wilassasin

Justin Bieber, lol

AustinGuy

Quick ?: What are the differences betw. '14 and '16 S550's? They look identical but I'm sure there are quite a few electronic changes as well as more subtle exterior/interior ones that are not easily visible

MTrauman

I owned a '14 S550 4matic before it was totaled by an insurance co. and I currently own a '16 S550 4matic. Not much difference--almost no difference in my opinion.


Here are a few differences but probably not an all inclusive list:


'14
Push Button COMAND controller unit while '16 has IPhone like touch pad


'16
Driver's Assistance Package includes Speed Limit Assit (neat if you have Head Up display)


Head Up Display available on '16 not '14


Remote Start via Iphone App (only works about 60% to 70% of the time)


NFC (Near Field Communications) but does not work with IPhone OS per MB


That's about it. There might be a couple of other things like when I ordered the '14 Exclusive Wood Trim was not available with the Nappa Interior but was available with Exclusive Nappa but my '14 was one of the first shipped to US so this trim (and Exclusive Nappa in Beige/Espresso Leather interior) was not available on my '14. My '16 was order with every option except refrigerator and 3D sound so I have the Exclusive Wood trim for $950 and it really looks nice with the Exclusive Nappa Leather in Beige/Espresso. Again this is not a complete list but in my opinion there really is not much difference.

AustinGuy

mtrauman-- Can you post some pics of your car including the interior? I'm curious to see how it looks

hyperion667

I can't believe new S will have 64 ambient colors?? I'm so jealous

Jason B

There's a chance the current setup can do that as well, but it's just not enabled.

hyperion667

huh^

3.14159

My observation is based on my personal experience with both. I currently own LS 460 and S550. Both are fine cars. The LS is quieter, smoother ride, free of any squeaks and rattles and did not require any repairs (so were two other LSs that I have owned). The S550 has friendlier user interface. TheCONMMAND system, in my judgement, is exemplary. Long trip with the S550 is noticeably less tiring than similar trip with the LS. Based on my experience with two Mercedes dealers and two Lexus dealers, in different states, Mercedes Benz can benefit from having their dealerships management trained by Lexus.

Streamliner

I will say that the most Lexus service departments appear to be far superior to most MB service departments, based on customer waiting areas and the attitude of the service staff. My all time favorite was Lexus Westminster. I used to ENJOY taking my car there for service. Their waiting area was more like a private club, with an attendant making elaborate coffee drinks, toasting bagels, keeping the area spotless, etc. There are four, separate waiting areas, three of which have huge TV's, another that is a quiet work or reading space. Very comfortable seating, huge selection of newspapers & magazines.

In addition, the attitude of the service staff is different. I like to joke about the difference to my friends:

When you take a Lexus in with a problem the service manager bows his head and says "We are very sorry that we have failed you. We will disassemble the entire car and find the problem. If we cannot fix it, we will ship the car back to Japan for repairs at the factory. In the mean time, here is a brand new RX350 for you to drive. The person responsible for this failure will commit harakiri in your honor."

At MB, a tall, blonde guy in a white coat says something to you like "Zerr kut nat bee anyzing vrong mitt zee ca. YOU muss bee doing sumzing vrong. Vhere are yur papers? GIVE mee yur papers!" Then he snaps his fingers and two guys in black leather trench coats come out and the service guy says "take him, take him, vile vee scratch uppen hees ca und teech him zee lesson!"

The philosophy at Lexus and MB service departments really is different.

Steinhart

well, you made me laugh well done

I have no complaints regarding MB service here in Scottsdale, always attentive and helpful with a clean C class loaner available, however I've never owned a Lexus...

AustinGuy

I can attest to that! The way that you get treated at Lexus vs. MB dealerships is like night and day. MB acts and treats you like a $2 bill. At the Lexus dealership you're treated like a high roller

To me, that's a staggering difference. Staggering enough to make me think more about the service experience than driving out of the lot with a shiny new S550.

And don't get me started on the whole experience with the loaner cars. OMG!! At Lexus, I've NEVER EVER had to fill gas in the tank. Never even been told that the car needs to be brought back with the tank full. At MB? Oh my! I felt like I would be hanged if the car didn't come back with a full tank of gas.

UrBusted

I owned a 06 S320 for 7 years, from 2006 to 2013 and there was only ever one problem that was fixed quite quickly. On the other hand, a 2011 S350 I had did have a few problems but that car did 80,000+ miles in 2 years, not something most S Class owners do. I may have just been quite lucky, but over the past decade or so of owning Mercedes', I haven't been a victim of all of the problems people are talking of, maybe I'm just lucky or it could be that I'm in the UK. To be honest, I've never thought about getting a Lexus, it was between the S350, E63S, S8 or a 7 series. The S Class is at this moment in time, is my favourite car, it feels like a complete step up from the previous generation, at least to me.

AustinGuy

So why aren't Lexus's popular in the UK? I was in London/Paris last summer and can't even recall seeing a single Lexus (let alone an LS)

MTrauman

Here are some pictures of my car per your request.

hyperion667

looks nice Trauman, makes me want to use my stock wheels again

AustinGuy

MTrauman - that is one sexy looking car! Beautiful.

Personally, I prefer the nut brown leather and multispoke AMG wheels but again, that's a very nice looking auto. esp. the interior appointments.

Streamliner

That is a beautiful looking car Trau. The fact of the matter, at least to me, is that the W222 pretty much ONLY looks good in a dark color, as the Panorama Roof becomes a nonissue with regards to the exterior appearance. On my car, I truly HATE the way that huge mass of black glass and the black roof rails ruin the lines of what is otherwise a reasonably nice, flowing design. When it is time for a trade, I am probably going for an Anthracite Blue, even though I would prefer a light color, just because I cannot stand the glaring contrast between a light body color and the black glass roof.

MTrauman

Thanks!


My '14 S550 4matic was Obsidian Black and Beige/Espresso. Since the '14 was ordered/purchased before I could see the new Ruby Black color, I went with a tried and true Obsidian Black.


Before I bought the '16, I had the opportunity to see the Ruby Black with the Beige/Espresso interior. WOW! What a color combination.


So when the '14 was totaled in an accident, I wanted to order the Ruby Black with Beige/Espresso Exclusive Nappa. I love the color combo. I also decided to order virtually everything on the car except the 3D stereo and the refrigerator. With almost 6,000 miles on the '16, I love the car just like I did the '14 but my '16 has more "bells and whistles".

MTrauman

I agree that the darker colors look better with the Pano roof. Of course, this is a personal preference so I am sure someone might differ with the preference.