However,
there's less legroom in the rear seat than we had expected in a car
of this size. You don’t feel cramped back there, but a big more
stretch-out room would be appreciated. Should you really need a large
back seat you can also specify the S-Class in long-wheelbase format
for an extra $18,000. Though
the new cabin follows the same design theme as the original, the
stylists have increased the size of the timber and/or alloy
highlights and added a range of additional hues to the options of the
leather trim.
The
most fascinating thing inside the big Merc isn't the latest styling,
but the use of interior lighting to create a variety of ambiences
that can be set to match the occupants’ moods. Three different
ambient light themes are offered; Neutral, is a non-intrusive white;
Solar, an amber shade that was our favourite thanks to a look that's
almost like Australia on a warm summer’s evening; and Polar, an
icy-blue that gives a cooler feel.
External
styling has also received a revamp to freshen it up as part of the
midlife makeover. Changes have been restricted to the styling of the
headlights and taillights as well as to the shape of the bumpers and
the door mirrors. The taillights are particularly interesting,
featuring LED illumination in an interesting ‘double-C’ design.
And the outside mirror redesign isn't just to improve their
appearance, it also has aerodynamic benefits.
Note
that daytime running lights are now standard on all models. Running
horizontally in the lower sections of the front spoiler they give the
car an elegant look as well as improving safety during low-light
conditions. Despite
these apparently minor alterations to the overall shape of the
S-Class, the Mercedes stylists have managed to give their big saloon
quite a different look. The S’ now looks wider and slightly lower
than previously, perhaps even a bit bolder. The new S-Class shape
also reflects the latest in styling themes as seen in the recently
released all-new E-Class and the revised C-Class. Thus giving that
matched luggage look to the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range.
Though
we used the word ‘wafting’ in our opening description of this
large luxurious limo, there's also a hard-edged nature to the car if
you push it hard. While comfort has been given priority, the big Benz
is more than capable of hustling around corners safely and with
plenty of stability. Electronic aids certainly play their part in
this cornering and handling competence, but the basic mechanical
package of the suspension has obviously been designed to work well in
its own right.
As
well as the electronics in the suspension, numerous driver assist
systems make life safer. Attention Assist looks for inattention
and/or erratic driver behavior and warns the offender behind the
wheel to improve themselves. Lane Keeping Assist warns if the car is
about to stray over lane markings and/or the centreline. High-beam
Assist lets you leave the headlights on high beam all the time, and
automatically dips them when the S-Class ‘sees’ another car
either in front or behind.
The
engine and transmissions remain as in the just superseded model. Our
road test car had a V6 petrol engine with a capacity of 3.5 litres,
there's also a 5.5-litre V8 in the specifications list. As revheads
we love the latter powerplant, but to be honest the 3.5-litre
provides more than enough performance for the great majority of
buyers. Mercedes’
3.5-litre powerplant has excellent response to the throttle and,
complemented by a seven-speed automatic that’s willing to change
down rapidly there's good overtaking ability to let you spend the
minimum of time on the wrong side of the road.
Petrol
consumption will usually be in the ten to twelve litres per hundred
kilometre range in suburban driving, perhaps going to 14 litres in
heavy-duty commuting. High gearing and clever engine design means you
should be able to get the consumption down to the eights on motorways
and during easy paced country cruising.
AT
A GLANCE
2010
MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
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