Skip to main content

ads1

First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC


Previews

As a late addition to the 2007 lineup, the ninth-generation S-class adds 4MATIC all-wheel drive to the option list. Although past S-classes have also had this choice, the system has been completely overhauled for the latest S550 (within the S-class range 4MATIC is only available on S550s).

Perhaps the best news is that the new system, developed 100-percent in-house by Mercedes, is now teamed with the company’s excellent seven-speed automatic. For now, the new all-wheel drive is exclusive to the S550—the E-class 4MATIC models keep the old version with the five-speed tranny, and while the all-wheel-drive SUVs have the seven-speed, it’s a different setup. However, a version of this latest all-wheel drive will be available shortly on the redesigned 2008 C-class.

The new 4MATIC system is reportedly 60 pounds lighter than the old one, making an S550 4MATIC just 145 pounds heavier than a standard S550. That massive weight reduction was accomplished by using aluminum front axles instead of steel as well as eliminating the transfer case altogether by incorporating the planetary center differential into the transmission case. That second bit also saves on complexity: S-class 4MATICs no longer require a separate, wider transmission tunnel. Mercedes claims the friction within the system has been reduced as well, and reports a 60-percent reduction in the fuel-economy penalty of its all-wheel drive. But we’re a bit skeptical of that claim as the S550 4MATIC’s fuel economy drop according to EPA ratings is 1-mpg city and 2-mpg highway (15/22 versus 16/24), nearly identical to the previous S-class’
ratings.

Handling, Competition, and Pricing

Other changes include a switch from a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split to a fixed 45/55 split for better dynamic handling, says Mercedes. In slippery situations, the standard stability control (which also includes traction control) ensures that torque gets to the appropriate wheels. In practice, we were hard pressed to notice any seat-of-the-pants difference between rear-drive and all-wheel-drive S-class models, which was likely Mercedes’ goal. Either way, occupants are coddled in soft and supportive leather seats and are treated to a divinely supple ride. Of course, the S550 still feels big and heavy—because it is—and even though the steering and chassis aren’t quite as communicative as competitors’ such as the Audi A8 or BMW 7-series, we think the S550 is the best compromise between sportiness and luxury, which is why it prevailed in a comparison test amongst four of its peers.

The 4MATIC version of Mercedes’ largest sedan is powered by the same 382-hp 5.5-liter V-8, and Mercedes predicts the same 0-to-60-mph time as well, although we think the all-wheel-drive version should get off the line quicker and could therefore beat the class-leading 5.3 seconds to 60 mph that our quickest, rear-drive S550 managed.

But, starting at $90,825, which includes an extra $3300 for 4MATIC, fabulousness doesn’t come cheap.


source: www.caranddriver.com

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

NAIAS Detroit 2007: Volkswagen continues BLUETEC offensive

Volkswagen is presenting the Concept Tiguan SUV study at the North American International Auto Show. In the first half of next year the series version of the “Touareg’s little brother” will be debuting in the US. The Tiguan is being advanced as a significant component in Volkswagen’s model range in order to expand the market position in the US. Moreover, Volkswagen expects additional US growth starting in 2008 from the market launch of the cleanest TDI of all times. The introduction of the Turbodiesel direct injection engine equipped with a NOx secondary treatment system is taking place as part of the BLUETEC offensive in the latest Jetta– the most successful car in America from a German manufacturer. European injection technologies are increasingly convincing US customers: In 2006 Volkswagen of America had sales 4.9 percent above the previous year. This corresponds to 235,140 vehicles sold in the US. The positive signs for 2007 include the Eos being offered for the first time over an ...

Kia Motors America Introduces 2007 Kia Borrego SUV at 2008 NAIAS

Newest Addition to Kia Line-up Makes its Debut at North American International Auto Show DETROIT, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of record 2007 sales, Kia Motors America (KMA) today announced the world debut of the all-new 2009 Kia Borrego midsize SUV at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, further bolstering its product offerings in the United States. 2009 Kia Borrego Inspired by Kia's "less is more" design philosophy, Borrego was intended to convey a pure and functional look. It joins Kia's versatile and stylish line of cars and SUVs for those who enjoy active and energetic lifestyles. Set to go on sale this summer as a 2009 model, Kia Borrego houses Kia's first-ever V8 engine, making it the most powerful vehicle to date. "Kia is proud to deliver a stylish and amenity-filled SUV to consumers who are passionate about what they drive," said Len Hunt, president and CEO of KMA. "We strive to make quality vehicl...

First Drive: 2007 Honda Civic GX

Previews Greenie spendthrifts wanted: A heavier, slower Civic with a smaller trunk. Oh, yeah, and it costs 50 percent more. Never mind that we in Michigan are just emerging from our igloos after a long cold winter. The world is heating up, the ice caps are melting, and when that melt is complete, we’ll all be living high in the mountains in houses on stilts to stay dry. Forty days and 40 nights the waters will rage, and when the ice caps refreeze, we’ll all be fighting over who called first dibs on those last two pigs for our celebratory barbecues, since the unicorns were already eaten by sharks. There are people who would argue that that sinister little creation, the automobile, is responsible for it all. We blame Al Gore, China, sweatshops, and greenie celebrities who flit about in private jets. Those who want to make a difference drive hybrids, while those who researched their decision drive diesels. Those who are truly enlightened and want to make a difference, however, seek someth...