It's probably somewhat erroneous to claim a " test drive" of a brand new S-350, but thanks to the good graces of the owner of a certain red 690SEL, I was given the opportunity to take one on a somewhat extended fifteen to twenty kilometer drive.
What can one say about a car costing $210k. according to Michel - Internet information claims an extra $20k. ? You know like, a car is a car, with four wheels, a body and interior and, say again, how would it compare with the latest model Commodore or a brand new Subaru ? Michel would not be drawn on a comparison as he simply says, you can't compare as it is not like with like, so I have to draw my own conclusions without the necessary back-up of intimate knowledge.
What left me cold about the S350 - interior space and the colour of the upholstery. Leg room for rear passengers nowhere near 6.9 territory or, for that matter, our Holden Statesman. The upholstery was black, but looking very much like any other substantial size Saloon - see the latest Chrysler, Commodore etc. So, on that score, nothing particularly exciting.
Still sticking to the interior, the quality of switchgear and the various controls were quite exemplary. Also, the neatness, and artistic layout is miles ahead of 116 furnishings, and streets ahead of your more mundane cars, such as the Commodore. Mind you though, having said that, I have seen interior pics of the latest SLS AMG, and the internal switch gear is nothing more than just basic in design, and possibly execution. This S-Class was spot on in that regard, especially switch gear on doors and steering wheel controlling various seat and other functions.
The electronic technology and features built into these cars, is simply quite outstanding, and astounding - mind you, and taking our minds back to Cam's (SELfour50) European BMW driving experience where the car virtually drove itself, when I indicated that I was keen to test this feature with this S - Class on Hoxton Park Road, there was a very urgent and uncomfortable reminder by Michel that this feature only works on the highways - not on suburban roads when the car in front is only about twenty meters away. Well, I got the message.
So, let's get down to driving this car, and performance. Normal driving, this car did nothing wrong, nor especially right. Well, you know, how can you tell what it is capable of in real emergency or handling situations ? You just can't tell. It was nice and quiet, and serene, effortless and I guess, if you buried the loud pedal, it would actually accelerate quite impressively - but you had to push your foot down. With my 6.9 Gleaming Beauty - torque is at foot immediately - never mind about having to bury that pedal - it is instant, so on that score, the old dinosaur is a clear winner. The technological improvements that have taken place in the last ten years with motor cars are nothing short of remarkable, and even a very normal 1.4 Litre VW Polo will go like a scalded cat, accompanied by a fair amount of road noise.
I also found this S-Class to be almost too quiet - much quieter than the 6.9. Yet, I love the exhaust noise from 'Gleaming Beauty' - you can HEAR that there is something happening all the time, and Michel tells me that even this new S-Class model can still take a lesson or two from a well controlled, in good working condition, 6.9 suspension system. So, a mixed bag, but I enjoyed the experience - the closest that I have ever come, or will ever get, to supposed motoring perfection. Regards Styria
N.B. One wonderful feature that I forgot to mention - the sound system. Absolutely brilliant. I believe it has ten to twelve speakers . As a matter of interest, would anyone be able to dig up some specifications or details as where the various units are located ? I'd love to copy something like that.
What can one say about a car costing $210k. according to Michel - Internet information claims an extra $20k. ? You know like, a car is a car, with four wheels, a body and interior and, say again, how would it compare with the latest model Commodore or a brand new Subaru ? Michel would not be drawn on a comparison as he simply says, you can't compare as it is not like with like, so I have to draw my own conclusions without the necessary back-up of intimate knowledge.
What left me cold about the S350 - interior space and the colour of the upholstery. Leg room for rear passengers nowhere near 6.9 territory or, for that matter, our Holden Statesman. The upholstery was black, but looking very much like any other substantial size Saloon - see the latest Chrysler, Commodore etc. So, on that score, nothing particularly exciting.
Still sticking to the interior, the quality of switchgear and the various controls were quite exemplary. Also, the neatness, and artistic layout is miles ahead of 116 furnishings, and streets ahead of your more mundane cars, such as the Commodore. Mind you though, having said that, I have seen interior pics of the latest SLS AMG, and the internal switch gear is nothing more than just basic in design, and possibly execution. This S-Class was spot on in that regard, especially switch gear on doors and steering wheel controlling various seat and other functions.
The electronic technology and features built into these cars, is simply quite outstanding, and astounding - mind you, and taking our minds back to Cam's (SELfour50) European BMW driving experience where the car virtually drove itself, when I indicated that I was keen to test this feature with this S - Class on Hoxton Park Road, there was a very urgent and uncomfortable reminder by Michel that this feature only works on the highways - not on suburban roads when the car in front is only about twenty meters away. Well, I got the message.
So, let's get down to driving this car, and performance. Normal driving, this car did nothing wrong, nor especially right. Well, you know, how can you tell what it is capable of in real emergency or handling situations ? You just can't tell. It was nice and quiet, and serene, effortless and I guess, if you buried the loud pedal, it would actually accelerate quite impressively - but you had to push your foot down. With my 6.9 Gleaming Beauty - torque is at foot immediately - never mind about having to bury that pedal - it is instant, so on that score, the old dinosaur is a clear winner. The technological improvements that have taken place in the last ten years with motor cars are nothing short of remarkable, and even a very normal 1.4 Litre VW Polo will go like a scalded cat, accompanied by a fair amount of road noise.
I also found this S-Class to be almost too quiet - much quieter than the 6.9. Yet, I love the exhaust noise from 'Gleaming Beauty' - you can HEAR that there is something happening all the time, and Michel tells me that even this new S-Class model can still take a lesson or two from a well controlled, in good working condition, 6.9 suspension system. So, a mixed bag, but I enjoyed the experience - the closest that I have ever come, or will ever get, to supposed motoring perfection. Regards Styria
N.B. One wonderful feature that I forgot to mention - the sound system. Absolutely brilliant. I believe it has ten to twelve speakers . As a matter of interest, would anyone be able to dig up some specifications or details as where the various units are located ? I'd love to copy something like that.
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