2013 Mercedes Benz S Class Review Pictures
On both
road and track, the 2013 Mercedes S-Class makes a solid case for the
crown of top sport sedan. But its stunning performance capability
diminishes the car's elegance and luxury not one bit. At some point
Mercedes is going to encounter the limits of this whole iron-fist-in-velvet-glove
theme, but it marks a new level of silky potency. The increasingly
stupendous horsepower levels of Mercedes' sport sedans mirrors the
industry race for top honors. The difference is subtle but important.
The 469-horsepower, supercharged, intercooled 5.5-liter V-8 engine
producing that exhaust note provides prodigious - and seamless - thrust,
while meeting the expectations of the most finicky luxury-car aficionados.
The hand-built engines are carefully balanced and tuned, so that despite
their high output (an astounding 516 lb-ft of torque), owners need
not be bothered with the rasping, sputtering behavior of old-style
performance engines.
The variable-boost power steering is a quicker 2.8 turns lock-to-lock,
compared to 3.3 turns. In the driver's hands, the steering proved
responsive and provides good feedback. But curiously, in fast bends
we found the steering seemed sluggish just off center at the beginning
of turn-in, catching up as additional steering angle is added for
a distinctly nonlinear impression. In slower, tighter turns where
more steering angle is required from turn-in, the effect wasn't apparent.
The brakes employ Mercedes' electro-hydraulic system, which gives
the company the ability to optimized brake response for both stopping
and stability control. The stability control system works nicely,
providing a safety net during brisk driving, without taking the reigns
out of the driver's hands as too many such systems do. The 2013 Mercedes
S-Class remains the ultra-luxury car against which other ultra-luxury
aspirants are judged.
The 2013 Mercedes S-Class is a beautiful line of cars, sleek and aerodynamic.
They are smaller yet roomier than the bulky pre-2000 models they replaced.
And they are extremely sophisticated. MicroPricessors and onboard
sensors instantaneously determine forces acting upon the car, filter
the data, and adjust the handling. There's much technology here and
learning all of the features takes some time. The most popular model,
offers plenty of power for quick passes, merging into fast freeway
traffic, and accelerating out of corners. Delivers much more responsive
performance, with crisp acceleration that should please any closet
hot-rodder. Electric seat belt tensioners are activated, and the power
seats adjust to a lower and more upright position. Mercedes-Benz calls
this system Pre-Safe, and points out that it is the only system in
production today that engages before the impact, when milliseconds
can minimize the energy spikes that cause serious injuries.
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