Mercedes-Benzof Santa Fe
2586 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87507
- Sales: (505) 913-2900
- Service: (505) 913-2940
- Parts: (505) 913-2930
2586 Camino Entrada
Santa Fe, NM 87507
Actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, habits and vehicle condition.
The standard features of the Mercedes-Benz S 450 Base include 3.0L V-6 362hp twin turbo engine, 9-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS), integrated navigation system, side seat mounted airbags, curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags, rear side-impact airbag, driver knee airbag, airbag occupancy sensor, airbag childseat sensor, THERMOTRONIC automatic air conditioning, 18" aluminum wheels, cruise control, ABS and driveline traction control.
| MSRP | Engine | Transmission | City/Hwy mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
S 450
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|
$89,900 | 362-hp 3.0L 6-cyl | 9-spd auto | 19 / 28 |
S 450 4MATIC
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|
$92,900 | 362-hp 3.0L 6-cyl | 9-spd auto | 18 / 28 |
S 560
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|
$99,900 | 463-hp 4.0L 8-cyl | 9-spd auto | No Data |
S 560 4MATIC
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|
$102,900 | 463-hp 4.0L 8-cyl | 9-spd auto | 17 / 27 |
The S-Class sedan ride is impeccable, while the brakes get the heavy car stopped true and without drama. It’s not athletic. It is too big and heavy to handle like a sports sedan. The steering lacks feedback.
Air suspension with adaptive dampers is standard, while the available Magic Ride Control uses hydraulic springs. Its glassy ride comes via a camera that views the road ahead and sets the suspension for the upcoming surface. In Comfort mode, it truly feels magic.
The new S 560’s twin-turbo V8 is 4.0 liters, smaller than the previous S 550 with 4.7 liters, but it makes 14 more horsepower. Its 463 hp is as much as anyone needs.
The AMG S 65 with a V12 making 621 horsepower is rear-wheel drive. Don’t let the horsepower fool you; it’s not as quick as the AMG S 63 V8. The V12 has other virtues. And it’s mated to a seven-speed automatic, not a nine-speed. The Maybach S 650 V12 makes less horsepower.
Few of those 6500 changes are to the exterior. There’s a new grille and bumpers, and new LED headlamps that project a wide display and provide autonomous functioning. The AMG models have a low wing-like front fascia with big air intakes, and a rear diffuser with four exhaust tips.
The cabin reeks of splendor. It boasts beautiful craftsmanship that’s impressive to the eye, with fit and finish that few cars can equal.
For 2018, the two 12.3-inch screens, one for gauges and one for infotainment, are combined into one big screen, with higher resolution. A new system called Energizing Comfort can be set for five separate 10-minute programs to soothe the driver. The programs combine climate control, seat heating or cooling, seat massage, music, ambient lighting, and fragrance diffusion. Sounds perfect for a relaxing nap behind the wheel, while autonomous driving takes you to your destination.
The horizontal dash has two tiers and is glamorous in quilted leather with silver trim. The materials have high contrast, and there are a lot of shiny accents over the basic wood or leather trim, with carbon-fiber accents on the AMG models.
The front seats are superb, somewhere between supportive and plush, with big cushions and a lot of adjustment, although the ergonomics are occasionally fiddly. The rear seats are also wide and comfortable, at least the outside seats.
The COMAND connectivity system is upgraded for 2018. It comes with five years of service and includes Facebook, Pandora, voice-to-text email and text messages, a mobile app, non-streaming apps, web services, roadside connection, and diagnostics data.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is truly the ultimate sedan. Powerful, luxurious, taut ride and handling, built like a tank. The S 560 with the 463-hp V8 seems the appropriate model to us.
Sam Moses contributed to this report, with staff reports.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class ranges from the S 450 ($89,900) with rear-wheel-drive and V6 to the AMG S 65 V12 ($229,500), the Master of the Universe model. In between are the S 560 V8 ($99,900), and the AMG S 63 ($147,500). The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is available.
Optional equipment includes things like a 24-speaker surround sound system, warm-stone massaging seats, perfume scents released into the cabin, entertainment and fridge in the rear, and two executive rear seating packages that include airline-like tables and a right-side footrest.
The Maybach models go off into Rolls-Royce territory, with the technology and features wrapped into a limo-like body that’s eight inches longer. The S 560 Maybach 4MATIC is $168,600, while the S 650 Maybach V12 with rear-wheel drive is $198,700.
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