A few questions regarding options on 2016 S550
 

1. Does the premium rear seating package (with reclining seats) take up trunk space?

2. Any feedback on the heated windshield?

3. Would you order the Air Balance Package again?

Having a tough time picking between the S and the 2017 E. Will wait for the latter's specifications come out in a few days.

Most curious to see if the S SWB (available in Canada) will have more or less rear leg room compared to the new E.

Was going to consider the Tesla but the rear seats are still pathetic with no headroom.

Much thanks for any feedback in advance.

Hi W210, Here are my experiences with the above...

1. Yes, slightly. There is a small (approx 2") intrusion into the trunk running on the upper half of the trunk's forward bulkhead to allow for the rear seats to recline.

2. Don't have the heated windshield on my S, however, I do have it on my Cayenne. I have the Porsche here in San Francisco so there is no real need for it. And it does not really help in defogging the windscreen (I tried it today as it was rainy and humid here in SF with no impact on defogging--maybe for defrosting ice). I will say that it did help on my family's old Range Rover during Northeast winters.

3. Air Balance is standard on the 2015 S's in the U.S. Used it once. I personally did not care for the scent provided. Unless I have passengers with bad B.O. or are carrying around dirty gym clothes laying about (neither of which I do).

That said, I am sure there are those who do wish to have a non-neutral scent to enhance their interior ambiance, especially if you order one of the Exclusive Nappa or Designo leathers, which can flavor the interior with a slight leathery (read dead cow) aroma, which I love. =)

Thanks dbtk, for Canadian orders, air balance is an extra option. Not sure if I have to use the MB brand or my own aftershave... Heated windshield is also an option, appreciate your feedback on it not being useful for defogging. Here in Vancouver, it is definitely not needed then.

Playing with a SWB S550 custom order.

I couldn't imagine choosing an E over a S class, especially that there isn't a V8 anymore (non AMG).

I have the heated windshield in my '16 S550 4matic. Where I live in PA we get a fair bit of ice in the winter and the ice will build up on the windshield. I am hoping it will simply "melt away" the ice when needed. Since the East Coast has had such a mild winter this year I have not gotten a chance to use it. But I bet it will come in handy for me at times.


I had the Air Balance package in my '14 S550 4matic and have it in the '16 S550 4matic (standard in US on '15 and '16). I enjoy the scents coming from the vents.

You are right, but according to my Canadian salesman, the V8 is still coming for the W213 but he may be wrong. I'm leaning towards the S regardless. It's just a little annoying knowing the mid-life facelift around the corner, hopefully will get a better deal.

Well. it appears that the W231 will grow another 2.6 inches in wheelbase, and start off with a 241 Hp 4-cylinder with sixes and diesel to follow shortly.

No V8 except the E63 unfortunately :(