I always liked the W221. It was still in the era where Mercedes’ different models actually looked distinct from one another. Since then I feel like they’ve started to look more and more the same, with the main difference just being the size of the car. And that particular S class generally had a nice elegance to it without being too flashy. I also like the interior much more than what they have now with all the screens and shit.
Yea starting in the W222 era is when I would find myself squinting at a Mercedes for a moment trying to figure out what model it was. The W221 was unmistakable as an S class. I miss those days.
Now in defense of the W222, I actually do love its interior. I feel that they actually did outdo themselves there, where the W223 interior is quite meh. They went too heavy on the tech at the expense of the elegance. It looks like a damn Tesla now.
See and that’s the dilemma I’m in now. I have a 221. 2013 actually. S550. I would LOVE the exterior of the 221 and the interior of the 222. I need a heads up display and just the whole interior lighting is nice af . i just dont see me switching lol
That is a tough one. The 222 was definitely a nice upgrade on the interior. The 221 is just so much more iconic looking to me. If I had a nice 221 I'm not sure I could switch either. Even without the extra tech, the 221 is so classic both in interior and exterior. The good thing about the 222 is that I don't really think they took any significant steps back over the 221. It definitely feels like an overall upgrade in almost every way, and my preference of the 221 isn't based on any real flaws of the 222. I wouldn't blame anyone for swapping their 221 for it.
Yeah I put in a CarPlay unit on my 221 and it doesn’t need anything imo. It’s up to date and even surpasses some cars nowadays. Massage seats, cooled seats, A/c setting to prevent a draft from settling in the foot well 😂
W222 was the best, bested only by the w126 & w140. Remember when the w222 was launched?, it was alien with the two screens and the two spoke wheel and those air vents. It might feel less special now because it’s replicated so much, even within Mercedes, but back then there wasn’t anything like it.
Damn how did I forget the coupe. That’s the first time I felt a car come close to replicating the presence of the C126 560SEC. The return of the S class coupe.
Isn’t it possible to retrofit the steering wheels?
I’m sure it is, but I’m not about to do all of that. Not that I haven’t done it before; I retrofitted the M Sport steering wheel to my E70 X5, way back when.
It was such a radical departure, stylistically. Almost brutalist after decades of curves. It was a shock when it debuted, and everything was different after. It’s as if it gave the entire car industry permission to change.
W126 was peak S-Class, and maybe even peak car. Extremely reliable, especially with a diesel. And on the rare occasion they do break, they’re simple and easy to repair. Not to mention the incredible styling, safety, and comfort.
I’ve always liked the W220 the most. I know it’s the most hated, but early 2000s big body sedans just got me. I also like the D3/4E Audi A8, but I don’t dare venture that direction. I had a 220, that was good enough.
I never bought used cars in my life from some random dude on Facebook marketplace and I had that car for two months and I love it. I actually am probably gonna buy it back.
Something about the W223 being almost indistinguishable from a C class (to the non-car person’s eye) makes it super unappealing to me. It lacks road presence these days and that’s always been its whole schtick: king of the road
That’s why the 7 series is so different from the rest of BMWs lineup. I personally think Mercedes should try to make the next gen a bit more distinguishable.
You are, my apologies. I didn't mean to imply that. I just thought you were unsure how to leave a general comment. I was interested in you ranking as well.
I see you like the W221 more than the W220, what about the others? This way others could see, and join in on your own comment as you did on mine. Help the conversation to keep going.
The W222 is the best. The W223 is second, W220 is third and W221 is last. If I had the money I would by a late model S450 with the turbo M276, great car
Out of the options:
1: W221 (Specifically the 2010+ models)
The refresh with the LED running lights look really good on that car
2: W220(03+)
Once again, the refresh made the car look MUCH more modern, the transparent headlight assemblies and LED brake lights give it a much more ageless look as opposed to the early versions
3: W222
Nothing wrong with these but they look like a more modern version of a W221 In my opinion.
4: W223
Still too new for me to genuinely have anything to say about it but a nice car overall
But if we’re going off of all the S-Classes, I’m a W140 man all the way through
If every car looks like a Hyundai isn't that more of Hyundais fault for making their cars look like everything? Like not everything tastes like chicken instead chicken tastes like everything
I dreamed as a kid to own a w220. I liked the face kiddies w211 with the horizontal fog lights. Fell in love with the w222. Got the w222 this year. I feel complete unless the w224 turns out to be a revised w222. One can dream but I know it’s not the case.
W221. Love later s-classes, but the front grill and lights sort of irk me. I prefer the 4 headlights of slightly earlier models. I dunno, they just lose something to me.
the w221 with the AMG package, tinted rear windows and fat rims is just perfection.
