Pros and Cons*
Pros
The Mercedes S Class is available with a choice of four different engines, including hybrid and diesel options. Sophisticated components, such as the Mercedes Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, along with an impressive list of standard equipment and unparalleled comfort make it the ultimate luxury sedan.
Cons
The price, which is quickly inflated by the huge list of options, high maintenance costs, as well as the multitude of driving assist systems and its overly-assisted power steering that have the potential to turn off certain drivers.
2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class Price
The diesel-powered BlueTEC starts at $109,900. It is equipped with standard electronic tilt/telescopic steering wheel, multicontour front seats for extra support, KEYLESS-GO system and driver-assist package. The S 400 hybrid has an MSRP of $108,200. Multicolour ambient lighting is standard equipment in this model.
The short wheel-base S 550 4MATIC is available from $109,900. It is the only model offered with the short wheel-base configuration.
The regular or long wheel-base S 550 4MATIC starts at $118,500. The four models mentioned before can be equipped with the following options; deluxe rear seating at $ 4,800 as well as the Splitview package at $ 900.
The S 600 has a starting price of $196,000. It comes with standard rear-seat memory and Advanced Parking Guidance system. The $6,500 MG Sport package as well as the $900 Splitview package can also be added.
Fuel consumption
The diesel engine consumes 10.2 L/100 km city and 6.3 L/100 km highway. The hybrid version is rated at 11.1 L/100 km city and 7.7 L/100 km highway.
The V8 consumes 13.8 L/100 km in city driving and 8.8 L/100 km highway driving.
The thirsty V12 has ratings of 18.4 L/100 km city and 11.2 L/100 km highway.
New and improved for 2013
2012 marked the introduction of the diesel engine to the Canadian market. 2013 will be the last year for the current model.
2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class Exterior design
Both short and long wheelbase versions of this full-size sedan are donned with a distinctive raised front grille that proudly displays the three-pointed Mercedes star. Understated elegance at its best. The bi-xenon active headlights and over-sized outside mirrors with integrated turn-signal lamps are a nod to modern engineering and convenience. The rear bumper cover, with its integrated exhaust tips, is a classical-design masterpiece. An infinite number of options are available for those wishing to add their own personal styling signature.
2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class Drivetrain
The 3.0 litre turbo diesel BlueTec V6 produces 240 hp and 445 ft-lb torque. The all-wheel drive system is hooked up to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.
The hybrid model is powered by a 3.5 litre gas-powered V6 and an electric motor that combine to produce 295 hp and 284 ft-lb torque.
The rear wheels are propelled by a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
The all-wheel drive S 550 4MATIC is delivered with a 4.6 litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 429 hp and 516 ft-lb torque. The same 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission powers the wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz S 600 is equipped with a twin-turbo 5.5 litre V12 that delivers 510 hp and 612 ft-lb torque. This rear-wheel drive model is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Trunk capacity
An impressive 560 litres is available in the trunk.
Security
The S Class sedan offers a selection of technologies that improve security before, during, and after an eventual crash. Eight airbags, advanced stability and braking security systems, and a series of reinforced crumple zones protect the occupants at all times.
Comparing the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class
Audi A8, Bentley Flying Spur, BMW Série 7, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Maserati Quattroporte
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.438
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.460
Charette Daniel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.419
www.mercedes-benz.ca
Pros
The Mercedes S Class is available with a choice of four different engines, including hybrid and diesel options. Sophisticated components, such as the Mercedes Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, along with an impressive list of standard equipment and unparalleled comfort make it the ultimate luxury sedan.
Cons
The price, which is quickly inflated by the huge list of options, high maintenance costs, as well as the multitude of driving assist systems and its overly-assisted power steering that have the potential to turn off certain drivers.
 |
| (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class Price
The diesel-powered BlueTEC starts at $109,900. It is equipped with standard electronic tilt/telescopic steering wheel, multicontour front seats for extra support, KEYLESS-GO system and driver-assist package. The S 400 hybrid has an MSRP of $108,200. Multicolour ambient lighting is standard equipment in this model.
The short wheel-base S 550 4MATIC is available from $109,900. It is the only model offered with the short wheel-base configuration.
The regular or long wheel-base S 550 4MATIC starts at $118,500. The four models mentioned before can be equipped with the following options; deluxe rear seating at $ 4,800 as well as the Splitview package at $ 900.
The S 600 has a starting price of $196,000. It comes with standard rear-seat memory and Advanced Parking Guidance system. The $6,500 MG Sport package as well as the $900 Splitview package can also be added.
Fuel consumption
The diesel engine consumes 10.2 L/100 km city and 6.3 L/100 km highway. The hybrid version is rated at 11.1 L/100 km city and 7.7 L/100 km highway.
The V8 consumes 13.8 L/100 km in city driving and 8.8 L/100 km highway driving.
The thirsty V12 has ratings of 18.4 L/100 km city and 11.2 L/100 km highway.
New and improved for 2013
2012 marked the introduction of the diesel engine to the Canadian market. 2013 will be the last year for the current model.
 |
| (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class Exterior design
Both short and long wheelbase versions of this full-size sedan are donned with a distinctive raised front grille that proudly displays the three-pointed Mercedes star. Understated elegance at its best. The bi-xenon active headlights and over-sized outside mirrors with integrated turn-signal lamps are a nod to modern engineering and convenience. The rear bumper cover, with its integrated exhaust tips, is a classical-design masterpiece. An infinite number of options are available for those wishing to add their own personal styling signature.
2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class Drivetrain
The 3.0 litre turbo diesel BlueTec V6 produces 240 hp and 445 ft-lb torque. The all-wheel drive system is hooked up to a 7-speed automatic transmission with manual mode.
The hybrid model is powered by a 3.5 litre gas-powered V6 and an electric motor that combine to produce 295 hp and 284 ft-lb torque.
The rear wheels are propelled by a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
The all-wheel drive S 550 4MATIC is delivered with a 4.6 litre twin-turbo V8 that produces 429 hp and 516 ft-lb torque. The same 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission powers the wheels.
The Mercedes-Benz S 600 is equipped with a twin-turbo 5.5 litre V12 that delivers 510 hp and 612 ft-lb torque. This rear-wheel drive model is equipped with a 5-speed automatic transmission.
Trunk capacity
An impressive 560 litres is available in the trunk.
Security
The S Class sedan offers a selection of technologies that improve security before, during, and after an eventual crash. Eight airbags, advanced stability and braking security systems, and a series of reinforced crumple zones protect the occupants at all times.
Comparing the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class
Audi A8, Bentley Flying Spur, BMW Série 7, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Maserati Quattroporte
*References
Rufiange Daniel, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.438
Duquet Denis, Le guide de l’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions de l’Homme, 2012, p.460
Charette Daniel, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.419
www.mercedes-benz.ca