icebeam

If you get the s550 without the sport package do you still get the paddle shifters? Just want to confirm that its cosmetic only.

matts

Yes. I have them on mine and no sports package.

ajm0623

the (code 321) sport package (on the sedan anyway) is just cosmetic: amg wheels and sport bodystyling (front and rear bumpers and side skirts). if you opt for the "sport +1" addition, you get the (code 769) 20" amg multispoke wheels.

icebeam

Thanks. I can barely tell the difference so I would rather save the $5,900. Working on finalizing my order. Granted I know you would really only eat half of it on the lease as it does retain some value but still. I do like the 20-inch multispoke for $2,200. Its nice they offer it w/o sport package.

Wish they offered one set of chrome rims though. I guess chrome is not in style anymore.

MTrauman

Sport Package does come with a different gas and brake pedal as well.

icebeam

wow good catch. I think I was able to figure out the difference from google images. Sport package is like a chrome with black dots on it and none sport is just regular pedals. Not that it would change my mind but I love the attention to detail!

RJC

The sports pkg is quite nice especially with the multi spoke 20's and adding the rear spoiler option is a nice touch to it.

ajm0623

wow! yeah. good catch, mark! you're right -- my sport package pedals are different. i was just reading off of the monroney label when i wrote my bit above ^. odd that mb didn't list that as part of the sport package styling.

Streamliner

I personally don't care for the Sports Pkg, as I feel that the W222 is supposed to be a large, ultra luxurious, ultra comfortable saloon, just oozing understated elegance. But, I do understand that others like it, I just get very annoyed at the extra charge for it.

You see, I can't believe that any of the bumpers, rocker panels, wheels or other trim pieces included in the Sports Package, can cost anything more to produce than the non-Sports Package parts. I believe that the Sports Pkg. has been THE greatest windfall option for MB, as they have brain washed many of their customers into thinking that if they DON'T order the Sports Pkg, they are somehow old, stodgy, overweight, a nerd and no fun. So, many folks cough up the $6K to become young, athletic, trim, sexy and irresistible to those they long to attract, one up, out do, impress, etc.

Has anyone ever wondered why the S600 CANNOT be ordered with the Sports Package? Probably because somewhere in the Diamler-Benz "ivory towers," in the walnut paneled offices, way up on the top floor, there sits a top executive who feels that the top line W222 should remain stately, elegant and utterly reserved, additional profits be damned. I don't know about you, but an S600 is WAY sexier than any tarted up S550 could ever be, but hey, that's just me.

icebeam

Darn. I don't want to be seen as old and nerdy. Better order that sports package. Can't have people thinking i'm older than my real age (27) and that I'm a huge nerd even though I am

On a more serious note. Thanks for the help everyone. Going to skip the package but to each their own.

Wolfman

The S600 can be ordered with a sport package, just not in the US. This is a marketing decision and typically has to do with not cannibalizing the the S65 sales.

Here is a pic of the S600 Sport

Wolfman

I like the sport package but it is definitely less pronounced than in prior models.
I do like the 20" wheels, so whichever model you pick, you may want to get different wheels. That easily absorbs much of the discussed $6k

IMO, 18" wheels do look too small for the body; even 19"seem small too.

Streamliner

Using that same logic, why offer the Sports Pkg. on the S550, if it might cannibalize S63 sales?

Wolfman

Because the S600 and S65 are a whole lot closer in performance than the 550 to the 63. MB only stopped the S600 sport package with the W221.

ajm0623

i agree with you streamliner. i never saw the value in the ~ $6,000 benzo gets for the amg sport package bits. my 2015 car has the amg sports package because it had everything else i wanted (colour, equipment, etc) and came with the amg sports package; so i bought it. and to be honest, after owning it now for 6mos/4,000mi and looking at it, i like the look of it. but i would have been satisfied if the car came without it.

just quick anecdote - when i bought my 2013 s550, the amg sport package was a "no-cost" option (about same price as today -- such a deal!) and some on this board complained bitterly that us 2013-acquirers (is that a word?) got favourable treatment over those that bought (and paid for) the same amg sports package on 2012 and earlier models. my intent in pointing this out is not meant to inflame but to show that benzo uses that amg sports package as an asset to their benefit given customer perception of its value to move cars - especially late in their production run.

jenz

Even though the $ difference from the S65/S600 is about the same as the S63/S550, I'd also argue that the buyer of a 600 wouldn't have a problem buying the 65 whereas the same isn't true of the 550 to 63

pdeacon

My W222 is the first MB I've purchased without a sport package. I was skeptical at first but find I don't miss that option at all. It is less distinctive with this model. I do have the 20" wheels and feel that they do enhance the overall appearance of the car. I agree with the post that describes the S as an elegant ride. In my opinion it is all of that with or without the sport option.