Owner of multiple S-Class models gives his take on the flagship Merc

Among all the S-Class sedans in my garage, the W140 is definitely the Mercedes with the best build quality.

BHPian mkaysaw recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

As someone who has had access to driving, being driven in and owning the W140, W220, W221 and W222 this thread is right down my alley. Haven't owned or extensively driven in a W223 yet, so I reserve my opinion on that.

This will sum up the S class for India, based on big-engine "high option" models, in my opinion - a diesel S is not really an S.

While it's very, very close, I voted for the 221 simply because even after 12 years, given the option for a long drive, I still always opt for the 221. This might be partly because our 221 is a V12 with the hydraulic suspension which simply cannot be compared to Airmatic, but also in fact that even after 12 years, we haven't had anything break on the w221 (fingers crossed). The w222 has been in service multiple times due to many interior parts just breaking off (a new rear seatbelt holder every 3-4 months, front seat magazine holder drooping once every year, cracks in the wood on the rear armrest, rear window switch falling into your hand)

The W221 somehow also just feels "nicer" compared to the W222 although the W222 has far better tech. There is better sound deadening on the w221 too. The confidence with which you can do high-mileage cross-country runs in a W221, especially on the Autobahn is not comparable to a W222.

If one does want to nitpick, while the W222 is more economical (V8TT) and easier to drive in the city, on the highway or typically on longer journeys the W221 is still the car to have.

MS

(PS No doubt here that the W140 is still the car with the best build quality - it still runs and works perfectly, and the W220 is worse still than the W222 - it's a non-runner now, just hope the W223 is better)

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