Test drive Mercedes Benz S-class w220 1998-2002 sedan
Christmas Voyage
In the parking lot near the small airport of Innsbruck, a dozen new Mercedes shone in the sunny rays. I should choose one to make a 120-kilometer throw to the town of Hokhgurgl at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level. There, we were waiting for the main surprise for the novelty of the season compact SUV GLK. On this occasion, the organizers of the test even managed to agree on the discovery of Timmelsokh, usually inaccessible at this time of the year of the year, 2400 meters). Such a Stuttgart company is confident in its cars. Along the way, to us, automobile journalists, it was proposed to evaluate all the advantages of the 4Matic system on different models. By the way, now in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio there is a total of 51 model and modification with a 4x4 wheel formula. The full -wheel drive was deprived of only compact machines A and the class. Since the path was not close, mainly on mountain roads, and my fellow traveler turned out to be a colleague wise with experience, our agreed choice naturally fell on a S-class, namely on the S500 4Matic with an almost complete set of options. If possible, you need to love yourself and pamper yourself
Status and comfort
Do I need to say anything about the appearance of the S500 4Matic? A few years ago, at the time of the debut of the flagship Mercedes in Frankfurt, I heard ah, he is not the same as before. That! A sample of a verified style that can emphasize the status of the owner. It is monumentally elegant that only manages Mercedes-Benz designers, and not offense to competitors will say. And he looks, and attracts his eyes the same that in the ski Austrian resorts, in Tverskaya in Moscow. And, if you sit inside and gently slam the door, as you begin to understand what exactly you paid for.
A soft large seat in it is also comfortable and comfortable as in a favorite home chair. By tradition, the control keys located on the door sidewall form a clear and extremely convenient contour, which allows you to easily find the most suitable landing. For a more detailed study, there is a button on the central tunnel, by clicking on which you will get into a special menu of additional adjustments, which is informed by the color picture on the display to the right of the instrument panel. Set up the degree of lateral support separately for the back and pillow of the seat, determine the position and degree of infusion of the roller of the lumbar backup. Moreover, the screen is able to unfold to the driver or to the front passenger, who is also available all the adjustments. What exactly and how to do it should be done immediately, since all control is carried out using the Command proprietary system. Just put your hand on a convenient, skin -sheathed stand, under the lid of which hides a mobile phone keyboard, and operate with a round metal controller. This does not require the slightest voltage. In addition, there are direct access keys to various functions, so each time you are not necessary to enter the main menu. Plus, many systems are able to control, without taking the hands from the steering wheel by pressing the necessary buttons located on the left and on the right on the front side of the steering wheel. Naturally, all menus is Russified, including navigation, which is already known for the upcoming route. I display a card to the full screen. And on the monitor, which is simultaneously as a speedometer, the operational diagram of movement directly, right or to the left of the on -board computer will indicate and tell you everything.
And what's around the side? It is worth driving a few kilometers, and you understand: it does not matter what numbers the speedometer arrow of 50, 120 or 220 indicates. The cabin is always quiet in the cabin, there is its own world, its own small universe, covered with soft carpets, leather and wood, where even plastic masis The quality is not inferior to natural materials. The speed can also be judged by the kaleidoscope of pictures, slower or faster flickering outside the window. Moreover, occasionally along the well-fed Red 388-horsepower V8 in version S500, breaking through at decent revolutions through sound insulation.
With such just unusual smoothness for a full -wheel drive car, it is easy to lose contact with reality, or fall into a dime. Especially if on a flat Austrian highway to use the Distronic Plus active cruise control system, which is capable of working in a speed range from 0 to 200 km/h. Having already paid a couple of fines (receipts come to Moscow and Moscow) for excess, and remembering that here the maximum speed is limited at a level of 130 km/h, I set the computer 135 km/h, activated Distronic, and removed my legs from the pedals. Yes, and also established the minimum possible distance to the front of the car (it was still decent by Moscow standards, at least ten fifteen meters). All these modes can be chosen using the left upper steering wheel lever, deflecting it up/down, forward/back and pressing on the end. After each manipulation in the center of the speedometer, an appropriate picture or inscription appears, again in Russian. Distronic Plus works extremely competently. A spore accelerates the car when the lumen is ahead, and slows down exactly when it is required, up to a complete stop. And then the car itself (!), After some pause, begins movement. If you want to reduce this pause, you just need to slightly touch the accelerator pedal. That is, the system can be used even in the city. But in Austria, traffic jams are rare, and to the joy of the body, which is tired by the early flight of the body, is already ending, and we will begin to rise along a winding mountain road. Otherwise, I would definitely begin to peck your nose
Reliable clutch The higher, the more snow. But still the slightest tension. He wanted to shake himself a little stronger on the accelerator pedal, slowed down in front of the next turn, again pressed powerful brake mechanisms, by the way, they did not lose their properties even with intense drive. At least a quick ride on the S-class, especially on a mountain serpentine, does not give much pleasure. Not because the car can’t do something just everything, or almost everything. And because you suddenly realize that you have lost a fraction of magical comfort, but in addition you look somehow stupid in your own eyes.
