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The S-class has been the figurehead of Mercedes for more than 50 years. The new model comes either 5,07 or 5,20 m long and is with 1,87 m even 1,6 cm wider than its predecessor. And when Joe public asks why one needs a top model (S 600) with more than two tons and 517 hp to impressively move itself at 14 litre fuel consumption, the technicians at Stuttgart might just mention safety: The S-class has been forerunner on things like crush zone, airbags, ABS, ESP and brake assist. Those were often included optionally in top-models and have today already become standard for medium-class cars.
Given that, also the new night vision device with complex military infrared technique that can also uncover "cold objects" in the dark, might not just stay a 2000 Euro gadget.
Also the elegant front seats show that the car is more than suitable for night time drivers. They can be almost completely dropped down and the head restraint grants sideward support for the dozing passenger.
Another effective device is the multi-function trip computer with scroll selection on the centre consol: It was considered which functions concerning seat adjustment, ventilation and CD-radio would be favoured for direct access and those for which access from the main system would be enough. Also the air suspension was impressively improved and the manifold exterior allows the giant not to look clumsy. On the other hand, the front leaves some creativity to be desired. The headlights look like Ford Focus duplicates. The only thing for designers left for distinction to other makes is most likely the unique Mercedes-grille.
The shorter S-Class-model offers despite its 5 metre length not a whole lot of leg room for backseat passengers. The backrest might have also called for some adjustment possibilities from the typically conservative alpha dog, as the back row still can't be dropped. Therefore the headroom does not disappoint and offers plenty of space as opposed to some other competitors.
Available: S 350 (with 272 hp starting from 84.200 Euro in Austria, 70.760 Euro in Germany) and S 500 (with 388hp starting from 108.436 Euro in Austria, 89.668 Euro in Germany). Available since January 2006 at the dealers: S 320 Diesel (with 235 hp starting from about 84.000 Euro in Austria, 70.000 Euro in Germany) and S 600 (with 517 hp).
Engines
PETROL:
S 350: V6 cylinders, 3498 ccm, 200 kW/272 hp at 6000 rpm, 350 Nm at 2400 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 7,3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (limited), fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/mixed: 14,5/7,7/10,1 litres.
S 500: V8 cylinders, 5461 ccm, 285 kW/388 hp at 6000 rpm, 530 Nm at 2800 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 5,4 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (limited), fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/mixed: 17,4/8,5/11,7 litres.
S 600: V12 cylinders (with five-step automatic, because of extremely high torque figure), 5514 ccm, 380 kW/517 hp at 5000 rpm, 830 Nm at 1900 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 4,6 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (limited), average fuel consumption of 14,3 litres.
DIESEL:
S 320 CDI: V6 cylinders Common Rail, 2987 ccm, 173 kW/235 hp, 540 Nm at 1600 rpm, 0 – 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (limited), average fuel consumption of 8,3 litres.
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