2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Flagship of the Mercedes-Benz fleet, the S-Class is a full-size sedan with a large number of configurable options. Currently, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offered in seven models with numerous equipment packages for your perfect luxury sedan to rest. The Mercedes S-Class lineup is divided primarily by the engine and transmission with the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid as the base model, followed by the S550, S63 AMG, and finally the S600.

All Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans are well equipped with standard features like 14-way power adjustable driver's seat seat (heated and cooled, naturally), GPS, Harman / Kardon entertainment system with 15 speakers and 18-inch wheels. There are many option packages which back-up camera systems, larger wheels, massage chairs, and the cool SPLITVIEW feature that allows the driver to view a screen (eg, navigation), while the front passenger position to another (eg film ) to be included.

Competitors of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series and Lexus LS. Due to the large number of powertrain configurations available, the Mercedes-Benz S63 also be compared with the Maserati Quattroporte and Porsche Panamera sedans.

Body style: sedan

Engines: 3.0-liter V-6, 3.5-liter V-6, 4.6-liter V-8, 5.5-liter V-8, 5.5-liter V-12, 6.0-liter V-12

Transmissions: five-speed automatic, seven-speed automatic

Models: Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC, Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, Mercedes-Benz S550, Mercedes-Benz S600, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class underwent a mild refresh of the exterior and the interior in 2011, that carry over into the new model year. The biggest change this year is the addition of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC model, equipped with a 3.0-liter turbo diesel engine and standard four-wheel drive. Consumption of the S350 is an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city and 31 mpg, besting the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, which is 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway gets. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 gets a new 4.6-liter V-8 engine also.

There are no substantive changes to the exterior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with the major changes under the hood ala the new diesel engine and the new 4.6-liter V-8. The S-Class continues on with its prominent grille and hood ornament, with a prominent character line diagonally down the sides of the front fender and trapezoidal taillights distinguish the S-Class Mercedes-Benz of other cars. From the side, a character line slopes downward toward the rear taillights. Standard and optional wheels and tires ranging from models and packages, including other exterior improvements, such as color.

Like the exterior, there are no significant changes to the interior of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Driver and passengers are wrapped in premium leather and wood accents, and the interior is spacious especially the back row. Both instrument cluster and infotainment system on the center console are easy to see and use, the latter primarily controlled by a central call unity between the driver and front passenger.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan has standard air-cushion suspension absorbs all but the worst bumps, potholes and cracks. Engine noise is virtually nonexistent as a benefit of a luxury sedan, and road and wind noise are well controlled. Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will find the controls on the lighter side of a German, but the S-Class is primarily a cruiser (albeit a fast one), S63 and S65 AMG even the models.

Like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class features a huge range of active and passive safety. Eight standard airbags are front row airbags, front and rear row side-impact airbags and curtain airbags, head protection. Other safety technologies include ABS braking system (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and stability control systems. Active safety systems such as Attention Assist driver drowsiness warning is ala this year by actively Lane Keeping Assist (which affects the vehicle brakes to keep the driver within a job), and Active Blind Spot Assist systems.

Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC 4Matic: 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid: 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz S550: 15 mpg city/25 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic: 15 mpg city/24 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz S600: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway

Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG: 12 mpg city/19 mpg highway