And Mercedes can go a very quickly powerful motor, a quick (in sports mode) automatic transmission. Add to this the almost complete absence of body rolls thanks to the Airmatic suspension with the Active Body Control system, and as a result you will receive a representative sedan in which it does not rinse on the mountain serpentine. It is extremely stable, except that the steering could be more informative. However, no problems arise in this regard, and the ESP electronic stabilization system works clearly and quickly, maintaining control over the machine in any situation. In addition, there is a 4Matic all -wheel drive system, which should be said separately. If only because it is installed (with very small changes) and on GLK, the acquaintance with which took place in the morning of the next day.
In the transmission, 45% of the torque is directed to the front wheels, 55%, respectively, to the rear. This design initially provides maximum thrust, since during acceleration the center of gravity of the car is shifted back, and a larger torque should be transmitted to the rear wheels. At the same time, a multi -disc differential of increased friction is able to redistribute the moment in relations from 30:70 to 70:30 between the front and rear axle, if this requires traffic conditions. Thus, the intervention of electronic systems occurs last, since power is used effectively even on a slippery road. The action of these systems, the same ESP, takes place almost imperceptibly for the driver, but, nevertheless, he immediately receives information that the car loses stability on the instrument panel, a yellow light lights up.
It is also worth saying that a constant all -wheel drive with an interdosseous differential has an important advantage over the systems that connect the second axis only when the slip of the main drive wheels begins. After all, precious time is spent on this. In the case of 4Matic, the thrust (within the indicated limits) is instantly directed to those wheels that have the best adhesion to the roadbed. By the way, there is also a 4TS traction control system, which is an integral part of the Mercedes-Benz all-wheel drive. It is able to recognize road conditions and dose the torque to ensure the maximum possible acceleration without excessive wheel slipping. The traction control system also helps to move out if, for example, the wheels on one side of the car are on the ice roadside, or if both wheels in front or behind do not have enough adhesion to the road. But the most important thing is that the 4Matic makes the car predicted and understandable in the management, which happened to be convinced once again on the second day.
Mini-Rally
The snow was snowing all night, and the organizers were slightly worried about this, as if they did not have to put on chains. But the quick traffic services in the morning managed to walk along the surrounding roads, clearing and the pass under the unpronounceable name Timmelsjoch.
In front of the hotel lined up new GLKs in a row. But now a terrible wind is blowing to consider their appearance now, and therefore immediately behind the wheel. I conquer the motor and turn on the front seats. Literally after a couple of minutes, the salon thaws, and heat waves roll from the bottom and from the back. While the organizers are building cars in a column, we get acquainted with the interior of the novelty.
Someone will say that the decoration of the salon reminds of C-class. Unless a trunk and the lower part of the central console. Everything else is original, designed specifically for GLK. So, the instrument shield is three separate wells of the speedometer, tachometer and additional indicators of the temperature of the power unit and the supply of fuel in the tank. A color monitor, covered with a separate visor, was literally tanned to it. It is displayed by data from the navigation system, on -board computer, music center. Management is carried out using the already familiar controller of the Command system, however, in a slightly truncated form. The chopped shapes of the front panel look generally not bad, textured and high -quality plastic is diluted with aluminum. All governing bodies are located logically, in accordance with the ergonomic proprietary style of Mercedes. Unless the driver's seat adjustments moved down the chair from the door panels. But the range of adjustments is large, and the profile of the back, as, however, pillows, is quite successful. It remains only to complain about not very pronounced side support, but in reality the body in the chair holds well. The steering column is also adjustable in height and departure. Naturally, many functions can be controlled using buttons on the steering wheel, and some data from the on -board computer or navigation system are displayed on the monitor in the central part of the speedometer.
I can’t help but note the space for the legs of the rear passengers and the ability to fold the backs of the seats entirely or in parts, which will increase the volume of the luggage compartment from 450 to 1550 liters.
Finally, the column was lined up, it's time to go. Literally after a couple of kilometers we drive to the pass, from where, with an interval of one minute, you can start on a two -kilometer segment closed for all the rest. Under the wheels, predominantly rolled snow, from under which ice breaks in places. On the right are the rocks, pretty much brought by snow, on the left is a cliff. Nevertheless, there are several good turns, and since there are no other cars here, you can arrange a small rally. I got the GLK 280 version of the least powerful of the existing ones. Although in fact, a 6-cylinder gasoline power unit accelerates the car very well, even if under the wheels is slippery. All this thanks to the system of the constant all -wheel drive, which I have already talked about. But to note that a 7-speed automatic, especially if it is transferred to a sports mode, reacts quite quickly to the accelerator, is certainly worth it. Moreover, it is possible to manually switch the gears with the help of the lever, or by clicking on special petals on the back of the lamb. The most pleasant thing: feedback is always felt on the steering wheel, and the cranes of the body in turns are barely noticeable. Of course, the other side of the medal is rather hard pendants, but they are still enough energy intensity. So very soon I needed a couple of races on the same winding road already intuitively feel and predict the reactions of the car to one or another action.
