Frenetic

I’m curious what the refresh will be like and I can only assume the scope will be similar to what was done to the previous S class refresh. I know this might be better served in the W222 forum, but I wanted to speculate on the W223 refresh.

Can anyone summarize the refresh changes for the W222?

1. Were the cosmetic changes concentrated on the bumper and lights?
2. Were there any interior changes?
3. Were there any mechanical changes?
4. Does anyone have any before/after refresh pictures of the W222?

I’m curious if we’ll get the E class interior or something all new assuming major changes come to the S class first?

S_W222

I've had both (W222 1st gen and W222 facelift), so I'll chime in.

For the W222 the main changes are (and I'll mention which one was well worth it or not):

1. S550 --> S560, just a new label for the V8.
2. The styling, obviously minor changes to the front and rear bumper.
3. Updated drive assist --> This was well worth it. Not because of the auto lane changes, but the lane keep assist works much better than the 1st gen.
4. The headlights and taillights. To me, I love the older headlights but the newer ones make a statement especially during the day. Also, makes the car more modern. Rear taillights they are both as good and I even like the older ones better. Usually Mbenz does NOT change the lights shapre, they fit on both cars and the car main bodies remain the same exact parts/shape/styling.
5. The big changes, to me, usually are the software. The facelift has a new COMAND system with larger active screen area, ~12.3”, and high-resolution display (also noticed much better contrast). Also got Apple CarPlay (and Android Auto integration), and the overall software gotten just slightly better. I certainly like the driver screen theme updates too, but mainly CarPlay was the biggest update
6. touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel. Some don’t like them, but they are redundant to the mouse/touch pad in the central console, as you can control the right screen from the steering, which wasn’t an option in pre-facelift.
7. Historically the facelift of S-class cars received an updated engine. W222 facelift had a new engine, much more refined than the previous one, and also a "new" 9-speed 9G-TRONIC transmission (only 2017 from the 1st gen got that new transmission coupled to the old one). I don't know if that will also occur for W223 as Mbenz stopped developing it's V8 engines, but am sure the PHEV will get better battery and range.
8. New Energizing Comfort Control, which I rarely ever used as it’s gimmicky, but the massage function was better in the facelift.

Expect similar cosmetic to design glitch-fixes in the W223 facelift now; nothing major but some changes may be worth it for some. I look forward to the new DRIVE PILOT driving assist, and if it's truly L3, it well deserve the wait.

Streamliner

With the W222, MB had an amazing car to start with. The early cars were just lovely and even though I said the opposite at the time, when I dug out a photo of my 2015 the other day, I couldn’t get over how beautiful it was—so I’ll post it here as well, along with a photo of my 2018 for comparison.

The 9-speed transmission was a great upgrade, but something happened to the software in the 2020 models and several here reported harsh shifting. Aside from that, the way all the systems worked in the facelift models seemed to be an improvement over the earlier cars. My 2015, 2018 & 2020 new cars were ordered with Magic Body Control and the system got better each year. My 2020 with 18” wheels, non-run flats and MBC was “THE” best riding car I have ever driven.

With the W223, MB has a serious mess on their hands and in my opinion, they really need to get their house in order. The electrical issues that have plagued most every W223 owner (not to mention the virtually identical issues being experienced by R232 SL owners) are just horrendously unacceptable for any automaker, let alone a marque like MB. I won’t list all the issues here, as they are near legendary on this site already.

For me, the number one thing I would love to see, is for them to completely recalibrate the EABC suspension option, so that it performs AT LEAST AS GOOD as the Magic Body Control it replaced. Right now, the $6,500.00 option is an absolute joke. I’m not holding my breath.

tx170754

To me, the the pre-facelift looks much better !

Streamliner

Yeah, that's pretty much where I am as well. I've come full circle. Whenever I see one of the older ones these days, they really catch my eye.

