Originally Posted by Streamliner

Of course, I certainly agree. If you want a step up from the Exclusive Nappa interior, your ONLY choices are three Designo interiors, all of which are basically the same, very light beige, with different accent colors. I still say they should offer a Maybach, based on the mid length wheelbase that all U.S. model S Class sedans are based on and really expand their color & customization offerings. Such a car would be something I would be very interested in.

Originally Posted by superangrypenguin

Agreed. The Audi is the most boring car here, and is the most serene, but also the least sporty. It's more like an old school Cadillac boat, more than anything. If one is looking for an 'exciting' car or even a moderately 'exciting' flagship, the Audi is NOT the car for anyone. Audi went way far off the deep end with the older model D4 (sporty) to the D5 (the least sporty thing in the world).

It has been said by reviewers, and I agree wholly, that configured to a sporty setting the W222 comes alive and wants to play. The 2019/2020 A8, even on a sporty setting, is similar to the W222 in comfort. It doesn't try and hide the 2.5 tons of metal, at all, especially in the corners. You know when dogs are running and then try to change directions (on hardwood?) Yeah, it's funny to watch, and also hilariously funny when driving an A8 in this case

For me though, it's precisely what I want. A bank vault on wheels, but it's not for everyone.

From a car taste perspective, I suspect I'm older than most of you (think age 70s+ preferences!) (yes, laugh away...it's ok, I have thick skin)

Originally Posted by Rockland

So, I guess you are happy trading out your RFs. I was thinking of doing so when I got my 760 but then I had 2 flats in the first 70 days and now I can’t seem to give up the RFs for fear of getting a flat on a road trip?!? How much better is the drive? What non-RF tires did you get?

Originally Posted by Chucky3000

Seriously noticeable difference. Would I have been satisfied with RF? Yes. The ride wasn't bad. Comparing it to the experience of 2014 when I bought the W222 with Runflats and almost gave the car back - this is light years ahead.

I just figured - If I was getting rid of my Porsche 4S - I wanted to go to the opposite side of the spectrum and experience a butter like ride.

I took out tire insurance just in case I pop the non RF Tires. The non runflats really offer a better ride overall - and to boot - it is good in the snow - and rain as they are all season.

The tires I bought are:

Originally Posted by superangrypenguin

That is an absolutely fantastic all around tire, but do you experience 'excessive' shoulder block wear? Given the pretty damn good performance of that tire in the snow, in particular, I've always wondered how it would fare against any of the flagship German models?

I think it was @Streamliner who switched over to the Bridgestone Turanza Quiettrack which is the replacement for the Turanza Serenity which, while improved on wet weather/snow performance is still probably 'worse' in this regard versus the DWS06. That said, from a noise performance perspective I'd imagine the Bridgestone to be ahead.

Originally Posted by MBNUT1

I know that this thread is about the S Class and it's competitors but I was on the dealers lot yesterday and looked at a couple of cars one of which was a GT53 so we aren't talking about a $40 k A Class and was shocked by the orange peel in the paint. It seemed to be that way on any of the cars that were around it. Haven't read much about paint quality on this thread but I will say when I was at the car show the week before and I think it was an Audi E-tron who's paint looked much better finished. I'm certain that you wouldn't see any orange peel on a Bentley.

Originally Posted by superangrypenguin

In general I miss Mercedes paint. Mercedes has gotten the hardness and quality of the paint down. I am constantly correcting paint on my Audi and although it's easy to do so, I'd much rather have Mercedes paint. It's so damn hard it's great to live with.

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Agree with that. Mercedes uses Nano particles to increase the hardness and chip resistance. BMW paint is super delicate compared to MB as I can tell on our new M8. Also, the matte Magno paints are fantastic compared to their Frozen paints. Harder and better looking (matte metallic).

Originally Posted by superangrypenguin

Can you please remind me? I thought the whole ceramiclear paint (vis a vis nano particles) was gone in the 2010s? To this day I have no idea what is driving MB paint to be so hard but whatever it is I'm a big fan still and miss it.

Originally Posted by Wolfman

Have to take some proper pics yet. Not the perfect time of the year but here we go...


P

Originally Posted by Katie22

You could always get the v8 Maybach it costs less than the v12 and has 4matic though no MBC.

Originally Posted by Streamliner

As I’ve said before, that interior is absolutely STUNNING! If only MB would get their bean counter’s collective heads out of their asses, they could do things that would be just as lovely. Every model, year in and year out, the same old, worn out, BORING interiors. Don’t even get me started on exterior colors.