Alx

So the 2007 Mercedes S-Class has been in dealerships for a few weeks now, and there's probably still a few of you on the fence as to whether or not it really time to upgrade to Mercedes' latest flagship sedan.

If you're the type that falls into this category, Jonathan Welsh over at the Wall Street Journal decided he'd the newest S-Class for a spin and add his two cents on the topic.

Although I disagree with some of Jonathan's sentiments, overall he offers up a decent non-partisan opinion and points out a number of the S-Class' strengths and weaknesses.

If you have some free time, head over to the - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER and check it out.

Note: I've linked to a re-print of the WSJ article over at the Post-Gazette, due to the fact that viewing articles on the Wall Street Journal website requires a PAID subscription.

The Artist

i read some of this.. sounds like the first bad review of the S.. i guess this guy wrote this during his period..

bum-man

Anyone who has read it care to sum it up?

Alx

Its short, read it, its just a personal opinion, im with the guy, he described the 7-speed tranny, just as i thought it would feel, especially when driving aggressively.... I think the guy is dead on like 85% or so.

Alx

I didnt think it was a bad review, the guy stated obvious, and actual driving feelings/thoughts that one would have driving a new car for the first time, you set expectations and hope the car fulfills. I thought he was pleased for the most part, and certain things that bothered him would bother anyone that spends six figures on a car. Sounds realistic too me.

The Artist

sounds damn harsh imo..

........
Con:
Parktronic device sounded an alarm as we drove through an automatic toll taker; need the dexterity of a 12 year old videogame junkie to adjust the in-dash video screen that controls such things as the radio, seat massagers, and alarm system; Imposing at 17 feet long - a foot longer than the Hummer H2; BMW-like trunk bulge and fender flares reminiscent of a 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado; We didn’t always love the seven-speed transmission. It annoyed us with its often indecisive search for the right gear. When accelerating to pass on the highway we expect a big, powerful car to downshift perhaps once, not two or three times; Often paused after we pressed hard on the accelerator; Base price is down a bit from 2006 yet still costlier the Audi A8 L or BMW 750Li and we’re not sure it’s worth the premium; We wouldn’t call it pretty, as we would rivals from Audi and Jaguar; Though metal colored, many controls are plastic and some, like the headlight switch, feel cheap; Throttle response often lags and the engine’s thirst earns it a $1000 gas guzzler tax; On city streets pocked with potholes, the ride was harsher than expected, even on Comfort setting; Active Body Control made the car feel numb, less fun.

Pro:
Butter-soft leather seats, a powerful engine and the solid, safe feel of a Teutonic tank; In most respects looks, performs, coddles occupants and stands up to the competing cars better than before.

For what it’s worth, in addition to all the rest PC Magazine (APR 11, page 66) gave the S550 their highest ranking. Also, mentioned that an all wheel drive is due this fall while a diesel version will be available for 07.

yomomwhat

"Base price is down a bit from 2006"
really? that sucks everywhere else its gone up lol
and secondly
"Imposing at 17 feet long"
.....isn't it meant to have presence?

The Artist

lol dont know.. sounds like he has issues with the car

Porsche Guy

Or perhaps the car has issues.

The Artist

i could belive that when many tests get these kinds of results.. ive driven it and all tests i read yet besides this has been positiv..so at the moment the issue lies with him.. lets wait and se..