The Best S-Class of Our Time: Mercedes-Benz W221 Review
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When it comes to luxury cars, your first impression may not be the BMW 7 Series, the Audi A8, or the Lexus LS, but the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Although the W140 in the 1990s was considered to be the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz, it's a pity that the 1990s was long before me, and the W140 did not have such an impact on me. In comparison, the Mercedes-Benz W221, in my opinion, is the best Mercedes-Benz S-Class of our time.
Watch this video, and you will understand what it means by "The Best or Nothing".
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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.
Thanks very much for watching!
Hear hear. I've owned the W211 E-Class and I look forward to getting the W221 for collection, some of the best work Mercedes ever did.
What’s mostly costly about them? Maintenance?
@@ezj4523 Yes maintenance and parts
Then imagine owning the W140 600L and still using it today in 2023. 😏
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..
...hope you will drive it for a looong long time!👍
Hopefully many more miles to go👍
As the owner of W221, I agree with all your words! It is the most dignified S-Class and luxury car ever made ❤️❤️❤️
Me too, 2009 s550 owner here✅
Totally agreed
@@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.
Yes, but just at 2005
Of all the S-Class reviews I've watched, this has the most personal touch, the most heart. Thank you.
Hey I bought a w221 based off your review. Thank you!!
I like that car too, Is there any problem to buy that car?
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....
How reliable is the W221 compared to the newer one ?
@@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
Which one smooth out the road better?
Brilliant review! Love your camera shots of interior and driving... not many car review videos capture this like you have 👍🏼
Absolutely love your review had to subscribe before I got 1/4th the way in I had the w140 & the w221 now you are so correct
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.
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😎
My collections are 2 of 140, 2 of 220 and 2 of 221, all are 600, but I only love 140s
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’d like to say you have done such a great job on this video man! I’m getting this exact one but a 550 4 Matic! Thank you for this
Wonderful presentation of the W221 and brilliant camera shots, love the part about the badge. Thank you.
Excellent review bro and I love how clean ur s class is after driving it for a year n half.you’re the perfect match for z Mercedes.
As an owner of W220 320 and W221 500 4matic I totally agree. Whoever has the chance to drive an S class he would never love any other car.
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. 😊🙏🏿
Excellent presentation! Thank You!
Great video and review! Thank you
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.
Great review. I see you updated the floor mats, very interesting where did you obtain them.?
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.
Just picked up an 07 S500 while I get a load of overdue jobs done on the CL... Lovin it so far 😁
Very nice review. I really like your personality and attitude.
Great review!
Nice review. Great work!
Best Mercedes S Class Review I ve Seen ! Thanks For Sharing !
Great review. Love the way you present.
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 📈👍🙌
Thanks! Not many take it as a weekend car but it sure is a relaxing ride.
What is your daily then?
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 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
@@oa799 They need to hire you!!!!
@@ccinc.7377 Thanks for your reply!
@@derrickhannibal1433 thank you my friend, that would be a dream job!
First time on your channel, your style and presentation is entertaining and informative. The W221 has features that even the latest models lack.
Thank you!
great review, best i`ve seen so far.
Amazing review ❤️
Just got myself a w221... can’t wait to pick it up tomorrow!:)
I love this car ,end nice review thank men im enjoy this ved !
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.
Very good and detailed review. This S class is still better equipped than any C or D segment car
Great video!
what a timeless classic!!!!!!! hows the gas consumption planning to buy a used 2012
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.
really good review and exactly my opinion. greetings from germany
First I bought a garage, then a car that fits in the garage. So i have a short one which drives actually better than the long one. I love it!
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.
The different feelings between generations just showed how far cars have evolved over the decades. Amazing!
Hi! just want to know if you have found a small flashing light on your air-conditioning control panel when you close the door and leave your car.
Excellent. How can I move rear middle head rest please. Thanks
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 👌🏾💪🏾👊🏾🇲🇽
Really great review cheers
Thank you!
THE INTERIO4 OF THIS 🥰🥰🥰🥰 Great review by the way dude
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.
Beautiful review!!! Great seller!!!!
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.
It is pretty luxurious
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
Excellent review and car 🍾🔥
Thank you 🙏
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
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.
380hp
Bought my 2013 for 18 k 2yrs ago. A lot of maintenance but it’s still the best ride I ever had.
@@silentbutdeadly3466 382 hp and 393 ft-lbs or torque.
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
What’s expensive, the maintenance or actual repairs? When people say maintenance I think oil, tires, brakes. That’s maintenance not repairs.
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
Me too
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
W220, W221, W222 are the 3 greatest S classes of the past 30 years
Where did you get the floor mat system? I love it! It really makes your car look much more sophisticated.
Plenty of resources online. Look up full coverage floor mat. You might find it.
Brilliant!
This is a very very good video blog post.
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).
I hope youre enjoying that beast of a machine.
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...
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
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
The best review of the car to my liking. A lot of B rolls of the car. Thank you 🙏
Nice review and presentation.
Thank you!
i love my S550 very much~ gonna keep it for a while.
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
Very nice
Sitting in my s class, while unwatchable an s class video lol lit 👌🏾
Felt like you are mirroring my mind… A-Z… Awesome observation brother 👍🏻👍🏻
I love your characteristic presentation! Keep it up I subscribed!
Thank you 🙏
Good stuff
这小伙英文真好！订阅了。
Any ideas if 350 is a reliable car i hear that is high price to own it
Which year of this car ?
very elegant and very nice review
Thank you for watching and commenting!
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.
How much does it go for
Can someone please tell me is the interion ambient lighting standart on every 221 or is it an option ?
Standard
We do not have the S 350 in the US. We have the S400h(hybrid) and the S550 in that year model
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.
Where did you get the floor mats?
Got them online! Try searching “full surround floor mat” off Amazon. I am not sure if the exact one is still available though.
@@WhatWeDrive thanks a lot :)
Bravo!!!
Awesome car and an excellent review! Keep it up man!
Thank you!
Try s65 based brabus and you would know how lextuiry and speed meet
Where can I buy the floor mats? Love your floor mats. Keep up the good work
Got them online! Try searching “full surround floor mat”.
I love beige interior with darker brown wood! I despise black interior, especially if it's with black glossy trim.
Yes I agree 100%
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.
@П Ч piano black😵
Ditto
Mercedes c'est le meilleurs félicitations magnifique.
best s class review ever saw till today
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.
Is the pre-facelift version worth getting, or is the facelift version worth the extra money?
Pre facelift is more iconic than the one in the video
Facelift is more reliable with less issues
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.
I need to buy one like this one
There’s non in my state
W140 and W221 were definitely the best S-Class
✅
Yes ！！！
You are saying a couple of times it's naturally aspirated but I assume it's a turbo diesel? Or is it a petrol?
It is pure petrol with no turbo charger
You should review more luxury cars.
Modern and classic at the same time. I like.
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
Surprisingly I prefer the older Bose stereo system to the Harmon Kardon system by far.
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 bought one, spent more time in the garage/workshop than on the road
我收藏了11輛奔馳，但最愛140的S600
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!
very funny review of a great car