The New York Times has a new review of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It’s safe to say that the reviewer liked most of the car – he called the S a pleasure to drive, with an impressive powertrain and thought highly of the Distronic Plus, which is a kind of cruise control that uses radar to work the brakes and accelerator in order to maintain a safe distance from the cars ahead.
Much of the remainder of the article, however, is an invective on the ills of over-automation. The author laments such things as the 700 page owner’s manual, the 12+ buttons that control the front seats, the not-walk-up-and-use sound & GPS systems and the sporadic yet cryptic error messages sometimes displayed on the control panel. The S550 Sedan specs can be found here.
Lest we label him a luddite, the author reminds us that the previous-gen S-class suffered from a number of electrical and warranty problems. Still, at the end of the review he’s able to squeeze off a compliment, albeit a stingy one.
Those among us, Benzophiles included, who are dismayed by the tone and timbre of the Times’ article and who seek comfort in a more traditional, respectful even lyrical review, should instead go to this article by Automobile Magazine.
2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Leave the Driving to the Microchips – NYT, May 28, 2006
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
I would want one of this maniac to my collection
Great Car, make thing impossible happen.
Great to have this one
24ore ksha ndejt ne ket kerr edhe gjumin e ksha ba hallall i kofr firmes apo companis se MERCEDES BENZIT
Dardan KELMENDI
I agree that many cars have been a little over-automated lately. Still, how a car drives is still by far its most important quality.
I’m not one for lyrical car reviews, but I did enjoy that link.