Intro and why I bought it (vs the BMW, Panamera, Tesla)
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S550LWB 4matic
Intro and why I bought it (vs the BMW, Panamera, Tesla)
Great to meet everyone, I've read a lot of what's already been posted and look forward to interacting in the future!
My car is on the boat over from Germany to Toronto as I type this. I went with the following options (well the dealer did, and let me know they had one on it's way once I gave him my wish list):
-S550L
-AMG styling (a bonus, but I didn't care)
-High End Burmester (a must)
-Premium package with intelligent drive (both musts)
-Black on black (I would have gone silver as well)
-Metallized Ash Trim (a definite must!, one of the most beautiful unique trims I've ever seen in a car)
I will be using this as my main commuter car. I travel in bad start stop traffic 45 mins each way to work.
I also have a 2012 911 turbo and an Infiniti FX37 suv (which has kind of just turned into the barn car for my partner)
My goals when looking were to find the smoothest, most comfortable ride with an amazing stereo and most beautiful aesthetics.
Since I already have the 911 for the "thrill of driving" and to take to the track, I didn't need a sedan which did it all. I didn't want to skimp on luxury for a sedan that was trying to be a of sports car as well (which put the panamera out of the game).
After doing all my research and driving the 2016 versions of the competition there was NO question in my mind. The Benz is the one that isn't confused, isn't trying to be something it's not. In my opinion if you are buying a full sized sedan to "drive hard and feel the connection with the road" you are missing the point.
I will admit the Panamera and 2016 BMW750 handle a bit better when getting on the throttle on the on ramp (the panamera is actually crazy good at that stuff), they just don't come close to how the Benz glides over the shi**y downtown roads and street car tracks of Toronto. It blew me away how you could put one side of the car on a strip of uneven cement and the other on decent ash fault and you couldn't really even tell which side of the road was worse (I took the cars on roads my *** knows every single crack of in the Porsche). The BMW was close, but I found that in the comfort plus the car became too "floaty". The 550 handled all the bumps without destabilizing the car in the process. Even in the corners, on initial turn in I was amazed how easy it was to trail brake, stabilize the Benz, and throttle steer around the on-off ramps. I was expecting a car of this size and weight to be more of a handful. It "performs" waaaaay better than I will ever ask it to. And the stop start cruze control with steering assist is going to make my life soooooooooo much better.
As far as the Tesla goes, I'm just not ready to have to think too hard about my road trips, charging stations, and winter battery capabilities (which despite what is said on the Tesla sites, is a major factor here is the deep sub zero winters according to people I know with model S's). I love all the automation, and as a 41yo who is super into tech stuff the car is definitely "cool and interesting", but after sitting in it for 2 seconds after you've sat in the s class you see how far they have to still come to compete on quality of interior and luxury feel, and I wasn't willing to give that up.
So in summary for what I wanted the car for, the S550L was the clear winner (I got the L because I thought it drove a bit smoother, and at 6'4" was the only way anyone was ever going to sit behind me).
Second for me would be the newly designed BMW750 (better tech than the Merc, but a compromise on the luxury and smooth ride).
The Panamera just isn't a luxury car, and the Tesla still has a ways to go in the styling and ride department, though it is cool.
I can't wait for my ride to get here, will post some pics when it arrives, and look forward to interacting with everyone!
-Jay
My car is on the boat over from Germany to Toronto as I type this. I went with the following options (well the dealer did, and let me know they had one on it's way once I gave him my wish list):
-S550L
-AMG styling (a bonus, but I didn't care)
-High End Burmester (a must)
-Premium package with intelligent drive (both musts)
-Black on black (I would have gone silver as well)
-Metallized Ash Trim (a definite must!, one of the most beautiful unique trims I've ever seen in a car)
I will be using this as my main commuter car. I travel in bad start stop traffic 45 mins each way to work.
I also have a 2012 911 turbo and an Infiniti FX37 suv (which has kind of just turned into the barn car for my partner)
My goals when looking were to find the smoothest, most comfortable ride with an amazing stereo and most beautiful aesthetics.
Since I already have the 911 for the "thrill of driving" and to take to the track, I didn't need a sedan which did it all. I didn't want to skimp on luxury for a sedan that was trying to be a of sports car as well (which put the panamera out of the game).
After doing all my research and driving the 2016 versions of the competition there was NO question in my mind. The Benz is the one that isn't confused, isn't trying to be something it's not. In my opinion if you are buying a full sized sedan to "drive hard and feel the connection with the road" you are missing the point.
