|
The parking brake is electronically actuated, but for old time’s sake, you still have to gently nudge on a handle to release or to push the handle to engage. The new S-Class also uses a new column-mounted shifter that’s fairly straightforward with just Reverse, Neutral and Drive selections (Park is engaged by pushing on the shifter stalk itself). With all the vast on-board sensors, computers, wirings and servos, it’s surprising that Mercedes has kept the weight down to 1,925 kilograms—around 50 kilograms lighter than a Ford Explorer. The steering is responsive and accurate, making the S350 a delight to toss around. Of course, the surprising agility of this Mercedes doesn’t hamper its riding comfort as it can smoothen out any sort of bump and rut. The NVH insulation is equally impressive, making 100 kph feel more like 40 and countryside roads feel like the autobahn. As wonderful as the S350’s chassis dynamics is the very drive train. At the heart sits Mercedes-Benz’s universal 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve V6, an engine shared with the new E-Class and the SL-Class roadster. For service under the S-Class, it generates 272 horsepower (modest) and 350 Newton-meters of torque (impressive). The engine is excellent, providing instant overtaking pace thanks to its diesel-like low-range punch. Equally suited to the S-Class is the new 7G-Tronic automatic transmission. With seven forward gears, it provides smooth and seamless progress. Aside from the usual myriad of airbags, the S350 has ABS, stability control, traction control and adaptive braking. Making its debut on the S-Class is Pre-Safe—an intuitive detection system that lessens occupant injury even before the collision can occur. Basically, it preps up the car for a possible collision by adjusting seatbelt slack, steering wheel and seat adjustment and so forth. In addition, the S350 has Parktronic, a parking assist system that uses sensors and a rear-view camera to assist in even the tightest of spaces. After a day inside the luxurious cabin of the S350, it’s hard to imagine people comparing it to an empty shell of a house. Getting a new house merely fulfills a need. It’s not exactly the most passionate of purchases, but you do need a place to sleep in at night. On the other hand, the S-Class fulfills a desire—an individualistic statement of wealth and power that only a few could ever achieve. ◊ |
|
||||||
 |
|||||||
