Test drive Mercedes Benz S-class w220 2002-2005 sedan
All weather is grace
They say that the true shine of the star manifests itself in its ability to shine through the veil of clouds and a veil of fogs. In this case, the three -beam star once again confirmed the absolutability of its magnitude. The history of the Mercedesovsky all-wheel drive in its current form originates in 1997, when E-Class 4Matic and ML were born with a short break. They used the 4ets system (4 Wheel Electronic Traction System), which was characterized by the fact that with constant full drive, all three differentials remain free. When slipping one of the 4TS wheels using the working brake system, it slows it down, throwing the torque to wheels with the best clutch. In the limit, the entire moment can be transmitted to one wheel. The most important thing is such a scheme is optimally integrated into the complex of control electronics led by ESP. Why all this S-class? The fact is that the Stuttgart Super Sedan was in a difficult situation, subjected to unprecedented pressure from the Munich Seven and the Ingolstadt eight. On his side there was an image and reputation (BMW came to the Popular League C 7 Series in 1977, Audi C V8 in 1988, Mercedes-Benz was in it for centuries), but the seventh BMW series escaped into the leading electronics, the leader, And the Audi A8 brought to technical perfection the idea of \u200b\u200ball -wheel drive. Covering the facts with emotions was becoming increasingly difficult.
Last fall, S-Class answered a triple one in a ruling opponents in one gulp, if not fatal, then certainly destructive. Each of the shells was drawn: V12 Biturbo, PresAfe and 4Matic. The first brought the updated three -beam flagship to the leaders in terms of dynamics, the second in terms of security, and the third gave an advantage (at least over BMW) in stability on unstable coatings. About Presafe, it is worth saying especially this intellectual system of the new generation, which, if the accident is likely, pulls the belts, closes the windows and hatch and moves the seats to the optimal position. The probability of a collision is calculated on the basis of the readings of the sensors that monitor the behavior of the machine and the actions of the driver. In Russia, in Russia, where the coatings are unstable for most of the year, an all -wheel drive flagship quickly received recognition. The inconsistent came out only with the fact that the 550-horsepower miracle motor does not fundamentally join with the all-wheel drive system, so S 500 4Matic was in regents. And the lower steps occupied S 430 43MATIC and S 350 4MATIC. Five liters with all -wheel drive are ordered only in a long database just such a car you see in the photographs. The entire 120-centimeter bonus is beneficial for senior passengers, convincingly solving the problem of living space. It remains to drown in leather chairs with separate electric drives, ventilation and heating and enjoy comfort. Having dealt with the climate control settings, leaf through the business press or channels of the LCD TV. In general, create your own world, fenced from the surrounding reality of impenetrable armor of sound insulation and curtains around the perimeter. And the driver is not offended. Under it is an equally smart chair, in the hands, a steering wheel adjustable in all directions, rising at the entrance and exit from the car. Your block of climate control, your TV is a fairy tale!
The 4Matic transmission, transmitting 40% of the moment to the front axle, with the support of active air suspension with a variable clearance, allows this powerful car to fully realize its capabilities in various conditions. S 500 is very easily and almost imperceptibly gaining three -digit speed, and then without reducing the rate of acceleration. Swift turns can be held quickly and comfortable, but you can unrealistically quickly and slightly less comfortable. At the same time, the sensations from the control of the machine are purely rear -wheel drive, that is, the breed was not affected. They do not have to talk about the smoothness of the course and the quality of the brake system.
They say that the true shine of the star manifests itself in its ability to shine through the veil of clouds and a veil of fogs. In this case, the three -beam star once again confirmed the absolutability of its magnitude. Its radiance is more brightly reflected in the ice mirror, runs in sparks in the snow and breaks up into millions of fireflies in the rain drops. There is no bad weather!
Text: Leonid Klyuyev
Photo: Roman Ostanin
Source: Wheel magazine [No. 75/2004]
