Performance and luxury in 2008 Mercedes Benz S450
Our planet is constantly sending signals skyward which carry the television, movies and music seen and heard the world over. Some say that one day, they'll be intercepted by aliens who will use them to learn about us humans.
For the most part, things won't look too flattering. Could we be redeemed for Survivor reruns, Emo bands and YouTube Blogs?
Maybe- if we sent one of our best cars into space, satellite Voyager style.
Encapsulate something like the Mercedes-Benz S450 4Matic and send it to the heavens, and someday it could blow the pointy little ears off of whoever stumbled upon it.
The S-Class has long been a sedan that exemplified top-levels of luxury, performance and technology.
Several engines and two wheelbases are available- so there's a specific model available for the whims of anyone with deep enough pockets.
Starting at $108,000, the tester carried nearly $20,000 in optional equipment for a pricetag higher than a house in some parts of the galaxy. Thing is, the S450's got nicer furniture, a more powerful entertainment system, and more comfortable seats than most living rooms.
Leather, wood and metal come together inside for an opulent atmosphere that's as comfortable and relaxing as a full-day spa treatment. Sci-fi gizmos are everywhere, including voice control, electronic displays, navigation, and even a central-command system. Despite a relatively restrained looking visual execution, it's easily the most purely sumptuous interior you may ever visit.
A magnificent Harman Kardon stereo drenches the cabin with rich, vibrant sound or complete silence at a twist of the volume knob.
It's ready to satisfy your every mood, and the adaptive transmission and suspension systems do the same.
Tap a switch to dial up a comfortable and soft attitude, or an aggressive and sporty one.
The engine matches this eager-to-please character as well, depending on the positioning of your right foot. Cruise at 130, and the S-Class's 7-speed automatic allows the 335 horsepower V8 to spin along at a mere 2000 RPM. In the process, there's a subtle calm with minimal road and wind noise.
Plant the rightmost pedal to break the silence with a firm downshift before the car lurches forward with urgency.
S450 doesn't so much have a power curve as a seamless surge of thrust at any RPM.
It's not warp drive per se, but it's much more than adequate for most drivers.
When pushed, the 4.7 litre mill emits enough sound to cause a grin- but mostly performs in silence.
Power is delivered to all four wheels through Mercedes' 4-Matic all wheel drive system.
If you've ever needed to drive a high-luxury car around in a blizzard, this could make it a cinch. In fact, with a full arsenal of winter blasting features, chrome jewelry and silvery iridium colored skin, the tester looked like a real roadgoing winter weapon.
You'll need snow tires though- as the optional 19-inch AMG wheels wear performance rubber that isn't meant for use in the snow. They're just perfect for the coming warm weather, though.
Aside from more self-defense mechanisms than an Apache helicopter, the tester came packed with such goodies as a night-vision system and intelligent, radar guided cruise control.
There's even an electronic parking assistant that ensures you don't leave any clearcoat on someone else's ride when moving in tight quarters.
For a yacht-sized sedan, S450 maneuvers easily too.
The top-line seats power adjust in any way you might fathom, featuring a dozen or more air-bladders that allow a complete customization to your backside. They'll even give you a massage in your choice of four different styles.
Anything it doesn't do? As far as cars go, not really.
The delicious blend of muscle, luxury, technology and supreme comfort are really out of this world.
Carmakers all have flagship vehicles- but the Mercedes Benz S-Class might just be the flagship sedan of our entire planet.
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