1998 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS LEADS PREMIUM SEGMENT IN LUXURY, ROOM & SAFETY

Ultra-Luxury Range Offers Five Models, Four Engines And New Safety Advances

The 1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class demonstrates what it takes to be the leader in the premium luxury segment. The S-Class offers the widest choice of models in the premium segment and a combination of luxury, room, safety and quality not found in other automobiles. At the same time, all S-Class models offer a level of performance, ride and handling that makes them a pleasure to drive. Even with significant new safety features and additional standard equipment for 1998, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing remains nearly the same as 1997: there are no increases for the S420 and S500; the two S320 models increase by just 1.1 percent and the S600 rises by only 1.5 percent.

CHOICES - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

For 1998, there are five S-Class sedans: the standard-wheelbase S320; the long-wheelbase S320 and the S420 and 500. The S320 models are powered by a responsive 228-horsepower 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine; the S420 uses a 275-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 and the S500 features a muscular 315-horsepower 5.0-liter V8. Topping the Mercedes S-Class range is the incomparable, limited-production S600, which is powered by one of the world's few V12 engines. With 389 horsepower and 420 lbs.-ft. of torque, the S600 sedan can sprint from 0-60 miles per hour in a blink over six seconds - quicker than many sports cars.

TRANSMISSION - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

All S-Class models feature the company's acclaimed electronic five-speed automatic transmission that not only adapts to an individual's driving style, but also to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for climbing power and downshifting on descents for engine braking). The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with smooth upshifts for the best fuel efficiency. A driver who requires frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will find the transmission holds each gear longer for quicker acceleration. A new convenience feature that also benefits the environment is the Flexible Service System (FSS), which measures actual vehicle use to determine the optimal oil and filter change interval. An instrument panel indicator tells the driver when the car is due for its next service.

RAISING THE BAR IN SAFETY - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in safety technology, having pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure, ABS anti-lock brakes, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and traction control. All 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles come equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags and door-mounted side airbags. For 1998, all Mercedes S-Class models feature even more new standard safety advances. The standard BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, first introduced on the SLK roadster, uses transponder technology to deactivate the passenger-side airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers). The new Brake Assist feature is the only safety system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations.

BRAKE ASSIST - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

Brake Assist can detect an emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is pressed, and then, with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could. All 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles feature an occupant detection sensor built into the passenger seat. If the sensor does not detect the presence of 26 pounds or more, it will not deploy the front passenger-side airbag and the door-mounted side airbag. The intent is to reduce repair costs in a serious collision when there's no one in the front passenger seat.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

The Mercedes S-Class has long been an industry leader in incorporating safety technology, and several of its safety systems have been standard or optionally available for several years. For safe driving in slippery conditions, ASR traction control is standard on all S-Class models. This sophisticated system detects when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and selectively applies the brake to that wheel to restore straight-line traction. Should braking action not be enough, ASR will reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle, more quickly than the driver could react to do so. The extraordinary Electronic Stability Program (ESP), standard on the S600 and optionally available for all other S-Class models for $990, can detect an impending spin or slide and apply selective braking (even braking one wheel, front or rear, left or right) to keep the car going where the driver is pointing it. The system helps prevent understeer ("plowing") and oversteer ("fishtailing"). ESP is always on, working at all speeds on all road surfaces.

WHAT IS A LUXURY CAR? - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

The term "luxury car" has lost some if its meaning in recent years, as even family sedans include many power accessories and amenities. At Mercedes-Benz, the true meaning of luxury is clearly evident in the S-Class. With a body structure that has been called "vault-like" and advanced double-wishbone front suspension and patented Mercedes-Benz five-link rear suspension, the S-Class delivers an unparalleled combination of luxurious ride comfort and responsive handling. The Mercedes S-Class proves that comfortable and luxurious doesn't have to mean dull. The standard features leave no doubt that the S-Class is one of the world's most luxurious automobiles and the luxury treatment begins when you enter the car. Unique pneumatic door and trunk closing assists prevent "door ajar" situations by pulling the doors and trunk closed the last few centimeters of their travel. The S-Class interior coddles the driver and passengers with 12-way power front seats with pneumatically adjustable lumbar support and 3-position memory (which includes mirror, head restraint and steering column adjustments).

