Base S 550 4dr Rear-Wheel Drive Sedan
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class remains the prototypical full-size luxury sedan, and the complete luxury package. It's suitable for quiet, rock-steady cruising at Autobahn mega-speeds, spirited drives through the countryside, unflustered dawdling through heavy traffic or chauffeured escape from the grind. S-Class safety systems are unparalleled, and this sedan is huge inside. The 2012 S-Class introduces some substantial changes. Among them: three new engines and a redesigned 7-speed automatic, all intended to improve fuel economy while preserving the requisite power and verve. However, the biggest news for 2012 is introduction of the first diesel-powered S-Class for North America since 1996.
The S-Class competes with the Audi A8L, BMW 7 Series and, to a lesser extent, the Lexus LS, but the S-Class offers more model choices than any of those other models. The sport-tuned S63 AMG matches up with BMW Alpina B7, and the smaller but sportier-handling Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera and Aston-Martin Rapide. The S65 makes a less-ostentatious (and faster accelerating) alternative to Bentley's Flying Spur Speed. Mercedes offers the most engine choices in this class, and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC is powered by a high-tech, low-emissions 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6. It's arguably the smoothest, quietest diesel engine ever, almost imperceptible from the driver's seat, and its 455 pound-feet of torque allow the Mercedes-Benz S350 to scoot from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds. Based on the EPA's projected ratings of 20/31 mpg City/Highway, the S350 BlueTEC beats the next highest mileage car in this class by 20 percent (including a couple of hybrids), and that's with 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid combines a gasoline V6 with an electric motor for nearly 300 horsepower, powering the car to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, and surpassing all but the new BlueTEC diesel in fuel economy. This mild hybrid won't run strictly on electric power. The motor assists the gasoline engine to conserve fuel and converts braking energy into electricity to power accessories The S400 Hybrid is EPA-rated 19/25 mpg.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 gets a new, smaller twin-turbo V8, with more power (0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds), better mileage and optional all-wheel drive. The S600 is the most luxurious S-Class, powered by a 536-hp, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 fitted with a 5-speed automatic.
The S63 AMG is finished by the in-house tuning department with appearance tweaks, 20-inch wheels and firmer sport suspension. The 2012 S63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 536 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It also features a unique clutch-operated 7-speed automatic. The S65 AMG is AMG's treatment on the V12 S-Class, with a 6.0-liter engine delivering 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It's one of the most powerful four-door cars in the world.
The S600 V12 and the S63 AMG are both a second quicker than the S500, while the S65 AMG is quickest of all (0-60 in 4.2 seconds). Approaching its 186-mph speed limiter, the S65 is still pulling like …
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Full Review
The 2012 S-Class introduces some substantial changes. Among them: three new engines and a redesigned 7-speed automatic, all intended to improve fuel economy while preserving the requisite power and verve. However, the biggest news for 2012 is introduction of the first diesel-powered S-Class for North America since 1996.
The S-Class competes with the Audi A8L, BMW 7 Series and, to a lesser extent, the Lexus LS, but the S-Class offers more model choices than any of those other models. The sport-tuned S63 AMG matches up with BMW Alpina B7, and the smaller but sportier-handling Maserati Quattroporte, Porsche Panamera and Aston-Martin Rapide. The S65 makes a less-ostentatious (and faster accelerating) alternative to Bentley's Flying Spur Speed. Mercedes offers the most engine choices in this class, and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC is powered by a high-tech, low-emissions 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6. It's arguably the smoothest, quietest diesel engine ever, almost imperceptible from the driver's seat, and its 455 pound-feet of torque allow the Mercedes-Benz S350 to scoot from 0-60 mph in 7 seconds. Based on the EPA's projected ratings of 20/31 mpg City/Highway, the S350 BlueTEC beats the next highest mileage car in this class by 20 percent (including a couple of hybrids), and that's with 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid combines a gasoline V6 with an electric motor for nearly 300 horsepower, powering the car to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph, and surpassing all but the new BlueTEC diesel in fuel economy. This mild hybrid won't run strictly on electric power. The motor assists the gasoline engine to conserve fuel and converts braking energy into electricity to power accessories The S400 Hybrid is EPA-rated 19/25 mpg.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 gets a new, smaller twin-turbo V8, with more power (0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds), better mileage and optional all-wheel drive. The S600 is the most luxurious S-Class, powered by a 536-hp, 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 fitted with a 5-speed automatic.
The S63 AMG is finished by the in-house tuning department with appearance tweaks, 20-inch wheels and firmer sport suspension. The 2012 S63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 536 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. It also features a unique clutch-operated 7-speed automatic. The S65 AMG is AMG's treatment on the V12 S-Class, with a 6.0-liter engine delivering 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It's one of the most powerful four-door cars in the world.
The S600 V12 and the S63 AMG are both a second quicker than the S500, while the S65 AMG is quickest of all (0-60 in 4.2 seconds). Approaching its 186-mph speed limiter, the S65 is still pulling like …
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| Engine | 4.6L V-8 |
| MPG | 15 City / 25 Hwy |
| Seating | 5 Passengers |
| Transmission | 7-spd auto w/OD |
| Power | 429 @ 5250 rpm |
| Drivetrain | rear-wheel |