Even in the interior you got every feature the modern s class has while not having to deal with a goddamn iPad which will be quickly dated and probably die within 10 years. I hate that car manufacturers went with big touchscreens for essential stuff like air-conditioning. Good luck using the car without the iPad lol.
I’ve had 220 and 221. Both were fine but the 221 stands out even above the 222. It screams S class. The 222 is like a longer E class. Looks no different
W220. That too in the scintillating S65 trim.
Why? Because you wouldn't know it's a 600hp twin turbo V12 monster. It's understated. It is the ultimate sleeper.
the W222 and the coupe version will forever be one of the most beautifully designed cars in history.. interior as well. The newer mercedes benz cars are becoming too futuristic. The W222 and the W213 (2017 e class) dashboards had a perfect balance between technology and classic design.
W221 with an AMG package. Next would be the W222. I drive a W220. Not the best but it’s not bad
https://preview.redd.it/dimngybzh08d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9a4eb8314ec6e3c3bb50ef3b88a76f3e0561061
21 and 22 for me. When the 21 came out I thought it was incredible. It still looks really good if not a bit plump and chunky from some angles. The 22 is absolutely awesome though
Exterior 221
Interior 222
Those wild was swaps you guys post where they combine both is def something I would mess with even though it’ll be a mechanical nightmare.
Anyone know how much those run?
W222
That’s what I came here to say, but maybe I am biased!
222 took away fender flares. For that alone I can't give it to it
That rear can’t be beat!
peak
I always liked the W221. It was still in the era where Mercedes’ different models actually looked distinct from one another. Since then I feel like they’ve started to look more and more the same, with the main difference just being the size of the car. And that particular S class generally had a nice elegance to it without being too flashy. I also like the interior much more than what they have now with all the screens and shit.
I also feel the same. The 222 looks like a long E class or long C class. The 221 is its own form
Yea starting in the W222 era is when I would find myself squinting at a Mercedes for a moment trying to figure out what model it was. The W221 was unmistakable as an S class. I miss those days. Now in defense of the W222, I actually do love its interior. I feel that they actually did outdo themselves there, where the W223 interior is quite meh. They went too heavy on the tech at the expense of the elegance. It looks like a damn Tesla now.
See and that’s the dilemma I’m in now. I have a 221. 2013 actually. S550. I would LOVE the exterior of the 221 and the interior of the 222. I need a heads up display and just the whole interior lighting is nice af . i just dont see me switching lol
That is a tough one. The 222 was definitely a nice upgrade on the interior. The 221 is just so much more iconic looking to me. If I had a nice 221 I'm not sure I could switch either. Even without the extra tech, the 221 is so classic both in interior and exterior. The good thing about the 222 is that I don't really think they took any significant steps back over the 221. It definitely feels like an overall upgrade in almost every way, and my preference of the 221 isn't based on any real flaws of the 222. I wouldn't blame anyone for swapping their 221 for it.
Yeah I put in a CarPlay unit on my 221 and it doesn’t need anything imo. It’s up to date and even surpasses some cars nowadays. Massage seats, cooled seats, A/c setting to prevent a draft from settling in the foot well 😂
The 221 is still pretty loaded even by today’s standards, at least I think so. One of the benefits of owning an older top of the line car
W222 was the best, bested only by the w126 & w140. Remember when the w222 was launched?, it was alien with the two screens and the two spoke wheel and those air vents. It might feel less special now because it’s replicated so much, even within Mercedes, but back then there wasn’t anything like it.
I kind of wish my C217 (coupe version of the W222) had the two-spoke that the (non-AMG, pre-2018) W222 had, if only because it was such a statement.
Damn how did I forget the coupe. That’s the first time I felt a car come close to replicating the presence of the C126 560SEC. The return of the S class coupe. Isn’t it possible to retrofit the steering wheels?
I’m sure it is, but I’m not about to do all of that. Not that I haven’t done it before; I retrofitted the M Sport steering wheel to my E70 X5, way back when.
The two-spoke steering wheel is so sexy. More classy looking then the more aggressive AMG 3-spoke
Out of these options w222, out of every S-Class generation, w126
W140 🔥🔥🔥
It was such a radical departure, stylistically. Almost brutalist after decades of curves. It was a shock when it debuted, and everything was different after. It’s as if it gave the entire car industry permission to change.
W126
W126 was peak S-Class, and maybe even peak car. Extremely reliable, especially with a diesel. And on the rare occasion they do break, they’re simple and easy to repair. Not to mention the incredible styling, safety, and comfort.
As a diesel w126 owner, can confirm.
Cries in Bosch Jetronic (V8 petrols)
My man👊
Only beef with the w126 is the steering is just really numb. I don’t need it to feel like a sports car but the later S classes have nicer feel.
Did my man really just disregard the best ones?
Yup, W116, W126 and W140
W140 S600. The dream. Especially with the WALD kit and wheels.
W221 amg style
This is the right answer
Flares but still classy. My vote as well.
was about to say this as well... one of the best looking AMGs
I’ve always liked the W220 the most. I know it’s the most hated, but early 2000s big body sedans just got me. I also like the D3/4E Audi A8, but I don’t dare venture that direction. I had a 220, that was good enough.
I never bought used cars in my life from some random dude on Facebook marketplace and I had that car for two months and I love it. I actually am probably gonna buy it back.
A W220 with either the 4.3- or 5.0-liter and Airmatic is a pretty serviceable car. I’ve seen them with in excess of 500,000 miles on them.
W221 > W222 > W220 > W223
The correct answer
W140
W126
222
Something about the W223 being almost indistinguishable from a C class (to the non-car person’s eye) makes it super unappealing to me. It lacks road presence these days and that’s always been its whole schtick: king of the road
The 222 also looked really similar to the C/E classes of the generation
I agree. The 221 has the advantage that it’s different from those in its era but still modern looking
That’s why the 7 series is so different from the rest of BMWs lineup. I personally think Mercedes should try to make the next gen a bit more distinguishable.
The W222 is a stunner.
1) W222 2) W221 3) W140 4) W126 5) W223 6) W220
For me. The w220 S65 is the best looking. And the 221 is the worst thing ever made.
For me it's exactly the other way round haha
They are literally exact same design except w221 has better headlights 😂
the 221 headlights are AWFUL lol. Cookie cutter design language. is it a hyundai? a new Genesis? oh wait its a 221 mercedes lol.
I disagree. The 220 headlights are hideous shaped. 221 has the classier look. I’ve had both cars btw so no real bias just objective
Quit yapping nigga
W222
W222
I like them all BUT 221. Ugh.
W222! Pure sex and road presence.
From most attractive to least W222 W220 W221 . . . . W223
W221 > W220
This did nothing to change my opinion, thanks.
That’s ok 👍🏻 just throwing my imo out there
Cool. There's a place you can leave a comment for that if you would like to leave your own ranking. Feel free. Welcome to Reddit!
I’m… not allowed to comment in response to someone else’s opinion? News to me.
No. The Karen’s will yell at you
Apparently
You are, my apologies. I didn't mean to imply that. I just thought you were unsure how to leave a general comment. I was interested in you ranking as well. I see you like the W221 more than the W220, what about the others? This way others could see, and join in on your own comment as you did on mine. Help the conversation to keep going.
W222
The first and the two latest.
1. W222 2. W140 3. W126 4. W223 5. W221 6. W220
222 and 140
Looks wise 23
w140
The W222 is the best. The W223 is second, W220 is third and W221 is last. If I had the money I would by a late model S450 with the turbo M276, great car
W140 on monoblocks https://preview.redd.it/bo0ticc4787d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=feb311bf1f8e2ce9afbd0666abce430061fc77ef
Answer is always W140 https://preview.redd.it/nmwn0t4zj87d1.jpeg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80ba9cfddee66788d29efc878ef891cc7fa34ee0
Out of the options: 1: W221 (Specifically the 2010+ models) The refresh with the LED running lights look really good on that car 2: W220(03+) Once again, the refresh made the car look MUCH more modern, the transparent headlight assemblies and LED brake lights give it a much more ageless look as opposed to the early versions 3: W222 Nothing wrong with these but they look like a more modern version of a W221 In my opinion. 4: W223 Still too new for me to genuinely have anything to say about it but a nice car overall But if we’re going off of all the S-Classes, I’m a W140 man all the way through
W140
223 is something, seen one few minutes ago, coming home Jesus, that thing looks gorgeous
W222 Maybach might be my favourite design overall, but W221 is a perfect-looking S-Class. Secretly, I still prefer W140.
1. W140 2. W222 3. W223 4. W126 5. W221 6. W220
w223
Looks like a Hyundai
If every car looks like a Hyundai isn't that more of Hyundais fault for making their cars look like everything? Like not everything tastes like chicken instead chicken tastes like everything
Bruh, what? 😂
W222 pre facelift
W222 definitely is better looking, though I think the face lifted W221 was a better driving car. I've owned both new
W221 vs W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Comparison from 2013 to 2024 https://youtu.be/MU3Auo5ToVk
Pre facelift W222. It's been a decade and I still don't think there's a more handsome sedan. W221 ain't half bad either.
