MrMBenz1

Was hoping to get some outside opinions... I am currently slated for a mid-February build with expected delivery in April on my S550. I saw an earlier thread mentioning that the new COMAND touch controller would be making an appearance in 2014s built February and later. I'm somewhat skeptical MB would make this change mid-production year, but stranger things have happened. Considering I'm already playing the waiting game, I'm wondering whether I may as well just let the dealer sell my vehicle and place an order for one of the first 2015s and take advantage of all the bells and whistles available? I was late to the party when ordering my car, and now having mixed feelings about taking delivery later in the model year. Granted, these feelings may quickly disappear when I actually see the car when it eventually arrives, but was curious to see if anyone else shared my sentiments...

PS, has anyone received any additional information/confirmation regarding the new COMAND controller? I stopped by my dealership this evening and my sales guy had nothing.

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

06E55

It has been confirmed that the S65s will get this controller. No reason why the rest of the 2015s won't...

MrMBenz1

Yes, no question it will be in the 2015; but if I do end up taking the 2014, I'd love to have in that one too...

Wolfman

It's tricky to discuss model years as Europeans don't follow the US model year naming conventions, so a US '15 model is a Euro '14 model.

That said, S65 is coming out Q1, 14. Since the new touch controller is a default option that will be in all cars, it could just be included.

There are of course many new features that won't be and maybe worth waiting for: HUD, Magic Sky Panorama, 9 speed tranny, additional interior options

cookstar

I would wait till 2015 if I were you, that way some of the first model year problems will be dealt with.

You will also get:Touch Controller, Heads Up Display and most importantly the new 9 speed transmission, the current 7G came out in 2003 so it is an ancient transmission even if you factor the so called updated 7G tronic+.

These changes have nothing to do with mid-cyle and you should not be surprised.... I have a 2013 GL and the 2014 had a host of changes like Power second row folding seats, third row sunroof cover , heated/cooler cup holders ( all things that you could not get on the early to mid build 2013 in its first model year).

06E55

Kind of sounds like the cell phone industry as well. iPhone 5S compared to iPhone 5. Updates keep you coming back for more...

MrMBenz1

Thanks to all for the feedback! I realize that changes between model years are a regular occurrence; however, knowing with certainty that several new features will be available only a few short months after I would otherwise take delivery have solidified my decision to wait. Notwithstanding, I'm still envious of those of you out there who are already driving and enjoying their new S-Classes, but can't say that I'm roughing it in my 2010

My dealer will likely keep the car I've spec'd out and sell it off the lot, so I'll report back once I get a chance to see if the new COMAND controller was added...

Thanks again!

aypues

I can't remember where I saw it, but I read somewhere that the 2014 S Class would be converted over to the touch controller in Q1 2014. I'll look around to try to find it...maybe it's not a reputable source.

cookstar

I read that as well, cant recall what part of 2014 it was though.

Jason B

Why would they introduce this car and then a year later update all this stuff? It should have been on the 2014 car.

aypues

They also need to upgrade the cellular connection to 4G LTE...Chevy's are even getting it for MY2015, they're announcing it at CES this week. I hope they add a full Pandora app through a firmware update too.

cookstar

Base year MB's have historically been like this, I know the last generation ML and CLS have had major advancements in the second model year.

When the 2006 ML came out it was the ML500 which had a V8 making 288 HP, in 2007 which was the second model year it was changed to the ML550 V8 making 388 hp ( that is a huge difference).

in 2006 the CLS 55 was making around 493 hp, in 2007 they changed it to the CLS63 which made 514 hp.

Its the same with the S-class, technically in 2014 all MB's should have the option of LED headlights and 9 Speed tranny which is already offered in Europe in the E-class.

Jason B

Oh wow, so the led headlights aren't out yet here, and will be for 2015?

Diesel Benz

According to this article (referred by another thread here), the technology was not ready at the W222 launch time:
http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...cedes-C-class/

The futuristic looking handrest-***-finger canvas, which uses haptic feedback to encourage eye-free operation, was in development for the S-class, but wasn’t ready in time. It’ll be fitted to all new S-classes as of February 2014. Meanwhile, all C-class-kind get the natty centrepiece from launch. Take that, limo drivers!

Within EPC the touchpad is an option while on the W205 it only seems to come with the Comand on-line head unit. Could be standard on a W222 even if the part has an option code.

Diesel Benz

At least Euro cars can make use of the cell phone connectivity. The car would not be limited to current 4G technology then but adapts to what ever you have later on.

Wolfman

The touchpad is standard on the C-class even without comand. All S-class cars will have it too...

Diesel Benz

I wonder how can you be sure about that. Perhaps you have access to some insider info, I'd be interested to know more.

I cannot confirm this from EPC because 205 is not present yet but looking at the available price lists, the touchpad is only mentioned along with the Comand On-line option. Could be a mistake in the price list too.

On the S-class this would be different because all cars have the Comand (On-line) head unit, no Audio 20 or similar basic head unit available.

Wolfman

I don't have any inside info other that this (the touch controller) was specifically pointed out by a German car mag. They were surprised as well. Here is the original text:
Neu ist das Touchpad überm Controller, das wie ein Handy zu bedienen ist: wischen, ziehen, zoomen, schreiben – night erst beim teuren Navi, sondern serienmäßig ab dem günstigsten Radio (AP 20 für 238 Euro extra). Das hat derzeit nicht einmal die S-Klasse.

Diesel Benz

Thanks, the first time I see explicit text stating the touchpad comes with the basic radio too. Then again I did not understand the part "238 Euro extra for AP 20". Sounds like an option price for something that is standard, quite confusing.

The statement about the S-class lacking this feature is also odd, the point is that the W205 does not have it either, yet. By the time the W205 will have it (when we will have the W205), the W222 should have have it already for a while?

Dan98

I don't get it ... why do some people complain about the 7G Tronic+ transmission and call it ancient because as far as I know it works flawlessly. I believe most consumers agree this.

If the new so called 9 speed transmission would not bring a significant improvement in fuel consumption (because technically can't go any smoother then the current one) I couldn't care less about this.

JAN8OR

OMG I'm on cloud 9! My dealer just called and told me that I will be getting a 2015 model because of so many issues with the S63 launch! When I placed the order in Aug/13, originally I was told that the build date was going to be Nov/13. Then in November, I was told that the build date got pushed back to Mar/14 because I had ordered the Exclusive interior along with the CF. Now my dealer informed me that all Mar/14 production for S63's will be 2015's. Sure hope it comes with the 9-speed and other new specs.

cookstar

All AMG models for 2015 will have the 7 speed tranny, the 9 speed is only for none AMG vehicles so far.

JAN8OR

Cool, thanks for the clarification.

Wolfman

I agree with the charge and it was confusing to me as well. So here is the proper info:
The AP20 radio is included for free as a base. But the AP20 with touchpad costs 238 Euro. So that would mean that the touchpad is optional in Germany at least, but at that price, how cares?

TomS

Slight clarification to Jason B's inquiry - The S Class is all LEDs in the base year. I believe cookstar may have accidentally implied LEDs were not an option in MY2014 due to the phrasing of the post.

Tom
71 Days to Stuttgart