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2009 Mercedes-Benz S Class Features Review

April 4, 2009

FEATURES | 10 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

some may still complain that it's not as user-friendly as it could be
ForbesAutos

five trim levels
Edmunds

massaging front seats
ConsumerGuide

The S-Class's "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. ForbesAutos reports that "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?" 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."

Higher-end trims bump up the equipment ante. 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." New for 2009 are new steering-wheel shift paddles, redesigned power window switches, and a "Hold" braking feature. The S550 now also gets a power trunk lid, new wheels, and active ventilated and heated front seats.

Conclusion

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a luxury vehicle, with a features list that might leave only sultans wanting.

FEATURES | 10 out of 10Expert Quotes:some may still complain that it's not as user-friendly as it could beForbesAutosfive trim levelsEdmundsmassaging front seatsConsumerGuide The S-Class's "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. ForbesAutos reports that "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?" 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." Higher-end trims bump up the equipment ante. 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." New for 2009 are new steering-wheel shift paddles, redesigned power window switches, and a "Hold" braking feature. The S550 now also gets a power trunk lid, new wheels, and active ventilated and heated front seats. ConclusionThe 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a luxury vehicle, with a features list that might leave only sultans wanting. 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "handsome exterior design" ForbesAutos: "ostentatious and comfortable" Edmunds: "synonymous with state-of-the-art luxury " ConsumerGuide: "defines luxury motoring" Motor Trend: "continues to set the standard" The ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Major competitors to the 2009 S-Class include the Audi A8, the BMW 7-Series, the Jaguar XJ, and the Lexus LS. The XJ 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 offers 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 highway. Each of these other models are offered in two different wheelbases (and lengths), but the 2009 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-hp supercharged V-8. There's also the 400-hp Jaguar XJR that, along with the cheaper XJ, is faster than the numbers might indicate due to its lightweight aluminum body.

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See the Mercedes-Benz S Class in Other Years:

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Comments (1 total)

  1. By zivsp #1, Posted: 4/5/2009

    A nice car

    Would like to afford it.

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