Test drive Mercedes Benz S-class w220 2002-2005 sedan
Mercedes-Benz S 350
He has always been a leader. Since the appearance of the first Mercedes-Benz S-class in history, they were equal to him, he was set as an example, they tried to imitate him, they tried to win him. But this turned out to be not so simple: despite the fact that many competitors have appeared in the world for almost half a century of existence of S-class models, none of them could approach Mercedes-Benz. And they are still equal to him, he is set as an example, they try to imitate him. In a word, the standard!
The king is dead, long live the king!
After the premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, whose debut took place in 1998, at the Paris car dealership, silence came in the hall: everyone looked in surprise at the new flagship and waited for someone to say that all this was a joke, and The public will be shown a new, real Mercedes. Yes, indeed, after a gigantic S-class in the 140th body, which in Russia was called only an elephant, which became a real personification of a representative car, the new W220 was somehow not impressive. Where did massive forms go? Where, in fact, is representativeness? An elephant was replaced by a silver arrow. Huge food, along with a massive silhouette and an immense false radiator grille (the main features of W140 design) went into oblivion, leaving nothing as a memory of themselves. The new S-class appeared completely different: a massive, but not a heavy silhouette, a sloping hood and rounded body forms. Even a fake radiator grille with an eye, the pride of the owners of Mercedes-Benz, was modified beyond recognition. Now it can hardly be called rectangular, although all previous Merps, not only the representative class, it had just such a form. The owners of the 140s shocked by such revolutionary changes even began to feverishly order themselves the latest, the most sophisticated versions of the previous generation cars it seemed to them that the new, 220th S-class would be completely inexistence. And they had a reason to think so, because the car not only changed externally, it became more compact for the representative class this is by no means a blessing ...
But in general, when it was shocked, many recognized the new Mercedes-Benz S-class very beautiful. Yes, there was no trace of the static of the previous generation, but this is the feat of designers. They made a completely new, prestigious model, and at the same time, both cars did not have general solutions. And now, after time, the S-class in the back of the W220 seems much more interesting and dynamic, especially if you draw parallels with the W140 elephant. Although for five years it is still an age, even for such a magnificent designer masterpiece as Mercedes-Benz S-class. And that is why, after the appearance of a whole host of high-class competitors in the form of a new, revolutionary-grinding seven BMW, the new Audi A8 with an aluminum body and all-wheel drive, as well as the main premiere in the representative class of the People’s VW Phaeton, the leadership of the Daimlerchrysler concern decided to modernize the S-class, Without waiting for the premiere of the new generation of his top model, which should take place in the coming years. They decided not to touch the appearance: W220 remained the same, only the anterior optics became crystal, the rear lights changed, and the spoiler under the front bumper became like that in Mercedes-Benz Slr. Otherwise, the restyled machine of the 2003 model year is no different from the same car of the previous years of production. But inside ...
And inside the S-class there was a real revolution. No, the salon also remained almost unchanged, but the technical part was thoroughly processed. New engines (gasoline and diesel), new tinctures of pendants, and most importantly, the possibility of installing a 4-Matic all-wheel drive transmission on a representative Mercedes. Earlier, the 4x4 woolds in the Mercedes-Benz lineup could only be sung by SUVs and some versions of C-and E-Class models, and now such an option is available for customers of representative cars. What gives an all -wheel drive transmission, I think, I do not need to explain: in addition to improving patency, which in this case is not particularly important, all -wheel drive significantly increases the stability of the car in all speed ranges, and also makes it more dynamic on slippery coatings. Another news, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise for all fans of Mercedes-Benz, the top version of S 600 is still the most powerful car in its class. If for the twelve -cylinder W140 the maximum power was limited at the level of 405 hp, and then it was also reduced, then the restyled W220 flaunts a power of half a hundred horsepower! And at the same time, acceleration at the monster is such that the owner of any sports car will envy ...
Such an indicator, a record in the classroom, was achieved through the use of turbocharges on each unit of the V-shaped twelve-cylinder engine, its own turbine is located, which gives it additional power. As well as additional Newtonometers of torque. Those who were lucky enough to ride a new S 600, excitedly talk about incredible power, which does not run out even when the speedometer arrow falls on the mark of 250. If you remove the speed limiter, then the six -hundredth will easily go to the three hundred -kilometer line, which, by the way, secretly confirm Daimlerchrysler specialists of the power of this motor really enough in all situations. The manufacturer even had to take some measures to pacify the violent disposition V12. With a sharp discharge of gas, the motor supports some time for some time, this is done so that the giant brake moment of the engine does not tear the rear wheels into sliding. The only minus of the new S 600 this version cannot be equipped with an all -wheel drive transmission. The duodenum with turbines, interculers and other bells and whistles tightly occupied the entire engineering space of the car, and since the all -wheel drive transmission requires the engine for several centimeters up so that you can place the cardan shaft and the main transmission for the front axis, it turned out that the V12 and the V12 and it turned out that the V12 and 4-Matic mutually exclusive. For the same reason, by the way, all-wheel drive is not offered for the CL compartment: the hood line in a two-door car, despite the appearance similar to the sedan, is much lower, so there are even six and eight-cylinder motor there.
Basic element
In fact, the basic version is about Mercedes-Benz sounds somehow strange, especially when you consider that we are talking about a model whose cost is calculated tens of thousands. And specifically, the basic S-class with a new 3.5-liter engine costs from 55,000 euros. Accordingly, its base includes almost everything that can be represented in a modern car. Listed by name for too long, we will better talk about some options that are offered for surcharge. So, having spent an additional euro amount, you can stipulate the installation of such vital things when ordering the S-class as, for example, electroregulated rear seats, side curtains on the rear windows, heating the steering wheel or the second air conditioning for rear passengers. If this is not enough and there is still money, buy the remote control of the garage gate, the refrigerator, which will be installed in the rear armrest, and be sure to add to the list the system of authorization and launch of Keyless Go then you will not have to get the key from your pocket. The car will recognize the owner, open the door locks and give the go -ahead to launch the motor. Which, by the way, will be launched by the key located in the end of the automatic transmission lever. Well, everything else in this machine, as mentioned above, is already: both airbs in the amount of eight pieces (including side curtains), an automatic air conditioner with the function of using the engine residual heat and an active filter, and the rain sensor, and the on -board computer. There is even a servo drive for opening/closing the lid of the trunk with remote control!
The issue of equipment and sophistication is closed, let's move on to the engines. The most affordable (how it sounds!) Versions of the S-class are the S 350 and S 320 CDI models. We have already indicated the cost of the first, and the second will cost 52 thousand euros. Next, two more versions of the S 350 Long-Belly Long-wheel drive 4-Matic, which can also be offered in the option with an elongated wheelbase, go along the list. Cost 59.890, 58.100 and 62.990 euros, respectively. All these are six -cylinder versions: a gasoline engine develops a power of 245 hp, and diesel S 320 CDI 204 hp. As you can see, the difference is small, although if you delve into the technical data, it becomes obvious that diesel in many respects is more advantageous. Firstly, it is several times more economical, and secondly, in comparison with the gasoline version, it does not lose so quickly in price. Well, thirdly, at the peak, which is reached already at 1800 rpm, the torque of the diesel engine is 500 nm, while a gasoline 3.5-liter engine is content with 350 nm, reaching at 3000 rpm. And it turns out that the difference in acceleration from a place to 100 km/h is less than a second S 350 in 7.6 seconds, and S 320 CDI in 8.2 seconds.
The characteristics of another diesel engine proposed for Mercedes-Benz S-class are even more amazing. We are talking about a 4.0-liter V8 turbodiesel motor: it is 250 horses on their knees most gasoline cars. The torque of this version reaches 560 Nm, and thanks to such indicators, acceleration up to hundreds takes already 7.8 seconds! There is such a version from 67.350 euros, which is comparable to the price of the eight-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 430 it costs from 64.500 in the usual version and from 69.390 euros in long-breaking. Its 279 horses cope with their task only a little better: acceleration up to 100 km/h takes 7.3 seconds, and the maximum speed of both versions is the same limited to 250 km/h. As you can see, here the advantages of diesel versions are obvious ...
But even the best diesel engines cannot yet compete with is the legendary five hundredth with an eight -cylinder five -liter engine. As in the previous generation, S 500 is considered the best option in terms of price/power/running quality ratio and therefore is in stable demand. This version has a livestock under the hood in an amount of 305 hp, which allows it to compete with some sports models acceleration from a place to 100 km/h takes 6.5 seconds. And the 500-horsepower version of the S 55 AMG, which was created on the basis of this modification, generally kills any sports cars from its acceleration takes 4.8 seconds! True, the price of the car is also improving along with the dynamics: Mercedes-Benz S 500 costs from 70.145 euros, and the Sports Sedan S 55 AMG from 100.900 euros.
The top version, an unsurpassed six-hundredth, in this generation gained unheard of force after the 2002 modernization of 2002 was equipped with a double turbocharged modification, as a result of which the capacity increased to 500 hp! The torque of 800 nm at 1800 rpm is even more amazing! True, due to the increased equipped mass, the dynamic indicators of the S 600 version are not very different from the five hundredth: acceleration to hundreds takes the same 4.8 seconds, and the maximum speed, like all versions, is 250 km/h.
STECTIVE DREAVE
The basic versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-class were traditionally equipped with six-cylinder engines, and eight and twelve-cylinder relapse were given to the excess of expensive top versions, the cost of which could be twentered and a half times higher. But in every subsequent generation, the basic version became not only more luxurious and better equipped, but also more powerful. For example, in the Mercedes-Benz W140, the base was first equipped with a 2.8-liter 193-horsepower, and then a 3.2-liter 231-horsepower engine. W220 also started with 2.8- and 3.2-liter engines, only their power was increased to 204 and 224 horses, respectively. The restyled model in this regard turned out to be more profitable: for the same money in the basic configuration, the consumer now receives a 3.5-liter engine with a capacity of 245 hp. It was such a version that came to us for a test ...
Even before the test, I heard from someone an expression: the real representative Mercedes-Benz should be at least eight-cylinder. And sitting behind the wheel of S 350, I was ready to fight about the mortgage that that person simply did not know what he was talking about. Firstly, the dynamics of a 3.5-liter version is impressive: 7.6 seconds from a place to hundreds and a maximum speed of 245 km/h. Secondly, the new motor turned out to be so elastic that it can be compared with more ancient eight-cylinder in the reserve of traction and temperament it could well argue with them. At low speeds, it is pleasantly rapid: a light touch of the gas pedal instantly is reflected that the car quickly and somehow very easily leaves the intersection, leaving the neighbors far behind. Crouching a little stronger, and the engine gets at the moment: the tachometer arrow walks in the range of 2700-3500 rpm, that is, just near the peak of torque. Personally, I, even with my inappropriately overstated requirements for dynamics, this motor was enough everywhere both at the start and at overtaking. The only situation when I regretted that I didn’t go to S 500 overtaking at a speed of about 180 km/h, when there was no longer enough space, and the livestock under the hood barely managed to drag us back into its strip. Here in this mode, when you accelerate from 160 to 250 km/h, the eight -cylinder engine or V12 may be completely and will show itself, and in all other cases the six -cylinder 3.5 is simply magnificent.
It is also good because it allows you to ride quickly, but without straining at all. The most grateful in terms of accelerated dynamics and fuel consumption mode is half a half -parted. That is, you gently start from the place, and then also gently push the right pedal to about the middle of the course is very interesting. On the one hand, the motor does not spin to the limiter, and it is completely unable to hear it in the cabin, and on the other, the dynamics are so cool that you just don’t notice how you start to drive 100-120 km/h around the city. It is good that we still do not have automatic radars with cameras, otherwise I would have traveled my salary on the S-class for a year in advance.
By the way, about that very overtaking at a speed of about 180 km/h, if you thought that I was completely insolent at this work and go so constantly, then I am not mistaken at all a supporter of the reckless movement at maximum speed. Moreover, not every summer resident on the Passata has seen on our roads is very unsafe that there are such speeds, and therefore its maneuvers on the road are not always lending on logical explanation. But now, in this case, S 350 himself acted as a provocateur of excess. It somehow very easily goes to the cruising regime 100-120 km/h, and I simply did not expect that it would instantly accelerate to 180 km/h, especially since That I was driving half a man. And besides, this car simply has an amazing sound insulation of 140 km/h there just a walking mode. Now I believed that stupid joke, where the new Russian got out of the car, because it seemed to him that his Merce was standing. The Germans thoroughly worked on the noise insulation of the flagship, and this is really one of the most comfortable acoustic terms of the highest class cars. I am not saying that the seven or Audi A8 is worse, but at least only Mercedes-Benz managed to impress, although all three German representatives of the highest class had already visited the AH tests. In the S-class there is practically nothing: neither the noise of the wind, nor the buzz of tires, nor the roar of the motor. The engine, by the way, was just silent at low and medium -speeds at all. And only by turning off the music and climate control can you hear its quiet rumbling. Although if you bring the tachometer arrow to the red zone, then the engine seems to wake up. Firstly, after about 4000 rpm, a slight pickup appears, and the car begins to accelerate even faster. And secondly, from about the same moment, a light bass roar begins to mix with the quiet, uniform sniffing of the motor, which not only does not irritate, but even starts a little on acceleration. But all the same, driving in the half -parting turned out to be both more convenient and more comfortable.
As for the running qualities of the flagship Mercedes-Benz, then, unlike design, there was no revolution still there is a completely empty steering wheel, which only the lazy has not yet mentioned, and exactly the same, almost as in W140, apathy to road defects. This machine is suitable for the role of driver with a stretch: it simply does not like extreme traffic modes, and does not pull it particularly to ride it in these very extreme modes. We have not yet experienced the car in exit speed modes, did not try to put sideways, and the sidewall of the front tire was already half -licked, we drove too quickly in turn. Although there was not even any hint in the demolition of the front axle in the cabin, this is another plus of sound insulation and another confirmation of the empty steering wheel. But on the highway, when almost 200 km/h rode, talking, we did not even have to increase the noise level in the cabin was minimal.
In general, as it was, this was the Mercedes-Benz S-class, regardless of the version and modification, can still be considered the standard of a modern high-class car. Comfortable, luxurious, dynamic, safe, finally, just a surprisingly beautiful car. What can I say, in a word, the standard ...
Text: Vitaly Andrievsky
