One area where Mercedes-Benz could improve the new S-Class is with regard to build quality. Grab the gauge shroud, and it will flex and creak like a $15,000 econocar. Also, the plastic panels over the rearview mirror were cheap and flexible on our test car. Panel gaps were a bit wider than expected, but did display flushness of fit and uniformity throughout. On the outside, the hood on our S550 was tweaked to the left, we spotted minor trunk gap variance at the lower edge of the taillights, and there were minor front door alignment issues with the bright greenhouse trim. As with the interior, some exterior panel gaps were wider than expected for the class.