OTHER GREAT FEATURES - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

The tilt and telescoping steering column is also automatically adjusted by the memory feature. The standard dual-zone automatic climate control system features dust and pollen filters, and a charcoal filter keeps odors out. In cold weather, a REST mode can recirculate warm air for up to 30 minutes when the car is parked. The S600 model also has a complete, separate rear dual-zone climate control. The standard leather upholstery also includes the seatbacks, head restraints and door inserts. Calyptus wood trim is used in the S320 models, while the S420, S500 and S600 feature Burl walnut trim. Velour floor carpeting and floormats enhance the luxurious feel of the S-Class interior. A standard 11-speaker Bose® Beta sound system designed specifically for the acoustics of the S-Class interior makes each model a concert hall on wheels. All S-Class models feature a standard power tiltlsliding glass sunroof to let the enjoyable outdoor elements in, while unique dual-pane side windows help give the S-Class an exceptionally quiet ride.

AMENITIES - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

Other luxury and convenience touches standard on the Mercedes S-Class sedans include an express-up and down feature for the four power windows, an integrated three-channel garage door opener, automatic retracting trunk handle, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual heated power mirrors. The S600 sedan adds multicontour front seats, two-tone Nappa leather interior with additional leather trim, electric rear window shade, heated rear seats, integrated trunk-mounted 6-CD changer, integrated portable phone, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Adaptive Damping System, some of which are optional on other S-Class models.

MAXIMUM SECURITY - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

All Mercedes-Benz S-Class models come with one of the most advanced security systems in the industry. The remote locking/unlocking unit uses a redundant infrared and radio frequency transmitter with an anti-cloning feature. The versatile remote unit features selective locking (driver's door or all doors) and a "summer mode" which opens all the windows and the sunroof to clear warm air before people enter the car. Personal security features include drive-away locking, which automatically locks the doors at about nine miles per hour, and a panic button, which sounds the car's standard anti-theft alarm when pressed. The S-Class uses a key-transponder system to start the car. When the ignition key is inserted, a transponder built into it exchanges a code with an electromagnetic coil that surrounds the ignition lock. The signals are passed through the anti-theft control unit, where they are verified. Attempting to use an unauthorized duplicate key witl disable the engine, preventing the car from being driven.

SEEING THE ROAD-AND THE UNSEEN - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

A rain sensor, standard on all S-Class models, detects rainfall on the windshield and, using infrared technology, measures rainfall intensity and adjusts wiper speed accordingly. Standard halogen foglamps increase visibility during inclement weather. For road lighting that is 80 percent greater than with standard lights - without blinding oncoming drivers - Mercedes-Benz offers Xenon gas-discharge headlamps. These high-tech lights are standard on the S500 and S600 models and optional on the others. Making parking easier and safer - especially in tight spaces and parking garages - is the optional Parktronic system. Parktronic acts like a kind of sonar to warn the driver of obstacles when parking. Sensors built into the front and rear bumpers emit ultrasonic signals, which bounce off obstacles (including parked cars, curbs, shrubs and even children) and activate audible and visual warnings inside the car.

RECOGNIZED AS THE BEST - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been routinely recognized by automotive industry experts as the category leader in luxury and value. The American Automobile Association (AAA) has previously named the 5500 the "Top Car" above $50,000, while Intellichoice: The Complete Car Cost Guide™ called the S320 a "Best Value" in the luxury class. Robb Report named the S600 as its "Best Luxury Car" and Consumer Reports readers named the S-Class as the "Most Comfortable Car." The V12 engine that powers the S600 has been named by Ward's Automotive Reports as one of the world's best automobile engines.

WARRANTY - Buy The Mercedes S Class Here

All 1998 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period. In addition, all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year, are covered by the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program. This peace of mind can include a free jump start, mounting the spare tire or a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decades-old Mercedes.

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