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Don't forget the amg side too, why not have "the best of both worlds' S 63? Or maybe sportier site GT 63. AMG has a car too, don't have to go to the P world if you don't want to : )
[QUOTE=W205C43PFL;9200242]Don't forget the amg side too, why not have "the best of both worlds' S 63? Or maybe sportier site GT 63. AMG has a car too, don't have to go to the P world if you don't want to : )[/QUOTE
I carry a lot often and appreaciate an SUV. The GLE63S fit. I really enjoy the S580 as well but entirely different to say the least. Things that bug me are that the GLE has cup warmers / coolers but they are not available in the S580. Apparently you have to step up to the Maybach for that option. Similarly the exclusive nappa package in the S is so much nicer than in the GLE as they left so many plastic panels exposed in the GLE and did not cover it with the leather. I had issues with the Stellantis vehicles owned in the past so I did not even consider the P but I must say these last two MB vehicles, as much as I enjoy them, have been far from what I consider reliable. Way too many issues
I carry a lot often and appreaciate an SUV. The GLE63S fit. I really enjoy the S580 as well but entirely different to say the least. Things that bug me are that the GLE has cup warmers / coolers but they are not available in the S580. Apparently you have to step up to the Maybach for that option. Similarly the exclusive nappa package in the S is so much nicer than in the GLE as they left so many plastic panels exposed in the GLE and did not cover it with the leather. I had issues with the Stellantis vehicles owned in the past so I did not even consider the P but I must say these last two MB vehicles, as much as I enjoy them, have been far from what I consider reliable. Way too many issues
Sorry to hear that you had issues with your MBs. In regards to SUVs, did you consider wagons at all?
Most Porsche owners seem to be happy with their cars. The forum experiences are mostly very positive and you rarely ever see a trend of complaints. I'd love to buy a Panamera one day...
I'd say the W223 forum has improved quite a bit in the past 12-24 months too, after a tough start as far as software glitches and complaints.... seems pretty solid now.
Most Porsche owners seem to be happy with their cars. The forum experiences are mostly very positive and you rarely ever see a trend of complaints. I'd love to buy a Panamera one day...
I'd say the W223 forum has improved quite a bit in the past 12-24 months too, after a tough start as far as software glitches and complaints.... seems pretty solid now.
There is a certain brand loyalty with that brand not going to lie. Same as brand loyalty of Apples fans with Apple.
There is a certain brand loyalty with that brand not going to lie. Same as brand loyalty of Apples fans with Apple.
Personally, I believe Porsche is a step up from BMW and Mbenz. However, it’s definitely a more natural transition from BMWs perhaps more so than for Mbenz, but still.
My Olive 580 is a head turner for sure. When I had my silver one, I would spot several others around town, and the color didn't seem special at all. I can honestly say that I've not seen another Olive S in Atlanta since I bought mine several months ago.
As for it being a head-turner, I've had a number of guys comment on how good looking my car is. In fact, just yesterday, a guy in a new Tesla pulled up next to me at a red light and commented "what a gorgeous color". This has happened so many times now that it isn't a fluke. I will say, of all the people that have commented on the color, only one woman said so. So, take that with a grain of salt if that's important to you.
If you can find one, buy it. You won't regret it.
The color in this pic is excellent!
OP, I will say that back in (2014) when I got my first S class I did feel like an old man.....I kept it for the warranty period and then sold it. I was 39 and happy to have such a car but it was a big lumbering land boat. If you like big cars, that's totally kool, maybe go for the Panny. I used to get those when I brought my 911 in for service as a loaner. I was just at a Porsche dealer yesterday!
Personally, I believe Porsche is a step up from BMW and Mbenz. However, it’s definitely a more natural transition from BMWs perhaps more so than for Mbenz, but still.
Originally Posted by SW20S
Porsche is great brand that makes incredible cars. They’re just too sporty for me.
They are, the price reflects it. I too agree it is meant to be a step up from the theee Germans.
Yes even an SUV I mean CUV like the Macan is meant to um "defy physics" reviewers' words and meant to be sporty first luxury second.
Porsche, regardless of opinions on the brand, is answering a different question, for different buyers.
I've just recently had the S63 out for a spin. I really liked it, super cool, no question. But it isn't even close to the feeling of driving a Panamera. With a Panny, when you start pushing on it, it feels smaller, everything is precise. You know exactly where your wheels are, they are there because that's exactly where you wanted them, and getting them there required no effort; they just kind of did it on their own. With the S63, it's unbelievable that such a big boat can move like that. But it never loses the sense of weight, the feeling of heft. It doesn't have anything like the feel of a Panamera. I didn't push it too much because the salesman insisted on going with, and was looking like he was going to vomit. But for sure, it doesn't have that Porsche goodness in terms of feel.
The numbers are there with the S63, and you've got a nicer interior, at least in terms of fancy factor. It's not as well screwed together, but they nailed the looks like money aesthetic. It's also easier to get into, more comfortable, more space in back, and better tunes. Truck space is surprisingly poor for such a large car, although I doubt most buyers care.
In the end, either will only be attractive to a very small group of buyers, that have little overlap. The types that will actually hustle a Panamera down a back road know who they are, and they're not shopping for S63s. The 63 on the other hand will grab buyers that want the top dog, want to flog it on an on-ramp, roll into it here and there, and do it in comfort with a 3 pointed star. If the price were lower, there would be a waiting line, but as is, not so many buyers there either.
I'm not taking shots here, in truth, I love them both, but neither is for me. I left Porsche because it was getting hard to get out of a Panamera, and also, I just wasn't using it the way "God Intended." As much as I hate to admit it, age has rendered me an S580 man, and I'll be happier there. At least I will if they don't screw up the refresh with another push, and ruin my lease timing.
