When it comes to large luxury sedans, few convey as much grandeur and success as the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. For decades, the Mercedes flagship has been the quintessential premium sedan for well-to-do doctors, lawyers, high-ranking executives and foreign oil magnates who seek the finest automobile money can buy -- without seeking out models from Bentley, Maybach or Rolls-Royce. Now in its second year since a complete redesign, the four S-Class varieties are still at the top of a very prestigious mountain of high-end sedans.
If the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class could be summed up in three words, they would be power, elegance and technology. The power bit is taken care of in good order by four engines, each of which motivates this supremely hefty Benz as if it weighed hundreds of pounds less. At the bottom of the totem pole is the S550's 5.5-liter V8 that delivers 382 horsepower through a seven-speed automatic transmission to either the rear wheels or all four in the 4Matic model. The S63 AMG, developed by Mercedes' in-house tuning division, features a naturally aspirated 518-hp V8. The V12-powered S600 features twin turbochargers that produce 510 hp and 604 pound-feet of torque. If that seems slow to you, you may need a psychiatrist, but otherwise, the S65 AMG and its biturbo V12 makes 604 hp and an NHRA-challenging 738 lb-ft.
The elegance part is taken care of by tasteful styling that is particularly striking with the AMG body modifications on the S63 and S65. Inside, Mercedes' new COMAND system creates a classy and uncluttered cabin free of the zillions of buttons typical of many luxury cars. Rich leather covers most surfaces, while real wood trim is tastefully applied in an orbit around the cabin, with soothing lights hidden beneath. Finally, technology like a 20GB hard drive-based navigation system, adaptive seats, Active Body Control suspension technology and Distronic Plus cruise control offer an impressive range of capabilities that set the S-Class apart from the pack.
Depending on which of the five models is in consideration, S-Class competitors range from the Audi A8 and BMW 750i to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Against any of them, though, the 2008 S550, S550 4Matic, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG provide a brilliant mix of elements that is tough to match: abundant power, competent handling, high-tech features, an opulent interior and magnificent presence. Those foreign oil magnates won't be disappointed.