I’ve had a lot of new cars, averaging a new one every 18 months or so for about the last 50 years. My first S sedan was a 2013 S550, then a 2015 S550, 2018 S560, 2020 S560 and now this 2022 S580. Ride quality and quietness are at the top of my list for a daily driver and I must say that my new car with E-ABC excels in these areas. But, unfortunately, THATS IT! I truly believe that most everything else was better in my W222 cars.

Here’s my list:

1. The exterior door handles are complicated, ridiculous and annoying to use. Why MB felt the need to copy Tesla—poorly I might add—is beyond me.
2. The steering wheel in shiny, black plastic picks up every spec of dust and every fingerprint.
3. The haptic controls are not easily mastered and I find myself taking my eyes off the road to find & operate them.
4. The touch screen is a MASSIVE distraction and NOTHING should distract the driver from driving.
5. The seats are not as comfortable as in the W222’s, at least not for me.
6. The headrests are hard as a rock without the ridiculous, floppy pillows in place. What happens when these pillows get soiled, which their suede sort of fabric almost insures?
7. The 4D audio is no better than the 3D I had in my 2020. The “4D” refers to a bass beat in the seat backs which might be OK for some folks, but I find it truly ridiculous and useless.
8. My car is an “Executive Line” model, which I went for to get the 10 degree rear axle steering, which is nice but not fantastic and relatively unneeded, at least for me. This model gives me the 4-Zone climate control which is nice, but the very useful, deep, center console storage bin all but disappears with this option. Why do I KNOW that the MB engineers could have done SO much better with this? Interior storage is AWOL in this huge saloon, which is ridiculous.
9. Most everything relies on the huge touchscreen. The car is SO frigging complicated, with SO many features BURIED in the “iPad,” a week long “boot camp” training program should be included with every new W223.
10. The NANNY features drive me nuts! I don’t need sounds & graphics to tell me exactly where to hold my hands on the steering wheel and where my eyes should be looking or that I need a cup of coffee. I love safety systems, but this car has taken them WAY too far. If they wanted the car to be safely driven, they would not have made the center console a massive “pachinko machine!”
11. The dash air vents and the silver instrument cluster surround reflect in the windshield.
12. Out of all the S Class sedans I’ve had, the 2013 W221 was the best. Spare in the huge trunk, beautiful 18” wheels, no run flat tires, no Panorama Roof, a CD changer in the dash, plenty of interior storage, real knobs, buttons & switches and an exterior design that I feel still puts all subsequent S Class models to shame.

That’s enough for now. Maybe it will grow on me, but I don’t think so. I really don’t like this new, very expensive car.

 

You can always change the steering wheel to the amg version, I agree the non amg is meh

All these new cars coming out look great but they have way to many features. Call me old fashion but i like me a old dumber car without all the assists, massive screens and unnessesary driver tools.

 

I tried W223 and bought 2020 W222 for the same reasons you specified above. In general I think the car industry regressing instead of progressing. All cars become some kind of version of IPad.
OR - We're probably too old to understand the beauty of these cars. LOL )

 

It's a mixed cup for me.

I have no complaints on the tech part, as once I got it set up the way I wanted and learned the system it makes a whole lot of sense. It just works, and is out of my way, screens included. The ride is fabulously comfortable, and I feel insulated from the outside environment.

However, there are also some aspects that I find lacking; the outside styling is kind of bland, a clear departure from the imposing W222. The driver (and have to assume same for passenger) seat is extremely uncomfortable; I feel a hard surface at the bottom of the seatback that's pushing into my lower back. Some of the interior materials are plasticky and feel cheap compared to the previous model.

All in all, I have no regrets getting my S500, as the alternatives in this range were rather unappealing to me. I used to like (and owned in the past) BMW, but their current styling gives me the shudders. Audi, Lexus never really do it for me, and Genesis has a style that rubs me the wrong way. I was initially looking at the Aston Martin DBX but decided it was too expensive for me at this time so settled for the S.

 

I can't comment on the interior as I have yet to sit in one but I am left depressed just looking at the car. It is anti-aspirational. Not one part of it exudes a commanding presence. Yet again last night there was a 223 parked near me and I have zero desire to own one. I am frankly quite upset- first the really promising EQS came out as a melted block of cheese and now this. I plan on keeping my 222 for a few more years and then who knows. I do like the look of the new Range Rover- now that is evolution done right. As an aside I was almost stranded last night with my 222. Got in the car and went to start and the dash was lit up like a Christmas tree. I was getting a bunch of system inop messages etc. I couldn't get it going- luckily after putting the key in the dash cubby for a few min it was able to start. I changed the batteries in both my remotes, I'm hoping that's it but not once did it say anything about detecting key etc. As I went past a 223 to my 222 saying I'm staying put for a while I can't start my car. Conspiracy???

