Why does an S class intimidate so many people?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,186
Likes: 530
From: Knoxville, TN
Interesting thread, lol.
I don't really think an S-Class is intimidating. Is it one of the most desirable cars in the world to own? You bet. The benchmark for flagship luxury sedans? Absolutely.
But it's pretty conservatively styled, definitely handsome but I wouldn't consider intimidating. I think a new Escalade is much more intimidating than an S-Class. Or any large, full sized BOF SUV that's styled right. A Yukon Denali XL is more intimidating than an S-Class to my eyes. I know it's absolutely crazy to say this as a certified car enthusiast (and someone whose favorite car is the W140), but I would honestly struggle between a 'Slade and an S-Class if I had the choice of either. Escalade just has a presence that virtually no other car matches plus it's a truck/practical/etc.
I live in a very truck-heavy area and like trucks a lot FWIW.
I don't really think an S-Class is intimidating. Is it one of the most desirable cars in the world to own? You bet. The benchmark for flagship luxury sedans? Absolutely.
But it's pretty conservatively styled, definitely handsome but I wouldn't consider intimidating. I think a new Escalade is much more intimidating than an S-Class. Or any large, full sized BOF SUV that's styled right. A Yukon Denali XL is more intimidating than an S-Class to my eyes. I know it's absolutely crazy to say this as a certified car enthusiast (and someone whose favorite car is the W140), but I would honestly struggle between a 'Slade and an S-Class if I had the choice of either. Escalade just has a presence that virtually no other car matches plus it's a truck/practical/etc.
I live in a very truck-heavy area and like trucks a lot FWIW.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2014
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From: fl
Maybe having the word "intimidating" is not the best choice for my thread. Instead, maybe I should have titled it "What deters those who can afford an S class from buying it?"
We all know the S class goes for more than the LS when they're new - and we know the S class depreciates more. So at quick glance on eBay looking for lightly used cars of same year and similar mileage:
2016 S 550 w/ 28k miles is listed for $6k more than a 2016 LS460 with 30k miles.
2015 S 550 w/ 15K miles is listed for $5k more than a 2015 LS460 with 15k miles.
If you are a CPO buyer and know you'll have repairs covered for 3-4 years and plan to get rid of the car when the CPO expires... you're looking at a very minimal difference to go S class. You know you're getting a more expensive car. Yet I still think a decent number of people would pass on the S class. The responses through the thread have been interesting and pretty wide-ranging.
We all know the S class goes for more than the LS when they're new - and we know the S class depreciates more. So at quick glance on eBay looking for lightly used cars of same year and similar mileage:
2016 S 550 w/ 28k miles is listed for $6k more than a 2016 LS460 with 30k miles.
2015 S 550 w/ 15K miles is listed for $5k more than a 2015 LS460 with 15k miles.
If you are a CPO buyer and know you'll have repairs covered for 3-4 years and plan to get rid of the car when the CPO expires... you're looking at a very minimal difference to go S class. You know you're getting a more expensive car. Yet I still think a decent number of people would pass on the S class. The responses through the thread have been interesting and pretty wide-ranging.
Probably intimidating because it's the benchmark for any full sized luxury sedan (not counting the mega expensive Rolls Royce and Bentley). Mercedes is known for the S class. All the little models they make don't really mean anything. In my opinion, the S class makes the brand.
Lexus was on the right path with the LS when they tried mimicking the S class formula back in the day, but they dropped the ball with the LS500 with its questionable styling, bad visibility, Camaro-like pillars that you hit your head on when entering and exiting the vehicle, questionable reliability with the new motor, etc. The new LS is not exactly selling well at all. I think they will lose a ton of their original customers because they keep messing with these hit-or-miss designs. Mercedes is smart, they don't mess around with their best car just like Porsche does not mess around with the proven 911 formula. Lexus needs to take note.
Lexus was on the right path with the LS when they tried mimicking the S class formula back in the day, but they dropped the ball with the LS500 with its questionable styling, bad visibility, Camaro-like pillars that you hit your head on when entering and exiting the vehicle, questionable reliability with the new motor, etc. The new LS is not exactly selling well at all. I think they will lose a ton of their original customers because they keep messing with these hit-or-miss designs. Mercedes is smart, they don't mess around with their best car just like Porsche does not mess around with the proven 911 formula. Lexus needs to take note.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 17,186
Likes: 530
From: Knoxville, TN
Lexus was on the right path with the LS when they tried mimicking the S class formula back in the day, but they dropped the ball with the LS500 with its questionable styling, bad visibility, Camaro-like pillars that you hit your head on when entering and exiting the vehicle, questionable reliability with the new motor, etc. The new LS is not exactly selling well at all. I think they will lose a ton of their original customers because they keep messing with these hit-or-miss designs. Mercedes is smart, they don't mess around with their best car just like Porsche does not mess around with the proven 911 formula. Lexus needs to take note.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 13,276
Likes: 1,889
From: WA
I’ll be the odd man out here. Whenever I see an S Class, I think to myself “I just don’t get it”. I just find it to be so incredibly unattractive. The droopy rear end just kills it for me. Ugh. Flame suit on and ready... 
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,836
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From: Maryland
It totally depends on the spec. The AMG exterior package makes a big difference in the car, its expensive though ($5k). Even with the regular exterior trim, wheels are incredibly important to how the car looks. They look TERRIBLE on the base 18" wheels. Its amazing how a set of their 19s or especially 20s transforms the car...
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,489
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From: ON/NY
Not sure if I would say it’s a disaster. The worldwide sales numbers are what matters. The new LS was definitely made for world markets. I could totally see Lexus almost abandoning the LS for the USA with small volumes whereas the ES takes the bulk of the sales. I watched the launch video presentation of the ES, Lexus claims the median household income of the. ES is around $250K or around there. The ES f sport is something like $175K. So where does LS fit in? Definitely up market
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Lexus Fanatic
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From: ON/NY
edit. My error. I was incorrect. ES Average house income $150K and married. $140K for F sport.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; Aug 1, 2018 at 07:47 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 43
From: PA
BMW stands for bring more wallet
Merc wants more of it, regardless of the looks. That is all.
It takes 3 companies for a real tango of a ultra luxury status.... it's been around for a long time ( BWW Merc and Audi). They can feed off each other until the market stagnates. The image problem of kicking the expensive cars down the curb to those who cant afford it will leave a lasting mark -- never again I will buy one of these cars. There is absolutely no long term value proposition for these hot potato cars. That said, cars are a depreciating asset. You drive what you're able to afford to throw away. S class means you can throw a lot more $$ away than others and not blink an eye. No wonder it bothers some people simply because they have $$ and you do not.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 517
Likes: 44
From: Earth
Congrats on achieving all of the above
Depending on your demographics, I will agree with Steve that if you're in sales and driving around in an S class or any flagship car for matter, your buyer/clients can see that as a turn-off when/if you're not giving them a good deal.
I hate it also since the German designs are too lazy with their S-M-L sausage length.
However, I will give the S class a huge thumbs up on the interior design/materials
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,269
Likes: 296
From: ------
Unfortunately I feel the same way. I was actually hoping the new LS would be a hit so it would lower the price of used LS's more and put more used LS's on the market but I think many owners have decided to keep their LS460's after seeing the new LS500.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,269
Likes: 296
From: ------
Not sure if I would say it’s a disaster. The worldwide sales numbers are what matters. The new LS was definitely made for world markets. I could totally see Lexus almost abandoning the LS for the USA with small volumes whereas the ES takes the bulk of the sales. I watched the launch video presentation of the ES, Lexus claims the median household income of the. ES is around $250K or around there. The ES f sport is something like $175K. So where does LS fit in? Definitely up market
Instructor
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 92
From: FL
Maybe having the word "intimidating" is not the best choice for my thread. Instead, maybe I should have titled it "What deters those who can afford an S class from buying it?"
We all know the S class goes for more than the LS when they're new - and we know the S class depreciates more. So at quick glance on eBay looking for lightly used cars of same year and similar mileage:
2016 S 550 w/ 28k miles is listed for $6k more than a 2016 LS460 with 30k miles.
2015 S 550 w/ 15K miles is listed for $5k more than a 2015 LS460 with 15k miles.
If you are a CPO buyer and know you'll have repairs covered for 3-4 years and plan to get rid of the car when the CPO expires... you're looking at a very minimal difference to go S class. You know you're getting a more expensive car. Yet I still think a decent number of people would pass on the S class. The responses through the thread have been interesting and pretty wide-ranging.
We all know the S class goes for more than the LS when they're new - and we know the S class depreciates more. So at quick glance on eBay looking for lightly used cars of same year and similar mileage:
2016 S 550 w/ 28k miles is listed for $6k more than a 2016 LS460 with 30k miles.
2015 S 550 w/ 15K miles is listed for $5k more than a 2015 LS460 with 15k miles.
If you are a CPO buyer and know you'll have repairs covered for 3-4 years and plan to get rid of the car when the CPO expires... you're looking at a very minimal difference to go S class. You know you're getting a more expensive car. Yet I still think a decent number of people would pass on the S class. The responses through the thread have been interesting and pretty wide-ranging.
I did buy a CLS550 as a fun car. It has cost more to maintain than the LS460 thus far and their CPO warranty isn't as comprehensive as Lexus but it has been pretty reliable thus far. I may look into an S class in the future.
As far at the looks I guess it depends on your location. Come to Boca Raton and they are about as common as a Honda. If there aren't over 100 of them in my neighborhood then there are 200. They are that common and people drive them around without worry or garnering much attention.