blackS55Amg

I am driving a 2010 S550 which I enjoy but its time to trade up. I have a couple questions.

I have driven both models and really can't tell the difference between the 450 or 550 with my driving pattern. interior comfort is the same, from test drive.

I love the v8 but I was ready for improvements in the 2018 model, mostly improved Distronic features.
the 2018 450 is pretty much same price as the 2017 550 same features except the 550 has NAPA Leather.

1. Is there any noticeable difference in comfort from Napa leather than basic leather or is it just the look of the seat stitching?
2. Is the 2018 model worth the getting even though its a S450 6 cylinder? on a short test drive seemed as good as my current 2010 550
3. is the Distronic more refined in the 2018.
4. the S450 is a $3,000 more than the S550. both CPO and both similar features
5. Should I wait a few months for prices to adjust down on all CPO 17 and 18's. possibly more 2018 inventory with new S model coming out?

Thanks

mercedes.fan

I would personally go for the 2018 facelift. The power difference might be offset slightly by the 9g tronic in 450 which in itself is a far better gearbox than the 7g tronic. Also the distronic system has undergone alot of improvements the last couple of years, for example the 2019 distronic in w213 works better than the 2018 w213, not sure of how it is in the w222. Would mainly go for the facelift because of the better infotainment, the older widescreen made of plastic looks cheap compared to the glass widescreen of the pre facelift.

absent

I agree, I think I would go for the 450 also (even though I am a hard core V8 fan), the 2018 car is so much improved vs 17 and is such a great vehicle that one would think it is an all new model and not just a face lift.

MBNUT1

They changed the widescreen? And I assumed you meant post instead of pre-facelift.

stever500

If you need to wait a few months till prices come down, yes, wait for a 2018 if you can. But that's just me... LOVE the updates.

ajm0623

i have the '18 s450 and there is plenty of power; you will not want for more. plus the updates for '18+ are reason enough to look at (only) '18-'19-'20; they are significantly improved in many areas.

blackS55Amg

thanks
going with a 2018 s450 at a good price
just standard leather seats so I hope they are comfortable. I would have preferred Napa. but is used
looking forward to the updates over my 2010 s550

absent

I am driving a loaner now (S63 is finally getting the shock absorbers replaced), a 2019 S450.
It only reinforced my previously shared opinion that that car is superior to 2017 S550.
I am really, really surprised by how good it is, thought I would suffer after my S63 and nothing is further from the truth.
The car is a true S-Class, refined, luxurious and fast, really fast for a daily driver, it answers all and any questions regarding what you need and don't need from a car.
It truly makes an S63 and even S560 an overkill, you really don't gain that much with these pricier models if you just need a daily driver.
OP was asking S450 vs 2017 S550, I am about to commit a sacrilege here, i would choose the new S450 over 2017 S63, it is that good......

ajm0623

+1. i've been professing this exact thought for months here. but the v8 die-hards don't seem to want to hear it. my s450 is top-notch. in all respects.

blackS55Amg

I posted because I was more interested in the technology improvements in the 18 over the 17 and not really engine power as much.
I have been wanting apple car play and Distrionic improvements.
I drove the 450 and the power seemed similar to my current 2010 s550.
I am actually looking forward to increased gas mileage. Now I get 15.3 MPG. I will be happy with over 20 MPG.
I am looking forward to getting my car.
Thanks for supporting my choice.

absent

Congrats!
450 is the sensible choice, when you let your brain decide instead of emotions.

Btw, love my loaner.......

blackS55Amg

Update
I picked my 2018 S450 and have been driving it for a few days my first impression are what a great car.
1.Quiet,
2. comfortable,
3. distronic is a great feature,
4. basic bermeister sounds fabulous.
Mercedes never fails to perfect their cars.
pretty much night and day over my 2010 S class
very happy
thanks all

MBNUT1

Congrats! Good to hear that you like it better than your 2010 S Class.

stever500

Please post exterior and interior pics if you would. This is such great news. Fantastic...

1bad540

I also had a 2010 and although i loved the car(not so much in the beggining) it handled poor and was very floaty. When i switched to the 15(almost 3 years ago) was night and day and much much better.