Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review
Date Published: 9/17/08
Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is largely unchanged following its redesign for the 2007 model year. Four rear-wheel-drive models are offered along with one that has Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. The S550 has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8, as does the AWD S550 4Matic. The S63 has a 6.2-liter 518-hp V8. The S600 has a turbocharged 5.5-liter 510-hp V12, and the high-performance S65 has a 6.0-liter version of that engine with 604 hp. All come only with an automatic transmission; a 7-speed in S550/S550 4Matic and S63, a 5-speed in the S600 and S65.
The S-Class suspension automatically adjusts for firmness and load leveling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system is also standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seat belts 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 S63 and S65 are tuned by Mercedes' AMG high-performance division and include sport suspension, sport exhaust and seats, and specific trim.
Available features on S-Class include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a rearview camera and Mercedes' Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control.
The S-Class suspension automatically adjusts for firmness and load leveling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system is also standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seat belts 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 S63 and S65 are tuned by Mercedes' AMG high-performance division and include sport suspension, sport exhaust and seats, and specific trim.
Available features on S-Class include ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting. Also offered is a rearview camera and Mercedes' Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control.
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 Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
News
Mercedes' ninth-generation flagship sedan is just starting out, so no radical change should occur in the near future.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Room/comfort | Instruments/controls |
| Quietness | |
| Acceleration | |
| Ride | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.4 |
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
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.
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.9 |
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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| S550 | AWD S550 w/19-in wheels | S600 | Class Average |
| 10 | 10 | 4 | 5.5 |
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 | 74.8 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 67 | |
| Average Score | 74 | |
| High Score | 87 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| S550 4-door sedan | $86,700 | $80,631 | $825 |
|
|
|||
| AWD S550 4Matic 4-door sedan | $89,700 | $83,421 | $825 |
|
|
|||
| S63 4-door sedan | $127,000 | $118,110 | $825 |
|
|
|||
| S65 4-door sedan | $194,000 | $180,420 | $825 |
|
|
|||
| S600 4-door sedan | $144,200 | $134,106 | $825 |
Price note: S550, AWD S550 add $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. S63, S65, S600 add $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
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, front-seat active head restraints, tire-pressure monitor, 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 w/voice recognition, power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 14-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (front seats, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM/weatherband, 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio, tachometer, wireless cell phone link, trip computer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, front and rear illuminated visor mirrors, power rear sunshade, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear 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.
S63 adds to S550:
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/ventilated and massaging multicontour front seats w/automatic body-securing side bolsters, keyless access and starting, power side sunshades, power trunk closing.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport active suspension, 255/35ZR20 front tires, 275/35ZR20 rear tires.
S65 adds to S63:
Powertrain
6.0-liter turbocharged V12 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Night view.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, power panoramic sunroof, rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, 8-way power-adjustable heated/ventilated rear seats w/lumbar adjustment, alcantara headliner, rearview camera.
S600 adds to S65:
Powertrain
5.5-liter turbocharged V12 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: uprated brakes, sport suspension.
Active suspension, 255/45R18 front and 275/40ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg. 1
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,250
|
$1,162
|
|
Ventilated front seats, power trunk closing.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg. 2
|
||
|
S550
|
$2,860
|
$2,660
|
|
Premium Pkg. 1 plus rear-obstacle-detection system, keyless access and starting.
|
||
|
Premium Pkg. 3
|
||
|
S63
|
$2,090
|
$1,944
|
|
Night view, rearview camera.
|
||
|
Rear Seat Pkg.
|
||
|
S550, S63
|
$2,920
|
$2,716
|
|
8-way power-adjustable heated/ventilated rear seats w/lumbar adjustment, rear dual-zone automatic climate controls.
|
||
|
AMG Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
S550
|
$5,630
|
$5,236
|
|
Unique exterior trim, chrome exhaust tips, 255/40R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires.
|
||
|
AMG Performance Pkg.
|
||
|
S63
|
$7,000
|
$6,510
|
|
Limited-slip differential, 186-mph top speed limiter, unique steering wheel.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Night view
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,795
|
$1,669
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power panorama sunroof
|
||
|
S550, S63
|
$1,010
|
$939
|
|
Adaptive cruise control
|
||
|
S550, S63
|
$2,850
|
$2,650
|
|
Includes rear-obstacle-detection system, blind spot alert. Requires Premium Pkg. 2.
|
||
|
Rearview camera
|
||
|
S550
|
$750
|
$698
|
|
iPod adapter
|
||
|
S550, S600, S63, S65
|
$425
|
$395
|
|
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
|
||
|
S550
|
$560
|
$521
|
|
Heated steering wheel
|
||
|
S550
|
$460
|
$428
|
|
Power side sunshades
|
||
|
S550
|
$710
|
$660
|
|
Drive dynamic multicontour front seats
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,820
|
$1,693
|
|
Includes automatic body-securing side bolsters and massage.
|
||
|
Upgraded leather upholstery
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,310
|
$1,218
|
|
Std. S63, S65, S600.
|
||
|
Black interior trim
|
||
|
S63
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
Requires AMG Performance Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Active suspension
|
||
|
S550
|
$3,920
|
$3,646
|
|
NA AWD.
|
||
|
Chrome alloy wheels
|
||
|
S550
|
$1,010
|
$939
|
|
19-inch alloy wheels
|
||
|
S550, S600
|
$1,210
|
$1,125
|
|
Includes 255/40R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires.
|
||
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 124.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 205.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 83.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.0 |
| 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.
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 | --/-- | --/-- | 11/17 | 11/17 |
| 7-speed automatic | 14/21 | 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 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
