Jan AMG

Heisenberg

I not too familiar with the cab but these would be my thoughts on the coupe, which is very similar save for the roof and its mechanism -

• M157 vs M177 basically a wash, torque is identical. M157 has more upside potential with ECU flash. Despite the difference in displacement, don't think fuel economy is much different - that's more determined by the car's mass and how it is driven, rather than the choice of Mercedes engine.
• Hopefully the new 9sp transmission is better overall, and isn't the same MCT gearbox with two more gears. I've read mixed opinions about it. Race Start / Launch Control is added
• 4MATIC+ looks to be a decent improvement with variable F/R split - best features of AWD and RWD, and Mercedes solution doesn't add too much weight compared to others.
• Exterior styling is very similar. At first I didn't like the Panamericana grill or the new front bumper and rear diffusor/apron but they have grown on me. The new OLED taillights look great, that's a definite improvement.
• Interior styling is basically unchanged, save for the new style steering wheel. There is now a convenient wireless charging pad in the center console.
• Electronics/tech are improved, which is the biggest change - new COMAND is way more flexible, displays are higher resolution, semi-autonomous driving is more robust, and voice control now works for everything. All that said, the tech in the pre-refresh cars is still state of the art.

If you don't mind waiting and are willing to pay the premium, I'd say get the 2018/2019. But if you want the car quickly or are looking for the best deal, you won't be missing too much with a 2017.

jbattan

Jan AMG

Thanks guys, you are awesome!

That's exactly what I wanted to hear. The list of changes is so extensive and important from engineering perspective, I will have to wait for the new version.

There's one thing though which I don't understand. Are there really no Multibeam headlights? I have sold my 2013 CLS63 and upgraded to 2015 CLS63 and the headlights upgrade itself was worth it! The car is much better and safer to drive, it is in fact so much better I have decided not to buy another car without Multibeams. How good or bad is the C217 ILS? Have you had a chance to compare it with Multibeams or 2013 ILS?

jbattan

Jan AMG

The dealer where I bought my CLS has a 5/2017 S63 Obsidian Black with Brown interior, specified just OK .. no premium Burmester and CCBs but it is OK overall. I was thinking CCBs can get noisy when hot so perhaps steel brakes are better for Cabriolet.
This car has just over 3000 miles and the price is lower by about $70,000USD.
Needless to say, it's very tempting.

I'm curious what's your brakes preference. CCB or steel for Cabriolet?

jbattan

Jan AMG

Right now I have two almost identical CLS63S, one with CCBs, another with steel brakes. I'd say I prefer CCBs, even though I don't track the car. Performance and unsprung weight aside, I love how you get no brake pad dust.

jbattan

Yes, the no-dust advantage is a good one. But have you ever experienced fading, a feeling of heavy wheels, or insufficient braking power with the CLS63s's steel brakes in non-track situations?

Jan AMG

You have a good point. I have never experienced fading, or insufficient braking power with the CLS63Ss's steel brakes under normal driving conditions. I have stopped couple of times from 150-170mph on the autobahn to almost 60mph and it was always enough. I haven't been to Alps yet but I believe they are strong enough to perform well under heavy load (unlike non-AMG brakes on V8 Benzes).
I have however, tracked E63S on AMG Day and CCBs got painfully noisy after a hard session so I thought, what is unpleasant in a sedan could be unbearable in a cabriolet.

Anyway, you seem like someone who knows a lot about Mercedes.. what was your decision to get a 2018? Was the decision financial (tax purposes etc.), did you get a good deal or you simply like to have the best?

jbattan

Right on. Having misophonia, that noise is what turns me off to CCBs. Plus the cost of course.

I like "the best or nothing", thus my wanting to upgrade from something amazing to something even better.

-Jim

Jan AMG

I hear you Jim. You reminded me to order another pair of BOSE Quietcomfort 35.

Thanks and happy motoring

jbattan

I'm listening to my QC35s right now!

Happy motoring to you too.

dbesins

I went for a 17 because of pricing. I lease my Mercedes 24 month and will be getting the new one in 18 month or so.

I got such a good amount off MSRP + other discounts that I could not get to pay probably over $1k more a month for the upgrades.

I really love the car tho, the cost comfortable convertible out there