Volvo to Refresh 2010 C30
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2008 Mercedes-Benz S Class Features Review

August 19, 2008

FEATURES | 10 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Parking distance sensors
Automobile

five trim levels
Edmunds

massaging front seats
ConsumerGuide

There are many standard luxury features on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as well as a variety of optional features. The “long list of comfort and convenience features assures bragging rights among even the most jaded enthusiast,” ForbesAutos says.

All S-Class sedans come with features such as “a navigation system, hands-free cell phone communication, a Harman Kardon audio system and of course, rich leather and wood trim,” Edmunds reports. That "fine-sounding 14-speaker, 600-watt harmon/kardon(r) surround-sound system,” Kelley Blue Book states, “plays CDs, DVDs and MP3s.”

Also standard in the S-Class is the Mercedes COMAND system, which uses a knob controller and an in-dash screen to control secondary functions, much like similar systems from BMW’s iDrive and Audi’s MMI. Kelley Blue Book contends that it takes a only a modest amount of study time to learn to operate the "COMAND system, through a turn-and-push, aluminum knob on the center console," which then allows the driver to utilize the one control for navigation, radio, phone, and other settings. Most other reviews grouse about using COMAND and the confusion that ensues; Cars.com says COMAND is “one of the more user-friendly versions” of these systems, but all the “high-tech features can be confusing,” ForbesAutos reports, and “some may still complain that it's not as user-friendly as it could be.” Car and Driver asks rhetorically, “How many electronic gizmos are too many?”

Different trim levels offer specific equipment levels above the standard lavishness. As Edmunds points out, the "AMG versions add 20-inch alloy wheels, an active suspension, larger brakes, sport seats and specific interior and exterior styling tweaks."

Optional features on the V-8 S-Class include "ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting," according to ConsumerGuide. Most options become standard on the 12-cylinder versions, Edmunds reports.

Conclusion

Buyers of 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars will not be disappointed in the luxurious features offered, both standard and optional.

FEATURES | 10 out of 10Expert Quotes:Parking distance sensorsAutomobilefive trim levelsEdmundsmassaging front seatsConsumerGuide There are many standard luxury features on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, as well as a variety of optional features. The “long list of comfort and convenience features assures bragging rights among even the most jaded enthusiast,” ForbesAutos says. All S-Class sedans come with features such as “a navigation system, hands-free cell phone communication, a Harman Kardon audio system and of course, rich leather and wood trim,” Edmunds reports. That "fine-sounding 14-speaker, 600-watt harmon/kardon(r) surround-sound system,” Kelley Blue Book states, “plays CDs, DVDs and MP3s.” Also standard in the S-Class is the Mercedes COMAND system, which uses a knob controller and an in-dash screen to control secondary functions, much like similar systems from BMW’s iDrive and Audi’s MMI. Kelley Blue Book contends that it takes a only a modest amount of study time to learn to operate the "COMAND system, through a turn-and-push, aluminum knob on the center console," which then allows the driver to utilize the one control for navigation, radio, phone, and other settings. Most other reviews grouse about using COMAND and the confusion that ensues; Cars.com says COMAND is “one of the more user-friendly versions” of these systems, but all the “high-tech features can be confusing,” ForbesAutos reports, and “some may still complain that it's not as user-friendly as it could be.” Car and Driver asks rhetorically, “How many electronic gizmos are too many?” Different trim levels offer specific equipment levels above the standard lavishness. As Edmunds points out, the "AMG versions add 20-inch alloy wheels, an active suspension, larger brakes, sport seats and specific interior and exterior styling tweaks." Optional features on the V-8 S-Class include "ventilated and massaging front seats, heated and ventilated rear seat, and keyless access and starting," according to ConsumerGuide. Most options become standard on the 12-cylinder versions, Edmunds reports. ConclusionBuyers of 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars will not be disappointed in the luxurious features offered, both standard and optional.  2008 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10] Edmunds: "synonymous with state-of-the-art luxury" ConsumerGuide: "defines luxury motoring" Motor Trend: "Continues to set the standard" Kelley Blue Book: "polished, sleek shape" Given its hefty price tag, one expects a head turner, ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Each of these other models are offered in two different wheelbases (and lengths), but the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is only sold in its long-wheelbase form in the United States. The S-Class has typically been a prestige vehicle, carrying executives and captains of industry in style and comfort, but the S63 and S65 AMG models appeal to those craving acceleration that's on par with exotics, along with a sportscar feel, in the S-Class's spacious package. Audi has the S8, but it's not nearly as powerful or as exclusive as the AMGs, while BMW has the Alpina B7, an elite version with a 500-horsepower supercharged V-8. There's also the 400-horsepower Jaguar XJR that, along with the cheaper XJ, is faster than the numbers might indicate due to its lightweight aluminum body. The XJ also stands out for its distinctly British style that steers away from the crowd. There are powerful 12-cylinder models of the A8 (A8 6.0 L) and 7-Series (760iL) to match the S600; all three have smooth, silent, and immensely torquey engines, but they're gas guzzlers, each and every one. For the green crowd who must have the best, instead of a V-12, Lexus is offering a hybrid V-8 powertrain on its top-of-the-line LS 600h L model, which gets a highest-in-class rating of 20 mpg city, 22 mpg highway.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S Class

Check Financing Rates

for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S Class

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2008 Mercedes-Benz S Class near you

See the Mercedes-Benz S Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Rafael #1, Posted: 9/5/2008

    url

    Marcos Pontes.

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy