Mercedes-Benz S350 Road Test

Mercedes-Benz S350

For such a big car, the fuel consumption figures of 19.5 mpg and 36.7 mpg for the urban and extra-urban cycles are quite impressive, while the combined works out as 28.0 mpg. However, I wouldn’t want to be the one who had to pay for filling the huge tank.

I have spent a long time describing the various functions but the safety list is almost as long, so I’ll be brief. Standard equipment includes the Speedtronic, speed-limiter and cruise control, adaptive brake lights with automatic hazard activation, adaptive brakes that hold the car when stationary, plus ABS and BAS (brake assist), ESP and ASR or Acceleration Skid Control.

Also standard are eight airbags - and then there’s the PRE SAFE, occupant protection system that, in the event of a collision, pretensions the front seatbelts and inflates the air cushions in the seats, while the NECK-PRO headrests move up and forward to reduce whiplash injuries. PRE SAFE also closes the sunroof (where fitted), plus any open windows and electronically adjusts the rear seats to get the best protection from the airbags. Should the accident be above a set level of severity, the fuel is cut off and the hazard lights are activated.

Following an accident, the system then unlocks the doors and lowers the windows to allow ventilation, following airbag deployment. Moreover, the A- and C-pillars have cutting points marked on them to further aid rescue. Impressive.

You’ve probably finished your coffee by now and I could go on and on…and on but it would diminish the experience of the test drive. Besides, I have to get back to the handbook because I know that I haven’t yet discovered everything the S-Class has to offer.