I don't recall ever looking at the analog clock in my two W222s (not even once). I prefer digital watches, aka apple watch, which I wear ALL the time. I only wear a traditional watch for extremely formal occasions, such as a weddings and the like. I think mbenz is (rightfully) following the larger pool of owner who can be from a certain generation that prefers digital dashboards, larger screens and mostly touch-only, and LED. I personally hate the very large touch screens and lack of physical buttons, but I like where mbenz is heading generally speaking as far as the design language, LEDs, med-to-large screens, piano-black trim, etc. What I dislike is the lack of premium materials in certain areas around the cabin in vehicles like the S and even more in the GLS. BMW isn't much better in this department, but the fitment is definitely better in some areas and they seem to use less plastic or more leather all around.

 

Having also had both cars, I really don't miss the 222 at all. Before I got the 223 I did prefer the interior of the 222 from a look perspective, but now that I have gotten used to it I really like the 223's interior, save for a few quality irritations that shouldn't be there.

Like I said before its just a big aesthetic shift. The 222 is an old world look and feel with technology added in, the 223 is tech right upfront at at the forefront. Maybe its our generations, I'm only 43 but the 223 feels much younger and more appropriate for me and my age than the 222 did. As my wife puts it, to her when she drove the 222 she felt like she was driving her fathers car, while the 223 she really enjoys being in and driving it.

 

I think that this and history with the brand as well. The unbinnacled screens are a departure from the prior generation interiors and not embraced (yet) by brands like Bentley. Probably largely as you suggest those brands are appealing to an older demographic (old money) vs the nouveau riche.

 

As someone also in their 40's, I can comfortably say I much prefer the hood/binnacle over the driver's screen with the hyperscreen vs. the stand alone screen I had in my previous car which was similar to the 223 layout. All the tech and modern style with a properly integrated screen.

 

Late 30s here. I’m trying to get away from screens in my life. 223 reminds me of my old Tesla on steroids. Lucid at least maintains some elegance with their design.

No doubt 223 is an amazing car, but this is something we’re struggling with in terms of making a purchase of such an expensive car.

 

Its not so much the unbinnacled screens as the existence of the big screens themselves. I would prefer a binnacled screen too.

 

The hood serves the added benefit of (somewhat) hiding the HUD; the freestanding screens don't give you that, like them or not.

At this point, I've had every currently built physical screen and control paradigm. An argument can be made that the MB setup is objectively better than the long skinny single screen, such as used by BMW, and many others. It allows for better spacing of screen elements, which are then easier to manipulate, more quickly found visually. The latter means not just finding one thing among other elements, but also parse information from them, when that applies.

Not talking about the GUI itself; just the physical shape of the screens and how that impacts the experience.

 

I love the Lucid Gravity dashboard design. Lots of screens, yes, but at least very functional and usable.

 

Gotta get a spin in the Gravity; it's looking to me like a lot of lessons were learned, and I already liked the Air.

 

BMW's Newest Infotainment System Adds a Panoramic Display

 

I’ve had my BMW I7 for over four months this now and I wanted to say that the car continues endearing itself to me. I can’t say that I absolutely love everything about the car, but the positives WAY outweigh the negatives.

The ride quality is superb and the silence of the electric drive never gets old. The massive car handles like a BMW and that can be addictive. My car is equipped with the Autobahn Pkg. and the car remains flat in curves. I sometimes forget that I am driving a 6,000+ limousine. Not dealing with a sloppy shifting MB transmission is just SO refreshing and passing every gas station—where premium is currently over $5.50 again—is an added bonus. Using regenerative braking or “one pedal driving,” the wheels on my car stay virtually spotless with near zero brake dust generated.

The windshield wipers work simply and perfectly, never ever “skipping” as they did on my MB’s. I find myself constantly using the massage seats, as they are WAY closer to an actual massage than the S Class systems and are virtually silent. The haptic buttons in the big BMW actually work perfectly. The automatic doors are nothing short of game changing and once you get used to them, driving another vehicle without them feels like you have gone back in time. The doors stay put and never fall on my legs or ding the car next to me, EVER!

I miss the Magic Body Control from the three W222’s I ordered, but since MB no longer offers that spectacular suspension option (they NEED to resurrect it) I’m happy with BMW’s answer to it. I’m not thrilled with the exterior design of my I7, but I so overwhelmingly prefer the car to my gone-but-not-forgotten S580, that it doesn’t bother me. I actually do enjoy having a car that is infinitely unique in a sea of W223’s where I live.

Comparing “The Best or Nothing” with “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” the former, in my opinion is absolute B.S. these days, while the latter seems spot on.

 

Great update, glad to hear you are having a good time and finally enjoying cars again after the ordeal.

 

Very glad to hear you’re driving a car you’re happy with.

