Turfello

Hi guys!

I have been using my s90 for about 4 years. But I don't like their suspension. They are very stiff and you can feel all kinds of road imperfections.

I've heard that with the new w223 suspensions (without e-abc) you can feel every small bump.

So my question is, is it worth it to exchange my s90 for an s-class by spending the extra $50,000 for its comfort espacially for suspension and road noise?

Baloo588

You are asking a question that is very easy to answer. The S class will always have the most superior air suspension. Doesn't matter if you have abc or not. Stick with the 20 inch rims or smaller and it will be smooth as glass for you. I have 21s and it's very smooth. Volvo all have flinty rides and it's incomparable to the S. Definitely take one for a test drive and see how you feel. You will be impressed.

crabman

Yep, a test drive will answer the question better than any of us can. Stay away from 21s, AMG has a nice twisted spoke 20 and the luxury/exec have a decent 19 and 20" option.

DoctorDash

While the S90 is a nice looking car, its not even comparable to the S class. The interior cabin, technology, and ride quality isn't even in the same league

bishop64

It is hard to say as you are asking a 'worth or not' question which is basically a question of 'value' and it is highly subjective.
An S-Class can buy you just about two S90s.

If it is primarily the suspension of am S90 that does not satisfy you, maybe you can try/test drive their optional air suspension, which is reportedly a marked improvement over their basic suspension.
As pointed out by others above, an S-Class and an S90 are not of the same league. Do test drive one and let your bottom answers your own question.

crabman

I decided to go look at the Volvo configurator; I agree with the others as I didn't realize the Volvo is such a long ways down market, the S class is in another league. I'm thinking you're are going to be in a car roughly twice as expensive if you indulge in a few options and in my opinion you do need to indulge in a few options to get the full S class experience. Others might disagree but that's my opinion. Considering the significant delta in pricing I feel confident you're going to notice quite a difference in everything you see and touch during the test drive. Do give us your impressions afterwards, I'm curious how you see things on the other side of the test drive.

js_cls

While you're at it check out an E-Class with Airmatic. No need to spend $50k more when the E-Class is a closer competitor to the S90 and has an excellent air suspension and numerous different models and bodystyles to choose from.

bishop64

This is a good suggestion.
The dimensions of an S90 is much closer to an E-Class than to an S-Class, making comparing the S90 with an E-Class more fair and logical.

mercedesmax

Having owned an S90 and having driven the E Class the E Class with the steel suspension rides much better. With air suspension the difference is more dramatic.

SW20S

The S Class and S90 are in completely different leagues. The S Class is the best riding car you can buy south of $300,000, you will find cars that ride about as well, but not "better". They come with run flat tires and if you get big wheels it will hurt the ride quality. Stay with 19s or 20s and get rid of the run flats and you will love how it rides.

odesskiy

I had a Volvo S60 Polestar and it was basically a 4-door sports car. Ridiculously tight (albeit adjustable) Ohlins suspension, Brembo breaks, etc. It was a lot of fun to drive, but yes, I definitely felt every tiny bump and road imperfection. The interior is practically the same between S60 and S90, so I'm well familiar with the layout and technology. My car had the optional Bower and Wilkins system, which was amazing but definitely nowhere close the sound from optional Burmeister 4D in the Benz. The S-Class is a huge luxo-boat that puts emphasis on comfort and luxury above all else, completely different class of vehicle and a completely different price category. The ride especially with the E-ABC is amazing. I really wish my car didn't come with 21" wheels for many reasons including exploding Pirelli tires, but the ride is amazing even with those wheels. If you end up with one, definitely make sure you forego the 21's as others have said. Keep in mind, that some S-Classes including mine are afflicted with quite a few software gremlins. Read the forum before making a decision. If I had to make a decision again, I would NOT get the S580 and probably give Audi S8 a much closer look.

MBS63AMG

Best bet is to buy a low mileage S560 W222.
NO PROBLEMS, NO PROBLEMS.

MBS63AMG

Also a good idea. great mileage.

kafklatsch

I was going to make that comparison between the E class and the Volvo S90.... For many years I maintained an S90 and E420... The E420 was a better car and it aged much more gracefully.... The S90 by comparison Require much more TLC To keep it in top condition.... I drove both as a daily drivers and the E class was clearly the better car

Although not very relevant to the conversation I do remember the leather seats in my E420 look new the entire time I had the car which was many years and the leather Volvo seats started to crack and look really bad after just a few years... In both cases i rarely treated the seats

Ironically that was my last non S Class Mercedes and I can assure you that Volvo is not in that same category and really should not be compared.... Not a knock on the volvo really, as the price point is already a clear indicator.. In my opinion even the E is much better but certainly the conversation can be had