Hi all,

I have a 2015 S-Class that I bought in 2017. I’m thinking of swapping out to a newer model, but not the newest version as I don’t particularly like the interior.

Beyond CarPlay and a better integration of Distronic and GPS are there any other major ( or minor ) differences between them?

As always, thank you all in advance!

Steve

2017 and newer have a 9-speed transmission. 2018 and newer have a new 4.0 liter V8 with cylinder deactivation. Both changes improve fuel economy; the 4.0 engine is rated at higher HP, but most of the benefit is at higher RPMs; some people say it's not as strong at low speeds as the 4.7L.

2018 and newer have different steering wheels, minor changes in controls and displays and the usual 'facelift' tweaks to wheels, bumper covers, headlights, etc.. I believe a couple new upholstery colors were offered on the facelift cars as well.

These are the major differences I've heard people talk about here on MBWorld. There was a recent thread where someone posted a link to year-by-year changes .... here's the one for 2016 cars ... https://media.mbusa.com/releases/rel...eference-guide

I didn't know this! When does the cylinder deactivation occur? Is there any dashboard notification as to when it is occurring?

No dashboard notification but it does occur a lot. Even at slower speeds, I can feel the car vibrate a bit more when it's running on 4 cylinders, it's good for about 5 to 10 percent better gas mileage.

I had a 2015 S550, 2018 S560 and now a 2020 S560. I felt that the engine/transmission changes in the 560’s were substantial and very welcome. My 2020 is significantly quieter than the two, previous models. The Magic Body Control that I ordered in all three, got significantly better and better going forward.

The latest W222 has three-stripe headlamp motif.

Please tell me how the MBC got better moving forward. Thank you!

The system just worked better, smoother and more often, with each newer car. In the 2015, it was really hit or miss, sometimes feeling as though it was not working at all. Significantly better in the 2018 and a bit better in the 2020.

I’m sorry, I should have been more specific. Do you mean going over speed bumps or something else-different? Thanks!

It is most noticeable over speed bumps, but you do notice differences in other situations as well. The one, HUGE difference between the 2015 & 2018, was the addition of the “Curve” setting to the MBC. I drive 99.9% of the time in the “Curve” mode. Folks describe this saying that “the car leans into turns, like a motorcycle,” and it does, but what I really see and feel is that the car remains parallel to the road surface and does not lean in the opposite direction. It is absolutely amazing and just that feature alone is worth the option price, at least to me. I believe the curve function was added in 2017.

Keep in mind that you can only get MBC in RWD cars. And it seems to be a pretty rare option to find.

I like mine in my 2018 S560. The curve mode is great.

Excellent point. MBC is a fairly expensive option and not a “flashy” one. Dealers virtually never ordered it on a car for stock, as they would rather put the money towards options that customers could actually SEE, like 20” wheels, Nappa or Exclusive Nappa interiors, etc. I believe it is a real feather in MB’s cap that they offer these highly sophisticated suspension options.

Too bad they don't offer it on the Wagons along with 3D audio and night vision, if my wagon had all this and a front end that didn't bottom out it would be the perfect car, lol. Oh and the multi contour seats like what you have in yours, I've just got the base seats in mine.

It is definitely sophisticated.....but has been around on the higher-end S-classes (standard on the S600 and S65....costly options on the S550/500 and S63) since the early 2000's when it was the ABC suspension system. MBC incorporated the use of the Distronic+ to predict bumps and undulations in the road to provide their "magic carpet ride". MBC/ABC has a known history of failure with pumps and high pressure lines, so it's a good idea to have warranty coverage on the car for the entire time you plan on owning it as those repairs can be quite expensive if they occur.

Agreed, but there have been several redesigns of the system components over the years and failures have been greatly reduced. A significant amount of the failures have been due to lack of proper maintenance, such as changing the fluid as recommended by the factory.

How did we get talking about wagons??? BUT, since you brought it up, I will take the opportunity to, once again, say how much I truly LOVE our 2019 E450 Wagon. It is an extremely rare specimen, as it has most every option available, but without the Panorama Roof--which I personally HATE, so that's a good thing--and with the "Luxury" trim styling that we absolutely love. With the Air Body Control option, the Acoustic Comfort Pkg and 18" wheels, on which I put Bridgestone QuietTrack, non-run flat tires, this wagon drives and rides like an absolute DREAM! It is so quiet and so smooth. So, with my apologies to the OP for hijacking his thread, here is another photo of our beloved wagon. It is amazing to me that MB no longer offers these gorgeous wagons in the USA. You can still get them in Germany, which the second photo shows.







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