So coming up to 2 months with the 6.2. Apart from the early gremlins , the subframe and brake lines are done, dealer covered 1k of repairs. I got a transmission oil change for gbp300 at a merc dealership, who knew... they initially quoted 380 then made some sort of mistake and charged less .
In terms of thoughts so far compared to my previous facelift S, the S being a superior daily in every regard if you want refinement. The light steering allows much easier driving than the pre and is more accurate and easier to steer at low speeds. When you put the s in gear, it doesn't charge off like the pre, it gradually gives you throttle unless you put your foot down. Oddly I had a A200 saloon or some other brand new courtesy car last year and that car was too sensitive at low speeds to little throttle inputs so I can't say all newer mercs don't like launching off too quickly from a stop because some do. Anyhow the upside of the prefacelift is the hydraulic steering , while no match for the electric rack for ease of driving, there's certainly more feel and connection. It does give a more sporty feel by default just because the steering is heavy . Also the NA engine certainly after the initial gallop upon releasing the brake is then more alert to throttle inputs.
One of the failures of my specific facelift was the lack of options I wanted such as distronic and massaging seats and folding rear seats etc. The nappa leather seats on the S and cabin are quite a step up vs the pre and the ICW clock is the icing on the cake. I think also the lack of a giant clock in the instrument cluster is an improvement as you get a larger rev counter and the centre digital screen is colour.
In terms of throttle response, it is a combination of what gear the car will utilise when you put your foot down on the throttle paddle. The facelift engine has more breath of power through the rev range albeit is a tiny bit less response to small inputs, but doesn't need to downshift and it hits you with a wall of power. If it does downshift, you've got a mountain of torque and you take off like you're daffy duck and your rear end is on fire. The 6.2 seems to have the opposite issue of it always trying to downshift first when in comfort and sport mode before you start to go, it doesn't have this issue in sport plus but it tends to rest at around 2k revs, it's always ready and very responsive. But the effect of the downshift is delay for putting down power so you lose the benefit of the NA response. You can easily downshift manually in any mode and you'll be in the right gear. The w211 e63 was identical, push the pedal and it downshifts first. It's useful to save petrol so I understand why but the 5.5 can pick up nicely without needing to do this as often.
Handling wise, the AMG dynamics seem somewhat improved in the facelift with increased resistance to going sideways under straightline acceleration but the preFL is very close behind and still excellent. Supposedly the pfl comes in with a kerb weight of around 80kg less than the FL S version? Or is it how they're calculating this?
I'm especially chuffed to have distronic in the PFL which I use all the time on the motorway when there is traffic. It's not quite as advanced as it was in the 2018 c63s but it's more than good enough. My c63s would handle cars moving into my lane suddenly with more confidence. The lane keep assist is fine too, the steering wheel vibrates to warn you you're leaving your lane. The blindspot assist isn't working as a sensor is out.
the dynamic seats are great too especially the massage function. I haven't tried the night vision display yet but hopefully in good time. The reversing camera has no guides which is odd and it doesn't have keyless entry which is a surprise! The gear information is incorrect in the display once the car downshifts from a higher gear when you are manually changing gears and the Bluetooth audio doesn't allow you to change tracks from the car.
Overall this feels a bit more old school but the hydraulic steering makes it feel more sporty overall. The facelift I had is ofcourse a better car but it's far more expensive and so you're paying a premium for it's improvements. The 6.2l does suit the car perfectly, it picks up speed fantastically and never feels short on power. The 5.5 s version tuned car has far more power and torque but if you try to put your foot down , you'll be going past the speed limit very quickly whereas in this car you get the drama up to the speed limit so it's better calibrated to enjoy at sane speed limits while the S 5.5 is unmatched at pulling on the motorway or A roads, the engine pulls like a fighter jet to the redline. They're both great cars in their own way. I just think I can enjoy the higher revving less powerful car more driving within speed limits but outside that the 5.5 is in a different league
Now for some work on this one. Engine + tranny mounts, fuel injectors, wind deflector, dashcam , ghost , blind spot sensor, the pirellis are pants though. Maybe android auto and tinted windows too.
, I used to run a w211 as a commuter and the c63s as my slippery slidey toy. The 211 could put down power perfectly as all the mums found out at traffic lights where they'd see an ancient car and think , that old b@stard is going to delay me so i better go past him (
What he said 
and my wife's disdain at my putting even more money into cars. I think one day I'll try and get into a cls55 or sl55. She expressed an interest in me getting a maserati but oh boy, while I appreciate they're great looking and sounding cars, not sure about how much time it'd be 
