What a review! The most entertaining and charismatic I have ever seen. W211 and w221 are my favourite Merc cars. They can be costly but the driving experience is on the next level.
I drive a w221 daily it’s my 10th Mercedes and without doubt the most ascetic model made . The car has too many aspects of Quality to mention….as I am 73years old it’s my final car what a way to go..
@@theurbanartist775 I also own a W221, A low mile 2007 S class 550 4matic long wheelbase with a rear seat package and night vision and headlight washers. Love its understated elegance and I like the interior more so than the newer ones simple but elegant.
I am still driving the w221 2013 everyday over my w222 2018. W221 speaks for itself as the king or the Godfather of its class. W222 is young and fun but loss its touch on the classic mobil refinement. Unfortunately w223 looks like a tuned up Tesla....
@@gantongangsta3735 Super reliable, I only had 1 minor issue on her engine on sparkplug, and a battery replacement at55kmiles. but other that, she is at 66k miles atm and running like a beauty for a 2013!
The W221 S Class is my favorite also I plan on buying one in a few months as a gift to myself I am a fan of the W222 but I Hate the w223 everything about it does not say Mercedes the w223 lost its way
Really love my w140 & w221 generation!😎👍 For me, The w221 is the last great S-class besides w140 & generation before that.. the newer ones looks good with the gadgets & big screen but it will not last long in terms of reliability.. at least on the w221 you can find a really basic ones with less gadgets but still can experience the comfort of the sonderklasse😎
Happy to see somebody that agrees. A lot of people say w222 is the best modern s class. It is beautiful and I love it, but for me the W221 is the breadwinner. The widened fenders give it so much road presence, and starting in 2014 ( C w205, E w213, S w222) they all began to look the same, literally the only thing setting them apart is the size. They have the same lights and body lines. You could NEVER confused a w204 c class, w212 e, and w221 s class for each other. But as I said with 2014+ they can very well be confused from afar.
I’m currently looking at a black on black W221 but I agree with you the lighter color interiors look far more elegant and appealing. Edit: this was the best W221 review I’ve seen
I agree that this generation of the W221 engine S 300L, 350L onwards to the 500L is truly the best Mercedes Benz models to be sought after. Even this 2012 model of 9 years still stuns the driver with its looks, performance, supreme comfort and elegance ! Great buy indeed and stick to the Merc if you can.
Having owned a 2008 W221 for 4 years, I can tell you it’s a beautiful car with solid sounding doors when they close. I would never buy another S Class because of all the mechanical (not electrical) problems this car has. The biggest cost of owning this car is the time wasted in the dealership’s lovely service department. Mercedes Benz. The Best of Nothing.
I have this car in all white hauling TWO MOTORCYCLES ..nothing better than my s class I have taken it all through California and 🇲🇽 about 10 times already and I can do it all over again because you don’t feel a thing..GET IT YOU WONT REGRET IT 👌🏾💪🏾👊🏾🇲🇽
You need to do a transmission reset. That'll get that 2-3 second acceleration delay down to .5 seconds in no time. Also if you've notnyet had a chance to experience an S-Class w/the 4.8L/5.0L/5.5L/5.6L *_Twin Turbo_* w/4-Matic & either 7 or 9 speed transmisson power train, you're in for a major TREAT! After owning and leasing 7 or 8 vehicles ranging from: '05 Ferarri F430, '13 Range Rover Supercharged '12 Jaguar F-Type R '08 Bentley Flying Spur My last three in a ROW have all been S550/S560s! That should rewlly tell you something right there. I even got such a deal on a W221 i was willing to go about a decade older on my 3rd ('09) vs my 2nd one ('18 S560) & 1st another W222, '15 to be exact.
I absolutely love the S Class. I owned the W220 but looking forward to buying the W221. It's the pinnacle of comfort. Not necessarily luxury, but I think it's the most comfortable ride. Nice video by the way.
So how does a w220 with abc compare to the w221 actually? I find the abc suspension very comfortable, but some unexpected bumps, it takes it rather rough
This review is the best description of w221 S-class's value and feeling. I owned S500 4matic 2013. Although I spent a lot of money for maintaining and reparing this car, but its comfortable feeling and driving pleasure cannot be enjoyed by other cars.
It's interesting that the W221 S350 in the US and Canada is a diesel bluetec. I was excited when I saw S350 on the back of the car thinking that you were going to review the diesel. I've driven it. The performance and the "snap" you get when you hit the pedal is very impressive. You made an exceptional video. Thank you.
I just bought a w221 several weeks back as a weekend car and I believe I made a great choice! This video is reassurance that I made a great buy as well! Thanks Andrew 📈👍🙌
The most amazing thing about this S Class is that nowadays you can buy one in great condition for around 15k€. Cool as hell to buy a 100k€ ultra-luxury 300hp sedan for the price of a base model Renault Clio.
Remember though the maintenance needed is still that of a £80,000 car. We had one highest specced examples and it was FANTASTIC but an accidental downshift led to its demise. If you want to own one (and you should!) just ensure that you our are willing to pay S class maintenance prices
I have a rare 2012 S class "blue-tec" S350 turbo diesel. It's a keeper. The 2013 redesign has more glamour and tec inside but the exterior from a distance can be mistaken for a C or E class. They look the same!!!! It's called an assembly line cost cutting measure. Perhaps I'm wrong. In any event, my 110k gets me a giant C class. Bummer......As for the new Benz, I guess it may grow on me. The interior is full of tablets i.e Tesla and the rear end styling screams Japan or south Korea. Note to S Class Benz: Don't punch down to your competition! Notice the front end styling on the new Benz. It actually looks closer to the 2012 version!!!! That's why I agree with the video presentation.
What a perfect description of the newest generation! W221 is the most aesthetically pleasing and class distinctive generation in my opinion. You cannot confuse a w221 S-class for any other car within the MB lineup or in the industry as a whole. The w222-223 look like Hyundai knockoffs from certain angles...not even improved versions but actual knockoffs which is disappointing.
Agreed. Especially the tablets in the W223 takes away from the feeling of a prestigious vehicle with many years of pedigree. They should incorporate the larger screen and the latest technological features within a more traditional dash design
The W221 is like a spaceship. Yes it costs more to maintain these but it costs to be the BOSS! You get what you pay for. I love mine! Has been one of my dream cars and I finally bought one. 😊🙏🏿
... as a matter of fact, this W221 will go down in history as the last true S-Class. Everything newer feels like a a bunch of plastic glued together to maximize profit for the company. No heart, no soul ... like a slightly larger C-Class. I will keep my W221 until my last breath 🙂
Wow I have a 2013 s550 with a v8 I thought maybe I should upgrade to the 2021 but I kinda have this design better so I'm going to keep it. It truly is a fantastic car
This car is so much better. If you’re going to upgrade then do a facelift W222 2019-2021. The 21+ W223 is a shame. But the car you have now is actually the best s class ever made. It looks so much better, it actually looks like an S class. The models after this are cookie cutter looking, they do not hold a candle to the W221
Yet another great review by the son I never had. Doug Demuro just called and wants to know if you could tutor him on how to do car reviews. I told him: "don't call us, we'll call you." Now I have to go find a '13 year model W221 to park next to the W140. I find it amusing that you keep pointing out these S-class cars have massive body roll. I come from the old Cadillac and Lincoln days when the cars would literally roll over in a corner and we just had to go buy another one.
I have a W221 bought it in mint condition genuine clock owner only had 17500 Km on it he had irt stored beautifully, full service record and original MB parts
good review about this w221 as i enjoyed watching, i would also like to know which year is the best model of d w221. Speaking about the maintenance how is it like?does it cost much on repair?
In my personal opinion, the later models (e.g. 10, 11, 12) are a little more mature than when it was first introduced (though I personally like the side mirrors on the earlier model better). It should be noted that these car cost you to maintain. I still go to the dealer where this car was originally purchased from and they did very good job on this car as far as I know. Both front suspensions and the alternator were the two big things that I replaced. They were expensive indeed. Scheduled Maintain costs aren’t too bad and they car is in general one of the more reliable cars I have driven. Now, when I say reliable, I am referring to the general engine performance, steering, etc, but because these cars are packs with electronics, some will probably require attention or replacement after years of ownership. For example, the rear window curtain on the right was re-programmed in order to work perfectly, and the rear middle seat headrest won’t fold back until another reprogram and repair on the semiconductor board. Overall, if you found one with mint condition, and you saved up at least half the money of the price, you will be good to go.
11-13 they changed the engine to a 5.5 twin turbo, much faster and more fuel efficient, amongst other stuff that have improved like the ABC system, I own a 2011 S63 and I love it.
Ok the closer you can get to purchasing a 2013 the more trouble free your s550 is going to be. I have a 2013 550 with a v8 there's been a few minor things that comes with Normal wear and tear but really huge are costly. So if you can find a 2013 with low mileage with a v8 consider taking it for a test drive
I own this car, a '08. I have owned many, many luxury cars, but my S Class is the finest. People who really know cars, know this sedan is the best of them all.
Beautiful walnut wood like the type in this car was always the ultimate sign of class and luxury. It's expensive, beautiful, needs craftsmanship to be made and it's from all times. Walnut is the top tier of luxury for centuries and maybe even millennia. I really can't understand how people can chose carbon, piano lacquer or aluminium finish above any type of wood (especially walnut). It's a shame that leather nowadays is the only luxury option you can choose. What about velours/Pullman interiors. Those were maybe even more luxurious.
This Video dear Sir made me subscribe this channel like a Katana cuts Bamboo 💯 Thank you and stick to the Stars. A passionate mechanic, specialized in Mercedes Benz wrote that.
I have a 315.000km W221 S-500L and its one of the best cars I have ever had (I had 7 other cars in the past, from VW to Porsche) In my opinion its amazing how can a car calm you down and make you feel better if you live in a crowded city. Its very comfortable and silent. Despite the mechanical problems (I have changed once the bumpers, fixed the gearbox and recently the transmisión chain and cardan) its a very reliable car (dont forget how much electronics it has inside). If you are thinking on buying one 2nd hand, just check the usual points like oil and cooling leaks, vibrations or gearbox malfunction and go ahead with it, even if the car has over 200.000km.
Why is w220 always so ignored?It´s not macho like w140 and w221 and less gadgets,but it´s a beautiful car with a good riding comfort,and with one of the best mercedes v6/8 engines and the 5-speed transmission.
@Shinya Good writing.However,a couple of things I´d like to comment: "Many things in the W220 were experimental and had to be sorted out." " It's just not a vehicle that you can simply daily-drive, you expect something to break. It's a nightmare to own as your only car." I have owned S320 -99 for several years,and it´s been extremely reliable.I´ve been able to do myself all the repairs,quite simple ones and not many of them.All old cars need some fixing now and then.Many people seem to think that w220 is some kind of carworlds Windows 98..With my own experience,I can´t agree.Everything works,airmatic,soft closing doors etc. Rust is the biggest problem with this era Mercedes cars.
Thanks! You were right about the floor mats, they were indeed changed from when I first filmed this car. I got them from the shop where I always get the car wash and detail done. I think they suit the interior color quite well.
thanks so much for this very informative review and i totally agree with you, best ever S class of all times. i have a S550 converted to a S65 body kit and the feeling of luxurious driven this car it´s not comparable with moderns S class that looks cheaper and little with not impressive pressence, just the modern S600 Maybach evoque this luxurious feeling of the W221
Beautiful review. I always wondered is this s class really that comfortable to sit in and drive? Do you feel any bumps on the road with it? Are the seats comfortable? How does it compare to BMW 7 series F01 and Audi A8 D4? Also, what about the transmission? Is gear shifting fast and smooth? Or is it kinda slow, rough and jerky? And the last, is it worth buying this car only equipped with 4matic 4x4 system? Or RWD is just as good and comfortable in this car?
Thanks. In my opinion, the car is comfortable in its category, and perhaps one of the most comfortable. You will feel the bumps, but they are softened enough to a point where they usually don’t disturb the ride. I think it is better than the Audi A8 but the BMW comes close, which is really down to personal preference. Transmission is pretty much “invisible” as you normally could not even tell if it shifts because it shifts smoothly and quietly without you realizing it. The transmission is definitely comfortable, and fast enough that you still get smooth power delivery. If one is looking to purchase this car, I say the 4 matic is the way to go, because that’s what gives the W221 that advantage in the way it drives. The RWD is definitely not as good the 4 matic, and once you go 4 matic, you will never want to to turn back.
