CLASSIC PERFORMANCES - July 2000 
by Chris Taylor

The Best of the Best
Drive the Mercedes S Class and feel the rarefied air of the ultra-luxurious

SAY the name "Mercedes" and the image of ultra-exclusive cars for the detail- (and image) minded people of the world will appear. Usually lost in the scuffle in this perception of style-over-substance is the overwhelming amount of solid engineering, world-class construction, and trend-leading technology incorporated into every product in the Mercedes line.

The introduction of the newest Mercedes S Class continues this history of providing a wealth of luxury, safety and performance features. (Wealth is the key here, considering the big S, the top-of-the-line Mercedes, sells for over $70,000.)

The interior demonstrates the full advantages of leading-edge automotive technology. The basics begin with features like dual climate control systems and then take it to the extreme; for most this is enough but M-B tweaked the standard to offer improvements like a humidity/dewpoint sensor to reduce window fogging in humid weather and prevent excess drying of cooler air.

Space is abundant for four passengers. The front seating is a 14-way power adjustable paradise for long trips that puts you close to the COMAND Cockpit Management and Data system and its 10 speaker Bose sound system with 10-inch woofer.

The exterior body reflects a distinct change from its predecessor. The smooth, sculpted lines gives this version a more lithe appearance. (Still at close to 4,100 lbs., this Mercedes will never be perceived as a lightweight.) The always clean and tasteful appearance and detail elements including the distinctive Mercedes grill stress functionality and purpose of being.

Performance is an underplayed advantage of the car. With its sheer size and bulk the natural assumption would be to dismiss this Thoroughbred for a Clydesdale. Though never intended to compete with the likes of a Ferrari, the S Class, configured with the option 5.0 liter V-8, has very impressive 0-60 and quarter mile times (6.1 sec and 14.6 sec at 98 mph respectively). The 5-speed automatic transmission with driver-adaptive control (similar to Porsche’s system) allows the driver to choose between either an effortless or sporty commute by manually down and upshifting.

Its fully independent suspension and nearly perfect weight distribution give the car a stable ride. The updated Adaptive Damping System continually optimizes ride and handling by automatically selecting one of four damping profiles for each spring and strut. The driver can choose to adjust manually the ride height or allow the car to reduce ride height at higher driving speeds.

Standard ABS and power-assisted 4-wheel discs stop the big car on a dime. Paired with Mercedes’ Brake Assist feature, which senses emergency braking and then applies maximum power boost to help reduce the overall stopping distance, the driver always feels in control.

With some situations beyond the driver’s control, the S Class’s safety features react to protect the passengers. Including reinforced roof side rails, steel side-door beams, enlarged front crumple zones, and a front and side air bag "curtain" that when deployed spans the entire damaged side, the S Class is fully equipped to handle most emergencies. To top it off, when the airbags are deployed, the TeleAid system, an onboard link to Mercedes’ Roadside Assistance, coordinates with the standard GPS based navigation system to automatically send a 911 distress call (on one of the three antennae) to local police and medical facilities.

Mercedes has introduced a car which again positions it at the forefront of the ultra-luxury market. The S Class, with its complete system of safety, performance and comfort, challenges BMW, Jaguar and others to keep up.

Chris Taylor (christaylor@lanereport.com) is managing director of The Lane Report and an auto enthusiast.

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