2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sees a few changes, including a new engine for one of the line's high-performance models. The S-Class roster includes the S550, S600, and gas/electric S400 Hybrid. Also offered are the high-performance S63 and S65, which are tuned by Mercedes' AMG performance division. Due in calendar 2011 as a 2012 model is a diesel-powered S350 BlueTEC. S550 uses a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 engine. The high-end S600 reprises a turbocharged 510-horsepower 5.5-liter V12. S63 offers a new turbocharged 518-horsepower 5.5-liter V8, which replaces a 518-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. The S65 has a 6.0-liter turbocharged V12 with 621 horsepower, an increase of 17 over the 2010 model. The new S350 BlueTEC has a 241-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The S350 and all V8 S-Class cars have a 7-speed automatic transmission, while V12 versions use a 5-speed automatic. The S400 Hybrid pairs a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 295 horsepower total. It uses a 7-speed automatic transmission. The S400's hybrid system is capable of shutting off the engine while slowing down and at a stop, but the car cannot accelerate solely on electric power. It does not require plug-in charging. The S550 is available with rear-wheel drive or AWD. All other S-Class cars are rear drive. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front- and rear-side airbags. Mercedes' Pre-Safe system is standard; it senses an impending collision and tightens the seat belts and applies additional braking force. New is Mercedes' ATTENTION ASSIST driver-fatigue alert, which sounds a chime and displays a warning in the instrument cluster if sensors detect a driver who might be drowsy at the wheel. Also included is Mercedes' mbrace 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. Available features 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. A new feature of the 2011 S-Class is SPLITVIEW, which allows the driver and front passenger to view two different displays, in full-screen, at the same time. The driver can view navigation, audio, or other information, and the front passenger can watch a movie using included wireless headphones.

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 Hyundai Equus, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus LS, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A8, Fisker Karma, Hyundai Equus, Jaguar XJ Series, and Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. The BMW 7-Series gains a new gas/electric hybrid model and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class gains a new diesel model for 2011.