It will be useful to note that even a very strict ESP does not at all relieve drifts and slipping. If you do not lose speed before the turn, the car will certainly carry, despite the desperate flashing of the yellow triangle on the instrument panel. Fortunately, what brakes are required. Dosize the force and catch the moments of wheels blocking, which are nevertheless allowed for briefly, ABS is not at all difficult.
In addition, to the driver’s joy, GLK can be dissolved and caught both with gas and the steering wheel, and only inconsistency in actions or outright provocation can lead to uncontrolled slipping, and immediately with all four wheels outside the turn. In all other cases, the all -wheel drive and ESP system work clearly. A colleague and I deliberately abused the opportunity to stretch out, paid for this, gently and sideways moving into a snowdrift. It turned out carefully, there was no damage to the car. Reason speed. Well, you can’t, even in sliding, go through a 70-degree arc at a speed of 80 km/h on ordinary, unsolved winter tires. And after all, they perfectly understood everything in advance, but they received their doses of adrenaline.
Yes, I almost forgot to say a few words about GLK's appearance. The exterior made an ambiguous impression on me. Yes, the brand designers managed to create a truly original appearance. Maybe only remotely (and intentionally?) Reminding him of the legendary Gelendewagen. But is there too many brutality in this crossover? However, let everyone appreciate the work of designers. And I am waiting for the CL500 4Matic first all -wheel drive compartment in the entire history of the brand.
A symbol of success
CL is a special product for a special audience. These are Mercedes for consisting and wealthy people. The owners of the luxurious compartment, as a rule, are businessmen in age, completing their hard work. They earned it and know that the quality of movement should be correlated with the quality of life. The company from Stuttgart at all times very sensitively listened to the mood of such customers, for the first time offering them a large compartment back in 1952. Since then, the tradition of making limousines in the sports spirit has not been interrupted. So the current generation of CL was created in full accordance with the laws of the genre, based on the flagship sedan of the S-Class of the W221 series. And according to the same tradition, the compartment does not look like him at all. Like exquisite Casual's clothing for a business suit.
The CL Front looks just amazing. But I would never refuse the grace and stern, narrowed to the rear lights in the English spirit. The profile, as usual not burdened with lateral racks, is as impeccable as the exterior as a whole. The phrase is damn beautiful car! For a test weekend, and upon returning from Austria, the same car was waiting for me in Moscow, I heard many times. And completely with such a simple and honest definition I agree. I’ll only add that, despite the game by muscles, the compartment looks highly respectable.
The decoration of the interior certainly reminds of the S-class, but the seats have slightly more developed lateral support, and the entire front panel, at least in the tested cars, was sheathed with genuine leather. Naturally in the shoulders is spacious, and only from behind, where there are two seats, separated by a massive tunnel, there is not too much space for the legs. However, this is still a compartment, its owner must sit behind the wheel.
Smooth sports
That in Moscow, that in the Austrian Alps everywhere CL500 4MATIC gave unique sensations. Firstly, this is an amazing proprietary smoothness. In this regard, CL is not inferior to the S-class. At any speed inside, it is quiet and comfortable, the car seems to be creeping along the road. Pretty comfortable pendants eliminate most irregularities, but at the same time practically do not roll the body in corners. In addition, the all -wheel drive system added stability on the bends. And this is secondly. It has been built on the same principle as on other Mercedes-Benz cars, and therefore multi-contouring seats will not be superfluous in the CL that blow side support rollers very on time, precisely from the side in which the body shifts. True, according to the purely subjective sensations of the setting of all -wheel drive on CL, they are a little more sports, which is expressed in excessive rotation and obsolete, but still tangible tendency to skidding. True, this tendency in the root is suppressed by a stabilization system, but, as already mentioned, the laws of physics and ESP are almost powerless before. More sport is felt in the settings of the steering, which is a little sharper than in the S-class, and much more informative. Hence the clear and understandable reactions to the actions of the driver, which fully applies to the automatic transmission settings, as well as to the motor itself.
We are talking about a 5.5-liter V8, which develops 388 hp. And, thanks to the same complete drive, it is capable of dispersing an almost two -ton car to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds on a slippery coating. Moreover, the machine is so quickly and imperceptibly switches upwards, which, once by pressing the accelerator, you will provide not weakening acceleration up to maximum speed, according to tradition, limited electronics at a mark of 250 km/h. I hope that I do not have to pay for another fine, already from Austria ...
There are cars
And there are Mercedes, I remembered the old saying at the end of the test, which became a kind of Christmas gift for me in the form of voyage. And for Mercedes you have to pay. S500 4Matic will cost at least 3,969,000 rubles, CL500 4Matic in 5,050,500, and the prices for GLK start from a mark of 1,522,500 rubles.
Andrey Osipov
Innsbruck Hokhgurgl Moscow
Photo Mercedes-Benz
