“Mercedes S400 2016: Luxurious and Image-Conscious, Yet Not So Friendly.”

Mr. Nguyen Trong Quy appreciates the sporty driving feel of BMWs, but he chose the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S400 as his vehicle of choice for work-related travels. Despite the car’s modern amenities, Mr. Quy feels that this luxury model isn’t as user-friendly as it could be.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S400 is a top-of-the-line luxury sedan from the renowned German automaker. It made its way to Vietnam around 2015 with a price tag of 3.7 billion VND. Even after eight years, it remains a desirable car for enthusiasts of German cars and the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Our team had the pleasure of chatting with Mr. Quy to gain deeper insights into his experience with this vehicle.

Hello, Mr. Quy! When did you acquire your S400?

Hello, Tinxe.vn readers! I purchased this S400 from a friend; the previous owner had already installed a Maybach body kit, giving it a very elegant exterior. The interior remains untouched. I primarily use this car for work, especially when meeting with clients and partners.

Is this your first German car?

Actually, it’s my third. I started with a Mercedes-Benz C200, then moved to a C300, and later bought the VinFast Lux A in 2019. I quite liked the Lux A; its BMW-engineered chassis and engine deliver a solid, sporty driving experience with excellent sound insulation, better than the C300. Unfortunately, when I sold it, the resale value had dropped significantly.

As a top-tier luxury sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S400 boasts state-of-the-art amenities. How have you found these features as a user?

I used to think that way, but after using the car for a while, I’ve encountered a few issues. For instance, the air conditioning system isn’t very powerful, and the cooling isn’t evenly distributed within the car. The rear seat air conditioning isn’t very smart, sometimes blowing too hard and causing discomfort. I’m not sure what the problem is, as checks at German car specialists haven’t revealed any technical faults.

Additionally, synchronizing the air conditioning between the front and rear seats isn’t very convenient. It requires navigating through multiple settings on the screen, whereas in the C-Class, Mercedes-Benz places this function on the outside for easier access.

In my opinion, the S400’s air conditioning system is complicated and not very comfortable. As someone who likes to customize car features to my personal preferences, I find that this S-model doesn’t suit my needs. The engineers seem to have designed the car with too many “Auto” functions, perhaps assuming that drivers would just enjoy the ride. However, this results in a cumbersome experience when trying to make adjustments.

While the factory-installed speakers deliver good sound quality, there’s a noticeable delay when watching videos; the audio lags about two seconds behind the visuals displayed on the screen. I’ve managed to fix this issue temporarily, but it’s not a permanent solution.

Moreover, the car’s length makes finding parking spaces challenging. Often, a spot may look spacious from the outside, but once you try to park the S400, it feels cramped and difficult to maneuver. I’m probably one of the few S-Class owners who doesn’t hire a chauffeur, and I find this car a bit inconvenient for my daily use.

Of course, the car has its strengths, too. It exudes elegance and grandeur, both inside and out, and delivers a smooth, quiet ride. The engine and transmission are superb, providing instant acceleration when needed while maintaining stability and safety. I’m truly impressed by its performance in this regard.

Is it true that maintaining an S400 is as expensive as people say?

My car has already clocked nearly 100,000 kilometers. For minor services, the cost ranges from 5 to 6 million VND. I take it to a familiar workshop, which helps reduce costs compared to authorized service centers.

German cars are known for their rapid depreciation. Does this concern you?

I’m aware of the quick depreciation associated with German cars, so from the start, I decided to buy pre-owned German cars instead of new ones. Typically, I wait for three to five years before purchasing, as the steepest depreciation has already occurred by then. At that point, the rate of value loss becomes more reasonable.

On the flip side, I have to compromise on experiencing the latest and most advanced technologies.

With so many inconveniences, are you considering switching to a different car?

I’ve also driven the 7-Series, and it offers a very sporty feel despite its large size. Compared to the S-Class, the BMW 7-Series excels in delivering an exciting driving experience, stability, and a solid feel.

Due to the nature of my work, which involves hosting clients, I opted for the S-Class. However, I personally prefer smaller cars. I find their compactness and maneuverability in the city more appealing.

Previously, I considered buying the Wulling Mini EV for city driving, but its looks didn’t appeal to me. Soon, I plan to purchase the VinFast VF3, which has a sleek design, is easy to drive, and has a gear shift similar to Mercedes-Benz.

If you prefer compact cars, why not choose the Mercedes-Benz A250?

I’m a practical person. When it comes to cars for business and client meetings, I opt for German brands, but when it comes to practicality, I lean towards Korean cars. While most people consider Japanese cars more practical than Korean ones, I disagree. If one prioritizes practicality, Korean or even Chinese cars offer the best value for money. You can enjoy a range of features without breaking the bank, and after a while, you can easily switch to another car without worrying about long-term durability spanning decades.

Thank you, Mr. Quy, for your time and insights!