1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Side-impact airbags debut in all S-Class cars this year. S-Class coupes get new front bumpers. All cars get new alloy wheels. A Parktronic system is available for those who aren't comfortable parking their $100,000 car in a smaller space. Mercedes' outstanding Automatic Slip Reduction (ASR) traction control system is finally available on the S320s. Lastly, a rain sensor system is now standard on all models. (It adjusts the speed of the wipers to the intensity of the rain.)

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$228/mo  for S-Class S500

　　S-Class S500

　　S500 2dr Coupe (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPS500 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRPS420 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRPS600 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRPS600 2dr Coupe - N/A MSRPS320 LWB 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRPS320 SWB 4dr Sedan - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Big Mercedes sedans have always been the ultimate automobiles. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard, and keep the general public at bay. The S-Class projects confidence, prestige, and a certain amount of cold indifference.

　　Starting at just under $70,000 for the surprisingly speedy S320 six-cylinder sedan, and topping out at double that price for a S600 12-cylinder behemoth, the S-Class doesn't seem much like a mega-buck automobile on the inside. The switchgear feels relatively chintzy, the flimsy dash panel above the central vents is totally unacceptable in a car of this caliber, and the cheesy terry cloth fabric covering the lower dash feels and looks low rent.

　　Ergonomics are slightly marred by a plethora of confusing pictographs. Otherwise, the dash layout is perfect, as is the seating position. Step out and close the door; the thunk as it shuts exudes quality craftsmanship. The exterior styling is slab-sided and massive, making the car look fat. Aside from the traditional grille, the S-Class is devoid of exterior character, more so than the pedestrian Lexus LS400, and in startling contrast to the BMW 7-Series.

　　For 1997, Mercedes has introduced a host of luxury upgrades to help protect occupants, and to make their job of driving easier.

　　The S-Class costs more than just about anything printed in this book, and although the car is nice, we don't think it is quite that nice. If you've got this much money to spend, take a look at the new Jaguars or the BMW 7-Series; they might just make you happier.

　　

1997 S-Class Highlights

Type: SedanCoupeSedan

　　Trim: S420S600S320 LWBS320 SWBS500S420

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$228/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive