Since I am not allowed to express how much inferior the W223 is to the other models without getting called a troll or a “teen”, let me hear it from you: what was so good in the W223 that the W221/222 didn’t offer?

thanks.

 

Augmented reality HUD, rear wheel steering, 100+ km electric range on a hybrid including DC-charging, Digital Light, enhanced parking assist, remote parking, MBUX, touch screen for those who like it,... Must have forgotten several more important features. Having owned a V221 and a V222, I'd say nothing really wrong with either one but specifically the 221 is so outdated already, even pre-facelift W222 lacks features like Mercedes Me remote access. Age an mileage alone are quite often a sufficient reason to go for a W223.

 

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Most of these (besides the rear wheel steering) are gizmos that I can live without, I would be interested in somebody's input who owns a 223 and did own a facelift 222 about the difference in rides and the quietness of both cars.
Streamliner, your take ?

 

Most of that stuff isn't essential is it? only essential to what we think we need. It's amusing how everyone thinks they need to be connected to every internet source all of the time 24/7

 

What is essential? A car as such is not necessarily essential. If it was, it would not have to be a W221 or a W222, or a W140. It is amusing how people are blind for views and preferences that differ from their own.

 

The search for confirmation bias knows no bounds.

 

Because I could!

 

Sorry for the long post, but I need to give a bit of history.

My first new MB was a 1979 450SL. I drove Hondas & Toyotas for many years, just so I could have a new SL in the garage. After many BMW 7’s & Lexus LS sedans, I got my first S Class, a W221, in 2013. The dealer screwed up and what was supposed to be a silver car came in as black. Even though I absolutely LOVED that W221, I hated the black color and traded it for an ML350BT. I did not like the ML, so I ordered a 2015 S550 with MBC.

I was never thrilled with the exterior of the W222’s, but with MBC, 18” wheels and non-run flats on all of them, I just LOVED the way they drove. Ride quality was off the charts. Since I lease, my 2015 segued into a 2018.

Seeing pre-production photos and reading magazine articles on the W223, I had a feeling that there would be issues with the new car. So, pretty much at the last minute, I ordered myself a 2020 S560. I figured that I would keep this car longer term, or until something better came along. So, wouldn’t you know it, after three, flawless S Class cars, the 2020 was plagued by a harsh shifting transmission that MB couldn’t or wouldn’t fix and they offered to buy the car back. I kept putting off the buyback until the 2022 models were available, hoping that most bugs would have been dealt with.

Now, I will admit to being “seduced” by the new interior colors and I do like the exterior styling. The idea of 10 degree rear axle steering was also a huge enticement. The reviews of how wonderful E-ABC was, had my overly sensitive back side lusting for the new car, “imagining” that the ride & comfort would be off the charts. So, I leased a truly loaded, 2022 Executive Line, which brings us to the present time and here are my thoughts:


1. My 2013 had ABC. All my 222’s had MBC. so I hope we can all stipulate that I KNOW how these cars can ride. The new car, with the $6,500.00 E-ABC option does not ride anywhere nearly as good as ANY of my previous S Class cars, PERIOD!

2. As an older fellow, I find the center “iPad” screen to be horrendously distracting. Unless I want to “talk” to my car or “gesture” to my car—which I DON’T—I have to take my eyes off the road to fool with the controls.

3. The exterior door handles are a nightmare. Worst of all, is that they were unneeded and one can only conclude that MB just HAD to copy Tesla. It will be very interesting to see how these ridiculous, overly complex handles age over time. MB took an absolutely PERFECT design, as used on the W222, that had been refined and proven in millions of vehicles and just had to “FIX” it. Absolute IDIOCY!

4. The wide opening doors WITHOUT electric closing assist, are ridiculous. I am 6’1” and wear a 34” sleeve shirt. If I have problems reaching the doors to close them, I can only imagine what it must be like for a diminutive person. Even the new Genesis has electric door closing assist. Stuttgart could give us pop-out door handles, but not a door closing assist. Go figure.

5. The steering wheel on the face lifted W222’s was PERFECT. Beautifully finished in that rich, gorgeous, satin silver, with controls that were easily operated by touch. The new steering wheel, with its high gloss, black, plastic finish attracts dust like a vacuum cleaner. For me, operating the controls requires that I look at them, taking my eyes off the road. Once again, MB changed something that was perfect, to make it much less user friendly and cheap looking.

6. The cockpit instrument cluster design looks like it should be in a Nissan Sentra. It looks as though it was installed as an afterthought.. Where is the refinement, the luxury or the essence of incorporation? I guess they figured that since they were hot gluing an iPad to the center stack, they might as well continue the design element to the instrument cluster. Not good.

7. Front seat storage capacity is minuscule for such a large car. The center console bin is so shallow, it holds almost nothing. That’s because the engineering juggernaut known as Mercedes-Benz could not design a better way to channel the rear seat ventilation ducts. They could have done better, but I guess they spent their engineering wad on the door handles. Oh well.

8. W221 & W222 cars were available with 18” wheels, which I am a huge fan of. With the W223, they decided to shove the bigger brake package down our throats, so 19” wheels are now the best we can do. You can get 18’s on a W223 in Germany, but not here. Thanks MB!

9. The truly fabulous 10 degree rear axle steering is available as a STAND ALONE option in Germany and other markets. In the USA, they make you jump to the Executive Line, which makes one spend many thousands on other options, just to get the 10 degree rear axle steering. I always knew that MB took us for saps, this insanity validates my suspicions. As my old CPA used to say: “The Germans are laughing at us.”

The W223 isn’t a bad car, it just isn’t what it should be and to this owner, it is extremely disappointing.

 

Streamliner,
Thank you very much ! This is what I wanted.

 

Very good point
And yes, I am one of those totally blind to anything but my own thoughts and opinions kind of people

 

oh good lord..the moment i saw this title on the list i immediately thought "here we go with another blowhard (and long-winded) response by u-know-who!"
thanks for not disappointing @Streamliner !

 

This is my 9th Benz, 8th S class. In between some of those purchases I owned other high end cars (BMW 740i, Lexus LS 460, Audi A8L, BMW 760i). I love the S, but was always looking for Nervana….just the perfect car. Never found it. And with my 223, I still haven’t but I do love the car.

To answer the question posed in this thread, I had an S560 2020. From the day I drove it off the lot I loved the car but the transmission shifting from 3 to 2 was rough and drove me crazy. MB bought the car back after 10 months of pretending to fix it and I went to the BMW 760i for 15 months. The car is ok, but doesn’t have the panache nor the comfort of the S. So, 12 months in I ordered the S580 and now drove the 2022 model. I do love the car notwithstanding it’s faults. I have owned 41 cars in my 53 years of driving and I’m finally starting to realize there is no perfect car. I’m a slow learner.

 

People who buy new cars, buy new cars. Even if a W222 or a W221 were "superior", when shopping for a new car I would only consider what is new and currently available, so the only S Class I would consider is the W223. Never bought a used car in my life and I have no interest in starting now.

 

Both Pcars I had were used: 2 of the best gad damn cars I've ever owned....but traded them for more family oriented cars.....and hate myself daily haha, but really. You can find some great used cars. I get it though, buying new is always very satisfying.

 

I just have no interest in a used car, nothing against others that do. The idea though that people who bought W223s chose them over W222s or 221s isn’t accurate, as a lot of buyers here wouldn’t have considered a used car.

 

That day I stopped off by Porsche I had the intent of configuring and ordering a Caymen.......ended up buying a Targa 4S.......hot damn! Came the next day to pick it up since
I bought it on a whim and paid cash too..... my wife was, uh, er......surprised

 

The problem with used cars these days, especially higher end German cars, is the cost of upkeep and repairs. Driving something like a W222 without a good warranty is like playing Russian Roulette. Losing an engine or transmission can be catastrophic, but even replacing AirMatic components can be quite costly. As the cars age and get higher mileage, some of the recommended services can cost thousands as well. So, buying new for some of us is just the way to go. For me, the whole idea of ordering a new car is quite exciting and something I truly enjoy—most of the time.

 

Which is why I got rid of all my other Benzes after the warranty went dry....bought 'em all new......cash, never leased......and now I kind of baby my AMG......but only kind of
My wifes mum just spent over 6K in about 3 weeks on her 2011 ML350, so yes, you do speak the truth.

 

For someone who is 17, I cannot justify spending $100,000 more on a vehicle (223 vs used 222) because it has rear wheels that turn, gimmicky pop-out door handles, and 2 samsung tablets glued to the dash. With the W222, there aren't stupid option packages found on the W223. I wanted ABC and, so, I got one with ABC; the suspension wasn't tied to a $10,000 option package. Furthermore, I find MBUSA's handling of the W223's launch completely inappropriate. Selling a luxury vehicle that may or may not have the options ordered is ridiculous. Vehicles produced for the European market were not nearly as affected as those for the U.S market; largely because every option is separate. For 1/3 of the price, I find the W222 to be just as much of a luxury car as the W223 is. No one has ever mistaken my S550 for what it is; a 7 year old vehicle. I, like many others, find the interior & exterior to be timeless & purposeful. The W222 air vents gently whirl air throughout the cabin which cannot be said about the W223. Instead, the air vents in the latter vehicle blow air directly into your eyes while also reflecting beams of light directly into your eyes; I would not consider this "new and improved". As someone who appreciates technology, once again, I cannot fathom spending $100,000 for what? A better HUD? Perhaps updated assist features? A flex? Possibly that is the main difference between the W222 and W223- status- something I have no care for.

 

Hard to fathom a lot of things when you’re 17 lol

 

Because it fits my needs plain and simple. I have always preferred sportier cars, even as I grew older, I loved my CLS 53, I still find that it was the perfect mix of Gran Touring and Sport, and it was gorgeous inside and out, my first Benz and still my favorite. That being said, for my job I need a car that can carry up to four people, as well as eat up long drives on highways. I had no issue with the CLS' ride, but the backseat was tight obviously due to the sleek design. The E53 did cross my mind but I wanted something different and the backseat is still not the largest in the world.

I've always wanted an S-Class, I just love the looks of most generations (excluding the W220, and non-sport 221's have not aged well), they have a gorgeous and stately design, with just enough flash, but still understated, and I loved the way the W223 drove and the supremely comfortable ride and interior. I had taken my boss' S580 on a trip a while back before I got mine and I was completely relaxed and loved the drive. I tried the 7er but I found it ugly and outdated looking, and the new one while it has a beautiful interior, got even worse on the outside. The A8L was nice, but I preferred the V8 which is now only offered in the S8 and I am not a fan of the styling, far too anonymous and bland. Sales are so low that its hard to find one that isn't black or grey. I'm not a fan of the Lexus' V6, and Genesis dealers here are awful so that took care of those two.

When I saw my S-Class on the showroom floor I knew it was mine, I loved the White on Red combo, and look back at it all the time. Even this weekend, I went to NY, the capital of S-Class'. Every corner I looked there was a Black W223, but even still, my white S-Class just stood out a bit more in a sea of black sedans.

 

Give the kid a break. SMH.

 

Sorry, when a 17 year old high school kid comes in and lectures a bunch of adults making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year shopping for and buying $130k cars about value, I'm doing him a favor by not giving him a break lol.

I thought I was pretty smart and worldly when I was 17 too. I wasn't. He's a super sharp kid, I've seen him post, but hes out of his league on this topic.

 

I would have been afraid to dip my toe in the waters here at 17, not sure what portion of that came from foolhardiness versus bravery but kudos for whatever portion came from the latter. Actually, I'd also give a thumbs up for admitting to being 17 in the first place, so many would not have done that. But... you're not wrong.