There is a definitive lock step change from the W108/109 and W116 and again between the W116 and W126. The other model changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary.
While I can't say how the w220 and w221 drive, I can say that my favorite S class is certainly the post 1970 W108-- it has a way of making the road seem small and easy while making you feel special driving it. I know that the same could be said of just about every S class, but these older guys have a simplicity, and an old guard beauty that the newer models can't quite replicate, even while they were respective champions of their eras! (although I was surprised to see so much support for W140 as best!) While I always appreciated the ridiculous amount of respect and presence the 'princess die' has on the road, as well as how remarkably well it handled for a car of its size, it is just too obese. The S class' essential beauty is just how easy it makes travel, and most of them have excellent manners while in cities and other tight situations, but the w140 is simply cadillac sized; too much! And on the w221- the detailing is awfully nice, but I'm going to have to agree that the overall package does echo the current design trends, instead of making them. And it's the size of a house.
I agree. The rear of the S550 is indistinguishable as a Mercedes (other than the star).
I used to think so too - however at night - those LED tails could be nothing but an S-Class for sure. Simple but powerful.
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~ 1996 S320 ~
19" carlsson/lowered/crystal LED tails/crystal LED side markers/crystal indicators/S600 walnut steering wheel/S600 grille/anthracite black interior/sunroof
While I can't say how the w220 and w221 drive, I can say that my favorite S class is certainly the post 1970 W108-- it has a way of making the road seem small and easy while making you feel special driving it. I know that the same could be said of just about every S class, but these older guys have a simplicity, and an old guard beauty that the newer models can't quite replicate, even while they were respective champions of their eras! (although I was surprised to see so much support for W140 as best!) While I always appreciated the ridiculous amount of respect and presence the 'princess die' has on the road, as well as how remarkably well it handled for a car of its size, it is just too obese. The S class' essential beauty is just how easy it makes travel, and most of them have excellent manners while in cities and other tight situations, but the w140 is simply cadillac sized; too much! And on the w221- the detailing is awfully nice, but I'm going to have to agree that the overall package does echo the current design trends, instead of making them. And it's the size of a house.
What grade W140 did you drive? Surely the S-Class has always been about presence? Hence the return to the larger spec from 220 to the 221?
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