CLS to S-Class? And S Class face lift info please

[ThinkPad]

Hi all,

So for a while have been pondering changing the CLS to an S-Class...

When I think about it, I don't really need to. The car is used only by me for commuting. And when going on family trips, we can use a different car if needs be. But it is the comfort of the S-Class that I am drawn to. I do a lot of mileage. Some short trips, some long trips. The CLS 320 CDI has been perfect. And is very comfortable, but sometimes I think to myself the S-Class would be so much more comfortable, so is it? I have only driven one for about a mile, so I guess I need to get out there and test drive. But anyone made a similar move or owned both?

Also, what were the 2010 improvements to the S-Class, aside from the cosmetic lights, etc (which look a lot more modern)? Were there interior improvements? Engine improvements? From my quick research, looks like there was a slight change in engine power?

ps If I go for one, it will be the 3.0 diesel again!

 

[st4]

S Class 221 is more comfortable than a CLS, but it wallows more too. Depends what you want from a car. Sporting luxury or out and out luxury

 

[tode]

Before buying the S in 2011, I had a CLS out for the day, and then an S for the week-end.

Difference:

The CLS felt nimbler, and you have more contact with the road.
Suspension harder.
Interior made me feel cramped: especially head- and elbow-room.
Maybe a little noisier, but not to the point of

The S was definitely smoother on the road.
You may feel that you no longer have 'feed-back' from the road, but you
just gently tell the car where to go, and it does it.
Interior feels more spacious. Plenty of storage space, as well.
The loan car had the IR reflecting glass, and even on a July afternoon, the car stayed noticeably cooler.

Back at the dealer, the two cars side-by-side, we just tried sitting in both with our eyes shut. The comfort of the seats was night and day.

After a few months getting used to the S, I went through a passage of feeling bored - it seems like you've got nothing to do.
Then I worked out that you can do something else to occupy your mind - but that's up to each individual.

If you go for the S for the comfort, then make sure it has the comfort seats with memory.
I would also highly recommend the IR glass and the Harman sound. The other options are a matter of taste (and pocket).

HTH

 

[ThinkPad]

Interesting. Thanks for the replies. I will look out for the comfort seats when I go out to drive one then. I think I am getting to the point where I am not as interested in a sporting drive, and just want the luxury! So, this may be the move for me. Still would be interested to hear on the face lift changes - the interior looks very similar to me in both pre and post face lift. I am guessing the sat nav must have changed to the later sat nav earlier than 2010 (as my cls of 2008 facelift reg has the later SD card version).

 

[tode]

I believe that the Comand NTG3.5 came in on MY2010 for the S class.

 

[npuk]

Your CLS had Comand NTG2.5.

W221 has NTG3 or NTG3.5 from MY10. NTG3.5 benefits are full bluetooth built in, split display and 7 digit postcode input. It uses PIN codes for map updates though so you cant do what you can with NTG3 which is buy a used map update disc, update the system and sell the disc on.

 

[ThinkPad]

Mine also has full blue tooth and 7digit postcode input. So doesn't the s class prior to 2010 have this?

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[npuk]

NTG3 has 5 digit postcode input, no split view screen. Cant remember for sure if it has full bluetooth or if you need pre-wire with NTG3 for bluetooth. There are other differences but those are the main ones.

 

[tode]

I think the full bluetooth came in with the 3.5

 

[Oarsman]

I believe the split screen only came with the Harmon Kardon upgrade.

 

[television]

I drive a fully loaded CL 216, great car we get the ABC over here while in the USA they only get the airmatic.
Very stable at all speeds and you can push them down winding lanes, but they are a large car, double glazing makes them so quiet, comfort seat just so nice.

I have a friend who will be selling his fully loaded with everything 221 with 13k miles as soon as his 222 comes in

 

[stumpy]

There are a couple of changes to the interior - the steering wheel and the area around the idrive controller / ashtray is wood instead of plastic. The splitview screen came with the front seat entertainment pack.

The facelift car has the BE engine and I personally don't like that or the de-coupling gearbox which spoil the car for me.

 

[st4]

There are a couple of changes to the interior - the steering wheel and the area around the idrive controller / ashtray is wood instead of plastic. The splitview screen came with the front seat entertainment pack.

The facelift car has the BE engine and I personally don't like that or the de-coupling gearbox which spoil the car for me.

I pilot a BE 350cdi 221.

I've not really noticed the decoupling, does it engage as soon as you stop or decouple after a while. Car shoots out of junctions as soon as you hit it.

 

[stumpy]

My first BE 221 was a 59 plate and the gearbox was one of the reasons the car was rejected, the other being the suspension. It's replacement had a better gearbox but it still took far to long to move off (unless flicking the paddle when stationary) and this made the car dangerous in certain situations. Combine that 'step off' delay with off boost lethargy and gearing that has economy as a priority and it becomes a right pudding to drive.

 

[television]

My first BE 221 was a 59 plate and the gearbox was one of the reasons the car was rejected, the other being the suspension. It's replacement had a better gearbox but it still took far to long to move off (unless flicking the paddle when stationary) and this made the car dangerous in certain situations. Combine that 'step off' delay with off boost lethargy and gearing that has economy as a priority and it becomes a right pudding to drive.

I can recall this situation now, that long delay before the car would move, this subject is all quiet now, I do not know what the reason was but loads of complaints a few years back

 

[stumpy]

Despite software updates it never really cured it.

 

[AdamG]

Despite software updates it never really cured it.

Did it have the 7g plus box?

Thanks

Adam

 

[stumpy]

No idea I'm afraid

 

[television]

Did it have the 7g plus box?

Thanks

Adam

Yes

 

[st4]

Before 7g plus this was a complaint in the first BE 350cdi E classes. It was to do with the decoupling device in the box essentially putting the car into N when stopped to save the car being held against the brakes, reduces carbon dioxides.

My fathers 221 is not a 7g plus, I've an issue with the box, sometimes the 2 into 1 change is harsh but it seems to take off ok.

I've not used it terribly much but in kick down it goes well...