2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　The TeleAid system is enhanced. Now reservations for travel as well as tickets for sporting and theater events can all be acquired from the considerable comfort of the S-Class' cabin.

　　

zzdcar says

　　Fast, luxurious and technically advanced, the S-Class should continue to be a favorite of movers and shakers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) 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 $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$260/mo  for S-Class S430

　　S-Class S430

　　S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $71,850 MSRPS500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A) - $80,200 MSRPS55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl 5A) - $99,500 MSRPS600 4dr Sedan (5.8L 12cyl 5A) - $115,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Large Mercedes sedans have always been sought-after by the elite. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard and make a powerful statement about the owner's financial security. The current S-Class projects confidence, prestige and good taste. Last year, Mercedes bumped performance and amenities by offering the 12-cylinder-equipped S600 and sporty S55.

　　Sporting a coupe-like profile and a traditional oval-headlight face, the 2002 S-Class looks lean and sleek while weighing nearly 500 pounds less than the previous-generation model. Careful attention to interior packaging gives the current version a roomy cabin and a large 15.4 cubic foot trunk.

　　Four models are available: the 275-horsepower S430, which comes with a 4.3-liter V8 engine; the 302-horsepower S500, which boasts a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood; the S55 with a 5.5-liter V8 and 354 horsepower; and the top-gun S600, sporting a 362-horsepower V12.

　　All models are suited up with a fully independent four-link front and five-link rear suspension, ABS and brake assist (which reduces braking distance in panic stops), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and BabySmart child-seat protection. Eight airbags are standard, including two head-protection curtain airbags and a passenger airbag that deploys with partial or full force, depending on the car's speed at impact. Active Body Control (ABC), which debuted on the 2000 CL500, is standard on the S600 and S55 (S430 and S500 buyers can get it as an option).

　　Also standard on the S-Class is the controversial COMAND (Cockpit Management And Data) system, which can be directed by voice commands, steering-wheel controls or buttons near the display screen. The system controls the navigation program, hands-free cellular phone and stereo/CD controls. Another advanced feature is Mercedes' TeleAid function, which puts a driver in touch with a Protection One representative for help in emergencies, roadside assistance or general information. And this year, TeleAid's abilities have been expanded to allow travel reservations or ticket purchases to be made via this telematics system.

　　A smart cruise control system, called Distronic, utilizes radar sensors to keep the car at a specified distance from the car in front of it. When the car you are following slows down, the S-Class automatically cuts power and can even apply up to 20 percent maximum braking to maintain the specific distances you have set. Distronic is standard on the S600 and is optional on V8 models.

　　Serious performance buffs will want to check out the S55 from Mercedes-Benz tuner AMG. Non-S55 buyers can still add some sport to their S-Class by ordering the S-Class Sport package, which includes an aggressive body kit with an AMG-designed front spoiler, sculpted rocker panels and a new rear apron. AMG Monoblock 18-inch alloy wheels are also part of the package.

　　Other S-Class features include a Bose Beta sound system, five-speed automatic transmission, optional ventilated seats that circulate air through the cushion, and, new this year, Internet access for e-mail junkies on the go.

　　Feature- and luxury-laden, the S-Class makes for an attractive executive conveyance.

　　

2002 S-Class Highlights

Type: S55 AMGSedanSedan

　　Trim: S430S500S55 AMGS600S430

　　

Base MSRP	$71,850
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$260/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles