2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Road Test
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $86,700 -$194,000
- Invoice: $80,631 -$180,420
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class help you decide if a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 7.3 |
S550's swift takeoffs support Mercedes' claim of 5.4 seconds 0-60 mph. Highway-speed passing power is particularly impressive. There's no discernible difference in acceleration with the AWD S550 4Matic. The S600 is stronger still, with abundant passing reserve. Transmission's part-throttle downshifts are quick, but full-throttle downshifts suffer a moment's delay. Both engines are silky smooth. We've had no opportunity to test the S63 or S65.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 1 | 3.4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a rear-drive S550 averaged 17.6 mpg in mostly highway driving. An AWD S550 averaged 16.4 mpg in an even mix of city/highway use. All S-Class models require premium-grade gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 10 | 8.2 |
All S-Class models exhibit a peerless blend of control and comfort. The suspension offers Sport and Comfort firmness settings; Sport makes the ride slightly more taut but at little sacrifice in comfort. The available 19-inch tires on the S550 cause more road imperfections to be felt in the cabin than the standard 18-inch treads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Considering its size and heft, the S-Class is surprisingly poised and sporty, with an uncanny ability to maintain composure in bumpy turns. The steering is perfectly weighted, and the brakes easily modulated. The available 19-inch wheels don't offer a noticeable improvement in handling ability. Distronic Plus cruise control can accelerate, slow, and even gently stop the car, but the driver must apply the brakes in emergency-stop situations. Drivers can regulate the following distance and Distronic Plus can be switched off, but fully trusting the system requires faith in technology.
QUIETNESS
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.5 |
Aside from some mild thumping over sharp bumps, travel is serene, with little road or wind noise. S550's V8 emits a muted growl under full throttle. It's nearly silent otherwise. The S600's V12 is barely heard, even under full throttle.
CONTROLS
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
Gauges are large and clear. Features and their related controls are in abundance; 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. It also governs a daunting array of navigation, phone, seat, suspension, and cruise-control adjustments. Further, COMAND's response to inputs via the center console knob or dashboard buttons is frustratingly slow.
DETAILS
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.4 |
First-class materials and soft accent lighting create an elegant interior ambience that's as good as it gets. Ingot-solid structural integrity adds to the appeal.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.8 |
The S-Class affords outstanding room and comfort. Only the very tall will find headroom lacking, due to this car's sloping roofline and intrusion from the sunroof housing. Seats offer fan ventilation, automatic-inflating side bolsters, and a relaxing massage function.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 7.9 |
Headroom can be tight for those over 6-feet tall. Legroom is ample for two passengers, but seat width and a high floor tunnel preclude comfortable three-abreast travel. Foot space is restricted with the front seats set far back. Supportive seat offers optional heat and ventilation and power recline with an adjustable-length cushion.
CARGO ROOM
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
The trunk is large, usefully shaped, nicely finished, and includes an underfloor storage bin. Lid hinges dip into cargo area but are covered. A power trunklid closer is available. No folding rear seatback or trunk pass-through is offered. Interior storage space is disappointingly meager.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 4 | 5.6 |
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, the S-Class runs with the pack. Our Best Buy picks here are the S550 and S550 4Matic. They deliver such high levels of performance and luxury that it is difficult to justify paying so much more for other S-Class models.
Total Score
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 86 | 79 | 75.2 |
Total Score: 84
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
