superswiss

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.

SW20S

Well, lots of people love the S Class, that sort of car is just not a car for you. Handling is way down the list of things I care about. Different strokes for different folks.

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?

superswiss

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.

crabman

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.

superswiss

Haven't thought about it that way, but I like your analogy. I think RWS makes it worse in the W223. You turn the steering wheel and the way the car responds has nothing to do with how much you turned the steering wheel. A number of journalist have given the same feedback. On a curvy road it's god awful. This is something that AMG fixed at least in the EQ 53 models, partly because it turns fewer degrees and just way better tuning. It's the first thing I picked up on when driving the EQS 580 vs the 53. In the 53 you don't notice the rear steering and that's how it should be. It's the same with Porsches. They do RWS the way it should be. It should not be felt and simply make the car more agile at lower speeds, and more stable at higher speeds.

SW20S

I personally would pass on the rear wheel steering…

superswiss

I didn't think you can. You can stay with the standard 4.5 degrees instead of the optional 10 degrees, but I don't believe you can get it w/o RWS at all.

crabman

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.

crabman

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.

BenjaminKohl

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.

zukiper

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 !!!

bishop64

A happy ending!
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.

W205C43PFL

Super glad it worked out thanks so much for the update!

SW20S

Excellent! Thats great

zukiper

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.

bishop64

Good to hear this happy ending.
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.

Frenetic

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.

crabman

I always enjoy a happy ending.

zukiper

bishop64

Mr Black - an S-Class in tuxedo.

MBS63AMG

Best advice so far. My '19 was flawless.

Streamliner

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.

js_cls

Gorgeous. Those 19’s look good, and I love that the night package finally blacks the window trim out.

Streamliner

I knew there was something unusual about that car. Yes, the Night Pkg.! I had not noticed that. It does look amazing!

aypues

Those 19’s look terrific!!