2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Summary & Specs Review at Automotive.com
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2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review: Summary & Specs

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2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

The benchmark for the top luxury sedans.

2008 S-Class Review Summary & Specifications

There isn't a better luxury car for the price produced anywhere in the world. It's lightning quick, 155 mph fast (limited by electronics, not power), much sportier than we expected, quiet as a winter night in Wyoming, and comfortable enough for the famous Bangor to Tijuana run twice a week for a month. The safety achievements alone would be reason enough to buy this car, but when you throw in the dramatic looks, the power and the performance, the case is made.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from the Swiss Alps.

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specs
Vehicle CategoryLuxury Cars
EditorNew Car Test Drive
Model LineupMercedes-Benz S550 ($86,700); S550 4MATIC ($89,700); S600 ($144,200); S63 AMG ($127,000); S65 AMG ($194,000)
Engines (standard)5.5-liter dohc 32-valve V8
Engines (optional)382-hp 5.5-liter V8; 518-hp 6.2-liter V8; 510-hp 5.5-liter V12; 604-hp 6.0-liter V12
Transmissions (standard)7-speed automatic
Transmissions (optional)7-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic
Safety Equipment (standard)ESP electronic stability control, 4-ETS, electronic traction control, anti-slip regulation, ABS, EBD; front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, Pre-Safe
Safety Equipment (optional)Distronic, Parktronic
Basic Warranty4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled InSindelfingen, Germany
Manufacturer Phone800-4MERCEDES
Manufacturer URLwww.mercedes-benz.com
Base Price MSRP86700


2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specs as Tested
Model Tested MSRPMercedes-Benz S550 ($86,700)
Standard Equipmentleather upholstery, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, GPS navigation system, 14-way power adjustable heated front seats with memory, rear bucket seats, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power sunshade, cruise control, message center, trip computer, fog lights, bi-xenon headlights w cornering, COMAND system, Harman Kardon Logic7 600-watt AM/FM/6CD/MP3 audio, sunroof, keyless ignition, anti-theft
Options as Tested (MSRP)Automatic Body Control suspension ($3,920)
Destination Charge775
Gas Guzzler Tax1300
Price as Tested92695
Layoutrear-wheel drive
Horse Power382 @ 6000 rpm
Torque391 @ 2800
Fuel Economy16/24
Wheelbase124.6
Length/Width/Height205.0/73.6/58.0
Track Front/Rear
Turning Radius40.0
Seating Capacity5
Front Head/Hip/Leg room37.8/60.8/59.1
Middle Head/Hip/Leg room
Rear Head/Hip/Leg room37.6/60.9/58.6
Trunk Volume19.7
Payload
Towing Capacity2100
Front SuspensionAirmatic four-link independent air suspension
Rear SuspensionAirmatic multi-link independent air suspension
Ground Clearance6.8
Curb Weight4376
Stock TiresP255/45R18
Brakes Front/Reardisc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist Plus
Fuel Capacity23.7
2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  
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