When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Out of the 9 MB that I have owned, 4 were S Class. I totally agree with the video. The current S-Class is ugly inside and out, and has no class like the previous versions of the S-Class. Ugly face, interior and dumb door handles copied from Tesla, bigger than it has to be, very distracting touch screen, etc, etc. The only reason for the made in China touchscreens is cost saving over mechanical buttons and switches. I was really looking forward to the new S-Class back in 2019, but when I saw it I lost all interest. A dealer demo showed it was worse than I expected. WRT Airmatic -- one of my S-Classes had an Airmatic failure. The fix was several thousand dollars. Luckily, the car was still under warranty.
Out of the 9 MB that I have owned, 4 were S Class. I totally agree with the video. The current S-Class is ugly inside and out, and has no class like the previous versions of the S-Class. Ugly face, interior and dumb door handles copied from Tesla, bigger than it has to be, very distracting touch screen, etc, etc. The only reason for the made in China touchscreens is cost saving over mechanical buttons and switches. I was really looking forward to the new S-Class back in 2019, but when I saw it I lost all interest. A dealer demo showed it was worse than I expected. WRT Airmatic -- one of my S-Classes had an Airmatic failure. The fix was several thousand dollars. Luckily, the car was still under warranty.
Having had both the W222 and the W223, I disagree with the video lol. I prefer my 223 to my 222 overall, and my car doesn't have any of the issues that he mentioned, that one is a 21 that has 50k miles on it and my guess is it was a Turo rental or something and has had a pretty hard life. The only thing about the car I dislike is the pop out door handles. It rides better and drives better than the 222, tech is much better, audio system is much better. I have grown to like the tech forward interior, there are some interior quality steps backward from the 222 but overall the 223 is the better car. I have had to chase around some creaking in the interior which I shouldn't have to do but the issue is solved.
The car is so similar to a W222 outside that I bet had I gotten the same color nobody would have realized I had gotten a new car. So to say one is classy and beautiful and the other one is neither doesn't make much sense. Bigger than it has to be? Its 1 inch longer than a W222. I don't miss my 222 at all, glad you like yours but its onward and upward for me.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by elmalo
Out of the 9 MB that I have owned, 4 were S Class. I totally agree with the video. The current S-Class is ugly inside and out, and has no class like the previous versions of the S-Class. Ugly face, interior and dumb door handles copied from Tesla, bigger than it has to be, very distracting touch screen, etc, etc. The only reason for the made in China touchscreens is cost saving over mechanical buttons and switches. I was really looking forward to the new S-Class back in 2019, but when I saw it I lost all interest. A dealer demo showed it was worse than I expected. WRT Airmatic -- one of my S-Classes had an Airmatic failure. The fix was several thousand dollars. Luckily, the car was still under warranty.
I had a W221, 4 W222’s and a W223. I mostly loved the 221 & 222’s, but absolutely hated my 2022 S580. The 223 was quieter, but that was pretty much the only positive thing about the car for me. I much preferred the previous S Class models and felt that they were far superior to the current car.
I really think a lot of it is age. The 223 feels much more appropriate for my age to me (44), my wife describes it as the 222 feeling like she was driving her fathers car where the 223 doesn’t feel that way to her.
Out of the 9 MB that I have owned, 4 were S Class. I totally agree with the video. The current S-Class is ugly inside and out, and has no class like the previous versions of the S-Class. Ugly face, interior and dumb door handles copied from Tesla, bigger than it has to be, very distracting touch screen, etc, etc. The only reason for the made in China touchscreens is cost saving over mechanical buttons and switches. I was really looking forward to the new S-Class back in 2019, but when I saw it I lost all interest. A dealer demo showed it was worse than I expected. WRT Airmatic -- one of my S-Classes had an Airmatic failure. The fix was several thousand dollars. Luckily, the car was still under warranty.
I rarely see people describe the front (or interior) of the W223 as "ugly." Is it NOT attractive though? sure yes but ugly is probably too harsh. The design is clearly a "disciplined" design, which is why I think it's difficult to believe that there would be many people who would see it ugly on the road. I think mostly it goes unnoticeable, or "meh" as far as the front. The only part that was a complete surprise to me is the non-AMG (luxury line) exterior package. To me is not only not attractive but frankly overly boring and overly conservative. Regardless, my point is that it is not ugly at all, the front is just unappealing or like I said maybe "meh." I do like the rear by the way for all variants, especially the S63; the AMG rear is really mean in a good way. I also think that the 17-20 EV miles of the S63 is a missed opportunity, as the car exterior touches level up the look and the car performs really well on curves from what I read (still looking forward to drive an S63 one day). Personally, I would have considered a depreciated S63 for a year if it had the same 50-60 miles as the S580e.
As for the interior issues, honestly that seems to be a widespread problem across all Mbenz models recently. You'll have to track them one by one. My GLS, although I have less premium expectations than if it was an S-class, I had to fix the rear seat and 3rd row rattle myself and it's not fun and embarrassing for high-end SUV that represents the Mbenz SUV brand. But, for someone like me who only drives the car for a year on average, if I had a W223 with all these interior issues I can probably fix them on the weekend although I prefer not to. Comparing how Mbenz assembles panels, dashboards, and parts to BMW, I believe these creaks will continue to appear over time. Like I said, I've dealt with a few in the rear seat of my GLS, as well as the B and C pillar panels, and it's frustrating because Mercedes could resolve this with better clips and felt-material just like BMW does. Instead, they use plastic-on-plastic, and the worst part is the large tight screws around the dash for metal to metal contact. In my GLS, one screw keep flexing between summer/winter and it's stupid that they've used screws like that for areas where there is metal on metal contact. BMW uses more clips than screws, and dash screws are different, and there is also some type of felt-material in between to absorb vibration, eliminate creaks, and avoid screws becoming loose. I noticed the same when I disassembled the central console in my GLS to install a wireless carplay module, the entire assembly has no felt-material around it. How much of that is also in the W223? from videos it looks very similar especially for the seat and also side door panels as far as straight plastic on plastic parts. My X7 had felt-material in many hidden areas behind the A/B/C pillars and also under the dashboard or central console controllers. I never had to disassemble anything in my 7 but it's seems to be built on the same original basis as my former BMWs and just as good or better than the X7 as far as cabin part fitment.
I rarely see people describe the front (or interior) of the W223 as "ugly." Is it NOT attractive though? sure yes but ugly is probably too harsh. The design is clearly a "disciplined" design, which is why I think it's difficult to believe that there would be many people who would see it ugly on the road. I think mostly it goes unnoticeable, or "meh" as far as the front. The only part that was a complete surprise to me is the non-AMG (luxury line) exterior package. To me is not only not attractive but frankly overly boring and overly conservative. Regardless, my point is that it is not ugly at all, the front is just unappealing or like I said maybe "meh." I do like the rear by the way for all variants, especially the S63; the AMG rear is really mean in a good way. I also think that the 17-20 EV miles of the S63 is a missed opportunity, as the car exterior touches level up the look and the car performs really well on curves from what I read (still looking forward to drive an S63 one day). Personally, I would have considered a depreciated S63 for a year if it had the same 50-60 miles as the S580e.
Agreed, not ugly...but conservative and potentially "meh". I think its very sleek and low looking which is nice but the 222 had more flourish.
As for the interior issues, honestly that seems to be a widespread problem across all Mbenz models recently. You'll have to track them one by one. My GLS, although I have less premium expectations than if it was an S-class, I had to fix the rear seat and 3rd row rattle myself and it's not fun and embarrassing for high-end SUV that represents the Mbenz SUV brand. But, for someone like me who only drives the car for a year on average, if I had a W223 with all these interior issues I can probably fix them on the weekend although I prefer not to. Comparing how Mbenz assembles panels, dashboards, and parts to BMW, I believe these creaks will continue to appear over time. Like I said, I've dealt with a few in the rear seat of my GLS, as well as the B and C pillar panels, and it's frustrating because Mercedes could resolve this with better clips and felt-material just like BMW does. Instead, they use plastic-on-plastic, and the worst part is the large tight screws around the dash for metal to metal contact. In my GLS, one screw keep flexing between summer/winter and it's stupid that they've used screws like that for areas where there is metal on metal contact. BMW uses more clips than screws, and dash screws are different, and there is also some type of felt-material in between to absorb vibration, eliminate creaks, and avoid screws becoming loose. I noticed the same when I disassembled the central console in my GLS to install a wireless carplay module, the entire assembly has no felt-material around it. How much of that is also in the W223? from videos it looks very similar especially for the seat and also side door panels as far as straight plastic on plastic parts. My X7 had felt-material in many hidden areas behind the A/B/C pillars and also under the dashboard or central console controllers. I never had to disassemble anything in my 7 but it's seems to be built on the same original basis as my former BMWs and just as good or better than the X7 as far as cabin part fitment.
