S500

Comparing these two ultra-luxury sedans is a task of comparing better and best. Each of these cars is the absolute epitome of luxury. We drove the new flagship of the prestigious Mercedes line and compared it to its 1999 model year predecessor. When the venerable W140 chassis was introduced in the 1992 model year it received mixed reviews. At the time it took the traditional Mercedes qualities to almost unheard of levels. While universally praised for its solid structure, world class safety, generous accommodations, limo-exceeding comfort, and technological advancement it did have its critics. Some said it was too much of a good thing. Its sheer mass and fuel economy numbers put off the eco-conscious. Cost, weight, and size matched the amount of luxury, safety, and engineering buyers received. The new W220 S-class builds upon the greatness of its predecessor and refines it to levels you must experience to believe. Engineers have managed to shave approximately 550lbs off the curb weight of the old car in this latest flagship. Generous use of lightweight materials combined with an overall design that is smaller on the outside and bigger on the inside accounts for most of the difference. Aluminum now makes up 14% of the structure, fiber optics replace the copper wires in the onboard computers, high-strength steel is double its previous level, and laminated glass replaces the double pane stuff of the W140. These construction differences allow the engineers to do things that not only save weight but also increase performance. The W220 shares the corporate engine family with its twin-plug/3-valve modular construction. In 5.0 form it produces slightly less power (302 vs. 322) and a bit less torque (339 vs. 354) than its DOHC predecessor but has a flattened torque curve, LEV emissions, improved fuel economy, and tidier overall packaging. Having 550lbs less car to heft around more than makes up for any small power losses.

*Tale of the Tape*	W140	W220
Overall Length	205.2"	203.1"
Width	74.3"	73.0"
Height	58.5"	56.9"
Wheelbase	123.6"	121.5"
Weight (lbs)	4700	4150
Drag Coefficient	0.32	0.27
Acceleration (0-60mph)	7.2	6.4
EPA Mileage	15 - 21	16 - 23
Base Price	$87,500	$77,850

All the traditional MB safety enhancements are there with ASR, ESP, ABS, baby-smart, brake-assist, and 8 airbags being standard. The air suspension can raise and lower the vehicle via a dash switch the system automatically lowers the car slightly at highway speeds to lessen drag and improve stability. GPS navigation is standard and is tied into the new "COMMAND" center that integrates controls for the phone, CD player, cassette player, and radio into one computer screen. The LCD illuminated gauge cluster is a somewhat radical change from the analog dash of tradition.

*Driving Impressions W140*
	The car feels as big as it looks. Acceleration off the line is muted until the upper rpm's where it feels like the engine gets up on its cams. Transmission response is also somewhat slower. Although still leagues quicker and more refined than the old hydraulic 4-speed it lacks the intuitive edge (or programming?) of the transmission in the 2000 car.

Brakes are solid and show only minimal fade after several stops from highway speeds. Steering feel is very washed of any communication and the car understeers when pushed. Ride is quite cushy yet still well damped and refined. Road noise is undetectable in the front seats and only slightly detectable in the backseats. The long, wide, flat hood with the chrome star at the end of it makes you feel like you're "the king of the world" with a berth to match.


	The trunk is cavernous and the climate controls leave nothing lacking. Seats are umpteen way adjustable and support you in utter comfort. Rear seat room is only exceeded by a stateroom giving passengers the feeling of true luxury and comfort. Obviously, in a car like this luxury takes precedence over performance. This is one car where luxury is paramount and occupants are always immersed in it.

The 5.0 mill can actually snap your neck off the line or at speed given a quick amount of right foot. Sixty miles per hour hits in a couple ticks over 6 seconds and acceleration doesn't diminish much with speed. The new transmission shift gate has only P, R, N, and D notches. What makes it a leap forward is the incorporation of a Porsche style Tiptronic or Autostick shift mechanism. Once in D, tap the lever towards the passenger seat for an upshift and towards the driver's seat for a downshift.

A display on the dash lets you know what gear your in and also alerts you to whether it is in winter or summer modes. Want to pass? Coming into a corner? Tap-tap the shifter and you're off. Kickdown response is also quicker and more progressive. Give it a moderate amount of foot in D and you get an easy downshift. Hit it hard and you get pasted to the seat. This contrasts the old car where sometimes it felt as if it you had to lug it in a high gear or floor it. While okay for the lag-n-lunge crowd the enhanced moderation is nice.



	The air suspension shrugs off everything from potholes to railroad tracks without a hint of disruption or noise to the passenger compartment. While doing this it also allows for much flatter and predictable cornering. In fact, given the scope and potential of the air suspension we would be intrigued to see what it could do given a bit more tire to work with.

Is it perfect? Very close...the new electronic gauge cluster might bother some traditionalists and the computer screen/control center needs a tasteful wooden cover. To take the W140's world-class luxury and poise and match it with vastly improved handling, braking, and acceleration in a package that costs $10,000 less is truly amazing. Unless you're a die-hard performance junkie this is perhaps the best Mercedes yet. - Lee Scheeler

Notes:

PeachParts would like to give special thanks to Tysinger Mercedes-Benz in Hampton, VA, for allowing us to photograph and thoroughly examine their S500.

PeachParts would like to give special thanks to Phillips Mercedes-Benz in Virginia Beach, VA, for allowing us to test drive their S500.


The extremely low 0.27 drag coefficient is achieved not only by having smooth topside surfaces but by keeping the underside uncluttered.



On the comfort side the new seats adjust to pamper any physique and the Napa leather makes the traditional MB leather feel almost utilitarian. The trunk meets S-Class standards in every way.