S Class ownership experience
Discussion
Hi all,
A couple of months back I traded in my previous generation Panamera for a current model Turbo. I'm around 2k miles into ownership and simply don't like it. The ride and refinement are not as good as the previous ones I've had and I can't wait to get out of it at the end of long journeys (anything over about 90 mins).
Having recently rented S Classes for some really long trips with 2-3 passengers, I've been really impressed by the comfort, refinement and general quality of the car. The only problem with the rented ones is they have been S350 diesels, which I find rather slow. As such, I'm looking at models higher up in the range, all around 2 years old. I think the short list is now down to S400d, S560e and also the S63 (4 litre, not the 5.5).
Has anyone lived with any of the above long term? If so, please could you share your experiences? Chauffeurs always seem happy with them (mostly S350d I expect) but I'd be really interested to hear experiences of the petrol engined models and hybrids.
Thanks in anticipation!
A couple of months back I traded in my previous generation Panamera for a current model Turbo. I'm around 2k miles into ownership and simply don't like it. The ride and refinement are not as good as the previous ones I've had and I can't wait to get out of it at the end of long journeys (anything over about 90 mins).
Having recently rented S Classes for some really long trips with 2-3 passengers, I've been really impressed by the comfort, refinement and general quality of the car. The only problem with the rented ones is they have been S350 diesels, which I find rather slow. As such, I'm looking at models higher up in the range, all around 2 years old. I think the short list is now down to S400d, S560e and also the S63 (4 litre, not the 5.5).
Has anyone lived with any of the above long term? If so, please could you share your experiences? Chauffeurs always seem happy with them (mostly S350d I expect) but I'd be really interested to hear experiences of the petrol engined models and hybrids.
Thanks in anticipation!
Mosdef said:
Hi all,
A couple of months back I traded in my previous generation Panamera for a current model Turbo. I'm around 2k miles into ownership and simply don't like it. The ride and refinement are not as good as the previous ones I've had and I can't wait to get out of it at the end of long journeys (anything over about 90 mins).
Having recently rented S Classes for some really long trips with 2-3 passengers, I've been really impressed by the comfort, refinement and general quality of the car. The only problem with the rented ones is they have been S350 diesels, which I find rather slow. As such, I'm looking at models higher up in the range, all around 2 years old. I think the short list is now down to S400d, S560e and also the S63 (4 litre, not the 5.5).
Has anyone lived with any of the above long term? If so, please could you share your experiences? Chauffeurs always seem happy with them (mostly S350d I expect) but I'd be really interested to hear experiences of the petrol engined models and hybrids.
Thanks in anticipation!
I've had three S Mercedes, two 65 sedans, one 63 coupe very briefly and now have a GLS63. They have all been amazing cars but not as reliable as they should be. I bought all of them new and all except the GLS (so far) were in for warranty work at some point. However, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. They are all highly specified as the flagship models, look great and ride well too. They are very heavy though so tires don't last long.A couple of months back I traded in my previous generation Panamera for a current model Turbo. I'm around 2k miles into ownership and simply don't like it. The ride and refinement are not as good as the previous ones I've had and I can't wait to get out of it at the end of long journeys (anything over about 90 mins).
Having recently rented S Classes for some really long trips with 2-3 passengers, I've been really impressed by the comfort, refinement and general quality of the car. The only problem with the rented ones is they have been S350 diesels, which I find rather slow. As such, I'm looking at models higher up in the range, all around 2 years old. I think the short list is now down to S400d, S560e and also the S63 (4 litre, not the 5.5).
Has anyone lived with any of the above long term? If so, please could you share your experiences? Chauffeurs always seem happy with them (mostly S350d I expect) but I'd be really interested to hear experiences of the petrol engined models and hybrids.
Thanks in anticipation!
Mercedes dealers, in my experience, were all very helpful and I was treated well as a customer. Having owned Porsches before though I would rate MB dealers below Porsche for knowledge but that could just be because of the range of cars they have to know.
Do you have specific questions?
Alexandra said:
I've had three S Mercedes, two 65 sedans, one 63 coupe very briefly and now have a GLS63. They have all been amazing cars but not as reliable as they should be. I bought all of them new and all except the GLS (so far) were in for warranty work at some point. However, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. They are all highly specified as the flagship models, look great and ride well too. They are very heavy though so tires don't last long.
Mercedes dealers, in my experience, were all very helpful and I was treated well as a customer. Having owned Porsches before though I would rate MB dealers below Porsche for knowledge but that could just be because of the range of cars they have to know.
Do you have specific questions?
Thanks very much Alexandra, it’s interesting to hear your experiences. Mercedes dealers, in my experience, were all very helpful and I was treated well as a customer. Having owned Porsches before though I would rate MB dealers below Porsche for knowledge but that could just be because of the range of cars they have to know.
Do you have specific questions?
How did you find the S63 coupe? It’s something else I’m considering, provided front legroom is similar to the saloon. I haven’t managed to try one out just yet but being very tall, the legroom point is a critical one for me.
Given I really don’t have much experience with S Classes, I was curious to know which options are the key ones to have. The real attractions to me are the ride and overall refinement. I think there might be a couple of suspension options across the range but do the AMGs lose out to lesser models as far as ride quality and general well being are concerned?
