What Is It?
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
What's Special About It?
Even though the current version of the S-Class is still popular, fierce competition from the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series have put the pressure on Mercedes to raise its S-Class game.
Although a short-wheelbase version will be offered in Europe, America will only get the long-wheelbase model, which rides on a 3.2-inch-longer wheelbase than the present design. Overall length, however, will increase only 1.7 inches.
Adding to the cabin's comfort are the option of revised "dynamic multicontour" front seats that react quicker to conditions such as lateral acceleration to automatically provide proper support. Eleven air chambers perform the magic by inflating/deflating in the blink of an eye. In addition to the side bolster, there are also chambers in the backrest which are programmed to provide a back massage if so desired.
What would a new S-Class be without new safety technology? For 2006, BrakeAssist gains more brains. By using the radar system of the Distronic cruise control, BrakeAssist Plus has the ability to "see" how rapidly the Benz is gaining on the car in front such as when that driver slows down quickly. If a collision seems imminent, the system calculates how much braking force is required and then supplies it when the driver brakes, even if he doesn't hit the pedal hard enough.
Improving nighttime driving safety is the Night Vision Assist system. Infrared beams (invisible to the human eye) are used that project much farther than low-beam headlights and a camera projects the image on an instrument panel display.
In Europe, four engines will be available, including a V6 and a frugal 3.2-liter turbodiesel. Offerings in the power-hungry U.S. market, however, will be limited to a new 5.5-liter V8 with 388 horsepower in the S500 and the S600 will return later in the model year with a head-snapping 5.5-liter, 517-hp twin-turbo V12. Mercedes claims that the new S600 will blast to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds.
For now, the S-Class will remain rear-drive, as 4-Matic, Mercedes' all-wheel-drive system, will not be offered.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Unfortunately, the new S-Class' styling strikes us as less distinctive than before, with a few elements seemingly borrowed from other cars, such as the Accord-like triangular headlamps and Mitsubishi Montero-ish front fenders. But the car's notable increases in comfort, performance and safety show that Mercedes-Benz once again wants the luxury sedan title. — John DiPietro
2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
What's Special About It?
Even though the current version of the S-Class is still popular, fierce competition from the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series have put the pressure on Mercedes to raise its S-Class game.
Although a short-wheelbase version will be offered in Europe, America will only get the long-wheelbase model, which rides on a 3.2-inch-longer wheelbase than the present design. Overall length, however, will increase only 1.7 inches.
Adding to the cabin's comfort are the option of revised "dynamic multicontour" front seats that react quicker to conditions such as lateral acceleration to automatically provide proper support. Eleven air chambers perform the magic by inflating/deflating in the blink of an eye. In addition to the side bolster, there are also chambers in the backrest which are programmed to provide a back massage if so desired.
What would a new S-Class be without new safety technology? For 2006, BrakeAssist gains more brains. By using the radar system of the Distronic cruise control, BrakeAssist Plus has the ability to "see" how rapidly the Benz is gaining on the car in front such as when that driver slows down quickly. If a collision seems imminent, the system calculates how much braking force is required and then supplies it when the driver brakes, even if he doesn't hit the pedal hard enough.
Improving nighttime driving safety is the Night Vision Assist system. Infrared beams (invisible to the human eye) are used that project much farther than low-beam headlights and a camera projects the image on an instrument panel display.
In Europe, four engines will be available, including a V6 and a frugal 3.2-liter turbodiesel. Offerings in the power-hungry U.S. market, however, will be limited to a new 5.5-liter V8 with 388 horsepower in the S500 and the S600 will return later in the model year with a head-snapping 5.5-liter, 517-hp twin-turbo V12. Mercedes claims that the new S600 will blast to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds.
For now, the S-Class will remain rear-drive, as 4-Matic, Mercedes' all-wheel-drive system, will not be offered.
What's Edmunds' Take?
Unfortunately, the new S-Class' styling strikes us as less distinctive than before, with a few elements seemingly borrowed from other cars, such as the Accord-like triangular headlamps and Mitsubishi Montero-ish front fenders. But the car's notable increases in comfort, performance and safety show that Mercedes-Benz once again wants the luxury sedan title. — John DiPietro
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