 

At the end of the day, especially at this price point, if the car has to grow on you then I think the driver and the car are not a good fit. If the 223 represents the lesser of all evils, then I think I'd have to seriously consider another class/brand of car. Life's too short.

 

This reminds me of my post when I first got mine last year.

With that said, I still have the S580 but daily drive a new Audi A8L, which is smoother and more comfortable than the S. However, I have the V6 3.0 engine here and that doesn't come close to the S580's power.

 

I am loving the new S580 coming from the 2012 Audi A8L. IT took a while to get used to it but now I am so used to it I love how the features are laid out. I got used to the buttons on the steering wheel and have no issues with the central touch scene. The options and tech makes the A8 outdated but then again I had the previous gen one for 10 years. I still drive it and it is very smooth and solid. The S is even more smoother and quieter than the A8L with the 21 inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Overall the new S class is a great step up.

 

@Streamliner if you really don’t like it I’ll be happy to take it off your hands 😃

 

Actually, if MB Financial Services would still allow someone to take over the lease, I'm ready to part with it. Unfortunately, I do not believe that is possible, so I either pay it off and take a bath on it,
or possibly trade it to a dealer.

 

@BenjaminKohl i'm also in westchester. i've been working with greenwich for mine, and it's actually about to dock in baltimore vpc tomorrow. pending smooth inspection, i'm hoping to take delivery end of month.
PM me, i can connect you with my guy at greenwich...he's fairly senior there, so knows how to get things done right away.

 

I'm in Newport Beach, CA.

 

What will you get as a replacement?

 

Something used.

 

Luckily the one upside of the new market is being able to sell your car back easy. That being said, you’ll have to find something decent to replace it. All the cars in this class will share your dislike of big touchscreens (including the upcoming 7er and Genesis G90). Maybe you should go back to your original plan of ordering an All-Terrain w/ air suspension.

I personally love my S580, but if you don’t enjoy yours, there’s no point in staying with a car you don’t like.

 

Good grief, I am so sorry for your problem. I too have felt the same as you since I first saw and sat in a 223. The doors, that distracting tablet, the unexciting exterior. After being a loyal 40 year customer of MB, I’m out.

 

Don't let the door hit you (and me) in the back.

Sadly, newer design trends are favoring the younger and overseas markets and there's not much that can be done. Voting with our wallets? No one cares about that, look at the markups omnipresent. If you don't want it, good luck to you sir, we have 10 other people waiting to give us their money.

Silver lining is that MB didn't go all ghastly like the new i7 is supposed to be. Now those are some design cues I just can't stomach.

I suspect the W223 will be seen as the next W220 and the W224 will correct the slippage. I just hope I get to live to see it.

 

I am sorry to hear about all this Streamliner, first the W222 lemon and for you to go through the hassle of a buyback and now you have to deal with this vehicle that you spent all that hard earned money on yet not happy with. You deserve better. Like others said, life is too short so you should definitely get rid of it. I hope things work out for you in the end, given the inventory shortage and everything that is going on, like js_cls mentioned the market is in your favour and you shouldn't lose a lot if any money at all getting rid of it. Good luck!

 

First world problems.

 

I guess it's all a matter of taste. Loved our W222 but to me the W223 is a much better looking car (in AMG trim).

The haptic feedback was an unnecessary change as were the door handles (which do not reduce fuel consumption) while the touchscreen and improved UI was essential. Same for the overall tech in the car as it maintains the safety and leadership position of the S-Class over any other luxury sedan (including boutique offerings like RR & Bentley).

I wish they would reverse the piano back trend that so many manufacturers seem to follow but that's a fashion trend that will move on.

The biggest difference on this S-Class is that it was designed for a younger demographic than prior models. As in 2 decades younger. Don't expect Mercedes to reverse that trend anytime soon...

 

Streamliner,
Im terribly sorry that you find yourself in this position. Since taking delivery (and even prior too with your misadventures with the dealership in wanting to charge you a 10k markup) you have not enjoyed this car. I thought perhaps with a little bit of time you may start to enjoy the S580, but your latest email tells me things have gone from bad to worse. I recently had a similar experience... bought a sporty SUV (Im not going to mention the brand as it was my error in judgement not their fault) on a bit of a whim about a year ago. Hated it from the moment I got it. Hard as a rock, uncomfortable seats, the chasis and the engine didn't communicate. Long story short I agonized and tried to make myself like it and bond with it...no way!! I took the necessary bath...got rid of it and bought the S580 (which I have loved from the moment I got it) and frankly can't wait to drive it everyday. The annoyances (door handles, haptic controls etc.) have pretty well gone away in the last several weeks. The other night my wife and I were coming back from a friends house and as we were leaving and the door handles popped out and I remote started the engine and the ambient lights, and digital lights came on everybody was mesmerized and so complimentary about the show and the beauty and majesty of the vehicle...I know small things, but it was quite the show!!...I love the technology and am truly embracing it. I have options on it that I didn't want...but what the hell its the cost of entry.
My point (after my longwinded story) is that I have owned some 25 plus cars over many years and if I don't bond with them immediately I get rid of them. To me the bonding feeling just feels right, its exciting, you like it so much you give it the benefit of the doubt when something annoys you, the quirks are charming (almost like when I was dating my wife :-)). Its obvious that the feeling isn't there for you. I suggest (unless there's still some realistic hope that you will change your mind) you rip off the bandaid, embrace the bath you're going to take and get a car that excites you and you can't wait to drive. My 2 cents worth...

 

I really am sorry to hear that you aren't happy with the car...

Have you driven an Audi A8L? The V8 is no longer available outside of the S8 (which is a damn shame), but if you could find a leftover A8L 60 I bet you would really like that. I didn't go for one because of the design interface vs the W222, but I would rate it superior to the W223. I REALLY like the way the A8L drives I just don't love the looks inside or out.

Since you really like how the car drives, do you think theres any chance you can tune out the noise of the interfaces and all and just enjoy the ride?

 

I agree with you 100% and when I left the dealer after a test drive thought why am I doing this? I get caught up in having to have the biggest, best and newest but honestly think the w222 does everything right for what I use it for. Throwing an iPhone in the cup holder for nav is not the best solution but nothing beats an iPhone for nav and input of directions. The screen will become more intuitive as it is used but I agree what happened to buttons and knobs that were to the touch so not to take your eyes off the road.

The way I look at it is if I wanted a car loaded with crazy tech and screens then why not just get the EV and be done.

Your not alone as the late model collector car market is exploding as the EV mandated are here like it or not and I don't.

If you spend enough tike on Autotrader you can easily find any version of an S class in miles even under 10k or less. You could get into an S65 with almost no miles and with todays market not wind up that far behind cash wise.

Younger generations love huge grills with lit up emblems and more useless tech than anyone could use. Tesla salesperson pointed out to me I can play a video game on the screen. I just laughed.

 

Much of the 'complaints' has to do with the progress of technology. The most prominent and classical feature is the touch screen/haptic control to replace buttons. Not just the S-Class and not just MBs, BMW, Audi and the rest are all going in the same direction. There is no escape. Better get used to it and do it fast too. Even if one can hang onto an used W222, what will happen when it finally needs replacement. I predict, the W224 will be even more 'technology incline' in the interior. I think this 'voice control/interaction' might have a more significant presence (not that I personally enjoy this female voice of 'Hey Mercedes' thing though...lol).

In fact, this happens across all products. Mobile phones is actually the even more classical example. Physical buttons are gone and gone for good. Blackberry phones are practically extinct. Phones are all touch screen. Back in the old days, everyone had a Nokia 3310. No more.

Actually, this also goes for the exterior styling too. Classic imposing look will become more 'advance technology design' look. Take a look at the MB EVs and the direction of exterior design is quite clear. Personally I do not mind the 'bland' look as my style is to not have much attention drawn. And, this is very subjective, of course.

 

Here's the issue. I have no problem with technology, in fact I love technology. BUT, I want technology to make what I use better. With phones, removing the physical keyboard made them better. There is no way in which the haptic buttons or the pop out door handles are better. I had an MB with them for a week, and they are just horrible and going back to the physical buttons was amazing, they are SO much better. If the control pods in the steering wheel morphed into different controls or something to let you do more, then maybe the trade off would be worth it. But there is no reason why the steering wheel controls as an example should be haptic vs the old button design. The buttons are superior in every way.

Touchscreens...you can pack more tech into that touchscreen if you do away with the physical controls around it. So, there is an argument to be made that the touchscreen is better.

My frustration with this vehicle is there are so many places where they changed it to simply make it "techier" for no benefit. Thats not good design, and that will subside.