Why did MB so obviously ruin the new S Class? After watching this review, NEVER!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 568
Likes: 83
From: United Kingdom
Porsche Taycan, Range Rover AB, Range Rover SVR, S Class, Mclaren 570s, Urus Hybrid (soon), M3, RS6
He has an IT Consultancy/Outsourcing company and started trading a year ago, he has big dreams but I can definitely say he's on the right track
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
From: Pasadena, CA
2011 CL550, 2011 XKR Coupe, 2015 RX350
The new W223 has more safety features, rides/handles better, is quieter and smoother, and the 'tacked-on' center screen can be easily replaced/upgraded so it's future-proof. What's more, unbelievably its turning radius is 2 feet shorter than W222!
Some people are just resistant to change.
Some people are just resistant to change.
Last edited by Wolfy90503; Dec 11, 2020 at 09:56 PM.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 735
Likes: 209
From: Maryland
2025 S63. 2022 911 Turbo S, 23 BMW M5C
Ha! Just looked at the latest reviews for the new 223. Looks like I'm not the only one who thought they ruined the S Class. If you disagree with this, and there will be many here that will disagree, so be it. The majority I think are in this camp though:
```````````
"The new S-Class is destined to become the worst selling in a generation. The interior design is dreadful. The lack of hard buttons and switches will alienate its target customer. Mark my words the interior will be heavily revised within 3 years to present a more traditional luxury approach to save it’s dwindling customer base.
``````````
Absolutely right; completely agree with you - Awful interior - I predict the interior will be revised sooner. Social Medial feedback has been extremely negative, and the Mercedes Upper Mgmt is aware of this. The Front Dash is a disaster. The rest of the car is garbage compared to the W222 - The entire design team, interior and exterior should be fired immediately.4REPLY
`````````
Couldn’t agree more, this is a disaster and an enormous wasted opportunity
````````
They should honestly just scrap this whole piece of sh*t and start from scratch. Absolutely nothing about this new S-Class is exciting. The exterior looks like a previous gen s-class that got stung by a Japanese giant hornet, and the interior looks like you're tripping hard with that ridiculous ambient lighting and the UI on the screens (which by the way will date super quickly - it already looks dated).
`````````
I couldn’t agree more!
``````
the Ingenieurs were like: let's do something that looks like a bmw 7 and put an I - phone Inside but also a Laptop to copy tesla? - SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN 😂😂😂
````````
Design wise (interior/exterior) its a huge downtrend to the current model. The interior has literally to be a joke. Very uncreative and cold. These wannabe Tesla screens make the whole interior very unpropotional. Very sad what Mercedes is doing with the newer models (Except the new G class,GLE and GT)
``````
My opinion about this S class is that this car became a mediocre car, to be honest. Not too bad, but not thatt impressive, which doesn’t suit the S class. The w222 facelift model is just perfect, when you look at everything. Exterior is a perfect balance between luxury and sporty look. Front lights are agressive and luxurious at the same time, which suits the S class perfectly. Also, the rear lights are different from other big saloons and it just stands out, when you look from the back you know it’s S class. Interior also perfect, those 2 screens are just matching one another, you don’t have to move your eyes down, just look right and you will see everything you need and still no problem to focus on driving.
Steering wheel was the best ever, with touchpads but still they kept buttons. When you look at this w223 model, you start to realize that Mercedes starts to copy everyone else and not be unique anymore. This S class looks straight up like Audi A8, just a little more elegant. Tail lights are disappointment because they are not luxurious, they suit a smaller saloon, but not the S class. Front is ok, nothing bad but nothing excellent either. Interior looks great when you look at the materials on the door, seats etc but it’s just not practical anymore. Steering wheel is so much harder to use.
That screen is similar to one from Tesla model S, and somehow to one from Audi A8, because they first started that trend from puting the central screen from up to down, and Mercedes saw that and copied instantly. It’s not bad but doesn’t suit the S class in my humble opinion. That 4-door steering is a nice solution but pretty hard to get used to. Also, the key... what the heck? What have they done to it? It was so beautiful in the previous facelift generation, this one looks horrible. I’m so sad that S class is starting to look like everything else but not the S class.. I hope they do something about it. Mediocre and S class.. those terms are just not compatible...
````````
I couldn't agree more. You've said it perfectly as it is."
````````
Design wise (interior/exterior) its a huge downtrend to the current model. The interior has literally to be a joke. Very uncreative and cold. These wannabe Tesla screens make the whole interior very unpropotional. Very sad what Mercedes is doing with the newer models (Except the new G class,GLE and GT)
``````````
The grille is just too big. Already in the previous generation, it was big, but now it is so big that it ate the bumper and it is comically disproportional to headlights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WBh...ature=youtu.be
```````````
"The new S-Class is destined to become the worst selling in a generation. The interior design is dreadful. The lack of hard buttons and switches will alienate its target customer. Mark my words the interior will be heavily revised within 3 years to present a more traditional luxury approach to save it’s dwindling customer base.
``````````
Absolutely right; completely agree with you - Awful interior - I predict the interior will be revised sooner. Social Medial feedback has been extremely negative, and the Mercedes Upper Mgmt is aware of this. The Front Dash is a disaster. The rest of the car is garbage compared to the W222 - The entire design team, interior and exterior should be fired immediately.4REPLY
`````````
Couldn’t agree more, this is a disaster and an enormous wasted opportunity
````````
They should honestly just scrap this whole piece of sh*t and start from scratch. Absolutely nothing about this new S-Class is exciting. The exterior looks like a previous gen s-class that got stung by a Japanese giant hornet, and the interior looks like you're tripping hard with that ridiculous ambient lighting and the UI on the screens (which by the way will date super quickly - it already looks dated).
`````````
I couldn’t agree more!
``````
the Ingenieurs were like: let's do something that looks like a bmw 7 and put an I - phone Inside but also a Laptop to copy tesla? - SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN 😂😂😂
````````
Design wise (interior/exterior) its a huge downtrend to the current model. The interior has literally to be a joke. Very uncreative and cold. These wannabe Tesla screens make the whole interior very unpropotional. Very sad what Mercedes is doing with the newer models (Except the new G class,GLE and GT)
``````
My opinion about this S class is that this car became a mediocre car, to be honest. Not too bad, but not thatt impressive, which doesn’t suit the S class. The w222 facelift model is just perfect, when you look at everything. Exterior is a perfect balance between luxury and sporty look. Front lights are agressive and luxurious at the same time, which suits the S class perfectly. Also, the rear lights are different from other big saloons and it just stands out, when you look from the back you know it’s S class. Interior also perfect, those 2 screens are just matching one another, you don’t have to move your eyes down, just look right and you will see everything you need and still no problem to focus on driving.
Steering wheel was the best ever, with touchpads but still they kept buttons. When you look at this w223 model, you start to realize that Mercedes starts to copy everyone else and not be unique anymore. This S class looks straight up like Audi A8, just a little more elegant. Tail lights are disappointment because they are not luxurious, they suit a smaller saloon, but not the S class. Front is ok, nothing bad but nothing excellent either. Interior looks great when you look at the materials on the door, seats etc but it’s just not practical anymore. Steering wheel is so much harder to use.
That screen is similar to one from Tesla model S, and somehow to one from Audi A8, because they first started that trend from puting the central screen from up to down, and Mercedes saw that and copied instantly. It’s not bad but doesn’t suit the S class in my humble opinion. That 4-door steering is a nice solution but pretty hard to get used to. Also, the key... what the heck? What have they done to it? It was so beautiful in the previous facelift generation, this one looks horrible. I’m so sad that S class is starting to look like everything else but not the S class.. I hope they do something about it. Mediocre and S class.. those terms are just not compatible...
````````
I couldn't agree more. You've said it perfectly as it is."
````````
Design wise (interior/exterior) its a huge downtrend to the current model. The interior has literally to be a joke. Very uncreative and cold. These wannabe Tesla screens make the whole interior very unpropotional. Very sad what Mercedes is doing with the newer models (Except the new G class,GLE and GT)
``````````
The grille is just too big. Already in the previous generation, it was big, but now it is so big that it ate the bumper and it is comically disproportional to headlights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WBh...ature=youtu.be
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 568
Likes: 83
From: United Kingdom
Porsche Taycan, Range Rover AB, Range Rover SVR, S Class, Mclaren 570s, Urus Hybrid (soon), M3, RS6
"The new S-Class is destined to become the worst selling in a generation. The interior design is dreadful. The lack of hard buttons and switches will alienate its target customer. Mark my words the interior will be heavily revised within 3 years to present a more traditional luxury approach to save it’s dwindling customer base.
Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 159
Likes: 91
From: NORTHERN NJ
2018 S560 4matic Sedan. Official member of the 18" RIM CREW.
I don't find the exterior offensive, but I don't care for the interior at all. I also really don't want a hybrid powertrain (there may come a day that I will have no choice, but right now I am happy to own a twin-turbo V8!).
