To me, the big screen might make sense in the Maybach, but not in a standard S Class.

 

How many people still use rear seat entertainment systems? I imagine most people or kids just use their iPads instead now.

 

If I could have had my car the way I wanted it there would just be the tablet in the middle and no screens on the back of the front seats. Then I would be able to open the center console I couldn't get and take out the tray I cant have and set my travel laptop on the tray. Something I would much rather do than use the seat mounted screens: My work is already there, for play or time killing I'm always going to have a better media device than whatever they mount on the back of the seats, unlike the screens which were obsolete the day they were built my laptop is cheap and easy to replace with the latest greatest. So far my rear screens have only been used to demo them when showing the car to a few friends and my grandkids used them to try and get me to hang myself.

 

As an "Asian", I didn't find Streamliner's post to be condescending; what I gathered from it is that those from different parts of the world have different tastes and are drawn to different aesthetics (which is true).

The differences in tastes for old, multigenerational wealth and the Nouveau Riche in Asia are drastic and consumer goods' designs, cars included reflect the taste and demands of the latter as they're the ones spending more money. Many of the individuals in the latter group make expensive purchases for the sake that it is expensive and to let everyone know about it, not for the inherent quality and history behind the item. The term for them is "Tuhao", which literally means "dirt wealth" because of the drastic change of wealth and circumstances for them. There's nothing wrong with that and good for them to be socially mobile in such a short period. I'm not going to debate about ethics in this post. Often times, with their sudden wealth, they think they can be rude and "demand" anyone and others to do anything for them simply because they have money. For example, I had a unit in a luxury tower here in Vancouver where 90% of the owners were of the latter group since that was target market, they literally treat the staff as invisible and never say thank you or even acknowledge the residential concierge or doorman. I was in Paris at the Hermes flagship recently placing an a la carte order in a room and the shoppers on the floor were dressed from head to toe in visibly branded articles, some in fully monogrammed tracksuits pointing and demanding they want the same of this, this, and that at the exhibition only cases. Clearly they were not the target market of the brand and they weren't offered anything and left empty handed. Conduct aside, this isn't to say that everyone is like that and that it is typical of newer money individuals of other cultures to want visibly flashy items and everyone to know about it too. If you fly out of Teterboro, there's always at least one group who needs to take a photo on the tarmac or in the terminal, causing a ruckus.

Going back to cars, S Classes in Asia have always been seen as a "nicer, luxury commuter vehicle to be driven to the office in that's also comfortable for clients" by the older money folks, never an aspirational item for them whereas the target market for the new generation vehicles in Asia has always grown up thinking they are the best of the best and that a "Benz" is a aspiration, not that there's anything wrong with having aspirations.

All in all, businesses have to pivot where the money is as they have a fiduciary duty to their bottom line and investors even though it may alienate existing clientele

 

I have been buying Mercedes S classes and mostly every other Mercedes class for 30 plus years, turning them over every year or two. This year, a couple of months ago, I walked into the Mercedes dealer to buy a EQS 580 for my wife to replace her Taycan, and a S580 to replace my S560. I walked out with an order for the EQS 580 which will be built within the next couple of weeks.

My 2023 BMW 760i, with every option, arrives at the dealer this week. I don't agree with a lot of the unpopular opinions in this thread, but as they say, to each their own. I will know for sure this week. One thing I can tell you, the dealer gave me a brand new S580 with 23 miles to drive for a day, and I was not impressed. I am hoping the BMW will be better, but you never know until you actually see the car.

Anyway, this is my bet.

 

You will be back. The new S 580 is in a different league.

 

Congrats, definitely let us know how you like it.

 

I love your build. Drive it in good health.

 

Surprised that you did not choose the S580. I wonder why. What are the specific features that disappointed you?

I, too, have a long history of driving S-Class. I started with the W116 some 40+ years ago. Among other MB, BMW, Audi etc, S-Class has always been there for me.

From one generation to the next is a distinct continuity of the ''S-Class-ness''. There is this S-Class' DNA that links each successive generation together, sometimes more obvious and sometimes less obvious. If one drives the S-Class for only a couple generations, one might not ''feel'' it. To me, it is this ''S-Class ness'' that is 'addictive' and can be hard to shake off. But since you have 30+ years of S-Class experience, that is why I am a bit surprised that you dislike the W223. As you have an entire day of test driving, your not being impressed should be less by impulse but more by reasoning, I gather. May I ask, what particulars do not impress you enough that made you let it go?


BTW, the new 7 is a great car. There is no right or wrong of choosing a 7 series or an S-Class. Sometimes, many would fall into the trap of having to choose between them. But I think they are not mutually exclusive. If one wants, one can have both. Why not?
And, the 2-tone is a great choice. Lighter (grey) top half goes with a darker lower half.

 

When I drove the new S 580, of course I immediately noticed the amazing fit and finish of a Mercedes S class. There were a few things that I was really not feeling which were the center A/C vents, the driver's dash screen which seemed to be sticking up out of nowhere (granted - a lot of car manufactures are doing this) and the really blank passenger side with those vertical A/C vents.

