New S Class for a week.

[Peter DLM]

So I've got the use of a W222 S350 for a week.

Family is over and my SL isn't really suitable for hauling the clan around. :fail Usually I'd have a GL but as only 4 seats are needed this year and I've never had an S Class before, and I won the use of it in a prize so it's free!! I thought Christmas would be the ideal time to give it a go.

First impression wasn't good, why do I have to slam the boot on this car? Not even a soft-close like the SL let alone an autoclose like the lowly C Class estates have as standard. :fail

Next impressions were all good I'm pleased to say. Extremely pleasant cabin to be in, seats are amazing, headrests are just heavenly haha, and it's very quiet.

That's all so far as I've only just picked it up. One pic after I'd chosen a nice cool blue colour for the ambient lighting.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Sounds good. Surprised about the lack of soft close boot, that doesn't sound right?

Keen to see how it fares...

 

[LTD]

Lovely dash - not sure about the ambient lighting though .........

 

[mbenz1]

Great car, after all it's a S . That ambient lighting feature and the digital animation-type Speedo is a question mark for me though

Enjoy the luxury cruising!

 

[wywywywy]

I thought soft and power boot close was standard on all S Class?

 

[Peter DLM]

Definitely no soft close. Tried it again just now.

 

[Fudger]

Never driven one but I did have a sit in one at MB Brooklands, when I was getting my E; looked really classy.

It will be interesting to read of your thoughts after living with it for a week!

 

[Peter DLM]

So far it makes my SL feel like an MX5.

Parking nice and easy with the guidelines provided by the rear view camera.

It has Keyless, but I can't see too many more options yet. I have a long drive planned for tomorrow so I'll be able to dig around more then, but so far I really like it. there's a lot to be said for driving on air, it doesn't notice road imperfections that you're all too aware of in the SL

 

[cunny678]

I was in my mates recently and I am not sure about the dash!! I think it looks very flat showing the clocks.

 

[E270 Owner]

Nice with RENNtech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaAY_PDlw6o

 

[Peter DLM]

Well, having covered 550miles (not even a whole tank) it was quite a shock handing the S back and immediately jumping back in my Smart.

The S was a spectacular success for transporting an 80 year old mother and a couple of other family members around the various places. Rear seats obviously extremely comfortable and more than enough leg room, the pano roof and blinds on the rear 3 windows and sunroof giving the kids something to play with.

On a long run it returned 43mpg, after refilling the range suggested a potential 650 miles on a full tank. This is quite believable as I managed 550 including much urban/town driving and the reserve light wasn't even on.

On the motorway there was a little more road noise than I was expecting, I didn't pick up on much wind noise however. I couldn't find how to adjust the sound system settings and was left feeling unimpressed with the sound quality. Maybe if it was fitted with something other than the standard system there ability to fiddle would be there.
There were endless menus to play with though, the one for the climate control being quite impressive.

Best bit for me I think was the huge COMAND screen, the one in my SL now looking decidedly council and tiny by comparison. It drew comments from everyone who travelled in the car. I also liked the supreme motorway cruising ability, surefooted handling and tool ol' Mercedes hewn from granite feeling.

I'd still rather have a GL though. It feels like the S and has pretty much the same abilities but with the added benefits of being a huge 4x4.

 

[Minz]

So I've got the use of a W222 S350 for a week.

Family is over and my SL isn't really suitable for hauling the clan around. :fail Usually I'd have a GL but as only 4 seats are needed this year and I've never had an S Class before, and I won the use of it in a prize so it's free!! I thought Christmas would be the ideal time to give it a go.

First impression wasn't good, why do I have to slam the boot on this car? Not even a soft-close like the SL let alone an autoclose like the lowly C Class estates have as standard. :fail

Next impressions were all good I'm pleased to say. Extremely pleasant cabin to be in, seats are amazing, headrests are just heavenly haha, and it's very quiet.

That's all so far as I've only just picked it up. One pic after I'd chosen a nice cool blue colour for the ambient lighting.

Ouch!

 

[Peter DLM]

What? A C Class is lowly compared to the S

 

[boxbrownie]

it was quite a shock handing the S back and immediately jumping back in my Smart.

Really?

 

[UrBusted]

Hi,
Have you connected your car to the Mercedes Apps thing? I see vodafone on the dash and was wondering if its connected to your phone or if you are using a dongle to do it.
Thanks
UrBusted

 

[Peter DLM]

Hi,
Have you connected your car to the Mercedes Apps thing? I see vodafone on the dash and was wondering if its connected to your phone or if you are using a dongle to do it.
Thanks
UrBusted

I didn't actually try that bit

I just connected by phone via Bluetooth or the media cable.