HOME • AUTO TRENDS The styling of this S-class is conservative yet attracts plenty of attention on the street. (Photos by C.A. Haire)
Extraordinary Rides Mercedes S-580 4Matic sedan is first class By C.A. Haire
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ercedes Benz is noted as a toptier brand in the automotive industry, and S-class sedans are its lineup’s flagship. If the sharp styling and large pointed star emblem on the hood don’t convince you, the $128,000 price tag of our test car certainly will. When you pull up to the curb driving an S-class, people know you have arrived. So, what are we getting for this fee? Under the hood is a sophisticated 4.0-liter turbo V-8, cranking a hefty 496 horsepower. It is hooked to a nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive for superior traction. European versions will have a top speed of 155 mph, while the U.S. iteration will be reduced to 130 due to tire design. Either model can reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Fuel economy is listed at 17/25 mpg. We observed 20 in city commuting and 28 on highway trips. These are impressive 30
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numbers for a massive 2.5-ton car. The cabin is first class all the way, with fantastic fit and finish, coated with a sea of top-grade leather. A switch offers economy, comfort, sport, sport+ or independent drive modes. There is a perfume dispenser to For drivers seeking luxury with performance, Mercedes S-580 4Matic sedan delivers. atomize the cabin. Most controls are operated on a large The overall performance is hard to beat touch info screen. On the positive side, it is as well. With brisk acceleration, superb easy enough to use. On the negative side, it cornering, solid stability and strong brakes, has too much glare reflecting on a sunny day. this is a top-grade ride that is hard to beat. For those who want an S-class but don’t need And after a day of use, the fingerprints and all that power under the hood, the entrydust buildup were an issue. The passengers in level S-500 might work. It has a 3.0-liter the second-row seats were not complaining, turbo inline six-cylinder with a peppy 429 as there is plenty of room back there, which horsepower output, and starts at $110,000. makes long trips pleasant.
