S-Class (W223) 2021 to Present

Facelift - finished product

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:38 PM
  #51  
W205C43PFL's Avatar
MBWorld God!
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
So far what I do miss from the pre-facelift is that seemless transition of wood from the dash to the door https://klassen.de/media/images/armo...interior/1.jpg
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:38 PM
  #52  
S_W222's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,487
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Originally Posted by SW20S
I dunno...I'm disappointed that the screen is laid out like it is in the E Class and not like it is in the GLC EV etc where its all screen all across. I would have that passenger screen off, so all you're looking at is black glass.
same, I would have really loved somewhat wood and “class” instead of that passenger screen and the all glass dash.

I think I like the pre-refresh even better than all of this.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:39 PM
  #53  
W205C43PFL's Avatar
MBWorld God!
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
Originally Posted by SW20S
As for where did both BMW and MB get the idea for a lighted grille? Mazda lol. 2016 Mazda 6



I dunno...I'm disappointed that the screen is laid out like it is in the E Class and not like it is in the GLC EV etc where its all screen all across. I would have that passenger screen off, so all you're looking at is black glass.

I also don't like the lighted star...
No worries.
Maybe the lighted star can be optioned out for those who don't like it.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:42 PM
  #54  
S_W222's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,487
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Originally Posted by W205C43PFL
So far what I do miss from the pre-facelift is that seemless transition of wood from the dash to the door https://klassen.de/media/images/armo...interior/1.jpg
Exactly. Although I knew it, just didn’t want to believe it until now.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:46 PM
  #55  
SW20S's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Influencer
Active Streak: 30 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Originally Posted by S_W222
same, I would have really loved somewhat wood and “class” instead of that passenger screen and the all glass dash.

I think I like the pre-refresh even better than all of this.
Well, we gotta see if the creaking etc inside is solved. I do like the new door panels on this, and the piano black is greatly reduced but the black glass now will feel like piano black across the whole dash. With full screen like the GLC EV at least you have screen saver/background like animations even if the screen isn't being used.

The ONLY issue I have with my car is the interior creaking and such, the worst offender being the base of the seat. I spent about an hour a couple weeks ago oiling lubricating all the plastic pieces and the difference in the quiet of the interior is dramatic.

Last edited by SW20S; Jan 29, 2026 at 01:47 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:49 PM
  #56  
Chop77's Avatar
Junior Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 47
Likes: 39
From: Los Angeles
Definitely getting a black one....
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:57 PM
  #57  
W205C43PFL's Avatar
MBWorld God!
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
Originally Posted by S_W222
Exactly. Although I knew it, just didn’t want to believe it until now.
Oh well, I am curious what happens if you don't option hyperscreen but it might be standard.

Originally Posted by SW20S
Well, we gotta see if the creaking etc inside is solved. I do like the new door panels on this, and the piano black is greatly reduced but the black glass now will feel like piano black across the whole dash. With full screen like the GLC EV at least you have screen saver/background like animations even if the screen isn't being used.

The ONLY issue I have with my car is the interior creaking and such, the worst offender being the base of the seat. I spent about an hour a couple weeks ago oiling lubricating all the plastic pieces and the difference in the quiet of the interior is dramatic.
I wish you can option wood replacing the piano gloss for the seat controls as well doesn't seem to be the case for the W223 sadly.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 01:58 PM
  #58  
regancc's Avatar
Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 148
Likes: 87
From: South Florida
2023 S580
I don't hate it...kinda like it a lot, but not sold yet on that steering wheel...looks odd to me. While I don't love the headlights with the star pattern (I like my 2023 headlights), this looks really nice overall. Wonder if it is improved in overall reliability, etc.?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 02:16 PM
  #59  
SW20S's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Influencer
Active Streak: 30 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
I wonder if AMG line is going to be standard like on the E Class.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 02:22 PM
  #60  
W205C43PFL's Avatar
MBWorld God!
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
Originally Posted by SW20S
I wonder if AMG line is going to be standard like on the E Class.
Seems to be a package https://media.mbusa.com/releases/rel...n-every-detail
"Dynamic presence, elevated: AMG Line package brings a sportier, more expressive interpretation to the S‑Class"
"Dynamic presence: AMG Line
For customers who want a more expressive interpretation of the S‑Class, the AMG Line package sharpens the car’s visual character with an AMG specific front bumper with large air inlets and chrome trim, a sporty rear fascia and dynamic side skirts, complemented by AMG wheels in up to 21-inch sizes. Inside, a sports steering wheel with a flattened lower section is included with the AMG Line package – available for the first time on Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the U.S. Additionally, stainless steel pedals, exclusive sound profiles and a sporty red MBUX display style emphasize the performance-focused look and feel."
"The intelligent virtual assistant is always present on the Zero Layer as a “living” avatar in the form of the Mercedes star. In the default setting, it is a blue color, or silvery blue with the optional AMG Line package."

Last edited by W205C43PFL; Jan 29, 2026 at 02:27 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 02:27 PM
  #61  
S_W222's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,487
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Originally Posted by SW20S
Well, we gotta see if the creaking etc inside is solved. I do like the new door panels on this, and the piano black is greatly reduced but the black glass now will feel like piano black across the whole dash. With full screen like the GLC EV at least you have screen saver/background like animations even if the screen isn't being used.