The only thing I might covet from the 223 is 4 wheel steering; it would be pretty sweet to be able to do a u-turn in ~35 feet.
The only thing I might covet from the 223 is 4 wheel steering; it would be pretty sweet to be able to do a u-turn in ~35 feet.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 5
From: Pasadena, CA
2011 CL550, 2011 XKR Coupe, 2015 RX350
I will reserve judgment until I've seen the car in person.
But seriously, the S-Class is no longer 'Special'-Class ever since they decided to make all their cars look the same across the model line. Now the C- and E-Class and SUVs all have MBux, double-wide screens in the dash, Etc. and all look the same on the outside. Why should people pay big money for the S-Class ??
But seriously, the S-Class is no longer 'Special'-Class ever since they decided to make all their cars look the same across the model line. Now the C- and E-Class and SUVs all have MBux, double-wide screens in the dash, Etc. and all look the same on the outside. Why should people pay big money for the S-Class ??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,834
Likes: 773
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I don't find the exterior offensive, but I don't care for the interior at all. I also really don't want a hybrid powertrain (there may come a day that I will have no choice, but right now I am happy to own a twin-turbo V8!).
The only thing I might covet from the 223 is 4 wheel steering; it would be pretty sweet to be able to do a u-turn in ~35 feet.
The only thing I might covet from the 223 is 4 wheel steering; it would be pretty sweet to be able to do a u-turn in ~35 feet.
Seems like my S560 with the magic body control and the curve setting sorta does a similar thing. I had it in the curve setting today and took an on ramp really fast and the rear end felt really strange as the car really leaned into that corner aggressively, kinda caught me off guard. Really does help out in the corners as it feels like every turn is a banked corner kinda like what they do with some of the on and off ramps off the highways, you take those in that setting and it's like a double banked corner, lol
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,526
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Originally Posted by Wolfy90503
I will reserve judgment until I've seen the car in person.
But seriously, the S-Class is no longer 'Special'-Class ever since they decided to make all their cars look the same across the model line. Now the C- and E-Class and SUVs all have MBux, double-wide screens in the dash, Etc. and all look the same on the outside. Why should people pay big money for the S-Class ??
But seriously, the S-Class is no longer 'Special'-Class ever since they decided to make all their cars look the same across the model line. Now the C- and E-Class and SUVs all have MBux, double-wide screens in the dash, Etc. and all look the same on the outside. Why should people pay big money for the S-Class ??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,109
Likes: 4,593
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Personally it's the drive. If you drive the three there is a distinguishable difference. Otherwise the E would suffice for most. I do agree however that the S is no longer as special as it once was, even if it considered by many to be the best car in the world. MB has really diluted the brand with so many offerings looking the same.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 382
Likes: 127
E55
On You tube there is a video were someone super imposes the w222 and w223 over each other and besides for the tail lights they are very similar. There is a camp of people who feel they didnt change it enough vs changing too much.
I am in process of buying new car and was going Bentley but have held off pending seeing the w223 in the flesh. I get the lack of buttons but its just a sign of the times and what the younger buyers want.
There seams to be a shift of wealth or should i say false sense of wealth. Look anywhere and luxury goods are in fashion with younger people. Lamborghini can even keep up with the demand.It used to be you worked hard and succeeded and now its you get 72-100 months of payments and live in your parents basement.
Seeing a luxury car like a BMW or Mercedes was a finger pointing moment now you cant drive a block without seeing one. They are going for a younger buyer and it isnt changing anytime soon. Look at BMW doubling down on what everybody in every forum swore was the end of BMW with the big grilles.
Its a nice looking car and I will wait till I sit in one to pass judgement.
I am in process of buying new car and was going Bentley but have held off pending seeing the w223 in the flesh. I get the lack of buttons but its just a sign of the times and what the younger buyers want.
There seams to be a shift of wealth or should i say false sense of wealth. Look anywhere and luxury goods are in fashion with younger people. Lamborghini can even keep up with the demand.It used to be you worked hard and succeeded and now its you get 72-100 months of payments and live in your parents basement.
Seeing a luxury car like a BMW or Mercedes was a finger pointing moment now you cant drive a block without seeing one. They are going for a younger buyer and it isnt changing anytime soon. Look at BMW doubling down on what everybody in every forum swore was the end of BMW with the big grilles.
Its a nice looking car and I will wait till I sit in one to pass judgement.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
On You tube there is a video were someone super imposes the w222 and w223 over each other and besides for the tail lights they are very similar. There is a camp of people who feel they didnt change it enough vs changing too much.