I didn't push it too much because the salesman insisted on going with, and was looking like he was going to vomit. But for sure, it doesn't have that Porsche goodness in terms of feel.
That fact that every single Mbenz dealer I know wouldn’t let a potential buyer to drive a car alone really sucks. I never ever had a BMW salesman joining me during a test drive. Same at 2 Porsche dealers. Every single Mbenz dealer I visited in the past 10 years wouldn’t let me go for a test drive without the salesman joining and watching me!!!!
In the end, either will only be attractive to a very small group of buyers, that have little overlap. The types that will actually hustle a Panamera down a back road know who they are, and they're not shopping for S63s. The 63 on the other hand will grab buyers that want the top dog, want to flog it on an on-ramp, roll into it here and there, and do it in comfort with a 3 pointed star. If the price were lower, there would be a waiting line, but as is, not so many buyers there either.
I'm not taking shots here, in truth, I love them both, but neither is for me. I left Porsche because it was getting hard to get out of a Panamera, and also, I just wasn't using it the way "God Intended." As much as I hate to admit it, age has rendered me an S580 man, and I'll be happier there. At least I will if they don't screw up the refresh with another push, and ruin my lease timing.
The S63 or AMG S-class variants never made any sense to me. They kinda miss the mark on both ends… they are not as comfy as the S560/S580, yet they are not as sporty as a BMW M vehicle or Porsche. I’d rather be in BMW M, or BMW Alpina, or Porsche if I want the sporty ride. S63 feels like a good balance between comfort and sportiness, but in fact it misses the mark on both. I’d rather at least have a car that gets 10/10 on either of these categories when I pay that much for the car.
Porsche, regardless of opinions on the brand, is answering a different question, for different buyers.
I've just recently had the S63 out for a spin. I really liked it, super cool, no question. But it isn't even close to the feeling of driving a Panamera. With a Panny, when you start pushing on it, it feels smaller, everything is precise. You know exactly where your wheels are, they are there because that's exactly where you wanted them, and getting them there required no effort; they just kind of did it on their own. With the S63, it's unbelievable that such a big boat can move like that. But it never loses the sense of weight, the feeling of heft. It doesn't have anything like the feel of a Panamera. I didn't push it too much because the salesman insisted on going with, and was looking like he was going to vomit. But for sure, it doesn't have that Porsche goodness in terms of feel.
The numbers are there with the S63, and you've got a nicer interior, at least in terms of fancy factor. It's not as well screwed together, but they nailed the looks like money aesthetic. It's also easier to get into, more comfortable, more space in back, and better tunes. Truck space is surprisingly poor for such a large car, although I doubt most buyers care.
In the end, either will only be attractive to a very small group of buyers, that have little overlap. The types that will actually hustle a Panamera down a back road know who they are, and they're not shopping for S63s. The 63 on the other hand will grab buyers that want the top dog, want to flog it on an on-ramp, roll into it here and there, and do it in comfort with a 3 pointed star. If the price were lower, there would be a waiting line, but as is, not so many buyers there either.
I'm not taking shots here, in truth, I love them both, but neither is for me. I left Porsche because it was getting hard to get out of a Panamera, and also, I just wasn't using it the way "God Intended." As much as I hate to admit it, age has rendered me an S580 man, and I'll be happier there. At least I will if they don't screw up the refresh with another push, and ruin my lease timing.
Yeah, the current S63 especially. That thing weighs a freaking ton and it's just a matter of time for that complicated powertrain to fail eventually. In fairness, though, you should compare it to the Panamera E-Hybrid, but I'm sure it still drives way better. The latter compares more favorably to the GT 63 S E-Performance, though. The Panamera in general really competes with the GT 4-door and not the S Class.
Originally Posted by S_W222
The S63 or AMG S-class variants never made any sense to me. They kinda miss the mark on both ends… they are not as comfy as the S560/S580, yet they are not as sporty as a BMW M vehicle or Porsche. I’d rather be in BMW M, or BMW Alpina, or Porsche if I want the sporty ride. S63 feels like a good balance between comfort and sportiness, but in fact it misses the mark on both. I’d rather at least have a car that gets 10/10 on either of these categories when I pay that much for the car.
Same here, except as a travel limo rocket on the German Autobahn. Roads are smooth and the limo driver can shuttle you to the airport at 200 mph if you are running late. Case in point, back in 2013 when I did my first European Delivery, at the time with Audi, they picked me up at the Munich airport in an Audi A8 W12. That was essentially their S65 answer at the time. The driver blasted down the Autobahn to the hotel at triple digit speeds while I could sip my coffee in the back. That's the only real use case for these cars.
Last edited by superswiss; Aug 13, 2025 at 04:09 PM.
That fact that every single Mbenz dealer I know wouldn’t let a potential buyer to drive a car alone really sucks. I never ever had a BMW salesman joining me during a test drive. Same at 2 Porsche dealers. Every single Mbenz dealer I visited in the past 10 years wouldn’t let me go for a test drive without the salesman joining and watching me!!!!
It is super annoying. There is one MB dealer here that never rides along, MB of Tysons Corner. All the BMW dealers just let you take the car too. I hate that salespeople are always trying to have a conversation with you...I'm trying to test out the car lol
It is super annoying. There is one MB dealer here that never rides along, MB of Tysons Corner. All the BMW dealers just let you take the car too. I hate that salespeople are always trying to have a conversation with you...I'm trying to test out the car lol
Yes exactly, they already can track the vehicle (well mbusa can), they have your driver's license, what else do they need from you. If you can be trusted, especially if you bought from them before, I don't understand why it is a difficult thing to accomodate.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
