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Mercedes-Benz S Class
Despite the myriad vagaries inherent in the world automotive markets, despite the general atmosphere of political and economic volatility, there is one segment that will always remain bullish - the segment that caters to the moneyed. The moneyed, who won't blink twice before lapping up those stratospherically priced autos so advanced, so beautiful, so rare, so powerful and so prestigious that it sets its owner apart from the crowd.
Cars in the Mercedes-Benz ensemble have historically been targeted to the cream of the society, and when the car in question is the newest model of Mercedes S Class then the clientele naturally comes from the creamiest layer of prestige and wealth. Loaded with features that impart a whole new meaning to the idea of luxury and style, the 2007 S Class is being hailed as the best vehicle on the road, easily ahead of the competition.
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The new S Class is not a radical departure from the old. Crisper lines, an elegant Maybach-style two-tiered rear, and faux-pontoon fender flares are the primary distinguishing features. Compared to previous models, everything's grown an inch or so: the length, the height, the width, and even the wheel diameters, which now start at eighteen inches in the U.S. While the outgoing model was offered with short and long wheelbases, the new S-class will come to the market only in stretched form.
Lunched in three versions, the S Class 500 goes on sale for an estimated base price in the high-80Ks Plus with radar sensors, seats with an extended massage function, an infra-red night view system, the new central command system, preventive occupant protection, and a Parking Assist system.
The experience of driving a car begins to take a surreal bent when you opt for the new Distronic Plus cruise-control system that, without help from the driver, has the ability to bring the big car to a complete stop in traffic. This is a safety device that has the capacity to prevent many accidents from happening. When the cruise control is set, the car's short and longrange radar systems monitor other cars or objects in front, applying
the brakes or throttle as and when needed. The distance the S-class will keep from the car in front can be varied, and at its lowest setting, it gets about as close as a good driver would dare.
Safety concerns get addressed quite admirably in case there is threat of collision. The safety sensors in the S Class get activated
when deceleration exceeds a certain level and a skid is imminent.
The sensors lead to tensioningthe front seat belts as a precaution and inflate air cushions in the multi-contour seats to envelop and support all occupants. It also closes the side windows. So if you can afford to buy it, this is obviously the car for you. The idea of driving in the best car ever produced does matter in today's cookie-cutter world. |
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