Not disappointed with the S580, with Mercedes Benz USA and with my dealership
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,429
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
The S Class handles poorly to you because you are accustomed to a C63S. I wouldn't drive a C63 if someone gave me one, it has no appeal to me at all, zero. The S Class handles very well for what it is, as someone who has driven this type of car for many years and driven all the competitors over and over again I can tell you with 100% certainty that is true, at least of my W222, I haven't had enough seat time in a 223 to say that but the ones I have driven lead me to believe that is also true.
You saying the S Class handles poorly is like me saying the C63S rides poorly. It does, to me but that's not what the car is about or for.
You saying the S Class handles poorly is like me saying the C63S rides poorly. It does, to me but that's not what the car is about or for.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
Originally Posted by superswiss;[url=tel:8711492
8711492]Yep, that's absolutely correct, but if you just say good handling that sets expectations. You have to qualify it. It handles well for what it is and the class it is, but on an absolute scale of handling it's closer to the bottom. You just can't have a pampered ride like the S Class offers and objectively have good handling. Just doesn't work. The S Class flops around and has terrible steering feel. I can't tell what's going on when driving it. But that's not what it is designed for obviously, but it could still be better. An S63 perhaps has good handling. I haven't driven one, but for example I drove the EQS 580, followed by the EQS 53 and there are worlds between the two when it comes to handling.
Doesn’t change the fact that as far as big flagship sedans go, the S Class handles quite well. Have you ever driven a Lexus LS? Or an Audi A8? Or a Jaguar XJ? Or anything else in this class?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Yes, I have driven the A8. The S Class is more plush and more luxuries than an A8, but I wouldn't say it moves the needle in the handling department or steering feel. They are both totally numb and have zero communication. I've also driven the BMW 7 series and it probably has them both beat in the handling department, much better throttle response, too.
Last edited by superswiss; Jan 29, 2023 at 04:51 PM.
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23 S580 Executive
Agree on the steering; it's awful in comfort: There is zero communication; it's like you turn the wheel and the tires just sort of flop one way or the other. Eventually you can train yourself to have some idea about the amount of flop the rubber bands in between the steering wheel and tires will produce but there's nothing luxurious about that.
I get it's supposed to isolated, that's a given. No, I'm not suggesting it should be lively, that you should feel every pebble, none of that. But while I was searching in my mind for a way to describe the steering feel, one analogy I was considering was stepping in cat feces in the dark on a middle of the night bathroom run.
I would submit that should not be among the possible analogies one could use to describe the steering on any car.
I get it's supposed to isolated, that's a given. No, I'm not suggesting it should be lively, that you should feel every pebble, none of that. But while I was searching in my mind for a way to describe the steering feel, one analogy I was considering was stepping in cat feces in the dark on a middle of the night bathroom run.
I would submit that should not be among the possible analogies one could use to describe the steering on any car.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,429
Likes: 5,336
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Agree on the steering; it's awful in comfort: There is zero communication; it's like you turn the wheel and the tires just sort of flop one way or the other. Eventually you can train yourself to have some idea about the amount of flop the rubber bands in between the steering wheel and tires will produce but there's nothing luxurious about that.
I get it's supposed to isolated, that's a given. No, I'm not suggesting it should be lively, that you should feel every pebble, none of that. But while I was searching in my mind for a way to describe the steering feel, one analogy I was considering was stepping in cat feces in the dark on a middle of the night bathroom run.
I would submit that should not be among the possible analogies one could use to describe the steering on any car.
I get it's supposed to isolated, that's a given. No, I'm not suggesting it should be lively, that you should feel every pebble, none of that. But while I was searching in my mind for a way to describe the steering feel, one analogy I was considering was stepping in cat feces in the dark on a middle of the night bathroom run.
I would submit that should not be among the possible analogies one could use to describe the steering on any car.
Last edited by superswiss; Jan 29, 2023 at 05:17 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,429
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
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23 S580 Executive
Yeah, I've had rear wheel for a few cars now, it's great the way they do it at Porsche. I love it with this car in the lots; the 10 degree is game changing. It's oddball out on the road when combined with the comfort steering at moderate in town speeds because you get the feces effect. It's fine if you put it in sport steering though; you just need some idea of what's going on with your wheels and all is well.
