W223 has the same buttons

 

It’s really not even the middle screen that bothers me, it’s the instrument cluster screen. That one just looks like “holy crap, we forgot that one! Stick it on there, Hans, and here’s the screw gun”.

I’ve taken 2 of them for a test drive, it is a quieter car than the 222, which is a tough order. I just really like the flowing dashboard on the 222 more than this. It’s like a hodgepodge of leftover parts, which is not what I want when spending $140k on a car.

 

The gauge screen is better integrated on the E Class too. Thats my big issue with the interior too, that and the black plastic center console.

 

Which is also the source of my annoyance. There’s a disconnect on the S vs the other Merc models. The lower cost car looks better for the first time, and that shouldn’t be. Even the EQS interior looks good, it’s just the outside that looks like a 90’s Apple mouse, or a poorly drawn shoe

 

I had a C Class loaner and I think it looks much better integrated on it too. There are some other interior quality quibbles over the 222 but thats the design feature that really leaves me cold.

 

This photo is basically the exact same as the S580 I had. I am just SO glad thar POS is gone!

 

Hahaha identical interior to my POS. Maybe this is the unlucky combination 🤣

 

Yes, our cars sound very similar. Mine was an “Executive Line,” in silver, with $153,700 MSRP. Prior to getting it, I had new 2013, 2015, 2018 & 2020 S Class sedans, all with either ABC or MBC. After watching that lavish launch video that the MB CEO did, I expected the W223 to be this “Moon Shot” step upward, especially in ride quality, with the highly touted $6,500 EABC.

I leased my 2022 at the height of the CCP virus fiasco, from an out of town dealer, without test driving it—a mistake I will never make again—and was so utterly disappointed with it when it was delivered to my home. I changed tires twice, getting some improvement in ride quality, but it never got close to the ride quality in any of my W222’s. Then, there were just SO many irritating issues, as we have both listed here. After owning 17 brand new MB’s, it is my opinion that the W223’s were not engineered to the same extent as previous models, were not tested as stringently and not sorted out properly prior to launch.

I also believe this mess was due to virus related issues in Germany, along with the fact that MB was just so wrapped up in the EQS launch at the exact same time, that the W223 did not get the attention it deserved. In the end, it became a case of “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” as so many—myself included—could not believe that this new Wunder Barge COULD possibly be anything less than magnificent, but we were all wrong. The W222 is by far the better car, in my humble opinion.

 

I like the center screen design; modern, sleek, functional. Execution is another matter, hate the cheap black plastic.

Another, nuther matter is the driver's screen: Should be under a hood rather than dropped on the dash. Doesn't matter if it's the center screen or a drivers display I've never found the dropped on the dash look attractive. Also when a headsup display is used a hood better integrates it into the dash by somewhat obscuring or hiding it. That latter point is aesthetically consequential here because you have what appears to be the top of a trash can set in behind the drivers display, which itself is just sitting out in space. Not good.

 

This is a question for those who owned and drove the W223 long enough under all conditions (not just test drives):

• Have you noticed any reflection from the infotainment screen under various weather conditions? Any increased glare when the sunroof is opened or from the windshield as it sun rays hit the infotainment screen?
• I never noticed in my W222 but it was ticked inside the dashboard anyway. All my BMWs have an un-covered on-dash screens but they set really straight in parallel with the z-axis. My Tesla has a massive screen a mechanical swivel left-right function but it also sets straight and I see zero glare or reflection whatsoever
• My concern with the W223 screen is that I feel it may cause glare during certain times of the day. Even though I rented a W223 for ~6 days a few months ago, I never drove it enough and it was at a time wherein whether was mostly cloudy where I live.
• Is it true that reflection is controlled well in the W223, or was it just the fact I drove mostly during cloudy days?
• For those who owns the PHEV, what is the percentage of EV range drop during winter? 50%? 70%? please share both the summer range and winter range or a %s, not just what you see in winter. I meant to see the difference between hot and extremely cold. It it's not too much to ask, please share the temperatures for your data points.

Thanks. I can start a thread if am hijacking the thread here and won't get responses but I feel it is relevant to the topic with enough posters here who owned the W223 long enough.

 

Yes the instrument cluster makes the car a non-starter.

 

Sunlight is not an issue. There are reflections from the HVAC vents on top of the dash. Don't notice after a little time, but they are prominent when I've been out of it for a while.

 

This is my opinion as well on all points.

 

I test drove the W223 S580 three separate times trying to justify the upgrade. Something about it just didn't t click. It's not just one thing. It's all those little things that everyone mentioned that add up to a car I didn't want to upgrade too. So I kept my 2020 S560 (Fully loaded with MBC and 4-seat configuration with rear trays and all...) and can't be happier. I too am waiting to see the refreshed version. Hopefully it looks and feels much more cohesive and doesn't suffer from all those gremlins.

