World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2000 - 2nd Place - Mercedes S Class

2nd Place - Mercedes S Class

Description
This S-Class looks sleekly poised and is less of a heavyweight than the previous model, though it has retained its imposing identity and presence. Thanks to the Active Body Control system the handling is sharpened up so much that the old car feels stodgy by comparison. The big Mercedes has shed some pounds (though not in price) and has been revitalised and almost reinvented in the process. Enthusiastic drivers may still prefer the leaner and sportier-looking BMW 7-Series, but this more dynamic S-Class is every bit as imposing.

Performance
There's more than enough power from the various engine options, starting at entry level 2.8 all the way up to the V12 5.5-litre S600 L version. It's the six-cylinder 3.2-litre diesel which is the pick of the bunch however thanks to its blend of economy and effortless motorway cruising. Out and out peak performance belongs to the AMG versions, which will exhilarate. There's the S55 AMG with a supercharged V8 engine delivering 500bhp (this superceeded the non-supercharged variant with 360bhp) or the bonkers S63 AMG. The V12 engine has 612bhp and 1,000Nm making it capable of 0-60mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Specification
Gas Mileage: 17 mpg City/24 mpg Hwy
Engine Gas: V8, 4.3L
EPA Class: Large
Style Name: S430
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity: 5
Passenger Doors: 4
Body Style: 4dr Car
Transmission: 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission-inc: "winter" mode, adaptive controls, OD, Touch Shift manual control

Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room (in): 37.6
Front Hip Room (in): 59.2
Second Leg Room (in): 40.3
Second Shoulder Room (in): 58.3
Front Leg Room (in): 41.3
Second Hip Room (in): 58.3
Passenger Capacity: 5
Second Head Room (in): 38.4
Front Shoulder Room (in): 59.2
Passenger Volume (ft³): 105.0

Exterior Dimensions
Tread Width, Front (in): 62.0
Width, Max w/o mirrors (in): 73.1
Liftover Height (in): - TBD -
Height, Overall (in): 56.9
Tread Width, Rear (in): 62.0
Length, Overall (in): 203.1
Wheelbase (in): 121.5
Min Ground Clearance (in): 6.1

Cargo Area Dimensions
Trunk Volume (ft³): 15.4