I will admit the Panamera and 2016 BMW750 handle a bit better when getting on the throttle on the on ramp (the panamera is actually crazy good at that stuff), they just don't come close to how the Benz glides over the shi**y downtown roads and street car tracks of Toronto. It blew me away how you could put one side of the car on a strip of uneven cement and the other on decent ash fault and you couldn't really even tell which side of the road was worse (I took the cars on roads my *** knows every single crack of in the Porsche). The BMW was close, but I found that in the comfort plus the car became too "floaty". The 550 handled all the bumps without destabilizing the car in the process. Even in the corners, on initial turn in I was amazed how easy it was to trail brake, stabilize the Benz, and throttle steer around the on-off ramps. I was expecting a car of this size and weight to be more of a handful. It "performs" waaaaay better than I will ever ask it to. And the stop start cruze control with steering assist is going to make my life soooooooooo much better.
As far as the Tesla goes, I'm just not ready to have to think too hard about my road trips, charging stations, and winter battery capabilities (which despite what is said on the Tesla sites, is a major factor here is the deep sub zero winters according to people I know with model S's). I love all the automation, and as a 41yo who is super into tech stuff the car is definitely "cool and interesting", but after sitting in it for 2 seconds after you've sat in the s class you see how far they have to still come to compete on quality of interior and luxury feel, and I wasn't willing to give that up.
So in summary for what I wanted the car for, the S550L was the clear winner (I got the L because I thought it drove a bit smoother, and at 6'4" was the only way anyone was ever going to sit behind me).
Second for me would be the newly designed BMW750 (better tech than the Merc, but a compromise on the luxury and smooth ride).
The Panamera just isn't a luxury car, and the Tesla still has a ways to go in the styling and ride department, though it is cool.
I can't wait for my ride to get here, will post some pics when it arrives, and look forward to interacting with everyone!
-Jay
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Great to meet everyone, I've read a lot of what's already been posted and look forward to interacting in the future!
My car is on the boat over from Germany to Toronto as I type this. I went with the following options (well the dealer did, and let me know they had one on it's way once I gave him my wish list):
-S550L
-AMG styling (a bonus, but I didn't care)
-High End Burmester (a must)
-Premium package with intelligent drive (both musts)
-Black on black (I would have gone silver as well)
-Metallized Ash Trim (a definite must!, one of the most beautiful unique trims I've ever seen in a car)
I will be using this as my main commuter car. I travel in bad start stop traffic 45 mins each way to work.
I also have a 2012 911 turbo and an Infiniti FX37 suv (which has kind of just turned into the barn car for my partner)
My goals when looking were to find the smoothest, most comfortable ride with an amazing stereo and most beautiful aesthetics.
Since I already have the 911 for the "thrill of driving" and to take to the track, I didn't need a sedan which did it all. I didn't want to skimp on luxury for a sedan that was trying to be a of sports car as well (which put the panamera out of the game).
After doing all my research and driving the 2016 versions of the competition there was NO question in my mind. The Benz is the one that isn't confused, isn't trying to be something it's not. In my opinion if you are buying a full sized sedan to "drive hard and feel the connection with the road" you are missing the point.
I will admit the Panamera and 2016 BMW750 handle a bit better when getting on the throttle on the on ramp (the panamera is actually crazy good at that stuff), they just don't come close to how the Benz glides over the shi**y downtown roads and street car tracks of Toronto. It blew me away how you could put one side of the car on a strip of uneven cement and the other on decent ash fault and you couldn't really even tell which side of the road was worse (I took the cars on roads my *** knows every single crack of in the Porsche). The BMW was close, but I found that in the comfort plus the car became too "floaty". The 550 handled all the bumps without destabilizing the car in the process. Even in the corners, on initial turn in I was amazed how easy it was to trail brake, stabilize the Benz, and throttle steer around the on-off ramps. I was expecting a car of this size and weight to be more of a handful. It "performs" waaaaay better than I will ever ask it to. And the stop start cruze control with steering assist is going to make my life soooooooooo much better.
As far as the Tesla goes, I'm just not ready to have to think too hard about my road trips, charging stations, and winter battery capabilities (which despite what is said on the Tesla sites, is a major factor here is the deep sub zero winters according to people I know with model S's). I love all the automation, and as a 41yo who is super into tech stuff the car is definitely "cool and interesting", but after sitting in it for 2 seconds after you've sat in the s class you see how far they have to still come to compete on quality of interior and luxury feel, and I wasn't willing to give that up.
So in summary for what I wanted the car for, the S550L was the clear winner (I got the L because I thought it drove a bit smoother, and at 6'4" was the only way anyone was ever going to sit behind me).
Second for me would be the newly designed BMW750 (better tech than the Merc, but a compromise on the luxury and smooth ride).
The Panamera just isn't a luxury car, and the Tesla still has a ways to go in the styling and ride department, though it is cool.
I can't wait for my ride to get here, will post some pics when it arrives, and look forward to interacting with everyone!
-Jay
My car is on the boat over from Germany to Toronto as I type this. I went with the following options (well the dealer did, and let me know they had one on it's way once I gave him my wish list):
-S550L
-AMG styling (a bonus, but I didn't care)
-High End Burmester (a must)
-Premium package with intelligent drive (both musts)
-Black on black (I would have gone silver as well)
-Metallized Ash Trim (a definite must!, one of the most beautiful unique trims I've ever seen in a car)
I will be using this as my main commuter car. I travel in bad start stop traffic 45 mins each way to work.
I also have a 2012 911 turbo and an Infiniti FX37 suv (which has kind of just turned into the barn car for my partner)
My goals when looking were to find the smoothest, most comfortable ride with an amazing stereo and most beautiful aesthetics.
Since I already have the 911 for the "thrill of driving" and to take to the track, I didn't need a sedan which did it all. I didn't want to skimp on luxury for a sedan that was trying to be a of sports car as well (which put the panamera out of the game).
After doing all my research and driving the 2016 versions of the competition there was NO question in my mind. The Benz is the one that isn't confused, isn't trying to be something it's not. In my opinion if you are buying a full sized sedan to "drive hard and feel the connection with the road" you are missing the point.
I will admit the Panamera and 2016 BMW750 handle a bit better when getting on the throttle on the on ramp (the panamera is actually crazy good at that stuff), they just don't come close to how the Benz glides over the shi**y downtown roads and street car tracks of Toronto. It blew me away how you could put one side of the car on a strip of uneven cement and the other on decent ash fault and you couldn't really even tell which side of the road was worse (I took the cars on roads my *** knows every single crack of in the Porsche). The BMW was close, but I found that in the comfort plus the car became too "floaty". The 550 handled all the bumps without destabilizing the car in the process. Even in the corners, on initial turn in I was amazed how easy it was to trail brake, stabilize the Benz, and throttle steer around the on-off ramps. I was expecting a car of this size and weight to be more of a handful. It "performs" waaaaay better than I will ever ask it to. And the stop start cruze control with steering assist is going to make my life soooooooooo much better.
As far as the Tesla goes, I'm just not ready to have to think too hard about my road trips, charging stations, and winter battery capabilities (which despite what is said on the Tesla sites, is a major factor here is the deep sub zero winters according to people I know with model S's). I love all the automation, and as a 41yo who is super into tech stuff the car is definitely "cool and interesting", but after sitting in it for 2 seconds after you've sat in the s class you see how far they have to still come to compete on quality of interior and luxury feel, and I wasn't willing to give that up.
So in summary for what I wanted the car for, the S550L was the clear winner (I got the L because I thought it drove a bit smoother, and at 6'4" was the only way anyone was ever going to sit behind me).
Second for me would be the newly designed BMW750 (better tech than the Merc, but a compromise on the luxury and smooth ride).
The Panamera just isn't a luxury car, and the Tesla still has a ways to go in the styling and ride department, though it is cool.
I can't wait for my ride to get here, will post some pics when it arrives, and look forward to interacting with everyone!
-Jay
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,124
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
When you get it, please post photos of the interior. I don't think I have ever seen that wood with a black interior.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
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Likes: 15
S550LWB 4matic
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 287
Likes: 74
From: Colorado
2004 W240 Maybach 57
I think we're on the same wavelength! From 1993 to 2006, I had the W140 S320. Not a performance sedan by any stretch, but the quietest and most luxurious car of its day. Then I went to the dark side for 10 years (BMW 545i Sport Manual and M6 V10 SMG). Recently I returned to the fold with the W240 Maybach 57, again the most luxurious car of its day. The big Mercedes does nothing in a hurry. All is damped and controlled.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 45
Likes: 15
S550LWB 4matic
That V10 must have been something else to feel (and hear!). Unfortunately those days of the big naturally aspirated beasts are going the way of the dodo. I'm really looking forward to getting to know the pinnacle of damped and controlled. Very cool engineering in it's own right.
I think we're on the same wavelength! From 1993 to 2006, I had the W140 S320. Not a performance sedan by any stretch, but the quietest and most luxurious car of its day. Then I went to the dark side for 10 years (BMW 545i Sport Manual and M6 V10 SMG). Recently I returned to the fold with the W240 Maybach 57, again the most luxurious car of its day. The big Mercedes does nothing in a hurry. All is damped and controlled.
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S550LWB 4matic
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
