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Not sure where one could find all the room for the rear climate control stuff if not at the centre console. It is not just the control panel.
Nah. I’ve had cars with 4-zone climate control for 20 years, and none of them had this problem. In fact we have a 2016 Honda Pilot with 4-zone right now and it has a cavernous center console. It does not need to be in that location.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
This whole discussion would not be needed IF MBUSA had not “invented” the “Executive Line” model, so they could cram thousands of dollars worth of unwanted, unneeded options down USA customer’s throats, just so they could have 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering. It was the ONLY option I really wanted, that made me pull the trigger on this overly loaded, $153,700.00 luxobarge. NOBODY other than my pre-teen granddaughters will ever ride in the rear seat, but because I wanted the 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering, I now lug around thousands of dollars worth of rear seat options that will never be used. The 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering IS phenomenal, but now I have an unusable center armrest storage that is only good for paper clips. What a revolting development this is! If you are old enough to remember that line, like me, you are TOO old!
This whole discussion would not be needed IF MBUSA had not “invented” the “Executive Line” model, so they could cram thousands of dollars worth of unwanted, unneeded options down USA customer’s throats, just so they could have 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering. It was the ONLY option I really wanted, that made me pull the trigger on this overly loaded, $153,700.00 luxobarge. NOBODY other than my pre-teen granddaughters will ever ride in the rear seat, but because I wanted the 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering, I now lug around thousands of dollars worth of rear seat options that will never be used. The 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering IS phenomenal, but now I have an unusable center armrest storage that is only good for paper clips. What a revolting development this is! If you are old enough to remember that line, like me, you are TOO old!
So I guess it is fair to say that the favourite S-Class feature that you missed in this case is having the option to check every standalone option that you want and uncheck the ones you don't want instead of the forced trim line bundles?
This whole discussion would not be needed IF MBUSA had not “invented” the “Executive Line” model, so they could cram thousands of dollars worth of unwanted, unneeded options down USA customer’s throats, just so they could have 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering. It was the ONLY option I really wanted, that made me pull the trigger on this overly loaded, $153,700.00 luxobarge. NOBODY other than my pre-teen granddaughters will ever ride in the rear seat, but because I wanted the 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering, I now lug around thousands of dollars worth of rear seat options that will never be used. The 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering IS phenomenal, but now I have an unusable center armrest storage that is only good for paper clips. What a revolting development this is! If you are old enough to remember that line, like me, you are TOO old!
You could have simply also just gone with the 4.5 RWS and picked your other options. Its not like your previous S-Class' had RWS so it would have been a benefit regardless.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
So I guess it is fair to say that the favourite S-Class feature that you missed in this case is having the option to check every standalone option that you want and uncheck the ones you don't want instead of the forced trim line bundles?
Yes, within reason. I understand the idea of bundling options into packages, but to make a customer buy a ton of rear seat options, just to get 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering is a bit ridiculous. To make them buy the V8 over the V6 for the same reason is also a bit ridiculous. The 10 Degree Rear Axle Steering is a truly FABULOUS feature. MBUSA knows this and has made it part of an insanely expensive package. Not cool.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by js_cls
You could have simply also just gone with the 4.5 RWS and picked your other options. Its not like your previous S-Class' had RWS so it would have been a benefit regardless.
Oh, you mean if I opted for the most ridiculous package of them all, the AMG Line, where they substitute a few body panels for other body panels, one cast wheel for another and charge you HOW much for that? The AMG exterior trimmings should be limited to true, AMG motored cars, IMHO.
Oh, you mean if I opted for the most ridiculous package of them all, the AMG Line, where they substitute a few body panels for other body panels, one cast wheel for another and charge you HOW much for that? The AMG exterior trimmings should be limited to true, AMG motored cars, IMHO.
And yet the AMG-Line exterior remains one of the most popular options available, then again you also find the panorama moonroof to be a ridiculous option as well, which is another must have for a majority of buyers including myself. If you truly want a car built to your exact specifications, you will need to go higher to a level such as Bentley or Rolls.
I actually ordered executive to get the 4 zone. Also the steering but I hate empty bins where there is clearly supposed to be something but it's missing.
Nah. I’ve had cars with 4-zone climate control for 20 years, and none of them had this problem. In fact we have a 2016 Honda Pilot with 4-zone right now and it has a cavernous center console. It does not need to be in that location.
I've had a W211 with 4-zone but it is nothing more than a rear control panel and independently adjustable air flow flaps. Are you sure the others had a full HVAC system for the rear? A different thing if the W211 like 4-zone was sufficient.
So I guess it is fair to say that the favourite S-Class feature that you missed in this case is having the option to check every standalone option that you want and uncheck the ones you don't want instead of the forced trim line bundles?
Options still can be individually selected to some extent in Europe, Germany specifically but the freedom here too has moved towards feature packages.
2021 S500 (Mojave Silver), MB S400 (wife), BMW 750Li (passed on to kids)
Originally Posted by Diesel Benz
Options still can be individually selected to some extent in Europe, Germany specifically but the freedom here too has moved towards feature packages.
I think most non-US markets you can individually select; only constrained by technical issues. I was able to mix and match between lines (AMG, Exec, etc.).
I'm surprised US doesn't allow. It's not like its a separate production line and not technically possible. Just to make it easier on US dealers??? Defies logic.
I've had a W211 with 4-zone but it is nothing more than a rear control panel and independently adjustable air flow flaps. Are you sure the others had a full HVAC system for the rear? A different thing if the W211 like 4-zone was sufficient.
I had one of those too! And it worked great.. so why is a separate HVAC system needed?
I had one of those too! And it worked great.. so why is a separate HVAC system needed?
Because the S-Class has always been designed as a business car (the vast majority of them in Europe are registered to businesses).
As such, the comfort of the rear cabin is more relevant than in other cars. If the rear passenger likes to the temp to 68 while the front is set to 72, you will need a separate system. There is no way around it.
I think most non-US markets you can individually select; only constrained by technical issues. I was able to mix and match between lines (AMG, Exec, etc.).
I'm surprised US doesn't allow. It's not like its a separate production line and not technically possible. Just to make it easier on US dealers??? Defies logic.
This change in business policy has been a huge disappointment for cars like the S-class.
The problem is that MB has applied the same policy across most models.
The reason is simple, MB has been too low with the margins compared to other manufacturers. This includes initial sale and post lease disposal at auction.
Margin increases are driven by options…
I think Porsche shows exactly how much money can be made ala carte, that isn't itself an impossible business model. Not sure if that would be the right choice across the MB range but I do think a little decoupling of options would help on the upper end. I almost passed on this one because I was POed about having to buy executive just to get a few options I wanted. IMO 4 zone and rear steer should be broke out of the bundle with the VIP seat and it's associated adds bundled alone. I would also like to have been able to select the 4 seat option. I decided to go ahead and give one of these a spin but it was a narrow go.
Because the S-Class has always been designed as a business car (the vast majority of them in Europe are registered to businesses).
As such, the comfort of the rear cabin is more relevant than in other cars. If the rear passenger likes to the temp to 68 while the front is set to 72, you will need a separate system. There is no way around it.
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