Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pre Model 350 BlueEFFICIENCY 4dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £63,125
Tax Band: I
Insurance Group: 47
MPG: 37.2
CO2: 177
0-62 Mph: 6.9 secs
BHP: 306 BHP
Range: 736 miles
CarSite Verdict:  5/5
The S-Class is a car at the very forefront of automotive technology, and with refinement, quality and a good driving experience, this really is one of the best cars available on the market.

Unfortunately, not all S-Class models are created equal, and the majority of buyers will find that the diesel engine is an option that makes sense, despite the decent performance of the 3.5 litre petrol version in this model.

PROS:  A luxurious cabin and a great driving experience make the S-Class saloon one of the most desirable cars on the market, and the 3.5 litre engine offers plenty of grunt.

CONS:  The petrol version isn't as powerful or efficient as the diesel engine, and the car is very expensive to buy.

Behind the Wheel

The S-Class 350 BlueEFFICIENCY certainly offers an impressive driving experience, with the steering being quick to respond and giving plenty of feedback to the driver. The ride on the air suspension system is very comfortable without being too soft, and this helps to keep the body movement to a minimum when going round the corners. The driving position is very good and offers plenty of visibility to the front and back, and the fully adjustable seat and steering wheel allow anyone to find a comfortable driving position. However, the computer system can be a little distracting when driving.

The 3.5 litre petrol engine may be the smallest in the range, but it still gets the S-Class from 0-62mph in only 6.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, which is plenty of pace for people who want to hold onto their licence. There is a little bit of wind noise in the cabin when driving on the motorway, but on the whole the cabin is very refined.

Looks & Equipment

The S-Class 350 BlueEFFICIENCY is an attractive car with a distinctive front end and sleek lines that run the length of the car. The back end has large clusters of tail lights and is balanced with a pair of chrome exhaust pipes. Inside, the cabin is classy and luxurious, and looks every inch the premium prestige saloon.

The S-Class is legendary for its generous equipment levels, and many creature comforts we take for granted in cheap cars these days first saw the light of day in Merc's flagship saloon. The S-Class has absolutely everything included as standard, apart from a rear-seat entertainment system, which costs an eye-watering £4500.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

When it comes to practical saloon cars, then the S-Class does tick an awful lot of boxes, with plenty of space for passengers in the front and the rear. It also has a good sized boot with plenty of space for luggage. The S-Class also comes with the Mercedes-Benz reputation for reliability, which is supported by the very good warranty package.

The S-Class is also a very safe car, and is supplied with a good range of airbags to look after driver and passenger alike, with the driver's knee airbag being a good addition. The car also has plenty of driver aids that help to keep all four wheels on the road, and help to deliver the power accurately through the wheels.

Value for Money

When it comes to buying a car that has this high level of engineering and technology included with the car, it is unsurprising that the list price of £61,680 is high to match these features. The lsit price is reasonable when you consider that the S-Class is one of the best cars money can buy and you can certainly spend a lot more on something not as good.

The petrol engine featured here may not be as practical as the diesel engines, nor as quick as some of the bigger petrol engines, but it is not too shabby at all. The fuel efficiency is quite good for a 3.5 litre engine, delivering an average 37.2mpg, but it is not in the same league as the diesel engined S-Classes. The insurance group is very high meaning that premiums won't be too cheap, and depreciation will also mean it can be quite costly when it comes to selling the car. The S-Class comes with a three year warranty and roadside breakdown assistance package.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pre Model 350 BlueEFFICIENCY 4dr Car Review - by 
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