Yes.
Like I have said I have taken much of the dash of my S580 apart, so I know how it all goes together. The issue is the design, there are frankly too many parts all stuck together and it creates opportunities for noise. The dash for instance is like 4 pieces all screwed on top of each other. You have the basic dash. Then you have a layer of ducting and such that screws onto that. Then the wood trim panel screws onto that. Then the screen clips in and hinges down and screws into the console base. Then the console top cover screws onto THAT...its just layers and layers of plastic that doesn't have to be layers and layers of plastic. The the gauge pod is clipped in and then screwed into panels that are screwed into other panels!
The screws are another issue. You are correct that if the screws are TOO tight, you get noise. Too loose and you get noise, you have to try and right tightness. For instance since the temps have gotten colder I have started having a "crack" sound from my console when going over certain bumps. I took the console cover off and LOOSENED two screws 1/4 turn, crack is gone. I have tried to find the factory torque spec for the screws but have had no luck.
The currenjt S-Class does not have the classy style, outside or inside, of the previous models. It reminds of something a low cost Asian car manufacturer would come up with.
The currenjt S-Class does not have the classy style, outside or inside, of the previous models. It reminds of something a low cost Asian car manufacturer would come up with.
Thats your opinion, and I disagree having had both. They’re very similar looking outside so I don’t know where you’re coming from there. It’s a super classy car.
My guess is you’re a lot older than me, the 223 is clearly designed to appeal to a younger buyer inside. I have grown to really like it even though when it first came out I preferred the 222 inside.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by elmalo
The currenjt S-Class does not have the classy style, outside or inside, of the previous models. It reminds of something a low cost Asian car manufacturer would come up with.
Yes, I believe that the design of the W223 was too much of a departure from the traditionally more reserved S Class, especially the interior. But, in my case, I could have eventually warmed up to the design, IF the overall performance of the car had been a real cut above the W222, which I believe it was not. The car was just not comfortable and irritated me at every turn. When they took back my loaded S580 and I bought a fairly “bare bones” CPO 2020 S560, just because I needed a daily driver, it was such a relief. The S560 just did most everything better than the S580 and it was a great feeling to be back in what felt like a much more luxurious car.
As an old guy, I have experienced so many things over the decades that have been hyped as “NEW & IMPROVED.” In most cases, the words were code for “CHEAPENED & LESS RELIABLE,” which I believe describes the trajectory of Mercedes-Benz models, pretty much since 2020. Add to that the degradation of MB dealer service departments and it finally was enough to cause this very long time, very loyal customer to seek his transportation needs elsewhere.
Last edited by Streamliner; Dec 24, 2025 at 09:24 AM.
Yes, I believe that the design of the W223 was too much of a departure from the traditionally more reserved S Class, especially the interior. But, in my case, I could have eventually warmed up to the design, IF the overall performance of the car had been a real cut above the W222, which I believe it was not. The car was just not comfortable and irritated me at every turn. When they took back my loaded S580 and I bought a fairly “bare bones” CPO 2020 S560, just because I needed a daily driver, it was such a relief. The S560 just did most everything better than the S580 and it was a great feeling to be back in what felt like a much more luxurious car.
As an old guy, I have experienced so many things over the decades that have been hyped as “NEW & IMPROVED.” In most cases, the words were code for “CHEAPENED & LESS RELIABLE,” which I believe describes the trajectory of Mercedes-Benz models, pretty much since 2020. Add to that the degradation of MB dealer service departments and it finally was enough to cause this very long time, very loyal customer to seek his transportation needs elsewhere.