With my last Panamera, I enjoyed its split personality; it wafted when I wanted it to but could be sharpened up at the press of a button. Perhaps the S Class AMGs can do the same.
Oh I loved the coupe, but it's obviously not as practical. Gorgeous to look at and rare as well. It depends whether you're regularly carry passengers though. The rear seats are usable for kids but legroom is much less than the sedan. Plus, to get in the rear I remember the doors being larger, but I'm not 100% on that. Driving was fine for me (5' 7") but it's a smaller cabin so comfort would depend on your height - you'll have to try it if you're that tall 
.
As for options, the AMG's come with a lot so you won't miss out but I had night vision which I remember was extra, and the HUD, but again, that may be standard on the 63's? I like a light interior and I think that suits the S more than the typical black on black. The coupe interior really is a beautiful design.
The ride was less comfortable in the coupe though. It still has the air suspension but felt like it couldn't cope as well with the roads around Long Island, which is why I've gone for the GLS now.
It sounds like it may come down to whether you (and family?) fit in it, but if you don't then make sure to try the sedan as you won't be disappointed with it.
. As for options, the AMG's come with a lot so you won't miss out but I had night vision which I remember was extra, and the HUD, but again, that may be standard on the 63's? I like a light interior and I think that suits the S more than the typical black on black. The coupe interior really is a beautiful design.
The ride was less comfortable in the coupe though. It still has the air suspension but felt like it couldn't cope as well with the roads around Long Island, which is why I've gone for the GLS now.
It sounds like it may come down to whether you (and family?) fit in it, but if you don't then make sure to try the sedan as you won't be disappointed with it.
Many thanks again, that’s very useful. We have a Cayenne for family duties and I spend most of the time in my car on my own, hence looking at the coupe. But, I’m sure I would be delighted with a saloon, I occasionally have a driver so I’d get to make the most of the experience of owning the larger car.
Interesting comments about the ride in the coupe - I need to get some test drives sorted ASAP.
Interesting comments about the ride in the coupe - I need to get some test drives sorted ASAP.
I just switched to the S560 only for a few weeks but formerly had the S63, both coupes.
The S63 was gorgeous. I live in central London and commute to Birmingham once a week and it's a true mile muncher, I frequently get out after a couple of hours more refreshed than what I started the journey.
The reason I switched was the S63 is a bit noisy on startup, and I have to get going at around 6am. The S560 is probably 95% of what the S63 is and much more civilised on start-up noise. The only regret is if you like the noise you have to push the S560 and it gets going very quickly! S63 is an axe murderer and the S560 is an assassin.
You won't regret the switch and if you go for the premium plus package you'll have the important gadgets covered in the options.
The S63 was gorgeous. I live in central London and commute to Birmingham once a week and it's a true mile muncher, I frequently get out after a couple of hours more refreshed than what I started the journey.
The reason I switched was the S63 is a bit noisy on startup, and I have to get going at around 6am. The S560 is probably 95% of what the S63 is and much more civilised on start-up noise. The only regret is if you like the noise you have to push the S560 and it gets going very quickly! S63 is an axe murderer and the S560 is an assassin.
You won't regret the switch and if you go for the premium plus package you'll have the important gadgets covered in the options.
TopBanana101 said:
I just switched to the S560 only for a few weeks but formerly had the S63, both coupes.
The S63 was gorgeous. I live in central London and commute to Birmingham once a week and it's a true mile muncher, I frequently get out after a couple of hours more refreshed than what I started the journey.
The reason I switched was the S63 is a bit noisy on startup, and I have to get going at around 6am. The S560 is probably 95% of what the S63 is and much more civilised on start-up noise. The only regret is if you like the noise you have to push the S560 and it gets going very quickly! S63 is an axe murderer and the S560 is an assassin.
You won't regret the switch and if you go for the premium plus package you'll have the important gadgets covered in the options.
Thanks TopBanana101, sounds like you have a similar routine to mine. Out of interest, was your S63 the 5.5 or the 4 litre? I had the 5.5 in my E63 some years ago and it was pretty raucous at start up and relatively harsh on the move too - but I was hoping the new 4 litre S63 might be a little milder mannered.The S63 was gorgeous. I live in central London and commute to Birmingham once a week and it's a true mile muncher, I frequently get out after a couple of hours more refreshed than what I started the journey.
The reason I switched was the S63 is a bit noisy on startup, and I have to get going at around 6am. The S560 is probably 95% of what the S63 is and much more civilised on start-up noise. The only regret is if you like the noise you have to push the S560 and it gets going very quickly! S63 is an axe murderer and the S560 is an assassin.
You won't regret the switch and if you go for the premium plus package you'll have the important gadgets covered in the options.
TopBanana101 said:
Sorry for the late reply. I had the 5.5l. I have a friend that has the 4, I still don't think I'd get away with that parking in W9. Even in normal startup.
But if it was 8am I needed to start I'd go the AMG every time.
No worries at all, thanks for responding regardless. I ended up trying the 5.5 coupe but it was a bit short on head room. Now back to looking at big saloons again; new model S8, M760Li and either a late model S63 saloon or even a new model S500 saloon. Shame the coupe didn’t fit, they’re lovely cars. But if it was 8am I needed to start I'd go the AMG every time.
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