2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review





+92
Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz S-Class types
- Sedan
- S55 AMG
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stylish exterior design, spacious interior, nimble demeanor, powerful engine offerings, high-tech features.
Cons
- Complicated COMAND system, some cheap-feeling interior bits, BMW 7 Series is more fun to drive.
What’s new
One new model debuts this year with the S600. The S600 gets a powerful 12-cylinder engine along with standard Active Body Control and Internet access to keep up with life in the techno-savvy 21st century.
Edmunds says
Fast, luxurious and technically advanced, the S-Class should continue to be a favorite of movers and shakers.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$257/mo for S-Class S430
S-Class S430
vs
$206/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Large Mercedes sedans have always been sought-after by the elite. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard and make a powerful statement about the owner's financial security. The current S-Class projects confidence, prestige and good taste. For 2001, Mercedes bumps performance and amenities in the 12-cylinder-equipped S600 and offers the sporty S55.
Sporting a coupe-like profile and a traditional oval-headlight face, the 2001 S-Class looks lean and sleek while weighing nearly 500 pounds less than the previous-generation model. Careful attention to interior packaging gives the current version a roomy cabin and a large 15.4 cubic foot trunk.
Four models are available: the 275-horspower S430, which comes with a 4.3-liter V8 engine, the 302-horsepower S500, which boasts a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, the new-for-2001 S55 with a 5.5-liter V8 and 354 horsepower, and the newly introduced S600, sporting a 362-horsepower V12.
All models are suited up with a fully independent four-link front and five-link rear suspension, ABS and brake assist (which reduces braking distance in panic stops), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and BabySmart child-seat protection. Eight airbags are standard, including two head-protection curtain airbags and a passenger airbag that deploys with partial or full force, depending on the car's speed at impact. Active Body Control (ABC), which debuted on the 2000 CL500, is standard on the 2001 S600 and S55 (S430 and S500 buyers can get it as an option).
Also standard on the S-Class is the controversial COMAND (Cockpit Management And Data) system, which can be directed by voice commands, steering-wheel controls or buttons near the display screen. The system controls the navigation program, hands-free cellular phone and stereo/CD controls. Another advanced feature is Mercedes' TeleAid function, which puts a driver in touch with a Protection One representative for help in emergencies, roadside assistance or general information. A smart cruise control system, called Distronic, utilizes radar sensors to keep the car at a specified distance from the car in front of it. When the car you are following slows down, the S-Class automatically cuts power and can even apply up to 20 percent maximum braking to maintain the specific distances you have set. Distronic is standard on the S600 and is optional on V8 models.
Serious performance buffs will want to check out the S55 from Mercedes-Benz tuner AMG. Non-S55 buyers can still add some sport to their S-Class by ordering the S-Class Sport package, which includes an aggressive body kit with an AMG-designed front spoiler, sculpted rocker panels and a new rear apron. AMG Monoblock 18-inch alloy wheels are also part of the package.
Other S-Class features include a Bose Beta sound system, five-speed automatic transmission, optional ventilated seats that circulate air through the cushion, and, new this year, Internet access for e-mail junkies on the go.
Feature- and luxury-laden, the S-Class makes for an attractive executive conveyance.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
5 star(54%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(3%)
35 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.5 out of 5 stars
Beware of Dealers
jgbecker, 02/09/2011
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
I bought my 2001 S500 with 8,000 miles back in 2004, and it presently has 110,000 miles on it. I have been generally happy with the vehicle. My worst experience in owning this vehicle is having to deal with Mercedes Benz Dealers/Dealerships/Service Departments. Once your Mercedes warranty runs out, the
service departments at Mercedes dealers are forever trying to recommend unnecessary … repairs to the vehicle. The dealers are constantly looking to fabricate repairs to bill to the extended warranty company. Most, if not all of these repairs are unnecessary. The Mercedes dealers make the ownership experience miserable. Stay away from them and you'll do fine.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Super automobile
billyq, 09/07/2012
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
I have owned my car since 2003, it currently has 212,000 mile runs as new, everything works. Maintenance is a must- after warranty never never take to a MB dealer - find an independant shop that work on MB's. The car drives better than the new S550, just missing the technology of the newer car, but rides and handles much better. take care of the car and it will take care of you in … comfort.
5 out of 5 stars
No other car compares....
adrockj, 08/08/2011
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
i purchased my 2001 s500 with 86K miles on it for $12K. i now have 188K miles and it still drives like new. i am still amazed that people still bring their cars to the dealership for repairs??!! ANY vw mechanic can work on your benz. it is not rocket science. i needed to have my water pump replaced and it cost me $500.00 out the door including parts and labor. other than that, i just … bring it to jiffy lube for the fluids and oil changes. this car has cost less in repairs than any other car i have owned and gets about 20 mpg.
4.63 out of 5 stars
2001 S500
SWilliams, 02/09/2009
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
I purchased this vehicle used in October of 08. So far, it has been expensive to maintain but it has been well worth it. This is truly an outstanding car. I've owned Porsche, Lexus, Audi, Infiniti and this is by far the best. The ride quality is superb and it doesn't compromise handling. The car is eerily quiet even at 90+ mph. The navigation system works well, but it only has major … roads mapped in smaller towns or suburbs. I also really wish the CD player was in the dash. This car's size and countless safety features make you feel very secure. The command system takes some getting used to but isn't overly complicated. The interior is huge and very comfortable.
2001 S-Class Highlights
Sedan
S430
Base MSRP | $70,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $257/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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