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It's only five inches, but I really prefer the proportions of the Alpine Grey SWB vehicle.
Well, in that case I’d rather just buy an E-class. With SWB, they are essentially “almost” the same car nowadays. The S no longer offers many unique parts or components compared to the S; there are some unique elements but not that many compared to previous generations. E have many of the same parts/components, and sometimes even better cabin quality when comparing some model years. What makes the S special is the longer wheelbase and heavier weight driving like a nice boat. SWB S to me is just an E today. It was very different in the past, but not anymore. I may actually prefer the E for some model years in that case.
The car doesn't look right in the SWB IMO, really makes it look like an E Class.
Ya maybe that is why SWB was discontinued in North America plus maybe that was part of why the EQS failed, the short hood makes it look awkward (story for another time I guess).
That said, for those who want S-Class amenities in a smaller size (SWB), it might make sense, granted the RWS in the S-Class LWB might had helped a lot anyways assuming the maneuverability was the only concern.
Well, in that case I’d rather just buy an E-class. With SWB, they are essentially “almost” the same car nowadays. The S no longer offers many unique parts or components compared to the S; there are some unique elements but not that many compared to previous generations. E have many of the same parts/components, and sometimes even better cabin quality when comparing some model years. What makes the S special is the longer wheelbase and heavier weight driving like a nice boat. SWB S to me is just an E today. It was very different in the past, but not anymore. I may actually prefer the E for some model years in that case.
The E-class is 194 inches in length, the SWB S-class is 204, whereas as the LWB is 209. The ten inch difference for the E-class from the SWB would be much more noticeable than the 5 inches between the S-class models. As someone who rarely has anyone in the backseat, the river barge feel of the LWB in order to coddle the non-existent rear passengers, is something I would prefer do without. The car IS available. Just not imported here.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
If this new W223 was offered as an EV, I would probably get one. Overall, it seems like a magnificent car. That said, watching the Autotrader video, I could not help but burst out laughing when the fellow had multiple occasions when the door handles would not pop out. The more things change……….
IF it were available as a full EV, I would try to ignore what I consider to be the insanely gauche and horribly excessive placement of the 3-pointed star logos all over the exterior lighting and grille. We can only hope that some enterprising soul out there somewhere is already tooling up—or possibly contracting with the OEM supplier—to produce absolutely perfect aftermarket grilles & tail lights, similar to those on previous, traditionally designed MB models. Probably way too difficult to even think about fixing the headlights.
The whole car exudes class & sophistication, until you see all the stars, which really diminish the effect. How difficult would it have been for MB to offer a “Logo Package” as an OPTION, so those who want it (read China) could have it, while others, (read anyone with any sense of good taste) who value understated elegance, could have their MB in the traditional, lightly monogrammed version? The colossal logo overload REALLY is in poor taste. All of this, of course, is my personal opinion.
The E-class is 194 inches in length, the SWB S-class is 204, whereas as the LWB is 209. The ten inch difference for the E-class from the SWB would be much more noticeable than the 5 inches between the S-class models. As someone who rarely has anyone in the backseat, the river barge feel of the LWB in order to coddle the non-existent rear passengers, is something I would prefer do without. The car IS available. Just not imported here.
I had both a SWB and a LWB LS460, I much preferred the LWB. The 5 inches doesn't seem like much, but it really makes the flagship car feel grand. The 5 inches in the wheelbase also improves the ride, the LWB car just feels more special, even with nobody in the backseat.
The reason to get a SWB S Class over the E Class would be all about cabin sophistication and quality
The E-class is 194 inches in length, the SWB S-class is 204, whereas as the LWB is 209. The ten inch difference for the E-class from the SWB would be much more noticeable than the 5 inches between the S-class models. As someone who rarely has anyone in the backseat, the river barge feel of the LWB in order to coddle the non-existent rear passengers, is something I would prefer do without. The car IS available. Just not imported here.
That's a great point that I never thought about. 5" adds a lot. Now that am thinking about it. my current i7 is about 5-6 inches longer than my last S W222. It feels genuinely larger/special or drives nicer as a flagship while cruising around, despite the rear-wheel steering and improved nimbleness. 5" adds a lot to the driving feel. Also, the long wheelbase version of the escalade or Navigator is longer by 10 inches only, but the SUV feels 3ft longer with just those 10 inches.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by S_W222
🤣
Now I can imagine @Streamliner’s story in that parking lot.
I have German ancestry. For decades, I was the exclusive U.S. agent for a 100+ year old German company. I traveled to Germany yearly for decades. I love the German people. BUT……..
the Germans are extremely stubborn and extremely reluctant to admit to a mistake.
The pop-out exterior door handles were a disaster when first introduced on the W223 in 2021. The fact that they STILL are not perfected and are STILL causing owners headaches is just NUTS! WHY can’t MB just quietly do away with these things that were an answer to a question that NOBODY asked? They copied Tesla. It failed. GIVE UP THE FRIGGING SHIP and go back to the PERFECT door handles used on the W222 and virtually every other MB, when there was NEVER a complaint about them. Nope, they just can’t do it, so everyone suffers.
Can we even imagine the number of man hours that dealers & customers have wasted fooling with these idiotic, overly complicated, UNNEEDED AND UNWANTED contraptions? Can we even imagine what will become of these things when vehicles are out of warranty? They had “PERFECT,” but just had to fix it.
I would like to consider the updated EQS when the lease is up on my BMW I7, but when I think of dealing with THOSE door handles again, I just can’t do it.
Last edited by Streamliner; May 13, 2026 at 10:10 PM.
Some on this forum know I love to see our S in non-standard colors. Here's one in red - gotta say - looks good! Reminds me of the Cardinal Red Metallic on my 2018 E63.
Excerpt from article above:
Should you wish to personalize your S-Class using the new program, Mercedes will require you to work with a Made To Measure expert as a consultant for your customization needs, and expect it to take between 12 and 14 weeks longer than a non-Manufaktur model would, so long as you stick with pre-approved colors and materials.
Last edited by Mem30306; May 14, 2026 at 08:24 AM.
Some on this forum know I love to see our S in non-standard colors. Here's one in red - gotta say - looks good! Reminds me of the Cardinal Red Metallic on my 2018 E63.
Excerpt from article above:
Should you wish to personalize your S-Class using the new program, Mercedes will require you to work with a Made To Measure expert as a consultant for your customization needs, and expect it to take between 12 and 14 weeks longer than a non-Manufaktur model would, so long as you stick with pre-approved colors and materials.
That's a beautiful color!
But bold (maybe too much?) for a limo-sized luxury sedan.
I can definitely see that color on an SL/AMG GT.
IDK, maybe I'm too old school lol
The pop-out exterior door handles were a disaster when first introduced on the W223 in 2021. The fact that they STILL are not perfected and are STILL causing owners headaches is just NUTS! WHY can’t MB just quietly do away with these things that were an answer to a question that NOBODY asked? They copied Tesla. It failed. GIVE UP THE FRIGGING SHIP and go back to the PERFECT door handles used on the W222 and virtually every other MB, when there was NEVER a complaint about them. Nope, they just can’t do it, so everyone suffers.
Can we even imagine the number of man hours that dealers & customers have wasted fooling with these idiotic, overly complicated, UNNEEDED AND UNWANTED contraptions? Can we even imagine what will become of these things when vehicles are out of warranty? They had “PERFECT,” but just had to fix it.
I would like to consider the updated EQS when the lease is up on my BMW I7, but when I think of dealing with THOSE door handles again, I just can’t do it.
Maybe the auto industry is trying to reinvent the wheel by going with the electrification of the door handles.
But whether we like it or not, a lot of the newer cars have some form of door handle manipulation.
I have the latest dealer/customer claims into to the latest SUV released not too long ago and guess what - the door handle inop is 3rd on the top 10 issues list LOL
The good ole analog days, eh?
I have German ancestry. For decades, I was the exclusive U.S. agent for a 100+ year old German company. I traveled to Germany yearly for decades. I love the German people. BUT……..
the Germans are extremely stubborn and extremely reluctant to admit to a mistake.
The pop-out exterior door handles were a disaster when first introduced on the W223 in 2021. The fact that they STILL are not perfected and are STILL causing owners headaches is just NUTS! WHY can’t MB just quietly do away with these things that were an answer to a question that NOBODY asked? They copied Tesla. It failed. GIVE UP THE FRIGGING SHIP and go back to the PERFECT door handles used on the W222 and virtually every other MB, when there was NEVER a complaint about them. Nope, they just can’t do it, so everyone suffers.
Can we even imagine the number of man hours that dealers & customers have wasted fooling with these idiotic, overly complicated, UNNEEDED AND UNWANTED contraptions? Can we even imagine what will become of these things when vehicles are out of warranty? They had “PERFECT,” but just had to fix it.
I would like to consider the updated EQS when the lease is up on my BMW I7, but when I think of dealing with THOSE door handles again, I just can’t do it.
Why worry with the EQS? With electric doors you won't use them anyways. But these continue to be a trend. BMW is going all in on pop-out door handles. I believe all new models will have them. Even Porsche has motorized door handles.