Fortunately that in no way reduces the luxury quotient because sport is still massively boosted so effort remains one finger and isolation strong.
Fortunately that in no way reduces the luxury quotient because sport is still massively boosted so effort remains one finger and isolation strong.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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23 S580 Executive
The luxury line is sans RWS in the US. I absolutely would not skip it though; it's a beautiful thing when parking. It only detracts in the lower speed window while it's still counter-steering and while you have the steering in comfort. The fix is to set individual on sport steering and your good to go.
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Joined: Jul 2019
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From: Westchester, NY
2014 Mercedes E350 4matic Wagon, 2018 Fiat 124 Spyder Lusso manual, 2005 Acura TSX manual
No, in the US the Luxury line has no rear wheel steering and the AMG line offers the rear wheel steering as a $1300 option but it's not super common. Maybe 25-40\% of AMG lines I've seen have it. That one is 4.5 degrees. Only the executive line has RWS standard, in this case 10 degrees, but it's a very uncommon model.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 68
Likes: 76
From: Dallas TEXAS
S580 4matic 2023
Latest Update
My dealership loaned me a similarly equipped S580, with the only difference being the loaner has 21 inch rims and my older one had 20 inch rims.
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 893
Likes: 397
From: Hong Kong, China
2021 S450 4Matic
My dealership loaned me a similarly equipped S580, with the only difference being the loaner has 21 inch rims and my older one had 20 inch rims.
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
Good also that you take the time to report this to make the story complete.
Going down from 21'' to 20'' or 19'' is a smart and comfortable move.
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Joined: Dec 2019
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My dealership loaned me a similarly equipped S580, with the only difference being the loaner has 21 inch rims and my older one had 20 inch rims.
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,110
Likes: 4,595
From: Maryland
2024 S580
My dealership loaned me a similarly equipped S580, with the only difference being the loaner has 21 inch rims and my older one had 20 inch rims.
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
Even with the lower sidewalls, the loaner vehicle drives MUCH better, no roll/sway, planted to the road, as one would expect from an S-Class.
Dealership has now agreed to swap my old vehicle for the new loaner (for a small fee) and is currently looking for 19 inch wheels to replace the 21 inch, at my request.
Am happy the dealership chose this route, as my "other" route was a long, expensive legal battle, which they would have most likely lost at the end.
Also happy that MBz brand DOES stand behing its products and customers !!!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 68
Likes: 76
From: Dallas TEXAS
S580 4matic 2023
UPDATE - Issue resolved
Today, we resolved all the issues of ride quality. We swapped to a new S580, 19inch Wheels.
What Can I say...
Now the ride is what you would expect from the S-class.
Still plan to dump my RUNFLATS for some softer tires...maybe DWS 06 or RX (continental)
Stay safe everyone.
What Can I say...
Now the ride is what you would expect from the S-class.
Still plan to dump my RUNFLATS for some softer tires...maybe DWS 06 or RX (continental)
Stay safe everyone.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 893
Likes: 397
From: Hong Kong, China
2021 S450 4Matic
Today, we resolved all the issues of ride quality. We swapped to a new S580, 19inch Wheels.
What Can I say...
Now the ride is what you would expect from the S-class.
Still plan to dump my RUNFLATS for some softer tires...maybe DWS 06 or RX (continental)
Stay safe everyone.
What Can I say...
Now the ride is what you would expect from the S-class.
Still plan to dump my RUNFLATS for some softer tires...maybe DWS 06 or RX (continental)
Stay safe everyone.
Maybe you can wrap up this thread with some nice pics of your nice car?
I am sure many of us would admire your new beauty.
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Joined: Jun 2019
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From: Costco
2023 S500
I’m always extremely wary of buying ultra low mileage used cars. The question that crosses my mind is: why did the previous owner dump it after 1,500 miles? For example, my GLE was a turd with many, many issues. I traded it it with 2k miles on it. It’s currently listed for sale. God bless whoever buys that thing.
But I’m glad it all worked out.
But I’m glad it all worked out.
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Black cars are so good looking when they are brand new. Unfortunately, to a “glass half empty” guy like me, they look dirty, 15 minutes after leaving the car wash. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,139
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
