Botoxing the wrinkles on the face of luxury
By Thom Blackett
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June 29, 2005
Introduction
There are many ways to exhibit wealth, or at least suggest wealth. Some of the more affluent among us have gated homes in exclusive neighborhoods, wear tailored Italian suits, or take joy in philanthropy.
The affluent have interests that vary as widely as their methods for evading the Tax Man, but make no mistake – they’re all familiar with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
As the company’s flagship model, the S-Class must represent all that Mercedes-Benz has to offer, both in terms of style and substance. With a new look, more power, and a full complement of dizzying technology, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands ready to represent.
Pricing
Due to go on sale in Europe later this year, the 2007 S-Class arrives on these shores in the early months of 2006. Pricing has not been released.
Power
Upon its introduction in the U.S., the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be offered as either a S500 or S600. The S500 model will feature a 382-horsepower, 32-valve V8 engine with variable valve timing. S600 models will feature a twelve-cylinder engine that promises more than 500 horsepower. In comparison, the 2005 S-Class S500 offers 302 horsepower and the 2005 S600 pumps out 493 horsepower.
Pre-Safe
One of the features on the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is an improved Pre-Safe system. Just prior to an impact, Pre-Safe tightens the seatbelts, closes the sunroof, and automatically adjusts the seats to their optimum positions. For 2007 the system has been improved; it now closes all of the side windows and the seat cushions inflate to keep occupants tight in their seats.
Distronic Plus
Intelligent cruise control, known as Distronic in Mercedes-Benz lingo, has been an available safety feature for some time. Using radar technology, this system maintains a pre-determined distance behind other traffic. Distronic Plus adds a brake assist program, which adds brake pressure if an impact is expected.
The system works at speeds up to 125 mph, but if you really need help maintaining a safe distance at that speed, we suggest that you reevaluate your driving style.
COMAND
Even Bill Gates is probably impressed by the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s technological wizardry. COMAND, a central control dial located on the center console, operates the audio, climate control and navigation systems. Switches, buttons on the steering wheel, and voice commands can also be used to control the various systems. COMAND’S information screen is now located higher on the dash, next to the gauges, allowing drivers to use the system while still keeping the road in view.
Seven Speeds
A seven-speed automatic transmission manages the power generated by the improved engines. On the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class the shifter is a small lever on the steering column; move the lever up for reverse, down for drive, and push a button on the end of the lever for park. Small buttons on the back of the steering wheel allow for manual shift control while driving.
Night Vision
New for 2007 is an infra-red night vision system that extends the driver’s nighttime view to nearly 500 feet. The system uses infra-red light to identify objects in the road, and an infra-red camera transmits black-and-white images to the COMAND display screen on the dash.
Maybe now that stray deer will stay on the display screen and off of your hood.
Interior
Fitting for a top-tier luxury vehicle, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class features an interior outfitted with tasteful real-wood trim accented by just the right amount of chrome. Front power seats adjust 16 ways, with optional heating and ventilation. Opting for the Drive Dynamic seats allows for a custom ride position and even a pulsating massage.
Should that relaxing massage put the driver to sleep, there are always the Pre-Safe and Distronic Plus systems to focus on the road.
Park Assist
One of the features included in the new Distronic Plus system is Park Assist. Like most electronic parking systems, Park Assist relies on radar in the front and rear bumpers to determine the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s proximity to nearby objects. However, unlike other vehicles that have visible radar sensors on the bumpers, the new S-Class features sensors that are located behind the bumpers, providing for a much cleaner appearance.
Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler
