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I've been thinking about trading my E550 for an S550 or S560 for a while. I found a 2016 with the color/options I want, but like the 9-speed trans in the 2017. I'm not fond of the new steering wheel and cruise control buttons on the 2018. I've found the M278 4.7L to be a great engine, and haven't gotten to drive the new 4.0L.
How much better is the 9-speed vs the 7?
Does the adaptive cruise work that much better in 2017 and 2018 vs 2016. My 2016 E63 works OK, but isn't perfect.
What other tech is improved?
Also for those who moved from E to S how is the drive different? I drove an S450, and didn't mind the size, but didn't have a chance to toss it around. My E550 can really go when you punch it. I looks like 4200lbs for my E vs 4700lbs for the S. I know the S is better at cruising and everything besides handling and performance.
I've been thinking about trading my E550 for an S550 or S560 for a while. I found a 2016 with the color/options I want, but like the 9-speed trans in the 2017. I'm not fond of the new steering wheel and cruise control buttons on the 2018. I've found the M278 4.7L to be a great engine, and haven't gotten to drive the new 4.0L.
How much better is the 9-speed vs the 7?
Does the adaptive cruise work that much better in 2017 and 2018 vs 2016. My 2016 E63 works OK, but isn't perfect.
What other tech is improved?
Also for those who moved from E to S how is the drive different? I drove an S450, and didn't mind the size, but didn't have a chance to toss it around. My E550 can really go when you punch it. I looks like 4200lbs for my E vs 4700lbs for the S. I know the S is better at cruising and everything besides handling and performance.
Any comments are welcome.
I have the 7-speed in my 2015 S600 and the 9 speed in my 2017 GLS450.
In 2 recent long drives, I got 24 MPG in the S600 over 5000 miles, and 288 MPG i the GLS.
I find the 7-speed essentially perfect for the S600, and I find the 9-speed busy in the GLS always downshifting when it is not needed.
The S600 (at least) is quite willing to put up with being tossed around with good feed back and control. I have never driven an E-class for a long enough time to comment.
I find the adaptive cruise control annoying. I watch the rear view mirror and calculate how long before the car in the right lane will take to pass, and how long I have before needing to adjust speed with respect to the vehicle in front (invariably a truck). The adaptive speed control brakes at the exact time I am trying to merge right and has almost caused 2 accidents.
I have the 7-speed in my 2015 S600 and the 9 speed in my 2017 GLS450.
In 2 recent long drives, I got 24 MPG in the S600 over 5000 miles, and 288 MPG i the GLS.
I find the 7-speed essentially perfect for the S600, and I find the 9-speed busy in the GLS always downshifting when it is not needed.
The S600 (at least) is quite willing to put up with being tossed around with good feed back and control. I have never driven an E-class for a long enough time to comment.
I find the adaptive cruise control annoying. I watch the rear view mirror and calculate how long before the car in the right lane will take to pass, and how long I have before needing to adjust speed with respect to the vehicle in front (invariably a truck). The adaptive speed control brakes at the exact time I am trying to merge right and has almost caused 2 accidents.
Unlike you, I find the high tech safety features reassuring. Obviously, the driver needs to always pay attention and be ready to respond manually.
I've been thinking about trading my E550 for an S550 or S560 for a while. I found a 2016 with the color/options I want, but like the 9-speed trans in the 2017. I'm not fond of the new steering wheel and cruise control buttons on the 2018. I've found the M278 4.7L to be a great engine, and haven't gotten to drive the new 4.0L.
How much better is the 9-speed vs the 7?
Does the adaptive cruise work that much better in 2017 and 2018 vs 2016. My 2016 E63 works OK, but isn't perfect.
What other tech is improved?
Also for those who moved from E to S how is the drive different? I drove an S450, and didn't mind the size, but didn't have a chance to toss it around. My E550 can really go when you punch it. I looks like 4200lbs for my E vs 4700lbs for the S. I know the S is better at cruising and everything besides handling and performance.
Any comments are welcome.
Had the 2015 and currently rocking the 2018. Had no idea there was a transmission change LOL. This isn't my sport car. If transmission is your only reservation, then go for the 16 with all the stuff you want.
In regards to the tech, MB rolled out the new UI interface in 2018. It's advanced compared to the more simplistic UIs in the 15-17s. Has a learning curve. All the autonomous features are VASTLY improved. Precision, smoothness, and just overall, confidence to trust the vehicle to do its thing. Would say it's about 90% there if it wasn't for the ever pesky "hands must be on the steering wheel" notification.
I have driven the new, new E63s extensively, that car is quite fun. Completely different feel compared to the S. E is obviously going to be more nimble but imo, all the performance sedans are like jack of all trades and master of none. If garage space allows for it, get a sport car, a sedan, suv and a mini van LOL. Maybe throw in a pickup truck.
I've been thinking about trading my E550 for an S550 or S560 for a while. I found a 2016 with the color/options I want, but like the 9-speed trans in the 2017. I'm not fond of the new steering wheel and cruise control buttons on the 2018. I've found the M278 4.7L to be a great engine, and haven't gotten to drive the new 4.0L.
How much better is the 9-speed vs the 7?
Does the adaptive cruise work that much better in 2017 and 2018 vs 2016. My 2016 E63 works OK, but isn't perfect.
What other tech is improved?
Also for those who moved from E to S how is the drive different? I drove an S450, and didn't mind the size, but didn't have a chance to toss it around. My E550 can really go when you punch it. I looks like 4200lbs for my E vs 4700lbs for the S. I know the S is better at cruising and everything besides handling and performance.
Any comments are welcome.
In my opinion get the 2016 that you like!
I love the steering wheel on that model ( mine's a '15), and when I saw the 2018's come up with a new steering wheel I thought that was a step in the wrong direction . The thickened lower central portion of the rim without a post or spoke is very comfortable and enjoyable to the touch.
...as for an E versus an S --they don't compare.
I have been driving an S class for 30 years and became a real snob with respect to other Mercedes E & C classes.
An S is a different car and way nicer to drive. Not comparable!
7 speed is plenty. 9 seems ridiculous.
too much upshifting unnecessarily IMO.
Yes, get what you like for sure. I LOVE my 2018. I'm so glad I got it. It's not perfect, no car is (except my other car that is), but it's just so, so nice. The leather, the seats, the steering wheel is one of my favorite parts of the car since everything can be controlled with your fingers - so cool, but you don't like that part so to each his own.
The looks of the 2014 cars on up are all nice. Just find a car, drive it, if you like it, buy it...done. Post pics.
Last edited by stever500; Oct 9, 2018 at 01:14 AM.
Yes, get what you like for sure. I LOVE my 2018. I'm so glad I got it. It's not perfect, no car is (except my other car that is), but it's just so, so nice. The leather, the seats, the steering wheel is one of my favorite parts of the car since everything can be controlled with your fingers - so cool, but you don't like that part so to each his own.
The looks of the 2014 cars on up are all nice. Just find a car, drive it, if you like it, but it...done. Post pics.
I agree. After driving the 2019 S450 for a week or so now, I absolutely love it. For one thing, I can't believe how quiet it is. I'm a technology sucker and the high tech and safety features on the S are incredible. It does get some study time to learn everything available but I think having the controls on the steering wheel is brilliant.
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Have not owned S-Class since 2013 but I have put close to 20k miles on different rentals (I go to LA and Napa about 6-7 times a year), S550 or S63 most of the time.
Last time I had the 2018 S560 and was blown away by how much improvement that car has over 2017 550, much more refined, drives, rides, feels just better in every regard.
I have never considered the 550 as my daily driver as the 63 just better filled my needs but I would seriously consider the 560, it is that good.
On top of it, Renntech offers an easy and affordable ECU mod increasing the power to about 564 HP.
Have not owned S-Class since 2013 but I have put close to 20k miles on different rentals (I go to LA and Napa about 6-7 times a year), S550 or S63 most of the time.
Last time I had the 2018 S560 and was blown away by how much improvement that car has over 2017 550, much more refined, drives, rides, feels just better in every regard.
I have never considered the 550 as my daily driver as the 63 just better filled my needs but I would seriously consider the 560, it is that good.
On top of it, Renntech offers an easy and affordable ECU mod increasing the power to about 564 HP.
Agreed! Drove a S560 cab in Europe for a couple thousand miles and it was a great driving experience. After all, unlike the prior 5.5l, the 4L V8 in the S560 & S63 are fully designed by AMG, are extremely similar and share large number of components.
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