The ONLY issue I have with my car is the interior creaking and such, the worst offender being the base of the seat. I spent about an hour a couple weeks ago oiling lubricating all the plastic pieces and the difference in the quiet of the interior is dramatic.
That’s good. If you used the right lubrication, that stays in place for plastic on plastic parts, that should last the your entire lease period. For plastic to plastic and micro-movements like we see in cars or home garage equipment, a low migration fluorinated grease (the PFPE ones) works the best to stop plastic squeaks and resist micro-movement.For my GLS, I got the one from Nyogel that worked really well for a year now and its PFPE (it’s specifically NyoGel 760G) and I have been using it for lubricating many other home and garage items that are plastic. Metal is fine for almost anything, but plastic parts are always an issue cause they absorb and let lubricants migrate through them and then am back to square one in couple weeks. PFPE oils also do not evaporate in summer.

Honestly, if I had a W222 today, I’d probably still upgrade. But if I was in a W223 pre-refresh today, man this facelift W223 (at least cosmetically) seems like a downgrade inside and out. Dash is annoying. Front in lighter colors is even more annoying. Gloss black exteriors on new cars is just going nuts.

Last edited by S_W222; Jan 29, 2026 at 02:29 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 02:32 PM
  #62  
W205C43PFL's Avatar
MBWorld God!
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
Originally Posted by regancc
I don't hate it...kinda like it a lot, but not sold yet on that steering wheel...looks odd to me. While I don't love the headlights with the star pattern (I like my 2023 headlights), this looks really nice overall. Wonder if it is improved in overall reliability, etc.?
It is a mix really, especially how there is a new V8 so that might affect reliability but either way, excited for the new V8.

Last edited by W205C43PFL; Jan 29, 2026 at 02:34 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 02:43 PM
  #63  
SW20S's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Influencer
Active Streak: 30 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Gotta see it in person....
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 02:51 PM
  #64  
SW20S's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Influencer
Active Streak: 30 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Interior in non Manufaktur with wood:


Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 03:05 PM
  #65  
S_W222's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,487
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Has anyone been able to summarize or find firm info on what the (technological) updates are with the facelift?
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 03:22 PM
  #66  
Wolfman's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

20 Year Member
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,534
Likes: 3,669
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
So my fellow members were correct on the black plastic and it appears to be similar to BMW that this car will look better in darker colors. Or paint/wrap it.

But I also have to admit that I actually like it much better than the pre-facelift design.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 03:28 PM
  #67  
W205C43PFL's Avatar
MBWorld God!
 
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,217
Likes: 6,275
Originally Posted by Wolfman
So my fellow members were correct on the black plastic and it appears to be similar to BMW that this car will look better in darker colors. Or paint/wrap it.

But I also have to admit that I actually like it much better than the pre-facelift design.
I like the grille. It is taller than before right?
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 03:48 PM
  #68  
S_W222's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,487
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Originally Posted by Wolfman
So my fellow members were correct on the black plastic and it appears to be similar to BMW that this car will look better in darker colors. Or paint/wrap it.

But I also have to admit that I actually like it much better than the pre-facelift design.
Yay!. Wolfman and I finally agreed on something (even after the fact lol).

Everything is like I expected, but am so surprised that there are no power doors. Am also not seeing clear indication about any hands-free driving.

I will say that in darker colors, the front is probably an improvement over the current design for sure, more “attractive” (but only in darker colors cause of that gloss black, just like the 7). Interior? I don’t know, I feel that wood on dash has always been essential for the S in particular. Doesn’t feel right to see the all glass/screen dash in an S. Looking forward to learn about the new technology if any

Last edited by S_W222; Jan 29, 2026 at 03:49 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 04:15 PM
  #69  
ColeBlooded's Avatar
Super Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 665
Likes: 254
From: Los Angeles
Panamera, '63 Impala
Doesn't look great. Let's see what BMW does with the LCI 7 series
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 05:09 PM
  #70  
Chop77's Avatar
Junior Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 47
Likes: 39
From: Los Angeles
Driving shots - The black one looks amazing!

Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 05:52 PM
  #71  
S_W222's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 1,487
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Originally Posted by ColeBlooded
Doesn't look great. Let's see what BMW does with the LCI 7 series
I wouldn’t say that it doesn’t look great or terrible, but I’d simply say: They failed to make it much better than the current one, when the current one urgently needed a sales boost and improvement to support all of that. This one isn’t gonna save their sales numbers that are declining. It’s simply not much better than the current one.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 05:59 PM
  #72  
SW20S's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Influencer
Active Streak: 30 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Found the non AMG line:


Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 06:00 PM
  #73  
SW20S's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
Community Influencer
Active Streak: 30 Days
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,051
Likes: 4,557
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Originally Posted by S_W222
I wouldn’t say that it doesn’t look great or terrible, but I’d simply say: They failed to make it much better than the current one, when the current one urgently needed a sales boost and improvement to support all of that. This one isn’t gonna save their sales numbers that are declining. It’s simply not much better than the current one.
I mean…it is just a refresh. It’s about as extensive a change as you will see with any refresh.
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 06:14 PM
  #74  
jsloan01's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 952
Likes: 25
From: New York, NY
2025 CLE 53 AMG
This was a disappointing reveal. Why is Mercedes deploying such tacky design with stars everywhere. The stars in the grill and the head/tail lights look so cheap and juvenile. I already hate the screens, but I sort of accepted that is trend they can’t get off (even though RR and Bentley have gone a completely different route). Hopefully their new designer can fix all of these mistakes
Reply
Old Jan 29, 2026 | 06:15 PM
  #75  
MBNUT1's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Originally Posted by SW20S
As for where did both BMW and MB get the idea for a lighted grille? Mazda lol. 2016 Mazda 6



I dunno...I'm disappointed that the screen is laid out like it is in the E Class and not like it is in the GLC EV etc where its all screen all across. I would have that passenger screen off, so all you're looking at is black glass.

I also don't like the lighted star...
plus 1 on the lighted star
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:51 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE