2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Road Test

Regardless of model, performance is an S-Class asset. The S550's swift takeoffs support Mercedes' claim of 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds. Highway-speed passing power is particularly strong. No discernible difference is evident with the AWD S550. An S600 is stronger still, with abundant passing reserve. The transmission's part-throttle downshifts are quick, but full-throttle downshifts suffer a moment's delay. Both engines are silky smooth. Naturally, acceleration will be stronger yet with an S63 or turbocharged S65. All that performance comes at a price in terms of fuel economy. A test S550 averaged 17.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. All models require premium-grade fuel. S-Class models offer a peerless blend of control and comfort. Suspensions provide Sport and Comfort firmness settings. Sport makes the ride slightly more taut, but with little sacrifice in comfort. These big sedans are poised and surprisingly sporty, considering their size and heft, exhibiting an uncanny ability to maintain composure in bumpy turns. Steering is perfectly weighted. Brakes are easily modulated. Distronic Plus cruise control (if installed) accelerates, slows, and even gently stops the car. But the driver must apply the brake in emergency-stop situations. The driver can regulate following distance, and Distronic Plus can be switched off, but fully trusting the system requires ample trust in technology. Aside from some mild thumping over sharp bumps, travel is serene, with little noise from road or wind. The S550's V8 emits a muted growl under full throttle, but is nearly silent otherwise. An S600's V12 is barely heard, even under full throttle. Gauges are large and clear. Controls and intriguing features are abundant, but nearly all require some study to understand, and many divert the driver's attention. Most climate functions are handled by simple buttons, but the COMAND system absorbs too many audio controls, complicating their use. COMAND also governs a daunting array of navigation, phone, seat, suspension, and cruise-control adjustments. First-class materials and soft accent lighting create elegant interior ambience. Front seats provide outstanding room and comfort. Seats offer fan ventilation, automatic-inflating side bolsters, and relaxing massage function. Night View Assist clearly identifies otherwise unseen objects, but watching the screen while driving can be slightly disorienting. Rear-seat headroom can be tight for those over six feet tall. Legroom is ample for two passengers, but limited seat width and a high floor tunnel preclude comfortable three-abreast travel. Foot space is restricted with front seats set far back. The supportive seat might have optional heat and ventilation and power-recline features, with an adjustable-length cushion. S-Class trunks are large, usefully shaped, nicely finished, and include an underfloor storage bin. Lid hinges dip into the cargo area, but are covered. A power trunklid closer has been available. No folding rear seatbacks or trunk pass-through have been offered, and interior storage space is stingy.

Value for the Money
Simply put, the S-Class defines luxury motoring. Encompassing serenity and inspiring road manners are its hallmarks. Ingot-solid structural integrity adds considerably to S-Class appeal. Unfortunately, cars of this caliber also force the driver to interact with diversionary high-tech features, many of which require far too many steps to adjust. Our Best Buy pick is the S550, which delivers such high levels of performance and luxury that it is difficult to justify paying so much more-new or used-for any other S-Class models.