For years, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has reigned supreme as the ultimate symbol of success. Doctors, bankers, lawyers, and anyone seeking peak luxury gravitated towards this sedan, renowned for its power, opulence, and bank-vault solidity. The previous generation, produced from 2000 to 2006, was particularly successful, setting a high bar for its successor.
Mercedes-Benz faced a monumental task in redesigning their flagship for 2007. The goal was clear: reaffirm the S-Class as the leader in the premium luxury sedan market. This required a delicate balance – retaining the iconic style and personality while injecting fresh appeal. The solution? A comprehensive overhaul encompassing exterior styling, enhanced power, improved handling, a refined interior, and a suite of cutting-edge technology focused on both luxury and safety.
Visually, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class presents a sleeker yet bolder stance compared to its predecessor. The widened wheel arches contribute to this more assertive appearance, sparking some debate among purists. Dimensionally, the car grew in every significant aspect. It’s 0.6 inches wider, 1.1 inches taller, boasts a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase, and an overall length increase of 1.7 inches. Rear passengers benefit most from this growth, enjoying significantly more legroom, making the 2007 S-Class an even more compelling chauffeur-driven option.
Stepping inside the 2007 S-Class, occupants are greeted by a thoroughly modernized cabin. Significant changes include a redesigned control and display layout, the use of noticeably higher-quality materials throughout, more comfortable and supportive front seats, and a more intuitive iteration of the COMAND infotainment system. These enhancements collectively elevate the interior ambiance, reinforcing the S-Class’s luxury credentials.
The driving experience in the 2007 S-Class is markedly improved, particularly in the S550 model, thanks to its new engine. A potent 5.5-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder V8 now resides under the hood, generating an impressive 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This represents a substantial leap over the previous 5.0-liter V8, adding 82 horsepower and 52 lb-ft of torque. The standard seven-speed automatic transmission efficiently channels this power to the rear wheels. For enhanced all-weather capability, the S550 4Matic variant offers an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. For those seeking even more power, the twin-turbo V12 engines in the S600 and the monstrous 6.0-liter V12 in the S65 AMG remained available. Later in the model year, the S63 AMG, powered by a 518-hp 6.2-liter V8, joined the lineup, replacing the outgoing S55. Beyond engine choices, the 2007 S-Class exhibits noticeably sharper steering and improved handling dynamics compared to its predecessor.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is brimming with new and updated features across the S550, S600, S63, and S65 AMG models. A standout innovation is “Distronic Plus” adaptive cruise control. This system can autonomously slow the car down to a near stop, dramatically reducing driver fatigue on long highway journeys. Other noteworthy features include Night View Assist, an infrared night-vision system enhancing visibility in low-light conditions, a rear parking camera with a dynamic-view display for easier maneuvering, a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system for audiophiles, and a panoramic sunroof that bathes the cabin in natural light.
In conclusion, the redesigned 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class establishes a new benchmark for performance, luxury, safety, and technological sophistication within the luxury sedan segment. While the BMW 7 Series might still offer a slightly more engaging driving experience for purists, and the Audi A8 rivals the S-Class in cabin ambiance, the 2007 S-Class presents a compelling and well-rounded package for discerning luxury car buyers. Despite its premium price point, Mercedes-Benz successfully navigated the challenge of blending innovation with tradition, solidifying the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class‘s position at the pinnacle of the luxury sedan market.
