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2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review
Date Published: 9/03/08
Also in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review:
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review
7.
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2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan is redesigned for 2007 with new styling, more power, and a broader array of safety and convenience features. Compared to the 2000-2006 S-Class, the '07 is about 3 inches longer in wheelbase and 2 inches longer overall. The S550 has a 382-hp V8. The S63 has a 518-hp V8. The S600 and high-performance S65 have turbocharged V12s of 510 and 604 hp, respectively. All have an automatic transmission; a 7-speed in S550 and S63, a 5-speed in the S600 and S65. All have rear-wheel drive. S550 is available as an AWD model.
The S-Class suspension automatically adjusts for firmness and load levelling. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system is also standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seatbelts and applies additional braking force. Also included are Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance and its COMAND system, which incorporates a video screen and console-mounted "joystick" knob to control audio, navigation, phone, and other functions; it also accepts voice commands. The S65 has sport suspension tuning, sport exhaust and seats, and specific trim.
Available features on S-Class include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated/ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a rearview camera. Mercedes' optional Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control now operates in stop-and-go traffic as well as at higher speed. Newly optional is Mercedes' infrared Night View Assist, which projects onto an instrument panel screen a black-and-white image of objects beyond headlight range.
The S-Class suspension automatically adjusts for firmness and load levelling. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. So are front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system is also standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seatbelts and applies additional braking force. Also included are Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance and its COMAND system, which incorporates a video screen and console-mounted "joystick" knob to control audio, navigation, phone, and other functions; it also accepts voice commands. The S65 has sport suspension tuning, sport exhaust and seats, and specific trim.
Available features on S-Class include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated/ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a rearview camera. Mercedes' optional Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control now operates in stop-and-go traffic as well as at higher speed. Newly optional is Mercedes' infrared Night View Assist, which projects onto an instrument panel screen a black-and-white image of objects beyond headlight range.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 six-figure price tags.
Our Best Buy is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LS and Volvo S80.
Our Best Buy is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus LS and Volvo S80.
News
Mercedes' ninth-generation flagship sedan is just starting out, so no radical change should occur in the near future.
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2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Room/comfort | Instruments/controls |
| Quietness | |
| Acceleration | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
S550's swift takeoffs support Mercedes' claim of 5.4 sec 0-60 mph. Highway-speed passing power particularly strong. No discernible difference with AWD S550. S600 stronger still, with abundant passing reserve. S65 is amazing, with abundant power always on tap. Transmission's part-throttle downshifts are quick, but full-throttle downshifts suffer a moment's delay. Both engines silky smooth. No opportunity to test S63.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 7.3 |
S550's swift takeoffs support Mercedes' claim of 5.4 sec 0-60 mph. Highway-speed passing power particularly strong. No discernible difference with AWD S550. S600 stronger still, with abundant passing reserve. S65 is amazing, with abundant power always on tap. Transmission's part-throttle downshifts are quick, but full-throttle downshifts suffer a moment's delay. Both engines silky smooth. No opportunity to test S63.
Fuel Economy
Test S550 averaged 17.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with other models. Premium-grade fuel is required for all models.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Test S550 averaged 17.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with other models. Premium-grade fuel is required for all models.
Ride Quality
Peerless blend of control, comfort. Suspension offers Sport and Comfort firmness settings. Sport makes ride slightly more taut, but at little sacrifice in comfort.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.4 |
Peerless blend of control, comfort. Suspension offers Sport and Comfort firmness settings. Sport makes ride slightly more taut, but at little sacrifice in comfort.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Poised and surprisingly sporty, considering size and heft. Uncanny ability to maintain composure in bumpy turns. Steering perfectly weighted. Brakes easily modulated. Distronic Plus cruise control accelerates, slows, even gently stops the car. But driver must apply brake in emergency-stop situations. Driver can regulate following distance, and Distronic Plus can be switched off, but fully trusting the system requires faith in technology.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6.8 |
Poised and surprisingly sporty, considering size and heft. Uncanny ability to maintain composure in bumpy turns. Steering perfectly weighted. Brakes easily modulated. Distronic Plus cruise control accelerates, slows, even gently stops the car. But driver must apply brake in emergency-stop situations. Driver can regulate following distance, and Distronic Plus can be switched off, but fully trusting the system requires faith in technology.
