The
2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a luxury sedan that is the carmaker's flagship model. The S-Class has six power train options including the 5.5-liter AMG V-8 twin-turbocharged with 621 horsepower, the 5.5-liter V-12 with 510 horsepower, the V-12 AMG with 738 pound-feet of torque, the V-8 with 382 horsepower, the V-6 with 241 horsepower, and the V-6 hybrid-based engine with 295 horsepower. The V-12s are joined to a five-speed automatic transmission, while other engines are joined to a seven-speed transmission.
With exceptional contouring and loads of gadgetry, the Mercedes S-Class offers exceptional handling. Some that technology that has been included are driver seat inflatable air bolsters, infrared night assist, and laser cruise control that automatically brakes or accelerates based on driving situations. The S-class boasts an extensive list of safety features and maintains great ratings. EPA fuel economy ratings are in the 19 mpg city / 15 mpg highway range.
New for 2011
For 2011, the Mercedes S63 AMG's engine has been replaced with a whopping 536-horsepower, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 with direct injection and start/stop technology. Another new engine is the carmaker's 241 horsepower, 3.0-liter diesel with 429 pound-feet of torque that comes with all-wheel drive as standard. In addition, the hybrid received new wheels and dark brown eucalyptus wood, the S600 now has 19-inch wheels, and the S65 AMG's horsepower increased by 17 horsepower.
Essentials
Engines: 3.0L V-6, 3.5L V-6, 5.5L V-8, 5.5L V-12, 6.2L V-8, 6.0L V-12
Transmissions: 7-speed automatic, 5-speed automatic
Body Style: Sedan
Trims: S400 Hybrid Sedan, S550 Sedan, S600 Sedan, S63 AMG Sedan, S65 AMG Sedan
On the Outside
The Mercedes S-Class is more modern and aggressive than ever. In addition to new wheel options, the S-Class has Magnetite Black as a new color.
From the Inside
The Mercedes S-Class interior sports such cool features as a split view dual content screen, situated in a surprisingly low-key cabin covered in leather, aluminum, and wood. Rear-seat legroom is more than ample, while the 16.3 cubic-foot trunk can store a lot of bundles.
Driving Performance
The Mercedes S550 roared from zero to 60 in 5.3 seconds and took the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds at 102.3 mph, but the 4600-pound sedan needed only 115 feet to stop from 60 mph. One of the most astonishing attributes is that the S-Class has not had to compromise ride against handling. While the sedan's suspension absorbs road imperfections, yet has a high level of grip (0.89 g on the skidpad), the Active Body Control keeps the S flat during hard cornering.
Safety Equipment
Standard safety equipment on the Mercedes S-Class includes eight airbags: dual front, front and rear side, and front and rear curtains. It also comes with stability control, traction control, disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, and Mercedes' Pre-Safe system.
Gas Mileage
S400 Hybrid: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway
S550: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway
S550 4Matic: 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway
S600, S65 AMG: 11 mpg city/17 mpg highway
S63 AMG: 11 mpg city/18 mpg highway
Plusses
- Great handling
- Smooth, comfortable ride
- Latest cool technology
- Plenty of power
Minuses
- Soft brakes
- Firm seats
- Plain cabin
Rating
Technology makes this one a sizzler
People Who Like the 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Also Like
- Audi A8
- BMW 7 Series
- Porsche Panamera