Mercedes-Benz S-Class — Desirable
About a year ago, Mercedes-Benz executives announced that the company would de-content some of its features that were perhaps too esoteric and may have led to perceived and real quality issues. As I recall, more than 600 bells and whistles were on the chopping block for removal. If they carried out the threat, the new S-Class should be a pretty down-to-earth machine. Instead, it’s as earth-bound in technology as the space shuttle.
The all-new S-Class has taken technology to breathtaking heights and we’ll look at a couple of unique features in this preview. But for most buyers parting with $86,000 and up, it’s the substance of the big sedan that really matters. Fortunately for Mercedes-Benz and its legion of S-Class customers, the new car is quite substantial.
Mercedes spokespeople spent little time regaling the assembled media about the number of camshafts (four) and didn’t bring up those esoteric numbers for drag co-efficient (0.27) or bending strength. Instead, they let the new car communicate these substantial virtues during a 300-mile drive in Arizona. After that long drive, I bolted from the car feeling remarkably fresh.
The new V8 makes 381 horsepower, enough to push this 4,270-pound Mercedes to 60 in just 5.4 seconds. Yet it’s efficient enough to retain the same fuel economy as its less powerful predecessor. The big sedan is nicely balanced with 51/49-percent weight distribution and is equipped with new four-link front suspension, creating a car that is as comfortable in twists and turns as it is on boulevards.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars have always been safe bets for protecting occupants. The big flagship feels solid, handles well, and is equipped with a host of leading safety features. The 2007 model takes all those attributes to new levels and introduces new technology to raise the bar even higher.
The radar-based Pre-Safe constantly looks for trouble, even if the driver is distracted. If a collision raises its ugly head, the S550 will react by applying brakes, correcting seat positions, and even closing the sunroof along with the conventional measures of seat belt cinching. The list of safety measures is long and impressive-any mom would be quite pleased.
If the new S-Class is driven after dark, an optional infrared night vision system is a remarkable advance over the heat sensing systems offered by Cadillac and Lexus. The road ahead is easily viewed on a screen within the instrument panel and gives a much clearer picture using cameras to interpret information from infrared lamps.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has finally succumbed to a wheel and click interface to access all the menus that help operate a host of functions. For those who like their technology less complex, that sounds like bad news. The good news is that the new Comand system is intuitive and easy to operate. Even voice commands are understood.
It’s a good thing that Mercedes improved the user interface. The seats even have their own menu to operate such functions as active lumbar support through a host of bellows and motors. When tackling a twisty road, the smart seats inflate the outward bolsters to keep the driver in place. It’s a bit eerie, but it works.
There’s much more, like the adaptive cruise control that can operate in stop-and-go traffic or the 14-speaker, 600-watt stereo that can hold 2,000 songs downloaded through a car reader; your Mercedes retailer will most likely have all the details. — Brian Douglas
Specifications
Type: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: 5.5-liter DOHC V-8
Horsepower: 382 @ 6000
Torque: 39 @ 2,800-4,000
Base Price: $86,175
Fuel Economy: 16 city/ 24 hwy
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