I am ambivalent about them. But Telsa's door handles are worse as they are electrical only. The Germans are still all mechanical handles even if they pope out...
If this new W223 was offered as an EV, I would probably get one. Overall, it seems like a magnificent car. That said, watching the Autotrader video, I could not help but burst out laughing when the fellow had multiple occasions when the door handles would not pop out. The more things change……….
IF it were available as a full EV, I would try to ignore what I consider to be the insanely gauche and horribly excessive placement of the 3-pointed star logos all over the exterior lighting and grille. We can only hope that some enterprising soul out there somewhere is already tooling up—or possibly contracting with the OEM supplier—to produce absolutely perfect aftermarket grilles & tail lights, similar to those on previous, traditionally designed MB models. Probably way too difficult to even think about fixing the headlights.
The whole car exudes class & sophistication, until you see all the stars, which really diminish the effect. How difficult would it have been for MB to offer a “Logo Package” as an OPTION, so those who want it (read China) could have it, while others, (read anyone with any sense of good taste) who value understated elegance, could have their MB in the traditional, lightly monogrammed version? The colossal logo overload REALLY is in poor taste. All of this, of course, is my personal opinion.
You keep on complaining about the stars in the grill but the beloved SL followed the same concept with their Diamond grilles which was the Mercedes thing at the time. The S-Class stars look more subtle now than the Diamond grill from 2012 & up. Feels like you are trying a bit too hard to complain.
As for lighting up the grill? How is that different from BMW? I for one really like the grill, especially in dark chrome and the lit Mercedes star which is actually quite classy.
I got my oil changed today and was looking at mine in the service drive and it is so elegant and classy, the stars and all are over the top IMO, I wish they hadn't gone all in on them the way they did.
I got my oil changed today and was looking at mine in the service drive and it is so elegant and classy, the stars and all are over the top IMO, I wish they hadn't gone all in on them the way they did.
I feel the same way. The way they did the star lighs are totally unnecessary and detract from what would otherwise be an awesome car. The front isn’t that bad but the rear looks so damn cheap.
I feel the same way. The way they did the star lighs are totally unnecessary and detract from what would otherwise be an awesome car. The front isn’t that bad but the rear looks so damn cheap.
We'll see if it grows on me. I really like the interior...
Why worry with the EQS? With electric doors you won't use them anyways. But these continue to be a trend. BMW is going all in on pop-out door handles. I believe all new models will have them. Even Porsche has motorized door handles.
I am ambivalent about them. But Telsa's door handles are worse as they are electrical only. The Germans are still all mechanical handles even if they pope out...
I don't think this is true for the top-end models with BMW. X7 will get the automatic door, and if I have to guess, they will get the same exact excellent door handle as the current 7 (just a guess). Also the 7 LCI didn't add those new pop-out handles as you predicted before. My personal prediction is that more high-end models will get automatic door, and those with automatic door will not get the pop-out handle. Having said that, they worked fine and were flawless in my Tesla (they never failed to open even once). Maybe the electric vs mechanical that you pointed is actually a negative not a positive, otherwise what's going on?. I have no idea why mbenz can get them right, that even the facelift didn't work in at least 3 YouTube review videos I saw, last being just yesterday by carwow.
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Originally Posted by Wolfman
You keep on complaining about the stars in the grill but the beloved SL followed the same concept with their Diamond grilles which was the Mercedes thing at the time. The S-Class stars look more subtle now than the Diamond grill from 2012 & up. Feels like you are trying a bit too hard to complain.
As for lighting up the grill? How is that different from BMW? I for one really like the grill, especially in dark chrome and the lit Mercedes star which is actually quite classy.
Well, to each his own, but I never said anything about the illuminated grille. And the little chrome elements on the SL grille are not logos. Big difference. And, I’m not complaining. I am not interested in another W223, so I have nothing to complain about. I am merely stating my opinion on the design. Sorry, didn’t mean to offend. If
I don't think this is true for the top-end models with BMW. X7 will get the automatic door, and if I have to guess, they will get the same exact excellent door handle as the current 7 (just a guess). Also the 7 LCI didn't add those new pop-out handles as you predicted before. My personal prediction is that more high-end models will get automatic door, and those with automatic door will not get the pop-out handle. Having said that, they worked fine and were flawless in my Tesla (they never failed to open even once). Maybe the electric vs mechanical that you pointed is actually a negative not a positive, otherwise what's going on?. I have no idea why mbenz can get them right, that even the facelift didn't work in at least 3 YouTube review videos I saw, last being just yesterday by carwow.
