EmailBest Reviewed
Luxury Cars
- Best "budget" luxury sedan 2008 Lexus ES 350 *Est. $34120
- Luxury car as technological showcase 2008 Lexus LS 460 *Est. $62900
- Best no-compromises luxury car 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 *Est. $87575
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Best no-compromises luxury car
- Strong performance
- Smooth ride, excellent handling
- Quiet, roomy interior
- Refined feel with high-quality materials
- Advanced technology
- Complicated controls
- High price
- Low fuel economy
Reviewers generally agree that the Mercedes S550 is the benchmark for luxury sedans. Editors say the S550 excels in offering all the prestige, comfort and technological features a luxury car owner would expect, and more. Its vast cabin is a cocoon of quietness, elegance and high-quality ambiance, reviews emphasize. Redesigned in 2007, the current S550 sedan continues with the new longer wheelbase and distinctive design. The big Benz's powertrain is a 382-hp V-8 engine matched with a seven-speed automatic transmission driving either the rear wheels or an optional AWD system, branded "4MATIC." Reviewers are surprised by the S-Class' quick acceleration and outstanding handling, often commenting that the Mercedes S550 drives like a much smaller sports sedan.
The Mercedes S550's interior design gets compliments for its refinement and quality materials, although many auto writers say the screen-based COMAND multi-function control system could be more intuitive and less complicated. Among the many available advanced features are an Active Body Control suspension, heated/ventilated seats with built-in massage function, and a Night View system which presents a view of the road ahead with an infrared camera. Reviews say one big drawback to the Mercedes S550 is its high price. Other lower-priced luxury cars mentioned as worthy alternatives include the Lexus LS 460 (*est. $62,900 to $72,900), the BMW 750i (*est. $76,800 to $79,900) and the Audi A8 (*est. $70,690 to $74,690).
Among the many sources that give top ratings to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Edmunds.com ranks it as one of the best sedans priced over $60,000 and provides a well-written summary review with a list of the car's strengths and weaknesses. Motor Trend contributes a head-to-head four-car comparison test of top-dollar luxury sedans that includes the S550. Consumer Reports also has an informative summary review coupled with exclusive reliability information available only to subscribers. Both Cars.com and Consumer Guide name the S-Class as best buys and offer detailed reviews of the Mercedes S550. The Car Connection has a thoughtful summary of the S-Class, and New Car Test Drive also gives detailed driving impressions, although not much criticism. Kelley Blue Book also recommends the S-Class and gives a valuable general review.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Edmunds.com editors say, "For those desiring a large ultraluxury sedan that has everything and can do everything, the S-Class is the benchmark." Expensive options and the complex COMAND system are mentioned as low points.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review, Editors of Edmunds.com
2. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
The Mercedes-Benz S550 takes second place to the 2007 Maserati Quattroporte in Motor Trend's four-car comparison. However, Editor Frank Markus says the S550 (a 2007 model that is virtually identical to 2008) is "arguably the best car here by all objective measures"
Review: Comparison: 2008 Jaguar Super V8 vs. 2008 Lexus LS600hL vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 vs. 2007 Maserarti Quattroporte Sport GT, Frank Markus, Dec. 2007
3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports provide a good summary review of the Mercedes-Benz S550, which is coupled with the publication's data on historical reliability as collected in its annual owner survey. You must be a subscriber to read this report.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class review, Editors of Consumer Reports
4. Cars.com
Editor Mike Hanley says of the Mercedes-Benz S550, "This V-8 engine is what you might call a strong, silent type; it's powerful and makes this big sedan lunge forward when you mash the gas pedal to the floor." Cars.com names the Mercedes S-Class a Best Bet.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mike Hanley, May 2, 2008
Consumer Guide gives the Mercedes S-Class its Best Buy rating. Editors say, "Ingot-solid structural integrity adds to the appeal," and, "The S-Class defines luxury motoring." But they warn that the S-Class and other luxury cars are loaded with distracting high-tech features as well.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Full Review, Editors of Consumer Guide, Sept. 17, 2008
The Car Connection's Bengt Halvorson says Mercedes' S-Class cars "have a very absorbent, well-settled ride that manages to soak up small potholes with little jarring inside the cabin." He comments the COMAND interface could stand to be more intuitive.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Bottom Line, Bengt Halvorson
New Car Test Drive's Jim McCraw says of the Mercedes-Benz S550, "There isn't a better luxury car for the price produced anywhere in the world." He notes the S550 is "much sportier than we expected." Other than minor quibbles over some controls, there's little criticism offered.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – The benchmark for the top luxury sedans, Jim McCraw
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class earns a spot on KBB's "recommended" list with editors calling it a "masterful vehicle" with a "smooth powertrain and taut handling." They add, "Passengers will appreciate the first-class legroom and sumptuous creature comforts." The dwnside? It's a very big car.
Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Review, Editors of Kelley Blue Book
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