| Sporty it is, not just in straight-line acceleration.
The weight loss has also improved the S-class' ability to run on tight,
twisty roads. Large it may still be, but it corners with an
agility that belies it size. The chassis features air springs, which
limit the car's dive, squat and roll tendencies. Similar to the air
suspension offered on the 1988 Galant VR-4, it allows the suspension to
switch from soft to stiff in a split-second depending on road conditions.
The ride is smooth and comfortable, even with the optional 245/45R tires
on 18-inch wheels. At speed, it lowers the car's ride height for
improved stability. You can also raise the ride height before traversing
those pesky flashfloods and potholes. Result: excellent
ride comfort combined with enjoyable handling.
The interior is just what the president ordered-large and luxurious. Despite the reduced exterior dimensions, the interior has expanded. Leather seats with power actuation and memory-that's nothing new. But what about seats with internal cooling, to keep your back dry no matter how hot it is-many would pay for this option in Manila's searing heat. Or internal massagers, run by air cushions, which pulse to keep your circulation going on those long trips. Or seats that measure your weight to ensure the proper setting. Don't worry; it won't be displayed on the computer screen. The aircon adjusts the temperature individually for each seating position. The car also features voice-activated satellite navigation, cellular phone, video and audio system all rolled into one. Maybe they packed too many features into this device-it's a bit difficult to operate. More gadgets will be offered as options: radar-linked cruise control, which can monitor and automatically maintain a safe distance to the car you're following (assuming you didn't want to blast past it). A neat feature is the Keyless Go, which replaces the ancient metal car key with a chip card. No keyholes equals baffled would-be car thieves. Is it all too much? Admittedly, the Philippines is not the best place in the world to experience such a car. The high-tech interior can be appreciated here as well as anywhere else, but the high-speed potential of the car will remain just that-potential. (Of course, if you have such a car, early Sunday mornings will be the best part of the week.) Nevertheless, the new S is a leap in the right direction. In offering more cutting-edge features, supreme comfort and superb driving characteristics, all for less weight and fuel consumption, Mercedes has proved that for its flagship car, less is indeed more.
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