2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
by Jim Prueter -03/2006

All-new S-Class is the best and most advanced sedan in the world

Let me get right to the point: The all-new 2007 S-Class sedan from Mercedes-Benz is, for the money, simply the best luxury sedan anywhere in the world.

This top-of-the-line Mercedes sedan has been completely redesigned for its ninth generation, with new exterior, interior, onboard control systems, safety systems and technology. Only a few safety systems, the air suspension system and the seven-speed automatic transmission carry over from the previous-generation model. This beacon of decadence and self-gratification delivers an endless source of automotive pleasure.

To say the new S-Class is beautiful would be stretching the truth somewhat. Where the Mercedes CLS is beautiful, the S-Class has a more imposing presence — a German luxury liner that manages to be elegant, distinctive and gorgeous overall.

Outside, the new sedan is almost two inches longer and an inch wider than before, and rests on a three-inch longer wheelbase. The additional inches show up in increased rear legroom. Despite its additional size, a long sleek hood, exaggerated fender blisters, long glass roof panel and rear end reminiscent of a 7 Series BMW combine give the S-Class a world-class 0.27 drag coefficient. The result is a cabin that’s so quiet, conversations seem as though they are taking place in your living room. Of course, the patented front floor panels that cut both noise and vibration add to the effect.

The interior is the most elegant and beautiful I’ve seen, with genuine dark burl walnut wood and soft leather trims. No plastic here. The driver’s door is loaded with matte-silver control buttons that operate all windows and mirrors. My tester included power rear side window sunblinds that are controlled with these same switches.

Elegant touches abound, like the strip of ambient lighting on the dash. It runs the entire length of the instrument panel and across both front doors and can be adjusted to one of five settings to give the cabin a soft, relaxing glow. Add to that the prominent square and jewel-like Baum and Mercier-style analog clock on the center dash. Did I mention the leather palm rest conveniently placed at the front of the center console? A flip of its lid reveals a concealed telephone keypad. Is there anything Mercedes didn’t think of?

My tester included the optional Dynamic Multi-Contour seats with 11 air chambers that mold the seat to your body. The seats are incredibly comfortable, with side bolsters that respond to right and left cornering by inflating and deflating to keep you from sliding around in your seat. You can even get a relaxing back massage. As expected, the seats are heated and cooled with their own individual fans. Each seat has its own surround-sound audio system.

A lot of attention was paid to the technological features of the new S-Class. My S550 was equipped with the optional Distronic PLUS, a radar-based adaptive cruise control that automatically applies the brakes at any speed, bringing the car to a full stop without driver input. Mercedes-Benz engineers say the new system can reduce rear-end collisions in stop-and-go traffic by up to 75 percent. Once traffic starts moving again, a press of the gas pedal re-engages the system and the vehicle accelerates to the preset speed. This means that you can set the speed and the car will handle stop-and-go driving. I drove from Phoenix to Tucson and never touched the pedals.

Another new option is Night View Assist that uses infrared imaging (versus Cadillac’s thermal imaging) and a camera to pick up and project clear images of what’s on the road ahead. The images are then displayed on a space normally occupied by the speedometer. You’ll actually be able to see in the dark, and prevent accidents by anticipating and reacting to potential obstacles.

There’s also a standard system Mercedes calls PRE-SAFE that rolls up the windows, closes the sunroof, charges the brakes, adjusts the seats and swells the bolsters around the front passengers when the vehicle senses an imminent collision. It includes four side air bags and window air curtain airbags and TeleAid, an emergency communications system.

Add to that PERFORM-SAFE with accident-avoidance equipment like stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes and brakeforce distribution. Then there’s POST-SAFE. Mercedes added the words “cut here” on the roof pillars so that, if the Jaws of Life are needed to extract someone from the vehicle, rescuers can avoid air bag components. Wow!

Most vehicle functions are operated by the COMAND system in the center of the instrument panel. It operates the audio, telephone, entertainment system, navigation system and all other vehicle functions. This system uses a full-color display screen with a console-mounted knob/mouse similar to BMW iDrive or Audi MMI. Only, this one works and is fairly simple to use. In fact, not once did I have to refer to the owner’s manual for guidance. A complete rendition of the vehicle is displayed on the screen. The area requiring attention can be highlighted with the turn of the knob. Once you get where you want to be, select it by pushing the knob. Think point and shoot camera.

For now, Mercedes offers just one model: the powerful 5.5-liter, 382-horsepower S550. A smaller 4.6-liter, 335-horsepower V-8 (about $79,000) will join the lineup soon, along with a flagship 510-horsepower S600 twin-turbo V-12 (around $135,000). An all-wheel drive is expected late in 2006 and, of course, Mercedes won’t miss the opportunity to market a high-performance AMG model. A diesel may be available in about a year.

At more than $100,000, the S550 is without a doubt more car than anyone will ever need. Understandably it will be viewed as excess by almost everyone. But walking away from it after a weeklong test, I couldn’t help but feel the new S-Class is the best luxury sedan in the world today. It drives and rides like a dream.