Hi,

I have a 2018 S560, that has been really good to me over the last 8 years. Given the extended warranty has expired roughly a year ago, while waiting for the facelift to come out, I am thinking it is time to replace it. They also stopped supporting all the "assistance" items in the car (there is no security or connectivity package renewals available anymore). Given that I also have a 2021 GLS450 and just scratched the summer cabriolet itch with a 2026 911 Turbo S Cab, I am looking at another luxury sedan.

Following the discussions on this forum, looks like i7 facelift could also be an interesting contender, with pros of being EV (which will make me feel a bit better next to all the other gas guzzlers I have), lease advantages like with any other BMW (I swore not to buy another one and only lease the brand going forward, and I do not see that changing, especially for an EV), and apparently comfort (as in soft ride), based on the comments made here. The con is, it does not have the 3-pointed star, and the 3 BMWs I owned previously (3-5-7 in various years) were not as reliable as my current S-Class.

The other two candidates are the facelifted S580 and S580e, which I know are two very different items. There is also a less popular thought of purchasing the S580 and leasing an i7, but I do not think I put that many miles on cars a year to justify owning 4 for just one person, and one of them would need to live outside the garage (most likely the GLS450, or the leased i7), as I only have room for three...

I wanted to ask and hear what fellow forum members would do if they were in my situation. And also wanted to find out when these vehicles would be available for order and more importantly delivery. I appreciate any help.

 

Lovely W222, did you at least test drive a W223, you might like it. In general the consensus, the W223 is a refinement. Better sound insulation, better ride (depending on suspension option), more tech.

 

I can't speak to owning a BMW, but I ordered a 2027 S580 and it has been built already and sitting in Germany waiting for a release date.
Everyone here will have an opinion on a BMW. I test drove a 7 series and did not like it compared to my current S580. Just my personal observation.
I don't lease because in Texas sales tax laws require me to pay tax on the entire cost of the vehicle. That fact changes the dynamics of leasing, particularly if you can't write the car as a business expense. Couples with the fact that I drive very few miles, it is wiser for me to buy versus lease. My last Mercedes was worth far more to sell than to just turn back to the dealer.

 

I test drove the S580 more or less a year back, and I liked it. I am assuming they did not change the engine going into the facelift. The only thing I disliked was the iPad in the middle, which I realize is no more. Are there different suspension options on the S580 that can be ordered? If so, I may have missed that. If you are referring to the suspension settings, yes, I follow you on that one.

Congrats on the new S580 order, I hope you get to see it very soon. I had no idea about the TX laws on leasing. Not like that here in OR. I would not lease a Benz anyways, I do not think their terms are anywhere close to BMWs.

 

Personally I think you're rationalizing this exactly in the same way I am. Our situations are slightly different in the sense that I have a 2019 A8L and while I've decided to keep that absolutely forever I'm also struggling to figure out what to do from a sedan perspective next.

I think the post-facelift w223 which would be custom ordered like all of my vehicles is next. There is no such thing as a perfect car but unfortunately there are things that kill cars that money can basically not fix and for me that big one is rust. So all the A8 will continue to have parts made for it for perhaps the next 10 years I need to buy something current that I potentially might not care as much about as I'm looking for a sedan through the salty winter months and even the A8 which is largely made of aluminum will eventually rust when it's sitting in salt for 6 months. (Paint)

The Genesis g90 is on my list but there's something not sitting with me right about Genesis as a brand and yes people can call me a snob and they'd be right. The BMW is a no-go for me based on how it looks. That realistically only leaves the s-class and while I painfully know all of the places that they cost cut and that they are not built like the w-140 it is still one hell of a car and let's be frank there are no other options.

That's where I'm at. Good luck in your hunt!

 

Thank you for your input penguin. What is your stance on S580 vs. S580e? Latter a good value to buy and hold?

 

I have to separate personal bias from objective information and I need to call out that I do not know terribly much about the s580e.

I have a strong personal bias towards the concept of keeping it simple. I have objective information about the technology that goes into plug-in hybrids specifically with regards to nmc technology for batteries.

My assumption here is that the s580e is a phev that uses nmc battery technology like every single other phev on the planet.

If this is true and I'm not saying that it is because I have not done my own research then there is no way I would ever buy that vehicle. The regular s-class is a p0 mhev which consists of an isg a dcdc converter and a small 48 volt lithium ion battery. This implementation by Mercedes has been solid.

The issue with plug-in hybrids is that nmc battery is heavy and like all technologies that utilize this battery chemistry they typically begin failing or lose their ability to store energy at around the 5 to 7 year mark and when that fails all we are doing is carrying a heavy battery that does nothing. That means all of the benefits and cost savings are gone let alone the initial upcharge for the vehicle.

To me plug-in hybrid cars have always been a lose-lose proposition because unfortunately I know too much about lithium ion batteries.

So personal bias aside and again noting that I do not know enough about the s580e, if it operates like other phevs then there is no way I would buy it.

Also I would never personally associate the word value and an expensive depreciating asset but that's just me.

 

Thank you for your input penguin. By value, I meant the enjoyment value, not related to depreciation or economic value. Thanks again.

 

If you mean by like enjoying the car as it not breaking down? If so I would highly suggest avoiding PHEVs. They are generally a disaster. I'll point to the present A8, full size Range Rover, et al. I get why these things are extremely hot right now because consumers are looking primarily at the benefit.

However for my vehicle enjoyment perspective I would personally say there is nothing that pisses me off more than having to spend time at a dealer so on that biased lens I would definitely say stick to Ice only!

Or put another words less **** to go wrong 🤣

 

That is a stupid question Salamigs and the answer is obvious: Build a bigger garage
Sorry - I really need to work on my sarcasm.

Anyway, two slightly more worthwhile comments:
1. The V8 has changed slightly in the refresh in that it now has a flat-plane crankshaft. No idea what that does, but it is supposedly smoother, more efficient, and more powerful.
2. I think the biggest change you'd notice is the 48v mild-hybrid on the w223 S580. I always felt my w222 was a little sluggish off the mark. The w223 mild hybrid fixed that and was much more enjoyable to drive.

 

Nice Turbo S. Which green?

Flying Spur? Didn’t see it mentioned.

 

As noted in the other thread and I was accurately corrected by another member, the Flying Spur is now only offered in PHEV.

 

Yes Airmatic and E-ABC.

 

I am familiar with the mild hybrid 48V thing-a-magic as my 2021 GLS450 has it. I was scared as some folks had bad luck about it, but so far so good for mine.
I heard of the V8 type change as well, but need to experience it before I can comment (unless someone already has, and I am all ears for it).

Color on the cab is Oak Green Metallic Neo with black roof outside, and Club Leather in Basalt Black/Classic Cognac interior.

Sounds like we have a winner here. I am assuming I can go ahead and order one somewhere, and I will get the vehicle sometime before the end of the year? Or could it be earlier?

Thank you for all your help.

 

If the OP is even considering going EV, do yourself a favor and at least test drive the I7. I did and it was love at first drive! After SIX S Class sedans in a row, I went BMW for the first time since 1995. I have had my I7 about 20 months and it has been “THE” most trouble free car I have ever owned and it is new car No. 61 for me.

 

I have made the decision to order a '27 S580 after being in a '26 for only 2 months.My CA is checking on the lease pull ahead situation on my 13 month lease.Hopefully that tells you what I think about the car!I love it.I had a '23 and '25 760i which I enjoyed very much.However,both developed carbon buildup and rough idle problems.With that, the unknowns about the 7 LCI interior, and the unavailability of the LCI 760 ICE,I jumped back to Mercedes.I quickly came to find that I prefer the driving,comfort, and handling characteristics,along with the refinement of the S.Is it perfect?No.Am I a fan of the wall to wall sceen?No.But I much prefer it over the no instrument cluster,tacked on screen look and functionality of the 7.Graphite Grey over Beech Brown,Luxury Line (don't like the oversized lower intakes),19" wheels(for ride quality),10* rear steering,illuminated star.That's it,simple.I'll take it as soon as I can get it.

 

@Streamliner , I have been following your posts and recommendations since 2018, and enjoying it a lot, because I do not think we think about most things differently. Yes, absolutely I will still be test-driving both the i7 and the S580 before I make a decision (even though I did not test drive the 911 before I pulled the trigger). I will probably pass on the S580e though...

 

Just curious: Does your S560 have Magic Body Control?

 

No Magic Body Control on my S560. I vaguely remember wanting it but something about it not being offered with the 4MATIC on 2018 models. I do not recall for sure though, it has been 8.5 years since I have ordered the car.

 

Ah yes, if you need 4-Matic, MBC was not available. I only asked, because IF you consider the I7, there is an option that just TRANSFORMS the ride & handling of the car. It is the Autobahn Pkg. and I had to order it having never experienced it, as the option is quite rare and none of the dealers order it for stock. It maintains the all wheel drive. One feature is that the car corners very flat and gives the very heavy car a much nicer ride, at least in my opinion. Anyway, best of luck in your search.