I am confused by the door handle issues as well. Every Mercedes I have driven in the last 2 years had no issues extending. As for the 7 series, I did predict that get would switched like the new X5. But I am not sure if they didn't want to put the money in (more likely due to changes in the metal) or making a conscious exception. As for the mechanical door handles vs just electric, it is a question of safety. If electrical system fail in an accident, a mechanical handle will work. Lots of people died because of the lack of access from the inside or out.
Well, to each his own, but I never said anything about the illuminated grille. And the little chrome elements on the SL grille are not logos. Big difference. And, I’m not complaining. I am not interested in another W223, so I have nothing to complain about. I am merely stating my opinion on the design. Sorry, didn’t mean to offend.
If
Of course, no offense taken! It's just repetitious. I have mistaken the lighting part to be related to the grill. That said, each brand expresses their brand and designs in different ways. BMW creates controversial designs and shapes to differentiate themselves from the mass of other cars and have done a good job at it. The derided Bucktooth G8x cars have become highly successful despite being controversial.
Most reviewers have called new BMW's ugly yet they selling quite well. The Neue Klasse trapezoid center screen is a good example - There was no reason to do that.
Mercedes has chosen to use its logos, grill and lighting to do that. Love it or hate it, its the path they have chosen and I see no move away from that...
It's fun and interesting to continue to follow the positive and negative comments on both the new S and the new 7 on the respective forums.As we know,if we could combine the best atttibutes of both cars and maybe throw in a dose of retro interior design we would really have something.What has impressed me most about my new S are the driving characteristics.Just did my first road trip and the car was great.I love the way it hunkers down and tracks on the interstate, requiring minimal steering input and only with a light touch.Downside,the "hands on steering wheel" nanny is triggered a bit to easily.Lane changes are quick and precise with minimal disturbance or roll.Manuvering through traffic is a breeze.The true acoustic glass does make a small,but noticeable difference in wind and traffic noise.The standard sound system with the in car Tidal app is really good.Love the way it moves around in town to. So easy to drive and brake smoothly.Put it in ECO and it shifts up a bit earlier if you prefer. Love the easy access to the driving modes.The 10* rear steering is very handy.The car just drives small,but delivers big comfort.Is it perfect?No,but no car is.We will continue to follow developments on both cars and I will look at and drive the new 7.But,for right now,I'm really enjoying the drive in the S.Indeed,I'm already over my lease mileage,but I don't care.It just makes me feel great every time I'm in it.I think that's what all car guys are after!The new S has the inside track!
It's fun and interesting to continue to follow the positive and negative comments on both the new S and the new 7 on the respective forums.As we know,if we could combine the best atttibutes of both cars and maybe throw in a dose of retro interior design we would really have something.What has impressed me most about my new S are the driving characteristics.Just did my first road trip and the car was great.I love the way it hunkers down and tracks on the interstate, requiring minimal steering input and only with a light touch.Downside,the "hands on steering wheel" nanny is triggered a bit to easily.Lane changes are quick and precise with minimal disturbance or roll.Manuvering through traffic is a breeze.The true acoustic glass does make a small,but noticeable difference in wind and traffic noise.The standard sound system with the in car Tidal app is really good.Love the way it moves around in town to. So easy to drive and brake smoothly.Put it in ECO and it shifts up a bit earlier if you prefer. Love the easy access to the driving modes.The 10* rear steering is very handy.The car just drives small,but delivers big comfort.Is it perfect?No,but no car is.We will continue to follow developments on both cars and I will look at and drive the new 7.But,for right now,I'm really enjoying the drive in the S.Indeed,I'm already over my lease mileage,but I don't care.It just makes me feel great every time I'm in it.I think that's what all car guys are after!The new S has the inside track!
I personally find the whole concept that the 7 and S are not both incredible cars really funny. You really can't go wrong with either car, and both have strong suits and weaknesses. I truly had a very hard time deciding between them both in 2020 and in 2024. I still look at 7s and say "Man maybe I should have gotten that" and I know I would do the same thing if I had chosen a 7 and looked at the S Class.
The driving experience is still superior in the S I agree, theres just something about the way it drives and makes you feel that isn't there in the 7. Interior of the 7 is considerably better than the S IMO, styling on the exterior is much better on the S IMO.
With the refresh I think they largely solved most of the issues with the exterior of the 7 but they took a huge step back in the interior. With the refresh S I think the interior is a huge step forward but the exterior is a step back. So again I envision in summer 2027 when I go to replace mine I am going to have another difficult decision with no clear answer.
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.
