SW20S

In the 222 you could click a button in the infotainment and count to 3 before it would carry out the function

W205C43PFL

MBUX was a selling point (compared to competitors) when it first debuted in the A-Class, MBUX 2.0 is just an improvement in that regards so I am not surprised.

W205C43PFL

Sorry about that, my apologies, I must had not slept enough, I read back what you said and realized I missed some points. Sorry about that.

W205C43PFL

Sounds like zero layer is to be thanked here.

W205C43PFL

Given you had both (W222 and W223), your opinion and experience is more authentic experience than quite a bit of forum members and the journalists out there that had it for only a few hours. The 2024 probably also fixed a lot of software and mechanical glitches when the W223 first came out so that too elevated your experience.

SW20S

There is also quite frankly a predisposition to prefer what somebody has over what they may not be able to obtain. There is a Facebook Reel I saw where they were showing a video of the Bugatti Tourbillon and the way its gauges move with its steering wheel and the guy was like "Nope, I don't like that one bit, I think I'll just stick with my 2004 F150 over the new Bugattis" lol.

Streamliner

The W222’s DID ride better, a LOT better, IF you ordered Magic Body Control. The MBC equipped W222’s were, in my humble opinion (I had three of them) “THE” best riding & handling big sedans ever built. I’ve never driven a newer Rolls-Royce, so I won’t include them, but without the technological marvel of MBC, I cannot imagine them comparing favorably.

SW20S

Very few W222s have MBC though

W205C43PFL

I guess that makes them feel better

W205C43PFL

Yes sadly this is true, MBC was quite an expensive option (was it 6500?) (not sure why you would skimp on it still on being an S-Class) but apparently people think alike or the comfort was just enough for them.

SW20S

I think it has to do with what was built and was on dealer lots in inventory, and the fact that you could not get MBC and 4Matic.

W205C43PFL

4MATIC isn't really needed in California I don't think 🤔

Streamliner

I believe the MBC was a $4,500.00 option.

W205C43PFL

That is not too bad.

Streamliner

Unfortunately, new vehicle sales people want to sell what they have in stock. If none of their S560’s in stock had MBC—which virtually none ever did—and a customer was leaning towards placing a special order, in many cases, the salesperson would actually talk down MBC, still trying to steer the customer towards a car in stock. Dealers would order cars with the AMG Line body for $5,900.00 or the $4,900.00 Magic Sky Control, because those options were visual, but would not order cars with the $4,450.00 MBC, because it was anything BUT visual. Indeed, it is virtually impossible to tell if a W222 has MBC, without turning on the ignition and looking at the dash as you toggle through the suspension settings. Oh well, some folks buy “off the rack,” while others insist on “made to measure.”

W205C43PFL

That is a shame : (

Good things that are left undiscovered/underappreciated is probably the worse types of things to happen.

W205C43PFL

no chickens are harmed in the making of this video:

SW20S

Personally I never had any interest in MBC. The car rode great without it…

W205C43PFL

You said the W223 rides better so I am curious if the difference is less (or much less) if comparing MBC and the W223 ride.

SW20S

Couldnt say, never driven one with MBC. My understanding the real claim to fame of the MBC is the ability to manage body movement and squat and dive etc.

Streamliner

Magic Body Control delivered what I would call “Otherworldly” ride quality. It made road imperfections virtually disappear. When the “Curve” setting was engaged—which is the setting I always used—the car leaned INTO turns, like a motorcycle, which was a truly amazingly comfortable experience. In all fairness, EABC has the Curve setting as well and it does work great, but that’s where the positive comparison ends. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss having MBC in my current, very basic S560. The difference in ride quality, comfort & handling was absolutely DAY AND NIGHT different.

W205C43PFL

I see, is it still based on Airmatic or ABC (Active Body Control, not talking about Air Body Control)?

Streamliner

Magic Body Control IS Active Body Control or “ABC” with the addition of a camera system that scans the road, so that suspension adjustments are made before the tires hit road imperfections.

S_W222

I think the performance of MBC and E-ABC for “normal” straight (but not perfect) road is exaggerated (just my personal opinion). I test drove a few W222s with MBC, and a few GLS, and had only one W223 I ever drove with EABC.
I do agree that that way it handles the car on curves feels like MAGIC. But, on straight roads with potholes, or somewhat rough roads, I found it to be less comfortable than Airmatic (in fact many YouTubers reported the same - it felt more stiff). Am not sure if it has a limit for handling signal with very short wavelength or whatever as opposed to curves and bouncy roads that cameras and sensor can easily detect in advance with enough time to adjust for it, but certainly that added hydraulic/oil based component caused the ride to be more stiff than Airmatic on straight rough roads (which is honestly 98% of the ride anywhere!).

W205C43PFL

I heard the limitation of the MBC is when driving in poor visibility conditions or especially at night.