I have heard many people say the W220 Bose is way better than the W221 H/K. I am wondering about the facelift 221s with the B&O system. I bet they are pretty good.
I have a pearl white S550 in U.S and it's a good looking car . It feels heavy and firm on the road like a armored car . I enjoyed every amenities of this car . The negative part is that the maintainence is high , it had costed me over $20K over 3 years of the ownership. Two OEM Batteries $650 , front ONE air suspension strut $2200 , soft door close module $650 , interior ambiance lights $800 , plus every service A and B from $550 to $2500 every 10K miles ....If you buy please get your extra money ready !!! Another suggestion , if you want to spend same money , buy a Lexus LS460 , I have it since 2010 and costed me almost nothing , just $200 every 10K miles , it's known for its reliability !
The key with cars like this is to do your own maintenance and repairs. I realize this is not something everyone can do. But DIY could have cut your bills in half or even a third.
That is because you paid for a dealer battery, dealer air strut, dealer this, dealer that. Arnott has remanufactured air struts for way cheaper, and you can use a damn battery from Autozone.
I like the new s class but at this generation at 2012 the s class was cool but the bmw 7 series were better than the s class , Audi A8 and the Lexus LS
I'm happy you see it like this. This is my fav S also. Plan to get one. I drive a baby Mercedes now but the prices dropped on this one so .. I guess is the next logic step.
Fantastic review. I'm actually awaiting delivery of a W221 Mercedes S-Class that I purchased, a 2011 model, though mine is perhaps a bit different from this one (S 65 AMG)...can't wait to drive it (though it's snowing right now, so I'll have to wait another couple days or so).
Well, the unfortunate truth of it...I'd purchased it from Carvana, and they never delivered it. So, having not put anything down for it other than a month of insurance, I'm not really out anything except time (literally waited nearly 3 months before cancelling), but I'll never buy anything on that level from Carvana ever again (this is mb7241, but my new main account). So I'm still looking, but I might actually be looking a bit beyond the normal scope of things (currently considering a 1997-98 Toyota Century V12, as those are now legal to import)...interest rates, however, are nowhere near the 3.5-4% they were before...
one of my dream cars but with the v8 engine like s550, but never get 4matic because mercedes benz made a horrible unserviceable u ball joint that when not taken care of can take out your exhaust and catalytic converter with co2 sensors .
W223 looks like some Kia or Hyundai. More closely You look You notice it's headlights are like from Ford Mondeo or US Ford Fusion. Of course it is packed full of technology like it should be, but S-Class should look conservative from outside, it is my opinion and many others I think. I had W221 too but X218 after and next week I am purchasing W221 again I hope, fingers crossed. Some day I'll change it to W222 I hope but time will tell.
Yes a beautiful comfotable car but.. as an ex owner of a S600L v12, horrible to maintain as many of the electronics were domestic quality and failures of one system usually disable the car and led to downstream failures. It was made by accountants instead of engineers.
Uhm no just no. Unless you're some business person who makes plenty of money (you'd probably just lease it), got an extended warranty on it, OR you're a Mercedes mechanic who can keep up with its repairs and maintenance (it is a very complex car), I would suggest you stay away from this luxurious money pits. There is a reason why used car dealers are brimming with cars like this being offered for Honda-civic prices: repair costs! And boy oh boy will you have plenty of those to contend with. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't owned German cars, at least long enough. My 2013 s550 transmission went out at 108,000 miles (no it wasn't the conductor plate or valve body) $5800 for a rebuild, airmatic valve block failed twice causing the car to extend its struts all the way up ( it looked like a monster truck) 1 front strut started leaking air while driving through downtown, amplifier went out causing car to lose all sound, panoramic sunroof failed $2500 to repair...and its just on and on, it never ends. Getting rid of that pile of dung was the best decision I've ever made, with the acquisition of it being the worst.
The W220 looked quite nice but the only stately looking one till date is the W140 which many celebrities, dictators and heads of state still use today. Even though I am born after the 2010’s, I still think the W140 Mercedes Benz 600L is the best S Class out there!
