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2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review
Date Published: 10/29/08
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
A new base sedan with a 6-cyl engine joins the roster of Mercedes-Benz' largest cars for 2006. Previously only V8 and V12 engines were offered. Redesigned 2007 versions are due in early calendar '06, with larger dimensions and more power. The current generation of S-Class sedans dates from 2000 and shares basic engineering with CL-Class coupes.

The newcomer is the S350 with a 241-hp V6. The S430 has a 275-hp V8. The S500 has a 302-hp V8. S55, tuned by Mercedes' AMG performance arm, has a 493-hp supercharged V8. S600 uses a 493-hp twin-turbocharged V12. The limited-edition S65 AMG has a 604-hp twin-turbo V12. The S430 and S500 are available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive at no extra charge. The S350, 4Matic, and AMG versions have a 5-speed automatic transmission. Other models have a 7-speed automatic. Both transmissions have a manual shift gate. All models come with ABS, antiskid/traction control, front/rear torso side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. AMG models have aero-body addenda and uprated brakes. An AMG appearance package is available on rear-drive S430 and S500 models at no extra cost.

V12 and AMG models come with Mercedes' Active Body Control, designed to minimize cornering lean. All models include Mercedes' TeleAid assistance and COMAND video control for audio, navigation, and phone. Also standard is Mercedes' Pre-Safe System, designed to sense a crash and automatically tension seatbelts and adjust seat position to minimize possible injury. Options include satellite radio, Mercedes' Distronic cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance, and Mercedes' Keyless Go keyless access and starting system.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys include Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended pick is Cadillac DTS.

Buick Lucerne is new or significantly redesigned.

2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Fuel economy
Build quality Navigation-system controls
Available AWD
Ride
Room and comfort (S-Class)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
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
Scores for all Premium Large Cars

