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I am in the market for a fast luxury sedan, and naturally, I am interested in the Audi S8 Plus and the S63 AMG. Currently I drive a ‘14 Audi A8 4.2 TDI Matrix.
So I test drove the S8 Plus, and it is very fast, in theory considerably quicker than the pre-facelift S63 AMG 4Matic. But on the downside it is much noisier than my A8 and I suspect the S63 due to the huge 21s, and this S8 is known for more excessive tyre roar on bigger rims. So S63 owners, is the S63 a very quiet experience?
Also what about performance? Is it still fast, or is it just a better sounding S500? And have you drag raced anyone, please share the results? And what about ECU tuning?
Also how is the fuel economy? The S8 plus is actually good.
And how is the comfort? The S8 plus in comparison is a bit stiff.
And finally how is the maintenance? For the 5.5 biturbo. Is it a reliable motor, and overall is it very expensive to maintain?
I will be happy for some feedback from owners, soon I will test drive one too!
Regards!
Never mind, test drove today a S63 AMG and it was dreadful… The build quality was ****, like every modern Mercedes, it rattled like crazy, the doors squeaked like crazy, in fact the hole interior when you touch something squeaks badly… typical Mercedes, I have been in many w222’s all have shocking build quality, I don’t know why I thought that this will be different.. Also it was sluggish and not that fast, compared to the S8, and most shockingly the ride was rubbish, it wasn’t smooth at all, and I was in comfort, before that I drove a facelifted W222 S350, and it was similarly bad, what happened to the famous S class ride?!? And it had excessive road noise and tyre roar despite having double glazed windows.. My A8 D4 with the sport suspension even in dynamic mode has a better and softer ride, and it was much quieter as well. Overall a dreadful car, and it was low mileage 60k with full service history, my A8 has 120k and has ZERO rattles. Oh also the panel gaps were unacceptable, at one side I could put my whole finger inside it, but on the other side I couldn’t…. Just pure ****. Oh and the central console was broken, and the wood on the dash was harmoniously misaligned with the wood on the door panel. Just brilliant. So the S8 plus in my view is a far superior car, not only in acceleration.
if somebody doesn’t believe me, I can show the car and footage of its abysmal quality…
Last edited by Kristian2001; Dec 9, 2021 at 07:26 AM.
Well it appears that you have found all the evidence that you need that convinces you to get what you really wanted in the first place. Everyone has their preferences. I’ve read dozens of posts that trash the S8 and praise a BMW so stick to your preference and have fun with it.
Originally Posted by Kristian2001
Only plus points were the seats the sound was also fantastic and it looked sinister.. nice.
But I will save myself 20k and get me a S8 Plus
cheers
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Funny, I just did a search for “build quality” in the W222 forum, and what do you know, this is the only thread thrashing the build quality of these cars. Knowing how quick people are to be negative on the internet, I find the complete absence of a torrent of criticism noteworthy, aside from these two posts of course. But hey, we all have our experiences. I’ve owned Audi’s side by side with SClasses for years, and driven every S8 and every S AMG, and while I love Audi’s interior fit and finish, I cannot say the build quality is so much better than any S Class.
Funny, I just did a search for “build quality” in the W222 forum, and what do you know, this is the only thread thrashing the build quality of these cars. Knowing how quick people are to be negative on the internet, I find the complete absence of a torrent of criticism noteworthy, aside from these two posts of course. But hey, we all have our experiences. I’ve owned Audi’s side by side with SClasses for years, and driven every S8 and every S AMG, and while I love Audi’s interior fit and finish, I cannot say the build quality is so much better than any S Class.
maw
yes of course everyone has an opinion, but I am just very disappointed from a brand which has made some fantastic cars. The S class is still a fine car, but for that price.. I don’t know..I just didn’t expect soo many squeaks, panel gaps, etc.. I am very eagled eyed when it comes to such things, especially on such a praised and expensive car. Not saying that you shouldn’t love yours, but I am not trashing a car just for the sake of it. Also if you make a deeper research out of the forums, where usually enthusiasts write, you will see the bigger picture, but again I am happy for you that you like your car, and don’t take my opinion at heart. I will put links to some of the videos showing the problems which prove my point , cheers;
These guys also have an W222 S class review and they addressed the squeaking issue as well.
also attached you will see my experience with the S63, sadly I should have filmed all of the other “little” problems. Nevertheless I won’t change your mind, nor you will mine, and I don’t want to change your opinion on the w222, I am just sharing my experiences with the w222. And at the end of the day everybody loves their own thing, and thats what is really important.
cheers once again!
Last edited by Kristian2001; Nov 25, 2021 at 04:12 PM.
This thread is a total joke…. Wants a premium S Class AMG then goes on about upkeep cost and the gas mileage. Then proceeded to say the “hole interior” made noise saying the W222 quality is bad and then wonders why the ride quality is not good.
Ontop of it post videos from someone who is BMW bias about bad quality. As if BMW or Audi does not have this.
Just say the S63 is not the car for you for whatever made up reason and move on.
Last edited by C280 Sport; Dec 5, 2021 at 09:26 PM.
AGREED. My 2018 S63 is the best 4 door I've ever owned by far, and my 2012 and my 2008 S63's, none had creaks, rattles, panel gaps, nothing. They were PERFECT!
This thread is a total joke…. Wants a premium S Class AMG then goes on about upkeep cost and the gas mileage. Then proceeded to say the “hole interior” made noise saying the W222 quality is bad and then wonders why the ride quality is not good.
Ontop of it post videos from someone who is BMW bias about bad quality. As if BMW or Audi does not have this.
Just say the S63 is not the car for you for whatever made up reason and move on.
Sorry if I made you mad. But I do have some fair points, and I don’t see the problem in knowing what the problems and running costs are. Also my post isn’t hate, but more a disappointment from a S class fan, I looked at a different one yesterday and things were much better, might even consider it.
But what really is funny to me is how when I ask some advise from privilege owners, no one really bothers giving some advise. But when I share my disappointment, everyone puts their attack mode stating that I am wrong and a hater.
I just share my disappointment, I DO NOT insist that you have to agree with me and sell your vehicles.
AGREED. My 2018 S63 is the best 4 door I've ever owned by far, and my 2012 and my 2008 S63's, none had creaks, rattles, panel gaps, nothing. They were PERFECT!
Enjoy your Audi
Thats really nice to hear! The first couple which I test drove really did disappoint me( again my person thoughts), although the last which I saw was actually good.
2015 S63 Sedan Black/Black 69,500 miles in Long Island, NY. Was just looked over at Rallye Mercedes before CPO warranty expires, in excellent condition. Orginal MSRP was $163,445, loaded from Heads up display, Distronics plus, Warmth & Comfort, Carbon Fiber package and more. Current Manheim MMR auction estimate is $58,600 with an estimated retail $65,400. PM me if you interested.
I suggest test driving more w222 S classes, I've worked at many dealerships and rarely encountered those issues you described with the build quality. One thing I will say that might have affected your experience is that in my time working at an MB dearlship, I noticed over the years it's not that the quality has gone down but actually the quality control, meaning that when they're producing higher volumes of cars, there's more likely to be cars that aren't consistent with the standard level of quality that most people have come to expect from MB. So basically I'm saying there's a chance you might have test driven a poor quality example of the w222. I would try to test drive 1-2 more from the middle years of production just to confirm your opinions on it. Also, as far as reliability, the 5.5l biturbo amg engine has proven to be very reliable compared with its competitors. I think whatever choice you make, go with the higher tier trim of that brand because I've noticed reliability issues seem to concern a lot more of the lower trim levels than the higher ones (A trim on Audi's, 28's-35's on bmw's, 250's-300's on mercedes) I've driven and worked on BMW 750's, Audi s8's & rs8's, & the full range of s classes, all very beautiful cars so it comes down to preference but if you have any questions about experience with their maintenance or working on them in general, I'll go ahead and say from my opinion, the s class has been the easiest to work on.
Have you ever OWNED an S Class? I doubt it based on your comments--for example "the build quality was---like every modern Mercedes". What?
I have owned S classes over 30 years and the w221 and w222 have some of the best build qualities ever. More recently I have owned new 2014 S550 4matic, 2016 S550 4matic and a 2019 S63 AMG. My cars have been absolutely bullet proof with no issues what so ever. I don't want to invalidate your one experience but that used car must have had the hell beat out of it for you to say what you are saying--IMHO.
Originally Posted by Kristian2001
Never mind, test drove today a S63 AMG and it was dreadful… The build quality was ****, like every modern Mercedes, it rattled like crazy, the doors squeaked like crazy, in fact the hole interior when you touch something squeaks badly… typical Mercedes, I have been in many w222’s all have shocking build quality, I don’t know why I thought that this will be different.. Also it was sluggish and not that fast, compared to the S8, and most shockingly the ride was rubbish, it wasn’t smooth at all, and I was in comfort, before that I drove a facelifted W222 S350, and it was similarly bad, what happened to the famous S class ride?!? And it had excessive road noise and tyre roar despite having double glazed windows.. My A8 D4 with the sport suspension even in dynamic mode has a better and softer ride, and it was much quieter as well. Overall a dreadful car, and it was low mileage 60k with full service history, my A8 has 120k and has ZERO rattles. Oh also the panel gaps were unacceptable, at one side I could put my whole finger inside it, but on the other side I couldn’t…. Just pure ****. Oh and the central console was broken, and the wood on the dash was harmoniously misaligned with the wood on the door panel. Just brilliant. So the S8 plus in my view is a far superior car, not only in acceleration.
if somebody doesn’t believe me, I can show the car and footage of its abysmal quality…
Sorry if I made you mad. But I do have some fair points, and I don’t see the problem in knowing what the problems and running costs are. Also my post isn’t hate, but more a disappointment from a S class fan, I looked at a different one yesterday and things were much better, might even consider it.
But what really is funny to me is how when I ask some advise from privilege owners, no one really bothers giving some advise. But when I share my disappointment, everyone puts their attack mode stating that I am wrong and a hater.
I just share my disappointment, I DO NOT insist that you have to agree with me and sell your vehicles.
have a nice day,
I'm in my second s63 amg and can't imagine a better car. Found a 2014 with 45k miles and loaded. It is the dream car of quiet, comfort, sporty and plenty of juice.
Last edited by S63 AMG; Dec 4, 2022 at 01:09 PM.
Reason: Mispelled
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