Quietness
Aside from some mild thumping over sharp bumps, travel is serene, with little noise from road or wind. S550 V8 emits muted growl under full throttle, nearly silent otherwise. S600 and S65 V12s barely heard, even under full throttle.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Aside from some mild thumping over sharp bumps, travel is serene, with little noise from road or wind. S550 V8 emits muted growl under full throttle, nearly silent otherwise. S600 and S65 V12s barely heard, even under full throttle.
Controls
Gauges large, clear. Controls and features in abundance; nearly all require some study to understand, and many divert driver's attention. Most climate functions handled by simple buttons, but COMAND system absorbs too many audio controls, complicating their use. It also governs daunting array of navigation, phone, seat, suspension, and cruise control adjustments. First-class materials, soft accent lighting create elegant interior ambiance.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Gauges large, clear. Controls and features in abundance; nearly all require some study to understand, and many divert driver's attention. Most climate functions handled by simple buttons, but COMAND system absorbs too many audio controls, complicating their use. It also governs daunting array of navigation, phone, seat, suspension, and cruise control adjustments. First-class materials, soft accent lighting create elegant interior ambiance.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Outstanding room, comfort. Seats offer fan ventilation, automatic-inflating side bolsters, relaxing massage function. Night View Assist clearly identifies otherwise unseen objects, but watching screen while driving can be slightly disorienting.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.9 |
Outstanding room, comfort. Seats offer fan ventilation, automatic-inflating side bolsters, relaxing massage function. Night View Assist clearly identifies otherwise unseen objects, but watching screen while driving can be slightly disorienting.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Head room tight for those over 6 ft tall. Leg room ample for two passengers, but seat width, high floor tunnel preclude comfortable three-abreast travel. Toe room restricted with front seats set far back. Supportive seat offers optional heat/ventilation and power recline with adjustable-length cushion.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Head room tight for those over 6 ft tall. Leg room ample for two passengers, but seat width, high floor tunnel preclude comfortable three-abreast travel. Toe room restricted with front seats set far back. Supportive seat offers optional heat/ventilation and power recline with adjustable-length cushion.
Cargo Room
Trunk large, usefully shaped, nicely finished, and includes underfloor storage bin. Lid hinges dip into cargo area but are covered. Power trunklid closer available. No folding rear seatbacks or trunk pass-through. Interior storage space stingy.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Trunk large, usefully shaped, nicely finished, and includes underfloor storage bin. Lid hinges dip into cargo area but are covered. Power trunklid closer available. No folding rear seatbacks or trunk pass-through. Interior storage space stingy.
Value within Class
The S-Class defines luxury motoring. Encompassing serenity and inspiring road manners are its hallmarks. Unfortunately, cars of this caliber also force the driver to interact with diversionary hi-tech features, many of which require far too many steps to adjust. In that regard, S-Class runs with the pack. Our Best Buy pick here is the S550. It delivers such high levels of performance and luxury that it is difficult to justify paying so much more for the other S-Class models.
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 5.7 |
The S-Class defines luxury motoring. Encompassing serenity and inspiring road manners are its hallmarks. Unfortunately, cars of this caliber also force the driver to interact with diversionary hi-tech features, many of which require far too many steps to adjust. In that regard, S-Class runs with the pack. Our Best Buy pick here is the S550. It delivers such high levels of performance and luxury that it is difficult to justify paying so much more for the other S-Class models.
Total Score
| S550 | AWD S550 | S600 | S65 | Class Average |
| 83 | 83 | 77 | 78 | 70.1 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 61 | |
| Average Score | 70 | |
| High Score | 87 |
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2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/14/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| S550 4-door sedan | $85,400 | $79,422 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| AWD S550 4Matic 4-door sedan | $88,750 | $82,538 | $775 |
|
|
|||
| S600 4-door sedan | $139,900 | $130,107 | $775 |
|
|
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| S65 4-door sedan | $181,500 | $168,795 | $775 |
Price note: S550, AWD S550 add $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. S600 adds $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. S65 adds $2600 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
S550
Powertrain
5.5-liter V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, Pre-Safe precrash safety system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, Tele Aid assistance system, navigation system, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 14-way power front seats, memory system (front seats, mirrors), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, door and trunk closing assist, harman/kardon AM/FM/weatherband, 6-disc CD changer, analog clock, tachometer, wireless cell phone link, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, front and rear illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, power rear sunshade, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, automatic shock-absorber adjustment, load-leveling and height-adjustable suspension, 255/45HR18 tires.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.
