2010 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS Review

Overview

The 2010 Mercedes Benz S-Class, a large five-passenger luxury sedan, is a flagship vehicle of the Mercedes-Benz, available in S63 AMG, S600 Sedan, S65 AMG, S400 Hybrid Sedan and S550 trims. The S-Class continues to be an icon of driving pleasure for over 50 years now.

Powertrain And Performance

A 518 hp AMG-built 6.3-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine powers the S63 AMG. The S600 Sedan is powered by a 5.5-liter 36-valve biturbo V-12 engine rated at 510 hp. A 604-hp AMG-built 6.0-liter SOHC 36-valve biturbo engine powers the S65 AMG. The S550 Sedan is equipped with a 5.5-liter 32-valve V-8 engine rated at 382 hp. These trims have a rear-wheel drive configuration, along with one that has Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. The S-Class' fuel economy is recorded as 11-14 mpg in the city and 20-21 mpg on the highway. The cargo area available is 16.3 cubic feet.

Build And Styling

The distinctive 5-spoke 18-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, night view assist, DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, rear view camera, keyless-go, COMAND system, navigation system, hands-free communication system, standard integrated single-feed 6-disc CD/DVD changer, harman/kardon LOGIC7 digital surround-sound system, iPod integration kit, memory card slot, SIRIUS satellite radio, 4-way power-adjustable front seats, each with 3-position memory, 14-way power-adjustable seats, drive-dynamic multicontour front seats with four-stage massage function, heated and ventilated seats, analog clock, ambient lighting, noise-reducing and infrared-reflecting glass, panorama sunroof, and power rear side window shades important exterior and interior features. Packages loaded with comfort and convenience features are available.

Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz has improved the safety level of the 2010 S-Class more with a unique combination of innovative camera and radar-based driver assistance systems including Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and the PRE-SAFE brake system linked to the proximity regulating radar, which intervenes autonomously before an impending rear-end collision and acts like an invisible crumple zone. Other innovations include the ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness monitor and Active Body Control with automatic crosswind stabilization.