An all-new version, introduced in early 2006 as a 2007 model, is likewise a rolling test bed of technology, offering a laundry list of features, literally too long to list here.
As you'd expect, the car's styling is revised with somewhat sleeker lines. And its already stellar performance is enhanced with added power and sophistication. A 5.5-liter V8 engine enables the S500 to reach 100 kmph in a little more than five seconds. As before, the engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that now affords manual gear selection via a steering-column-mounted lever. The base models being sold in India are the modestly powered S320 (diesel) & S350 (petrol).
Not quick enough? There is also available the bi-turbo, V12-powered version, the S65 AMG, that delivers 621 PS! Other variants are the 524 PS S600 & the 532 PS S63 AMG.
In terms of driving dynamics, the standard Airmatic air suspension system in every Mercedes-Benz S-Class affords a plush ride and precise handling characteristics by self-adjusting the shock absorbers at each wheel individually, according to the changing road and driving conditions, in as little as 50 milliseconds.
This is all fine and well, and you expect top performance from a top-priced luxury sedan. But what sets the S-Class apart from mere mortal forms of motoring is the advanced automotive gadgetry, which buyers will brag about to their pals, and delight in demonstrating on the way to and from the country club.
See specs of Mercedes S-Class
This means items like 12-way-adjustable, multi-contour, heated and ventilated, massaging, leather front and rear seats, fitted with 11 self-inflating/adjusting air cushions for the ultimate in comfort. Ditto with the car's available Night View Assist function. Night View essentially extends the driver's range of vision without having to turn on the high beams. Here, two infrared headlamps illuminate the road, while an infrared camera records the reflected image of the road ahead and displays it on a small screen mounted on the instrument panel.
Likely the most-talked-about feature offered in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be its innovative Distronic Plus proximity control system, which takes so-called adaptive cruise control to a higher level of sophistication and functionality. Using radar as a guide, the system not only keeps the car at a desired speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, but does so even in stop-and-go highway traffic. It will automatically bring the car to a stop if necessary and accelerate back to the selected velocity when traffic starts moving again. This isn't a car that drives itself, but it's getting there.
That's not all. As an added safety measure, the vehicle's Brake Assist Plus system measures the distance between the vehicle and the traffic ahead and immediately applies the ideal amount of braking assistance when you're coming to a stop, if it calculates that the closing speed is too high.
And if the Pre-Safe system feels a collision is imminent, based on input from the antilock brakes, traction control and the steering wheel, it will automatically tug on, or "pre-tension" the seat belts. The system also moves the front seats, to put occupants in the safest position relative to the airbags, in case the airbags deploy.
See photos of Mercedes S-Class
An airbag inflates so fast because, in effect, the stuff inside that inflates it is an explosive charge, not very different from a "blank" in a gun. Shorter drivers who pull their seats forward to reach the pedals can be gravely injured sitting too close to an airbag that goes off.
Occupants whose seats are reclined can also be injured because their hips slide underneath their seat belts (called "submarining"), reducing the belts' effectiveness. Pre-Safe also closes the sunroof and the side windows, which is especially important in case the car rolls.
The seat belt-tugging, and window-and sunroof-closing take place whether or not the car has actually hit anything. Seat belt pre-tensioners in most cars don't go off until the car has actually hit something, and the car has started to "deform" — that is, suffer damage. That deformation is also the signal that makes the airbags go off.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for You?
| Buy the S-Class if |
You can afford to own one of the most advanced sedans available, at any price. |
| Keep Looking if |
You have to ask how much it costs; you otherwise can get by with a less-complex form of transportation. |
| Who Fits? |
A plush and coddling interior holds four adults in true comfort (with a fifth being able to enjoy the ride in the back when necessary), especially if you specify the self-adjustable, heated and cooled, multicontour seats. |
| Closest Competitors |
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