I am in process of buying new car and was going Bentley but have held off pending seeing the w223 in the flesh. I get the lack of buttons but its just a sign of the times and what the younger buyers want.
There seams to be a shift of wealth or should i say false sense of wealth. Look anywhere and luxury goods are in fashion with younger people. Lamborghini can even keep up with the demand.It used to be you worked hard and succeeded and now its you get 72-100 months of payments and live in your parents basement.
Seeing a luxury car like a BMW or Mercedes was a finger pointing moment now you cant drive a block without seeing one. They are going for a younger buyer and it isnt changing anytime soon. Look at BMW doubling down on what everybody in every forum swore was the end of BMW with the big grilles.
Its a nice looking car and I will wait till I sit in one to pass judgement.
I am in process of buying new car and was going Bentley but have held off pending seeing the w223 in the flesh. I get the lack of buttons but its just a sign of the times and what the younger buyers want.
There seams to be a shift of wealth or should i say false sense of wealth. Look anywhere and luxury goods are in fashion with younger people. Lamborghini can even keep up with the demand.It used to be you worked hard and succeeded and now its you get 72-100 months of payments and live in your parents basement.
Seeing a luxury car like a BMW or Mercedes was a finger pointing moment now you cant drive a block without seeing one. They are going for a younger buyer and it isnt changing anytime soon. Look at BMW doubling down on what everybody in every forum swore was the end of BMW with the big grilles.
Its a nice looking car and I will wait till I sit in one to pass judgement.
You do make some good points though
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Audi A6
I will reserve judgment until I've seen the car in person.
But seriously, the S-Class is no longer 'Special'-Class ever since they decided to make all their cars look the same across the model line. Now the C- and E-Class and SUVs all have MBux, double-wide screens in the dash, Etc. and all look the same on the outside. Why should people pay big money for the S-Class ??
But seriously, the S-Class is no longer 'Special'-Class ever since they decided to make all their cars look the same across the model line. Now the C- and E-Class and SUVs all have MBux, double-wide screens in the dash, Etc. and all look the same on the outside. Why should people pay big money for the S-Class ??
Personally it's the drive. If you drive the three there is a distinguishable difference. Otherwise the E would suffice for most. I do agree however that the S is no longer as special as it once was, even if it considered by many to be the best car in the world. MB has really diluted the brand with so many offerings looking the same.
I'm sure the S63AMG crowds says the same thing about the S560/S450.
MB will end up selling more E and C class vehicles while selling less S class.
(just making up numbers here) As MB, if you can sell 10,000 more E and 15,000 more C class while losing 2,000 S class sales, what would you do?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,976
Likes: 1,344
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I remember when Mercedes were so rare (and special IMHO) that you literally beeped when you saw another one coming toward you. In those days they were considered ugly and not nearly as luxurious compared to the flashier American offerings.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3,360
Likes: 1,526
From: Washington DC
No more MB:(
Rare and quirky. However there was something inherently special about a Benz. You knew they were the best and there was nothing else like it. Also was an aspirational acquisition. Today the goal of MB is to have one of their vehicles in every driveway.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
Likes: 387
From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
Likes: 387
From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
The new S-Class will most likely drive better, handle better and perform better then my current S63 but I really can't see myself living with that God awful dashboard.
I threw all the crap I could get at the poor Tesla only to see it thrown back in my face by having the beloved S-Class ape that design.
I threw all the crap I could get at the poor Tesla only to see it thrown back in my face by having the beloved S-Class ape that design.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 259
From: Canada
A car
Now that I've sat in the W223 I will simply state this.
Lexus made a cognizant decision with the 2018 Lexus LS500 launch that they were going to go down the age bracket to target younger affluent buyers. I didn't like the ride/noise but I respect their corporate decision/aspiration. Is MB trying to do the same with the W223? If so, I think it answers a lot of questions that the OP is asking. I am in the age/income bracket but not in the 'I want no class in my interior but just want a big screen" category so the W223 didn't do it for me.
Now give it 5 seconds for the MB trolls to go "Your Bentley is just a VW". [children, go away.]
Lexus made a cognizant decision with the 2018 Lexus LS500 launch that they were going to go down the age bracket to target younger affluent buyers. I didn't like the ride/noise but I respect their corporate decision/aspiration. Is MB trying to do the same with the W223? If so, I think it answers a lot of questions that the OP is asking. I am in the age/income bracket but not in the 'I want no class in my interior but just want a big screen" category so the W223 didn't do it for me.
Now give it 5 seconds for the MB trolls to go "Your Bentley is just a VW". [children, go away.]
