S W222 shoppers would be interested in an SWB?
Considering not all who purchase an S-Class do so because they have a big family who need the functional space. I wonder why M-B doesn't at least offer an SWB in the States. Let's say you're under your 40's (or 50's, 60's, 70's, whatever, I guess that's irrelevant), want an S-Class for the style and large-interior environment, however find its space excessive and don't want to feel like you're chauffeuring a giant and comfy rear section of which you can't take advantage of, I'd assume an SWB would be of demand. Not to mention benefits of being lighter therefore slightly better performing, and maybe very slightly more efficient.
I know some people will say "get an E if you want a SWB S", but we all know that isn't the case.
BMW, Jaguar, I'd assume Audi, etc. all offer SWB variations of their Large Sedans, and their SWB variations are typically the most popular. I don't get why M-B pulled that option from the S-Class once the W220 (or was it W140) started.
I know some people will say "get an E if you want a SWB S", but we all know that isn't the case.
BMW, Jaguar, I'd assume Audi, etc. all offer SWB variations of their Large Sedans, and their SWB variations are typically the most popular. I don't get why M-B pulled that option from the S-Class once the W220 (or was it W140) started.
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Actually, in 2006, there was an S350 SWB in the US, which I don't believe was successful. Also, the S320 W140's came in SWB and LWB. The 420 and 500's were all LWB. We had two 1998 S320's, one SWB and another LWB.
We still have the S320 LWB. The longer wheelbase gives a better ride and this is probably why they don't offer the SWB in the US. It also would dilute the brand, something you have written about. That said, I have always found that the SWB models are more in proportion and have a more pleasing appearance. This was also true of the R350, which was sold in a SWB in other countries and looked much better than the ones we saw in the US.
We still have the S320 LWB. The longer wheelbase gives a better ride and this is probably why they don't offer the SWB in the US. It also would dilute the brand, something you have written about. That said, I have always found that the SWB models are more in proportion and have a more pleasing appearance. This was also true of the R350, which was sold in a SWB in other countries and looked much better than the ones we saw in the US.
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Out Of Control!!
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I understand about dilution, and it makes sense (and I get why in the U.S they decided to launch the W221 with only one large V8 option, and LWB only, as they want to maintain it as a prestige choice through and through... no "low version" compromises). However, if I had my ultimate way they would sacrifice dilution elsewhere, as I do think an S-Class SWB can be useful to many.
Yeah, I agree that SWB's are almost always the best proportionally (it seems most manufacturers design them as SWB's and then offer "extended versions", hence more awkward proportions). The current BMW 7-Series is the most pronounced example of this: Great proportions in SWB and absolutely hideous in LWB, IMO.
However, what's odd to me is how the S-Class actually usually seems to look more awkward in SWB. The W221 SWB doesn't seem "right" and the W220 was already such a soft design to begin with, the SWB seemed to just take away so much of its presence. I wouldn't be surprised if M-B designed their S's as LWB's initially.
The W222 SWB pictures, however, seem to have great proportions and seems to have a more athletic stance and aura.
All that said, I sometimes wonder if the only reason I ever have found an SWB S-Class "awkward" like the '06 S350 or the SWB W221's I've seen in Europe, are simply because I'm so used to the LWB versions that they naturally just seem alien.
Yeah, I agree that SWB's are almost always the best proportionally (it seems most manufacturers design them as SWB's and then offer "extended versions", hence more awkward proportions). The current BMW 7-Series is the most pronounced example of this: Great proportions in SWB and absolutely hideous in LWB, IMO.
However, what's odd to me is how the S-Class actually usually seems to look more awkward in SWB. The W221 SWB doesn't seem "right" and the W220 was already such a soft design to begin with, the SWB seemed to just take away so much of its presence. I wouldn't be surprised if M-B designed their S's as LWB's initially.
The W222 SWB pictures, however, seem to have great proportions and seems to have a more athletic stance and aura.
All that said, I sometimes wonder if the only reason I ever have found an SWB S-Class "awkward" like the '06 S350 or the SWB W221's I've seen in Europe, are simply because I'm so used to the LWB versions that they naturally just seem alien.
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I remember doing a comparison between the 2006 E350 and 2006 S350. The E was faster, more fuel efficient, larger inside, larger trunk and less expensive. Maybe this is a comparison that they don't want us to make? Yes, I think that we become accustomed to seeing the LWB in the US but I have always thought that the lines flowed better on the SWB cars.
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I can see the appeal for the SWB, but honestly most buyers of the S-Class buy it because of the prestige, they option everything up just to say they have it. It's that kind of environment and audience that MB is tailoring the lineup to. In Germany, the S's that were everywhere on the street were all debadged and you can't even tell which one is an S350 vs S550, etc. In the US, most feel the need to show everything off and get the badge with a higher number. This is why we won't see the other models of the S-Class here in the US, even though we should.
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Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I can see the appeal for the SWB, but honestly most buyers of the S-Class buy it because of the prestige, they option everything up just to say they have it. It's that kind of environment and audience that MB is tailoring the lineup to. In Germany, the S's that were everywhere on the street were all debadged and you can't even tell which one is an S350 vs S550, etc. In the US, most feel the need to show everything off and get the badge with a higher number. This is why we won't see the other models of the S-Class here in the US, even though we should.
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