OzarkBoy

Steve, I was shocked when you said your new 2020 S560 has no CD player at all! But I rarely hang around at our NWA MB dealer (25 miles N) to see the new models now, and they rarely have an S560 in stock in any case - they are too busy selling SUVs and entry-level Mercedes. I did my research and now know the 2018 S was the last with a CD changer, so in a few years I am going to have to find a really low mileage 2018 from Florida or California to buy. I know I'm an old fogey now but I sure like my CD quality sound - in a vehicle as quiet as the S550. My wife and I took an 18-day 4000-mile trip out West last year in late May (remember those non-Covid days?) and we enjoyed our great music and wonderful ride out to Yellowstone and beyond. We were going on an extended road trip again this year until....... I have never owned a vehicle where I could drive all day on the highway and still be happy about driving again the next day. May you have many enjoyable drives in your new S560!

By the way, saw your comments over on MB World about a possible sub/amp install in your trunk. Definitely recommend JL Audio equipment like pictured, have a Fathom f113 in my home theater and best sub I have ever owned. Not sure how to protect woofer from damage from luggage, however. Good luck on your sound system upgrade.

SW17LS

I actually stream audio from AmazonMusicHD, if you use a service like that or Tidal you get CD quality sound or better.

Thanks!

AJT123

Not to be negative but I’m seriously a little shocked that people are putting aftermarket audio in new S-Classes, for more bass or whatnot.

SW17LS

Yeah, it should not be necessary that’s for sure

Bob04

Like many manufacturers, they want the audiophiles to pay up for the high end audio option. $6400 in this case. Ouch.

SW17LS

Spent the day today washing it, decontaminating it with IronX and claying it. Clear bra goes on Tuesday, and then I will ceramic coat it.

Toys4RJill

How come you put the clear bra on after it was delivered?

LexBob2

What brand of coating will you be using?

SW17LS

I have a guy that I always use in VA, ideally I’d love to have it done at the dealer before it’s ever driven, but I usually have to schedule and wait a week or so before he can get to it.

Im going to use GTechniq Crystal Serum Lite and EXO.

TRDRAV4

Just saw this, congrats Steve on the new S Class. How long is the lease for? I'm sure a lot of us (just me) could only afford these in 10 years lol.

SW17LS

Thanks! 3 years

jainla

I know it feels like the mid 1990s when the product pipeline dried up. While Lexus currently does not make a "bad" car the lineup is just a little stale compared to the competition. I love my current cars but after the demise of the GS-F (which was amazing) the only current car I'd currently spring for with my theoretical lotto winnings would be the LC. I still recommend them to other people as the quality and durability are still outstanding but I caution you won't be getting the new shiny thing necessarily.

I feel like the TNGA rollout has consumed a lot of resources over the last couple years and the Toyota brand has reaped most of the spoils. But again, the 1990s preceded the 2000s which were some of the best years in recent memory for the brand so here's hoping. Once thing I have learned is never ever bet against Toyota.

In the meantime enjoy your time behind the 3 pointed star. Had I been in your position I probably would have picked between the S and the A8 with a strong Mercedes bias given I've had at least one for the better part of 30 years.

Did you look at the A8?

SW17LS

I did look at the A8. It drives great, it might be the best driving car in the segment. What I don’t like about it is the styling which is bland, and the interior has a high tech vibe I don’t care for. Their leases are not good either.

This is the first time really ever I approached a car purchase without there being a clear indicator of what I wanted, I drove everything over and over again for like 4 months...

jainla

Agreed about the A8 styling; it looks like a Passat that fell of the slimfast. Until the arrival of the W223 the A8 tech seems to be the best out there; but the disappearance of physical buttons is problematic. I was helping a friend buy a car and we started on the Q8 and after a couple drives we both decided the screen-centric UI/UX was a turn off. He ended up in a Porsche Macan for a variety of reasons but one of them being there are still actual buttons in the interior. Dunno if the new S will have the same issues but many people complain the 5LS depends too much on the screen and Remote touch for simple functions; a heated seats button has apparently re-appeared for 2021.

Did you get the air freshener? I want those Maybach style pillows for my back seats

SW17LS

The tech itself is great, I just dont like the implementation.

Yep! I have the air freshener, I actually really like it