2011 Mercedes-Benz S Class - Features Review

Mercedes-Benz has with some past models been known to place certain tech developments into vehicles just because they can. But that's not the case here in the 2011 S-Class; this flagship sedan shows the fruits of some very smart, no-nonsense decision-making. And despite being about five years along, the S-Class's interior tech was leading edge when it was introduced so it still feels fresh and ahead of much of the high-end sedan crowd.

The main gauge cluster in the S-Class is a pretty sophisticated feature in itself; it's separated into three panes, with the outer panes holding real gauges. At center is a high-res screen that can be configured to display an 'analog' speedometer, trip functions, or the available Night View (night-vision) system. Active Body Control is available on the S550 and standard on upper models, and it improves both performance and comfort. One complaint is that some features—such as those for the multi-contour seats—are only accessible through the COMAND interface. That interface, despite being significantly improved, is still a weak point compared to the latest systems from Audi and Lincoln (as well as the much-improved BMW iDrive).

In addition to tech features, traditional luxury and comfort features are here in full force. Even the S550 has a wood and leather steering wheel; active ventilated and heated front seats; new wheels; ambient lighting and a power trunk lid. A sunroof is standard, along with a power tilt/telescope steering wheel; 14-way power heated front seats; and leather upholstery. The S400 Hybrid shares all this gear, minus the automatic high beams and front-seat ventilation.

Last year, sound systems on the S-Class were redone to include a better Bluetooth interface, plus Sirius and HD radio, USB and SD ports, improved voice recognition, and Zagat travel information, as well as built-in music storage (4 GB).

Optional on the S400 Hybrid, S550, and S63 AMG are a rear-seat entertainment system; four-zone automatic climate control; and multicontour rear seats. All those features are standard on the S600 and S65 AMG.

Other features offered on various models include a heated steering wheel; a panoramic sunroof; and a power rear sunshade.