I love Mercedes Benz and have a long history with them. I have even had the amazing experience of going to Germany to custom build one, going over panel by panel and picking what I wanted, but this one just didn't do it for me. When I went to the website and looked at the BMW, I was immediately drawn to it because of the two-tone paint, the dash screen still being under a dashboard for the most part, the automatic doors, and of course the theater mode, given I would probably never get to see it. I also thought it was rather flashy with the lights and crystal, but am a little worried it might be over the top. Time will tell when it comes this week.

Over the past 30 plus years, I have had two 7 series Individuals, one for me and one time for my wife, when I had the S class. I can tell you when we went on long trips, we took the 7 series because it was more fun to drive and you felt more in control of the car, however, this was before the change BMW made in the 7 series to try to make it drive more like a S class. Frankly, I liked it better when it was a sportier drive and that was a good reason to have both cars.

 

I have only driven the S580 for a short time, but it drives almost exactly like my S560, perhaps slightly smoother and slightly quieter. I can totally understand not caring for the design choices in the interior, I don't care for the pop up instrument cluster either, and feeling that the exterior is a little bland but saying it doesn't have "S Class-ness" when the S560 does, as an S560 owner myself I don't see that. I have also driven the EQS580 and that doesnt feel like an S Class at all.

I saw the 7 in person the other day, I want to see a car without the M Sport package, but my reaction to the car in person is the same as it was in pictures. The car reminds me of a RR Phantom, or say the Presidential Limo. It has the shape of a car, but in person its VERY big, and much taller than a typical sedan, it doesn't look "right". I think it will really stick out on the road, which is the intent as I mentioned earlier (in your face ostentatious), but that doesn't appeal to me. This car will get attention EVERYWHERE it goes if only for its unique size. The hood feels more SUV height than sedan height.

Inside the material choices are very good, I always felt the last gen 7 actually had better interior materials than the W222 (or 223) in many places. Seat design was a big sore spot for me in the previous car, and one reason why I got the S Class. Seats in this new 7 are much better. The dash is both more conventional, and less conventional than the W223. I appreciate the gauge pod being below the top of the dash, but it is still a very tacked on screen, and the dash feels very tall where on the W223 one benefit of the pop up gauges is the dash is low and visibility out down the hood is improved from the 222. Many of the crystal interior details are way too gaudy for my taste, the stitching everywhere on the seats and door panels also is not attractive in my opinion.

To me, unless the non M sport is less imposing, the car is way too over the top looking to be something I would want to drive around every day.

 

Soon there will not be any Premium ICE Sedans left to buy. 6 months ago fell asleep in the back of a fully optioned 2019 S560 on the showroom floor while waiting for Service A to be completed on my wagon. That never happened before. Wonder if that would also occur in the new 7? Some might like its SUV design cues with its non pedestrian friendly front end. Qu'ils mangent de la brioche! Even after 60+ years the Ford Edsel is even growing on me...

 

This car is extremely comfortable inside, no issues there.

And believe it or not, that front end is MORE pedestrian friendly. Taller front ends with areas that are designed to deform when impacting a pedestrian. Part of the reason why cars have more upright front ends today is because of pedestrian safety standards.

 

Great to see you back again!
Still remember your Mocha Black S550. I look forward to your balanced reviews and experiences from Aston Martins (if memory serves), Tesla, Taycan and the BMW's. Even if you have references to the EQS580 when the time comes please post a link here...

 

I’ll second that! Love to hear Lovin’s comments & reviews.

 

Hey Wolfman and Streamliner. Great to see you guys and thanks for the kind words.

Lot's of good memories of great conversations about our cars!

 

Same 2-tone but with non M Sport grille

 

And I see you also got the 21 inch wheels. I wanted them because they look so much better, but I went with the 20 inch wheels for ride comfort.

 

20's will definitely be comfortable, although I was surprised how small they looked in person purely because of how big and blocky the car is.

 

Good to see you here LovinMercedes!

I loved your 2015 Special Custom Ordered S Class so very much. In fact here are a couple of pics of your car from delivery day. Loved the exterior and interior color.

 

Actually, the wheels depicted are not 21-inch but 20-in (''20 inch aerodynamic wheels 906 bi-colour 3D polished buff'')

 

Hmmm...interesting because it is not that way in the USA. See below, from the official BMW USA Dealer Order Guide.

 

Hi there MTrauman. Yes, that was an amazing car, and the journey was a lot of fun. Probably my nicest car ever!

Thanks, glad you liked it.

 

Different style number.
My pic shows a 906, which is seemingly not available in the US.

 

Yup, I know with Mercedes Benz, the heads of each market look at the parent company offerings, and decide how they want to market the car in their country. I assume BMW is the same.

Clearly, the choices were made differently here. Congrats, not surprising, I like your choices.