Its manually actuated 5-speed automatic offers more mechanical control than conventional automatics, but that said it would be
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| The S500 is powered by an extremely competent 302-hp 5.0-liter 24-valve SOHC V8. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
pretty unconventional to offer anything less in a modern luxury sedan. It is short one cog compared to a 6-speed automatic equipped Audi or BMW, which can be during acceleration runs or when gearing down to pass, but I didn't exactly have a problem getting off the line. Also, next year's car will more than make up for it when the brand's 7-speed 7GLogic automatic becomes part of the package. No matter which transmission the S500 makes use of, an extremely competent 5.0-liter 24-valve SOHC V8 delivers up smooth, confident power. Specifically, the engine produces 302 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 339 lb-ft of torque at 2,700, not the most powerful in its segment but nevertheless capable of shooting the big sedan forward from standstill to 100 km/h in a mere 6.3 seconds.
Being that my test week was sunny there was no opportunity to test out the 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup, but being that
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| If you want the 5.0-liter engine, all-wheel drive and limousine-like size, be prepared to shell out $124,150. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Mercedes has been building 4WD systems since 1926 when it first introduced its G designated car, appropriately named the G1, my guess is it's more than adequate for adding traction when needed. Of course, it should be more than adequate, as should everything else about this car given its $124,150 base price. Sure there are S-Class models that starter lower, with an entry model nearing the $100K mark at $97,850, but to get the more powerful 5.0-liter engine, all-wheel drive and limousine-like extension in length you'll need to shell out at least a hundred and a quarter. Load it up, there's actually plenty left on the table, and the S500 will peak out at $155,286. Nice car for sure, but $155K?