 

If there is one thing that am excited about or looking forward to, it would be a slight adjustment to the drivetrain, even if it remains the same, and a must-have refined transmission. Over the past two decades, I have been disappointed with every Mbenz transmission in every Mbenz I have owned. The drivetrain has also been a source of frustration and takes a way a lot from the ownership experience (especially when your garage has another V8 that is a BMW!!). Honestly, the pre-facelift W222 provided a me a more enjoyable driving experience as its engine feeling more responsive (despite not being as refined mechanically). Now I agree that the facelift W222 offers a much smoother drivetrain and improved transmission, I still like the responsiveness and feel of the pre-facelift model engine (not the transmission though).

I spent enough time driving the W223, I noticed that its drivetrain dynamics are very similar to the facelift W222 (which is not surprising given their mechanical similarities). As a BMW fan honestly, I just find it hard to appreciate Mbenz drivetrains especially when I am in the mode of racing my car a bit. Perhaps owning an AMG model in the future might change my perspective, but my dissatisfaction primarily comes from the poor and rough transmission behavior in the Mbenz.

I hope that the facelifted W223 will address these transmission issues, and am really looking forward to it and can't even wait. For those who have been loyal Mbenz drivers all their lives, my points above might seem unreasonable and exaugurated. However, I urge you to rent any V8 BMW for a week or more and you will understand my frustration and recognize the poorly engineered nature of Mbenz transmissions coupled to a V8 engine. Still, even the current drivetrain won't stop me from considering the W223 as am really tempted.. the car is just a great car that I'd gladly except the less than ideal transmission and engine dynamics just like I already did several times.

 

Personally I much prefer the V8 Mercedes to the V8 BMWs. The ZF transmission in the V8 BMWs is better, but I don’t have any issues with the transmission in my particular car, nor did I in the 223 once I shut off the engine stop start. In sport engine/transmission mode I think it’s very smooth and refined and plenty punchy. I find the V8 in the BMW louder and coarser, which is by design it’s just not something that appeals to me.

 

I have had my S580 for over 18 months now and will respond to your questions in order
-not noticed any notable reflection, I really like the centre information screen, looks really modern and cool. Have received several compliments from passengers.
-theres some technical glitches which seem to be cured with software updates

 

Shoot Bubba; our cars are almost broken down old antiques and I have no idea what to buy next. Wud are we gunna do?

 

I appreciate it; thanks!

 

Crab, Im really torn. This week Im thinking of keeping the S580 as my daily and adding a sports car. My brain tells me "Seriously... good luck getting in and out of a low slung sports car old man...youre gonna hate it and its going to become a garage queen!", my heart says "you only live once dude surely you have one more sports car in you...go for it stud!!!".

Last week I was thinking ahh "It would be nice to trade the S580 in on a nice super SUV...nice to have the seat at the height of your derrier...so comfortable...oh yeah baby."

So in all honesty Crab, I don't have an fing clue!!!

 

I tried the self parking feature in a Costco parking lot, away from the masses but still where there were some cars parked. To get this thing to work is like rubbing your stomach and patting your head while standing on one foot. I was use to the 222 where you put in reverse a beep and press ok. Not so with 223. This and those blasted doors are chewing on me. Sometimes, more tech is not equal to more luxury. MB better get on the ball and quickly. As a long time customer, I'm beginning to get the a*s with this thing. Especially at $150K.

 

Try a new S63 once it gets here, or a refreshed GT. Both fast and comfy.

 

Same problem with my old butt not wanting to get out of the saddle and I miss my beloved Porsche's. Not sure I want to go back there though; I already know I've gotten to the point where I'll find excuses not to drive a sports car if I buy another. Just the same I have to admit I've been thinking about another toy and see what happens with the refresh. I did go by the Porsche dealer to have a look at a GT3 Touring but they didn't have a Cayenne S on the lot that wasn't sold so I couldn't drive one while I was there. I decided to skip driving the base cars they had, not interested in those. I'd still like to test the alleged new cush it's said can be found there; still don't believe it, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.

Realistically we should be getting some solid information on the 223 refresh soon if it comes in 25 as people are saying. That may be my top choice depending on what they do with this thing.

 

I owned a GT3 many years ago and it almost broke my back. The GT3 Touring is gorgeous however it’s still too stiff for me. I’m tempted by the Targa 4 or 4S. They sit a little bit higher than the normal Carerra S models and are a little more GT oriented. Not too mention they look gorgeous. Need to drive one first!!
If I do add a sports car I’ll probably just keep the S580 for several more years. If I don’t add the sports car then I’ll probably go the super suv route and trade in the S580. All good problems to have!!

 

Only because you guys are discussing this: I've had back problems for over 40 years and "THE" most comfortable, sporty convertible I have ever driven, is the last generation of the MB SL. The R231 cars, when equipped with ABC and Exclusive Nappa Leather are just absolutely marvelous from a comfort standpoint. With ABC, not only is the ride quality tremendously better than non-ABC cars, but with the touch of a button, the car rises up to meet your backside! If you don't treat public streets & highways as though they were an F1 track, choose the SL450 with less weight over the front end and the ride quality is truly exceptional for a two-seat drop top--and the cars are still quite quick. These much maligned cars are, in my humble opinion, one of "THE" best MB's ever produced and can be had for a song these days.