 

So I'm not the only one that was annoyed by the wipers? Good to know. It was that, and a number of other small issues, that turned me off from the S-Class. My trans had started shifting better after one of the updates, another fixed the bottoming suspension, those were 2 of my big gripes. The doors obviously remain, that would be the r larger gripe that remains. The wipers though... I live in Seattle. We get rain. Lots of it. Not usually torrents as you'll see some places, but every lesser rain in abundance. Those wipers were constantly not getting it right, and in a world where most cheap rental cars have better automatic wipers, that small annoyance loomed large to me. A current example would be the Jeep Wagoneer I'm driving while my rear-ended BMW sits in the hospital. It has better automatic wipers, half the MSRP. The RAV 4 I had before it while waiting for a better car to be turned in; better automatic wipers, 1/4 the cost.

I was over it with the 580, and even though I liked most of it a great deal, I was willing to take a hit to get out. I don't get that feeling with the current BMW. I came to the S-Class from Porsche, but had begun realizing that I was getting too old to enjoy them any more. With the BMW I thought maybe I had one more fun car in me, but I've proven that notion false. I like the fun factor, but seldom engage with it. I'd say I'm done with the sporting hardware; and likely to go the lux route until check out time. The difference here is that there are no wipers, and other small issues, slapping me about the head and shoulders every time I go for a drive, making me want to get out as soon as possible.

I am glad to hear you like it; I mean that sincerely, it seems like you've been struggling for a while to get that happy feeling in a car. And you're no doubt a car guy, although I think a little different than I.

 

I might end up in one of their Neue Klasse models (the SUV one, not this one) next time around.


It's nice to see a car company that's committed to electrification instead of wishy-washy corps that keep "rethinking" about it.

 

That front design language is so much better than many of their current beaver teeth designs.

 

After three decades driving BMWs, now in my AMG I'd say I am happier in the Merc. I think the build quality is better, and hey are a hellofalot sexier, IMO. My X3M comp rode like a rock but handled great for an AWD. My AMG rides much better, albeit no where near as powerful, but that's expected as they are different cars appealing to different tastes. I much prefer the older BMW's to any new platform, but that's just personal taste. Your 7 has a very low center of gravity due the battery weight being in the chassis.That's why it is so stable in cornersI love the idea of the automatic doors. As for electric vs petrol I prefer petrol cars, but again, that's just me. Also, I don't live in California, thankfully, so my fuel costs are considerably less. I don't like the look of newer BMW's. After driving an S580, I was blown away. I have never driven 7 series, but owned 4 5 series over the years, apples to apples, I am sure they are close in terms of comfort, but I doubt a gas powered 7 would be anywhere near as quiet or compliant than the S. Just my opinion. I'm glad you love yours, as I did all my previous BMW's, but IMHO, the S580 is the pinnacle of luxury. I can't wait for mine to be delivered.

Thanks for your updated review. Enjoy your 7

 

Which is surprising because AMG is known for stiff suspensions.

 

Wait by stiffer, are you comparing a GLE 53 (as that is the only one in your signature) to a X3 M Comp? They don't technically compete in the same class though? need to compare with a GLC 63 S

 

Glad you are enjoying Ultimate Driving Machine @Streamliner ... EVs are awesome. I don't miss my Tesla at all though, lol, at least for now that I have my new-to-me BMW Alpina B8, but I know one day I will return to EVs but not soon.... If so, I will likely get an i5 M60 instead of the i7, but I got shocked when I realized it doesn't have soft close doors and some other common tech/comfort items that even my 2019 5-series had. I will keep my eye on the facelift/LCI i7 once announced. With the current exterior design, I don't think I'll ever trade my B8 for an i7.

In the meantime, I am targeting to break my longest and record ownership duration for any car I owned in the last decade (which is currently held by my 1st W222 for 2.5 years)... am really hoping to keep my B8 until 2028-2030. I actually already bought extended warranty through end of 2029 although it still has bumper-bumper warranty (which is something I never ever done for any of my my previous cars but this time am truly thinking of keeping this car long). It has been a dream car that I finally found, and am enjoying it 10X more than I thought I would. The engine, the suspension, the exhaust sound, the luxury combined with sportiness in one car, the exterior look; the perfect idrive 7 wit with physical buttons yet still very high tech and wireless carplay etc, the 3D HUD, rear wheel steering.... and thankfully carbon roof instead of panorama ... it's just everything I can wish for in one car....

 

Yes, I agree, but even my standard X5 rode harder then my 53. The cars have different feels. Both have their high and low points, but I'm firmly in the Mercedes corner since owning them.

 

The X3m Comp was ridiculous. My 53 is stiff, but much less so. The X3 handled better for obvious reasons

 

I see.

 

I see.

 

Did you get the road noise issue resolved?