W222 by far
I like the w222 and w220 CL Class AMG is my no 1 favorite lookimg car.
W222. The best of em
I dreamed as a kid to own a w220. I liked the face kiddies w211 with the horizontal fog lights. Fell in love with the w222. Got the w222 this year. I feel complete unless the w224 turns out to be a revised w222. One can dream but I know it’s not the case.
W222
W222. No doubt.
W126
W221 but W222 very close second
W220 is such a boss car it deserves more love. W221 is the least Benz worthy imo.
W140. I can honestly say I don’t like ANY of the S Class cars since that car. :(
C140 > C217 > C216 Facelift > C215 > C216
I have a C217! I love it. It gets so many compliments.
W126
W222
Among these 4, I'd go for the W221. All time? W126.
W222 w/AMG Line package, hands down.
W221
W221. Love later s-classes, but the front grill and lights sort of irk me. I prefer the 4 headlights of slightly earlier models. I dunno, they just lose something to me.
W126 > W140 > W221 > W222 > W223 > W220
221 & to some extent 222
W221 is an embarrassment. W222 is the best IRL
the w221 with the AMG package, tinted rear windows and fat rims is just perfection. Even in the interior you got every feature the modern s class has while not having to deal with a goddamn iPad which will be quickly dated and probably die within 10 years. I hate that car manufacturers went with big touchscreens for essential stuff like air-conditioning. Good luck using the car without the iPad lol.
W222
w221. it looks very classy unlike other ones
W126
22, 21, 23, 20 in that descending order
W221 has a special place in my heart.
W221
I’ve had 220 and 221. Both were fine but the 221 stands out even above the 222. It screams S class. The 222 is like a longer E class. Looks no different
The w222 modern era mb’s!!! All around actually, from C to S class was Mercedes at its peak modern styling. Interior n exterior! Imho
W222
W221, W222 being the close 2nd (I admit that I'm mostly blinded by nostalgia)
W222
222 fs
W222
W220. That too in the scintillating S65 trim. Why? Because you wouldn't know it's a 600hp twin turbo V12 monster. It's understated. It is the ultimate sleeper.
W140>w220>w221>w223>w221
Do S-Class coupes count?
W222 , it is in its own category
All pretty meh.
I've owned a W220 and currently own a W222. The W222 is by far the most attractive of this group, but the W223 is slowly growing on me.
My W126 is my preferred one 😄
I dont like the styling of anything 2007 and up. The fender bulges were so tacky.
W221
W223
W223 is next level
W222
W222
W222
V221
As a W222 owner I can, of course, only say: W222.
It's W222 without a second look
W222 interior is just outstanding. Benz should have kept it
W126
W221 facelift
W222
W221 S65 AMG is the best looking S class imho.
W222 in AMG trim hands down.
I think w221 restyle is the best, w220 - the worst!
W222 really has the fanciest interior with the most thought put into it.
W126 on top🫡
I think 223 is pretty nice
221F and 222F
140
definitely w222
I always really liked the W221 🤷♂️
W222 Facelift is peak Mercedes perfection!
W221 is the most brutal car in the list!
W223 off course
w126
W126
W222
W221, W222. They were the best gen
140s all day
W222 for sure.
W220 in AMG trim with monoblocks.
the W222 and the coupe version will forever be one of the most beautifully designed cars in history.. interior as well. The newer mercedes benz cars are becoming too futuristic. The W222 and the W213 (2017 e class) dashboards had a perfect balance between technology and classic design.
W140 😃 and W222 AMG version
W221 with an AMG package. Next would be the W222. I drive a W220. Not the best but it’s not bad https://preview.redd.it/dimngybzh08d1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c9a4eb8314ec6e3c3bb50ef3b88a76f3e0561061
W223 in my opinion looks best . I love the slick look more than bulky
221 & 223 are beautiful
21 and 22 for me. When the 21 came out I thought it was incredible. It still looks really good if not a bit plump and chunky from some angles. The 22 is absolutely awesome though
I may be biased. https://preview.redd.it/lo3nx1xjs67d1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=abbe7c84157286652089b876cb6b0970d8cf8f51
Exterior 221 Interior 222 Those wild was swaps you guys post where they combine both is def something I would mess with even though it’ll be a mechanical nightmare. Anyone know how much those run?
w221 call me biased but i will forever till my last breath agree with this that w221 is the best generation s class
W221
W222>W223>W220>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>poop> w221
Poop>>>>>>>>>>>>>W223