2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ▼

  • Price Range:  $65,600 - $148,800
CG Rating

82

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Handling
  • Quietness
  • Acceleration
  • Interior materials
  • Ride
  • Seat comfort

Cons

  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Mercedes-Benz's redesigned its flagship luxury sedan for 2007 with new styling, more power, and a broader array of safety and convenience features. Compared to the 2000-2006 S-Class, the 2007 version measured about 3 inches longer in wheelbase and 2 inches longer overall. Four versions were offered: two regular sedans, plus two high-performance editions. The S550 had a 382-horsepower V8. The S63 held a 518-hp V8. The S600 and its high-performance S65 cousin used turbocharged V12s, rated at 510 and 604 horsepower, respectively. All models had an automatic transmission: seven-speed in the S550 and S63, five-speed in the S600 and S65. Each had rear-wheel drive, except that the S550 also was available as an all-wheel-drive 4matic model. Mercedes' S65 had sport suspension tuning, sport exhaust and seats, and specific trim. Antilock braking and traction/antiskid control were standard. So were front side airbags, rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. The S-Class suspension automatically adjusted for firmness and load leveling. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system also was standard; it sensed an impending collision and tightened the seatbelts, also applying additional braking force. Also included were Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance and its COMAND system, which incorporated a video screen and console-mounted "joystick" knob to control audio, navigation, phone, and other functions. That system also accepted voice commands. Available features included ventilated and massaging front seats, a heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered was a rearview camera. Mercedes' optional Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control now operated in stop-and-go traffic as well as at higher speeds. Newly optional was Mercedes' infrared Night View Assist, which projected onto an instrument-panel screen a black-and-white image of objects beyond headlight range. High-end rivals included the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Lexus LS.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category S550 Rating
Performance 8
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 10
Steering/Handling/Braking 8
Quietness 10
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 10
Room/Comfort (rear) 9
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 10
Total Score: 82
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Year to Year Changes


2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: A new Blind Spot Assist became available for S-Class models. Six radar sensors monitored the zone to the side and rear of the car, triggering a warning system in the mirror if an approaching vehicle was detected. Otherwise, little change was evident for the 2008 model year.

Our road test for the 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category S550 Rating
Performance 8
Fuel Economy 4
Ride Quality 10
Steering/Handling/Braking 8
Quietness 10
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 10
Room/Comfort (rear) 9
Cargo Capacity 5
Value within Class 10
Total Score: 82

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Blower motor: The blower may not run when first turned on, but may start running after hitting a bump due to a bad blower motor. (2007-08)

Brakes: The parking brake may not set, and a warning light may illuminate on the dash, due to failure of the parking brake switch. (2007-08)

Doors: The interior door panels may come loose and improved retention clips need to be installed. (2007)

Wind noise: The sliding roof may have wind noise at cruising speeds due to a failed seal and replacement of the glass panel is required. (2007)

Windshield washer: The low washer fluid may illuminate if distilled or deionized water is used instead of tap water. (2007-08)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $1,390
Alternator $1,090
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $4,880
Brakes $880
Constant Velocity Joints $4,050
Exhaust System $1,460
Radiator $1,470
Shocks and/or Struts $4,410
Timing Chain or Belt $2,250
Our price chart for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
S550 $78,000-82,000 $74,100-77,900 $60,100-63,100
S600 $105,000-110,000 $99,800-104,500 $81,900-85,800
S63 $100,000-105,000 $95,000-99,800 $78,000-81,900
S65 $150,000-155,000 $144,000-148,800 $118,500-122,500
2007
S550 $69,000-73,000 $65,600-69,400 $52,400-55,500
S600 $90,000-95,000 $85,500-90,300 $69,300-73,200
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 124.6
Overall Length, in. 205.6
Overall Width, in. 205.0
Overall Height, in. 83.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 4465
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 16.3
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 23.8
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.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Four distinct engines have been used in S-Class models. In the S550, a 5.5-liter V8, rated at 382 horsepower, drives a seven-speed automatic transmission. The S63 contains a 518-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8. A turbocharged 510-hp, 5.5-liter V12 went into the S600. The S65 got a 604-horsepower turbo V12. Each V12 engine works with a five-speed automatic transmission. Only the S550 has been offered with all-wheel drive as an alternative to rear-wheel drive.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V81 5.5 / 333 382 391 7-speed automatic: 14/21 7-speed automatic: --
dohc V81 6.2 / 379 518 465 7-speed automatic: 11/17 7-speed automatic: --
Turbocharged ohc V121 5.5 / 336 510 612 5-speed automatic: 11/17 5-speed automatic: --
Turbocharged ohc V121 6.0 / 365 604 738 5-speed automatic: 11/17 5-speed automatic: --

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

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%. Sideimpact 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%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2007 Benz S-Class with Active Body Control (ABC) acceleration sensors on the front struts: ABC sensors on either of the front struts may not transmit body movement data because of inconsistent soldering points. This could result in unexpected body movements at the front axle, which can adversely influence the vehicle's directional stability and could lead to a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and replace, if necessary, the front ABC sensors in all potentially affected vehicles.
2007: An incorrect software calibration number (SCN) coding received during a recent workshop visit can affect a number of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the check engine light may illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed. Dealers will recode the SCN.
2007-08: An incorrect software calibration number (SCN) coding received during a recent workshop visit can affect a number of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the check engine light may illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed. Dealers will recode the SCN.
2008 S-Class: Transistors in signal acquisition and actuation module (front) may have been exposed to excess moisture and could fail to function properly, increasing risk of crash.
2008: A malfunction may occur on the Signal Acquisition and Actuation Module-Front (SAM-F) transistors. The SAM-F is a double transistor that helps control vehicle functions and the lighting of the center console. Dealers will inspect and replace all potentially affected SAM-Fs.

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