S_W222

Same here, but not on all aspects cosmetically, but for some reason I liked the taillights and the engine feel and performance in my pre-facelift way more than my facelift. The engine in the pre-facelift was much more responsive, felt more like a real V8 that is alive. The facelift engine is a bit boring. I drive all my car in Comfort, so am not willing to take the debate of (oh, switch it to sport). I want the car to feel alive, not sporty, and the pre-facelift had just the prefect balance. But.... because of the technology, overall I'd rather drive a facelift now that the pre-facelift though, if I ever decide to get a 3rd W222 : )

MBNUT1

Other and both being V8's, the S550 and S560 engines are completely different. Far more than a label change.

Agree 100% on the headlights. The pre-facelift headlights have far more of an elegant artistic look to them.

mercedesbuff

This is the official Press Release for the W222 facelift (model year 2018), which has a thorough rundown of all the updates/changes:

https://media.mbusa.com/releases/rel...-s-class-sedan

Frenetic

Anyone care to speculate on the changes for the w223?

Here’s my guess:

1. New headlight design.
2. Maybe new taillights?
3. E class center screen as standard. No more tablet.
4. Hyperscreen as an option?
5. Reversion to standard buttons (wishful thinking)
6. Higher output 6-cylinder found in the latest AMG53, assuming it’s even offered.
7. Mercedes drive pilot.
8. Updated base hybrid.
9. Hybrid high output 6 cylinder to replace the V8 (sacrilege lol) or no changes to the V8?
10. Revamped options, including offering rear-sear climate control either as a standalone or in more traditional option packages (wishful thinking). This, along with the HUD should be standard imo.

SW20S

Won’t lose the V8, I think your list is good

BenjaminKohl

I could see E style screen/dash coming in and optional superscreen. Drive pilot is aready possible on 2024 pre refresh, and the S500 is getting upgraded to the 449hp higher output for 2024 pre refresh as well. New headlight tailiighr and bumper designs are a definite.

Frenetic

Did they already announce the higher output 6 cylinder for 2024?

BenjaminKohl

Yes, it's on the '24 order guide.

Frenetic

I wonder if they’re going to raise the output of the V8 now for the refresh. The HP differences between the 6 Cyl and V8 is even smaller now.

SW20S

Wouldnt surprise me

BenjaminKohl

They might put the engine from the new GLE580/GLS580 (483 --> 510hp), but the biggest difference from the six to the 8 is the torque, 384 lb ft vs 516 lb ft.

S_W222

I'd still prefer to drive a V8 engine even if it has a slightly less power than a 6-cylinder engine. Driving dynamics of a V8 is different.

SW20S

I just drove a GLS580 for the first time, and we extensively drove GLS450s when we were considering those to replace the Pacifica, and the difference like in the S Class is night and day, the V8 just transforms it

crabman

Due diligence got me in the 6 for a quick test drive; probably wouldn't have made it that far if it was a V but I've a soft spot for inlines. In any event I liked the engine but the 8 does effortless better. Piston area is tough to beat on the bottom end of the range.

S_W222

The issue with GLS is that it’s hard to find a well equipped one. The leather sucks in most of trims.
There was a really nice one on cars and bids last week though.
I like the GLS, but the BMW X7 drives much better.

MBNUT1

How did you find the smoothness of the inline 6?

SW20S

I would have to order one, agreed the leather isn’t good if it’s not the Napa leather. I like the X7 too but the GLS is a better package space wise inside. I also prefer MB’s V8…

I realize you didn’t direct that at me but I found it okay but the B58 in the BMWs is smoother

crabman

The 6 starts up like the 8, you feel little when rolling it over. It's also very quiet with a smooth idle, it doesn't feel out of place in terms of any lack of refinement in my book. I can't compare it to the current BMW inlines; I haven't been in one recently.

For me, it's definitely the power; the difference in feel with the 8 is more than the numbers imply.

MBNUT1

This is what I would expect. Others have reported a difference in refinement that I don't understand from an inline 6. I get that power delivery could be wonky but given that an I6 is inherently balanced don't get why there would be any vibration.

Frenetic

Technically speaking the straight six is inherently “smoother” than the V8. The V8 requires counterweights for dampening while the straight six does not.

I’ve owned a lot of V8s and straight sixes have always been smoother in idle and acceleration. Maybe there's some psychology at play here.