2008 Mercedes-Benz S450 4MATIC Review

Every day, humankind beams signals into space carrying the movies, television and music seen and heard the world over. Some say that one day they'll be intercepted by aliens who will use them to learn about us humans.

For the most part, things won't look too flattering. Could we be redeemed for Survivor reruns, Emo bands and YouTube Blogs?

The S450 tested starts at $108,000, and carried nearly $20,000 in optional equipment.

Maybe- if we sent one of our best cars into space, satellite Voyager style. Encapsulate something like the Mercedes-Benz S450 4Matic and send it skyward, and someday it could blow the pointy little ears off of whoever stumbled upon it.

Big-dollar flagship
This has long been an icon that exemplified top-levels of luxury, performance and technology. Available to fit any need from an ultra-luxurious cruiser to a 600 horsepower fire-breather, there's an S-Class perfect for the whims of anyone with deep enough pockets.

The S450 tested starts at $108,000, and carried nearly $20,000 in optional equipment. That pricetag is more than a house in some parts of the galaxy, though it's got nicer furniture, a more powerful entertainment system, and more comfortable seats than most living rooms.

Elegant simplicity inside
Leather, wood and metal come together inside for an opulent atmosphere that's as comfortable and relaxing as a full-day spa treatment. All the while, every sci-fi gizmo is present- including voice control, electronic displays, navigation, and even a central-command system.

It's all extremely well made and comfortable, and every moving part has a heavy, solid and bolted-down feel. Despite a relatively restrained looking visual execution, it's easily the most purely sumptuous interior you've probably ever visited.

Taking in the performance- however you like
A magnificent Harman Kardon stereo drenches the cabin with rich, triumphant sound or complete silence at a twist of the volume knob. It's ready to satisfy your every mood, and the adaptive transmission and suspension systems do the same. A tap on a switch dials up a comfortable and soft attitude, or an aggressive and sporty one.

The engine matches this eager-to-please character as well, depending on the positioning of your right foot. Cruise at 130, and the S-Class's 7-speed automatic allows the 335 horsepower V8 to spin along at a mere 2000 revs. In the process, there's a subtle calm with minimal road and wind noise. You could nearly hear a pin drop.

Cruise at 130, and the S-Class's 7-speed automatic allows the 335 horsepower V8 to spin along at a mere 2000 revs.