2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Road Test
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2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $64,900 -$169,000
- Invoice: $60,357 -$157,170
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Our road test for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class help you decide if a 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.9 |
No opportunity yet to test S350. Other S-Class models have smooth, strong acceleration, effortless highway cruising. Test S500 did 5.4 sec 0-60 mph, test S430s clocked under 7 sec. Though smooth, both transmissions sometimes pause a frustrating moment or two before kicking down for passing. No discernible difference with 4Matic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test S500s averaged 18.7 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, including gas-eating performance tests; 22.9 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 4Matic S430 averaged 15.8 mpg. All engines require premium-grade fuel.fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Firm suspension doesn't ignore bumps and ruts, but does filter out virtually all unpleasant harshness. Large moguls induced a trace of float in tested non-AMG versions.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
Poised in turns, despite size and heft. Reassuringly stable at highway speeds. Available Active Body Control almost banishes cornering lean, enhances agility. Available 4Matic normally sends 60 percent power aft, maintaining sedans' rear-drive handling traits while improving traction on all surfaces. Powerful brakes give short, undramatic emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Muted, classy engine growl in rapid acceleration. Other mechanical sounds, wind and road noise are almost rumors.
CONTROLS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.9 |
Good basic design compromised by daunting number of seat, climate, audio, and communications features. World-class interior decor, but close scrutiny reveals some run-of-the-mill plastics.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 |
Generous space on broad, supportive seats with multiple standard power adjustments. Internal fan ventilation, "massaging" air bladders, and automatic-inflating side bolsters are standard or available, but not all testers feel they enhance comfort. Plastic under-seat bins jut into some riders' calves. Fine outward visibility, but note that rear obstacle detection is standard for S600, optional otherwise.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.1 |
Spacious sedans pamper two adults, but three is a slight pinch. Seat "comfort" features available here as in front--and are just as dubious. Entry/exit barn door easy in sedans, tight in coupes despite power-forward front seats.
CARGO ROOM
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 |
Not cavernous, but sufficient and luxuriously finished in all models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.4 |
Thumbs-up to Mercedes' no-extra-cost all-wheel drive. Thumbs-down for faint signs of cost cutting and some frivolous features. Still, S-Class is among the world's very best premium large sedans--as they should be at these prices--and they're bolstered by Mercedes' pacesetting engineering and rock-solid resale values.
Total Score
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 72 | 73 | 68.4 |
Total Score: 72
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