S600 adds to S550:
Powertrain
5.5-liter turbocharged V12 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Night view, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, adaptive cruise control, additional leather upholstery, heated/ventilated multicontour front seats w/automatic body-securing side bolsters and massage, power-adjustable heated and ventilated rear seats w/lumbar adjustment, alcantara headliner, keyless access and starting, power panorama sunroof, satellite radio, rearview camera, power side sunshades, power trunk closing.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights, active suspension, 255/45R18 front and 275/40ZR18 rear tires.
S65 adds to S600:
Powertrain
6.0-liter turbocharged V12 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof, sport active suspension.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: adaptive cruise control, power panorama sunroof, heated/ventilated rear seats.
255/35R20 front tires, 275/35ZR20 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg. 1
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,250
|
$1,162
|
|
Ventilated front seats, satellite radio.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg. 2
|
||
|
S550
|
$2,850
|
$2,650
|
|
Premium Pkg. 1 plus rear-obstacle-detection system, keyless access and starting.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg. 3
|
||
|
S550
|
$6,550
|
$6,092
|
|
Premium Pkg. 2 plus rearview camera, multicontour massaging front seats w/automatic body securing side bolsters, night view. NA AWD.
|
||
|
Rear Seat Pkg.
|
||
|
S550
|
$2,900
|
$2,697
|
|
Heated/ventilated power rear seats, rear dual-zone climate controls.
|
||
|
AMG Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
S550
|
$5,600
|
$5,208
|
|
Unique exterior trim, chrome exhaust tips, 255/40R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires.
|
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|
designo Edition
|
||
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S600
|
$9,295
|
$8,644
|
|
S550
|
$11,120
|
$10,342
|
|
Unique interior and exterior trim, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel (S550).
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Night view
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,775
|
$1,651
|
|
Front and rear-obstacle-detection system
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,120
|
$1,042
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power panorama sunroof
|
||
|
S550, S65
|
$1,000
|
$930
|
|
Adaptive cruise control
|
||
|
S550, S65
|
$2,850
|
$2,650
|
|
Rearview camera
|
||
|
S550
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
|
S550
|
$550
|
$512
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
S550
|
$450
|
$418
|
|
S65
|
$350
|
$326
|
|
Power side sunshades
|
||
|
S550
|
$700
|
$651
|
|
Drive dynamic multicontour front seats
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,800
|
$1,674
|
|
Includes automatic body-securing side bolsters and massage.
|
||
|
Ventilated front seats
|
||
|
S550
|
$600
|
$558
|
|
NA AWD.
|
||
|
Multicontour rear seats
|
||
|
S65
|
$800
|
$744
|
|
Ventilated rear seats
|
||
|
S65
|
$1,690
|
$1,572
|
|
Keyless access and starting
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,100
|
$1,023
|
|
Power trunk closer
|
||
|
S550
|
$520
|
$484
|
|
Special wood interior trim
|
||
|
S550
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Active suspension
|
||
|
S550
|
$3,900
|
$3,627
|
|
NA AWD.
|
||
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Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,000
|
$930
|
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19-inch alloy wheels
|
||
|
S550, S600
|
$1,200
|
$1,116
|
|
Includes 255/40R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires.
|
||
|
|
||
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 124.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 205.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 83.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4270 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 19.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 42.3 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | dohc V8 | Turbocharged sohc V12 | Turbocharged sohc V12 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.5 /333 | 6.2 /379 | 5.5 /336 | 6.0 /365 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 382 @ 6000 | 518 @ 6800 | 510 @ 5000 | 604 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 391 @ 2800 | 465 @ 5200 | 612 @ 1800 | 738 @ 2000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 12/19 | 13/20 |
| 7-speed automatic | 16/24 | 11/17 | --/-- | --/-- |
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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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