Low Score
59
Average Score
68
High Score
79
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/22/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
S350 4-door sedan $64,900 $60,357 $775
AWD S430 4Matic 4-door sedan $77,250 $71,843 $775
S430 4-door sedan $77,250 $71,843 $775
S500 4-door sedan $86,050 $80,027 $775
AWD S500 4Matic 4-door sedan $86,050 $80,027 $775
S55 4-door sedan $114,150 $106,160 $775
S600 4-door sedan $127,950 $118,994 $775
S65 4-door sedan $169,000 $157,170 $775
Price note: AWD S430, S500 add $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. AWD S500 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. S55 adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax. S65 adds $2600 Gas-Guzzler Tax. S600 adds $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S350
Powertrain
3.7-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, pre crash safety system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunk release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, Tele Aid assistance system, navigation system, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 14-way power front bucket seats w/adjustable lumbar support, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, door and trunk closing assist, power sunroof, Bose AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage-door opener, front and rear illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, rear defogger, map lights, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, automatic- and driver-adjustable self-leveling air suspension, 225/55HR17 tires, alloy wheels.
S430 adds to S350:
Powertrain
4.3-liter V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up-aid, power rear sunshade.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Polished alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, heated front seats.
S500 adds to S430:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Upgraded leather upholstery, heated front seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
S55 adds to S500:
Powertrain
5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-disc CD changer, multicontour and active ventilated front seats w/automatic body-securing side bolsters.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: air suspension.
Active suspension, 245/40ZR19 front and 275/35ZR19 rear tires.
S600 adds to S55:
Powertrain
5.5-liter turbocharged V12 engine.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, massaging front seats, power-adjustable heated rear seats w/lumbar adjustment (S600), additional leather interior trim, Keyless Go, side sunshades, power trunk closer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front-seat automatic body-securing side bolsters.
Laminated side glass, 245/45ZR18 tires.
S65 adds to S55:
Powertrain
6.0-liter turbocharged V12 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power trunk closer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
245/40ZR19 front tires, 275/35ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Heating Pkg.
S350, S430
$930
$865
Heated front seats and steering wheel. NA AWD.
Rear Seat Pkg.
S430, S500, S55, S65
$2,890
$2,688
S350
$3,250
$3,023
Active-ventilated power rear seats, power rear sunshade (S350), dual-zone automatic rear climate controls. S350 requires heated front seats. S430 requires 327 Comfort Pkg. S55, S65 require active-ventilated rear seats.
AMG Sport Pkg.
AWD S430, AWD S500, S600
$5,370
$4,994
2WD S430/S500
$0
$0
Aerodynamics pkg., 245/45ZR18 front tires and 265/40ZR18 rear tires (2WD), 245/45ZR18 tires (AWD).
designo Espresso/Graphite/Silver Edition
S430
$12,275
$11,416
S500, S55, S65
$11,760
$10,937
S600
$9,200
$8,556
Heated power rear seats (S430, S500, S55), unique interior and exterior trim.
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
S350, S430, S500, S55, S600, S65
$1,100
$1,023
Std. S600.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Keyless Go
S350, S430, S500, S55, S65
$1,080
$1,004
Remote keyless entry and starting. Std. S600.
327 Comfort Pkg.
S350, S430
$2,160
$2,011
S500
$1,610
$1,497
Multicontour front seats w/pulsating air chambers, and active lumbar support, heated and active-ventilated front seats.
Active-ventilated rear seats
S55, S65
$1,690
$1,572
S600
$1,000
$930
Includes heated rear seats. Requires power rear-seat adjusters or Four Place Seating Pkg.
Nappa leather
S430
$840
$781
Requires special order charge.
Special wood interior trim
S350, S430, S500, S55, S600, S65
$0
$0
Requires special order charge.
Four Place Seating Pkg.
S55
$6,190
$5,757
S600, S65
$4,250
$3,953
Includes rear bucket multicontour seats, power-reclining seatbacks, wood console. S55 requires heated rear seats or active-ventilated rear seats. S65 requires active-ventilated rear seats.
Heated front seats
S350, S430
$690
$642
Std. AWD S430.
Heated rear seats
S350, S430, S500, S55
$690
$642
S350, 2WD S430 require heated front seats.
Heated steering wheel
S350, S430, S500, S600
$430
$400
S350, 2WD S430 require heated front seats.
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
S350, S430, S500
$890
$828
Requires special wood interior trim.
Distronic cruise control
S350, S430, S500, S55, S600, S65
$3,110
$2,892
Side sunshades
S350, S430, S500, S55
$350
$326
Power trunk closer
S350, S430, S500, S55
$500
$465
Std. S600, S65.
Voice-activated cellular telephone
S350, S430, S500, S55, S600, S65
$1,450
$1,349
6-disc CD changer
S350, S430, S500
$430
$400
Satellite radio
S350, S430, S500, S55, S600, S65
$699
$650
Requires service fee after 14th month.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers
S350, S430
$1,250
$1,163
Special paint
S350, S430, S500, S55, S600, S65
$0
$0
Some colors require special order charge.
Special order charge
S350, S430, S500, S55, S600, S65
$1,150
$1,150
Fee for car ordered with one or more options requiring special order charge.
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 121.5
Overall Length, in. 203.3
Overall Width, in. 73.0
Overall Height, in. 57.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 3980
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 23.3
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 37.6
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 38.4
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 40.3
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V6 sohc V8 sohc V8 Supercharged sohc V8 Turbocharged sohc V12 sohc V12
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.7 /227 4.3 /260 5.0 /303 5.4 /332 5.5 /336 6.0 /365
Horsepower @ rpm. 241 @ 5800 275 @ 5750 302 @ 5600 493 @ 6100 493 @ 5000 604 @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 258 @ 3000 295 @ 3000 339 @ 2700 516 @ 2750 590 @ 1800 738 @ 2000
Availability Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
           
5-speed automatic 17/25 17/22 16/22 14/22 13/19 13/20
7-speed automatic --/-- 17/26 16/24 --/-- --/-- --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-door sedan
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 4/50,000 --
Free roadside assistance --/-- Unlimited
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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