Say you run a company or just cashed in those stock options at the Internet start-up you’re at, and you’d like a car that proclaims your status. Here’s what to expect when popping 83 large ones on Mercedes Benz new S-Class sedans:
A choice of two powerful V-8s: a 4.3-liter 275-horsepower (S430) or a 5-liter 302-horsepower (S500) version. The 4.3 will transport the car to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds; the 5-liter in just 6.1 seconds.
A five-speed electronic automatic transmission with manual shift capability.
Turn-signals in the side mirrors to alert drivers and pedestrians of your intentions.
Eight air bags, two in the front, one in each door and a headliner-mounted side-curtain air-bag that protects your head from hitting the side glass. The seats will also detect the presence of a baby car seat.
Traction control and anti-lock brakes to control wheel-spin. It is wrapped into an Electronic Stability Program that helps prevent slides by applying selective braking. This gives the car a rock-solid feel, going exactly where it’s pointed without a loss in traction.
Automatic head restraints pop up in the rear when rear seat passengers fasten their belts. A dash-mounted switch flops them down.
The car is suspended entirely by compressed air. A normal mode allows a bit of softness, for a traditional luxury car ride. A sport mode gives the car a firmer ride that eliminates body roll. Automatic damping adjusts the shocks to road conditions and vehicle load.
A console mounted screen is home to the global positioning system that can guide you down the road of life. Integrated into this system is a voice-activated StarTAC cellular phone as well as audio system controls.
An SOS button that immediately contacts a help center which can dispatch emergency services. Through the GPS system, the help center can also tell the car’s model, color and location.
An information button works similarly, except that it’s for non-emergency use. This for helping the driver understand the use of the car. The owners manual is about 4 inches thick and comes with a CD-ROM tutorial.
The cruise control system uses a radar sensor to maintain proper following distance from the car in front of you, applying brakes if necessary.
The dual automatic climate control contains a sun sensor, that detects which side of the car the sun is hitting and adjusting the climate control accordingly, varying airflow on that side of the car.
If you just pop into a store for a quick errand, the climate control will recirculate heat from the engine to keep the car warm for up to 20 minutes.
The leather seats are both heated and air-conditioned. The seats’ venting is courtesy of 10 electric fans. In addition, the seats side-bolsters can be adjusted for width, and a massaging feature is available to prevent driver fatigue.
The Xenon gas-discharge headlamps dip down when turned on , to show what’s in front of the vehicle. Headlamp washers keep them clean.
A charcoal filter switch closes all the windows and turns on the filter if you suddenly encounter a smelly problem on a summer day. The charcoal filter removes particles down to 5 microns.
Holding down the unlock button not only unlocks the doors, but opens all the windows as well, the lock button closes them all.
When the driver shuts off the car, it raises 1.7 inches for easier exiting. A dash switch can raise it another 0.8 inch.
Once the seats are adjusted, pushing the ergonomic button adjusts the rest of the seat options .
A hand-held cell phone, stored in the center console and a part of the cell phone system, can be detached and taken with you.
There are four vanity mirrors, two up front, two in back. They contain two mirrors, regular and magnified.
The sound system adjusts for unwanted noise, such as an open window.
Thick, laminate d side glass and attention to door seals ensure an incredibly quiet interior.
So what’s it like to drive such a feature-laden, fast, solid, luxurious automobile?
Heaven.
>> 2000 Mercedes Benz S500
Vehicle type: Large 4-door luxury sedan
Engines: 4.3-liter and 5-liter SOHC V-8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 121.5 inches
Length: 203.1 inches
Curb weight: 4,133 pounds
Cargo volume: 15.4 cubic feet
Tires: P225/60R16H
Base price, test model: $77,850
As tested: $83,005
EPA rating: 16 mpg city, 23 mpg highway
Test mileage: 18 mpg
Fuel type: Premium
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