Guys. this is not a "dramatic departure" from anybody's reasonable definition lol
Most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the two cars.
I would also remind you both that this is the W223 forum, we are owners and enthusiasts of the W223 in here. If you want to talk about how superior you think your older models are, there is a W222 forum for that. Take the boomer train in there please. I'm going to continue to enjoy my car that my wife doesn't feel like her dad would drive lol.
The front and rear ends are ugly compared to the previous version and the interior is nothing to brag about with the non-integrated screens. Something that one would expect from a low cost car manufacturer in Asia, but not in a $100K+++ car.
The front and rear ends are ugly compared to the previous version and the interior is nothing to brag about with the non-integrated screens. Something that one would expect from a low cost car manufacturer in Asia, but not in a $100K+++ car.
This is your opinion, but like I said this is the W223 forum. You have a forum for your own car you prefer...go post in that. If we preferred your car we could have bought 5 of them vs our cars lol. Makes me wonder if you're trying to convince us or yourself
This is your opinion, but like I said this is the W223 forum. You have a forum for your own car you prefer...go post in that. If we preferred your car we could have bought 5 of them vs our cars lol. Makes me wonder if you're trying to convince us or yourself
The W223 is the issue. I have owned 9 MB incl 4 S-Class cars and would have purchased the W223 if it had had classic looks, quality interior excluding a cheap and distracting touchscreen and did not have dumb door handles.
The W223 is the issue. I have owned 9 MB incl 4 S-Class cars and would have purchased the W223 if it had had classic looks, quality interior excluding a cheap and distracting touchscreen and did not have dumb door handles.
And you're old lol. Its not for you, its for younger buyers like me. Deal with it. We like the car, thats why we bought it.
The W223 has been out for almost 5 years. This is not new.
The currenjt S-Class does not have the classy style, outside or inside, of the previous models. It reminds of something a low cost Asian car manufacturer would come up with.
Good god. Sometimes people need to re-read what they are typing. It appears that the car just wasn't designed for you. Mercedes has created this car for a younger demographic and perhaps it just isn't a fit. It neither looks Asian nor does is lack class IMHO. Get something else...
We have had many generations of S-Class models before and I have enjoyed all of them. Some are definitely less desirable to me like the W220 or W221 but I don't rip on a car just because it doesn't match my personal taste. Or options or design trends.
I look at Streamliners cars for example and while I like them I would never option a car like him. I prefer the sportier looks with the Sport package and 20/21" wheels but I recognize that they are personal preferences. Strangely, I like the Maybach version of the W223 the best
I loved our W222 S-Class but prefer the look of the W223. It looks more modern and while I dislike how MB changed their options packaging, also prefer the interior look of the W223. Their base leather interior definitely beats the W222. There have been pervasive trends in Germany across all manufacturers that hopefully go the way of the dodo bird, like black piano plastic, capacitive buttons, etc. but as a package the car works for me.
And you're old lol. Its not for you, its for younger buyers like me. Deal with it. We like the car, thats why we bought it.
The W223 has been out for almost 5 years. This is not new.
LOL. The W223 seems to attract those who have very little experience with cars and mostly get it to 'show off'...Just wait until the dumb door locking mechanism malfunctions or the touch screen goes blank. Do you know that Mercedes has to make changes to driver's interface to meet the latest EU requirements?
Magnus Östberg (Chief Software Officer): At the 2025 Munich Motor Show, Östberg stated bluntly, "The data shows us physical buttons are better, and that's why we put them back in." He explained that Mercedes is now "completely data-driven" and will prioritize physical controls for high-frequency functions.
Ola Källenius (CEO): Källenius admitted the company had "got ahead of itself" by relying too heavily on haptic and touch controls, noting that while the technology worked, it did not feel natural to customers.
Gorden Wagener (Chief Design Officer): In early 2025, Wagener stated that "screens are not luxury," signaling a pivot toward defining luxury through craftsmanship and tactile sophistication rather than just the size of a digital display.
Markus Schäfer (Chief Technology Officer): Schäfer confirmed that future models will feature a "balance of physical and digital," with steering wheels utilizing hard controls that are more intuitive than previous capacitive sliders.
You've got the luxury line, AMG body styling, and the AMG S63 for the W223, and the difference between these three is HUGE, and should cover all demographics in my view (am I wrong?). T o me, I'm trying to understand how anyone could find this S63 "ugly"?. Call it whatever, but "ugly"? Gosh, I could admire the rear of this S63 in this exact color and spec all day long, just as much as I loved the rear of my Nardo Grey Alpina B8. In fact, the only sedans on the planet that would bring me back from full EVs to ICE now are: the BMW G12 B7 that I never owned but always wanted to, the AMG S63 or the new Porsche Panamera; otherwise am sticking to EVs forever.
LOL. The W223 seems to attract those who have very little experience with cars and mostly get it to 'show off'...Just wait until the dumb door locking mechanism malfunctions or the touch screen goes blank. Do you know that Mercedes has to make changes to driver's interface to meet the latest EU requirements?
No, I just like different things than you do. I’m not wrong and you’re not wrong. What you prefer is not the only way something can or should be done.
Point is, why are you even in here posting in our forum when you don’t like this car? Go post in the forum for your car which you prefer. Simple. I’ve had both cars and I prefer this car. Deal with it lol
You've got the luxury line, AMG body styling, and the AMG S63 for the W223, and the difference between these three is HUGE, and should cover all demographics in my view (am I wrong?). T o me, I'm trying to understand how anyone could find this S63 "ugly"?. Call it whatever, but "ugly"? Gosh, I could admire the rear of this S63 in this exact color and spec all day long, just as much as I loved the rear of my Nardo Grey Alpina B8. In fact, the only sedans on the planet that would bring me back from full EVs to ICE now are: the BMW G12 B7 that I never owned but always wanted to, the AMG S63 or the new Porsche Panamera; otherwise am sticking to EVs forever.
It’s because he has an axe to grind and he’s self important and takes it as an insult that Mercedes designed something he doesn’t like. Streamliner is the same way. It’s all just self important “I’m the arbiter of what is good and bad and you know nothing because you don’t see it the way I do” boomer nonsense.
Amd with this review is also the same way to a large degree. Note the thumbnail and look at EVERY other review he has ever posted, the ONLY one where he put any remark about the car in the thumbnail
text is this review. He doesn’t like the design decisions and instead of just being objective it makes him mad.
Good god. Sometimes people need to re-read what they are typing. It appears that the car just wasn't designed for you. Mercedes has created this car for a younger demographic and perhaps it just isn't a fit. It neither looks Asian nor does is lack class IMHO. Get something else...
We have had many generations of S-Class models before and I have enjoyed all of them. Some are definitely less desirable to me like the W220 or W221 but I don't rip on a car just because it doesn't match my personal taste. Or options or design trends.
I look at Streamliners cars for example and while I like them I would never option a car like him. I prefer the sportier looks with the Sport package and 20/21" wheels but I recognize that they are personal preferences. Strangely, I like the Maybach version of the W223 the best
I loved our W222 S-Class but prefer the look of the W223. It looks more modern and while I dislike how MB changed their options packaging, also prefer the interior look of the W223. Their base leather interior definitely beats the W222. There have been pervasive trends in Germany across all manufacturers that hopefully go the way of the dodo bird, like black piano plastic, capacitive buttons, etc. but as a package the car works for me.
Magnus Östberg (Chief Software Officer): At the 2025 Munich Motor Show, Östberg stated bluntly, "The data shows us physical buttons are better, and that's why we put them back in." He explained that Mercedes is now "completely data-driven" and will prioritize physical controls for high-frequency functions.
Ola Källenius (CEO): Källenius admitted the company had "got ahead of itself" by relying too heavily on haptic and touch controls, noting that while the technology worked, it did not feel natural to customers.
Gorden Wagener (Chief Design Officer): In early 2025, Wagener stated that "screens are not luxury," signaling a pivot toward defining luxury through craftsmanship and tactile sophistication rather than just the size of a digital display.
Markus Schäfer (Chief Technology Officer): Schäfer confirmed that future models will feature a "balance of physical and digital," with steering wheels utilizing hard controls that are more intuitive than previous capacitive sliders.
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.
