2001Mercedes-BenzS-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class2001 Mercedes-Benz S600SedanSedanRWDGermanyThe S-Class gets a powerful 12-cylinder engine in the S600 model along with standard Active Body Control and Internet access to keep up with life in the techno-savvy 21st century.Stylish exterior design, spacious interior, light curb weight, powerful engine offerings, high-tech features.Complicated COMAND system, some cheap-feeling interior bits, BMW 7 Series is more fun to drive.Large Mercedes sedans have always been sought-after by the elite. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard, and make a powerful statement about the owner's financial security. The current S-Class projects confidence, prestige and good taste. For 2001, Mercedes bumps performance and amenities in the 12-cylinder-equipped S600. Sporting a coupe-like profile and a traditional oval-headlight face, the 2001 S-Class looks lean and sleek while weighing nearly 500 pounds less than the previous generation model. Careful attention to interior packaging gives the current version a roomy cabin and a large 15.4 cubic foot trunk. Three models are available: the 275-horspower S430, which comes with a 4.3-liter V8 engine, the 302-horsepower S500, which boasts a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, and the new-for-2001 S600, sporting a 362-horsepower V12. All models are suited up with a fully independent four-link front and five-link rear suspension, ABS and Brake Assist (which reduces braking distance in panic stops), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and BabySmart child-seat protection. Eight airbags are standard, including two head-protection curtain airbags and a passenger airbag that deploys with partial or full force, depending on the car's speed at impact. Active Body Control (ABC), which debuted on the 2000 CL500, is standard on the 2001 S600 and optional on S430 and S500 models. Also standard on the S-Class is the controversial COMAND (Cockpit Management And Data) system, which can be directed by voice commands, steering-wheel controls or buttons near the display screen. The system controls the navigation program, hands-free cellular phone and stereo/CD controls. Another advanced feature is Mercedes' TeleAid function, which puts a driver in touch with a Protection One representative for help in emergencies, roadside assistance or general information. A smart cruise control system, called Distronic, utilizes radar sensors to keep the car at a specified distance from the car in front of it. When the car you are following slows down, the S-Class automatically cuts power and can even apply up to 20 percent maximum braking to maintain the specific distances you have set. Distronic is standard on the S600 and is optional on V8 models. Serious performance buffs will want to check out the 2001 S55 from Mercedes-Benz tuner AMG. Non-S55 buyers can still add some sport to their S-Class by ordering the S-Class Sport package, which includes an aggressive body kit with an AMG-designed front spoiler, sculpted rocker panels and a new rear apron. AMG Monoblock 18-inch alloy wheels are also part of the package. Other S-Class features include a Bose Beta sound system, five-speed automatic transmission, optional ventilated seats that circulate air through the cushion, and, new this year, Internet access for email junkies on the go. Feature and luxury laden, the S-Class makes for an attractive executive conveyance. Audi A8BMW 7-SeriesJaguar XJ-SeriesLexus LS 430450,000450,000UnlimitedUnlimited450,000NANANA125.8 litersV12362 hp @ 5500 rpm391 ft-lbs. @ 4100 rpm203.1 in.73.1 in.56.9 in.4133 lbs.121.5 in.37.6 in.38.4 in.59.2 in.58.3 in.59.2 in.58.3 in.41.3 in.40.3 in.15.4 cu.ft.StandardNot AvailableStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested23.2 gal.15 mpg / 23 mpg348 mi. / 534 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$106,020$114,0007.35%$645$1,3003% of the Total MSRPS500 (5A): 5L V8 SOHC SMPI 24-valve engine, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; driver's selectable multi-mode auto-manual transmission; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 2.82 axle ratio; dual stainless steel exhaust; auto ride control, adaptive auto-leveling suspension, electronic stability control, front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front air springs, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear air springs; rack-and-pinion power steering with vehicle-speed-sensing assist; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 23.2 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; express open/close sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; front and rear body-colored bumpers with body-colored rubber strip, chrome bumper insert; body-colored bodyside molding with chrome bodyside insert; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite high intensity auto on headlamps with washer, daytime running lights,delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's body-colored heated power folding outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, driver's power remote auto-dimming outside mirror, passenger's power remote with tilt down outside mirror; 16" x 7.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/60HR16 BSW A/S tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts, residual heat recirculation; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 10 premium speakers, auto equalizer, theft deterrent, window grid diversity antenna, steering wheel radio controls; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 3 power accessory outlets, front and rear lighter element(s), trunk pull-down, driver's foot rest, garagedoor opener, smokers' package, first aid kit, emergency S.O.S.; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, systems monitor, trip computer, trip odometer, navigation system; warning indicators include water temp, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, door ajar, trunk ajar, service interval, low brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's door mounted side airbags, overhead airbag; ignition disable, panic alarm, tracker system, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function; heated variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, rain detecting wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats, heated-cushion driver's and passenger's seats, power adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver and passengerseats include 10-way power adjustment, power 2-way lumbar support; rear bench seat with power adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage; front and rear height adjustable seatbelts with front and rear pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather-wrapped gearshift knob, genuine wood door panel insert, genuine wood console insert, chrome interior accents; memory on driver's and passenger's seats with 2 memory setting(s) includes settings for rearview mirror, exterior mirrors, steering wheel, headrests; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, 4 door curb lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; rear illuminated vanity mirror; full floor console, mini overhead console locking glove box withlight, front and rear cupholders, interior concealed storage, 2 seatback storage pockets, refrigerated box, driver's and passenger's door bins, rear door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo net, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding, black rear window molding and chrome door handles.
S600 (5A) (in addition to or instead of S500 (5A) equipment): 5.8L V12 DOHC SMPI 48-valve engine with variable valve timing; front independent suspension front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent multi-link suspension with rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; 17" x 7.5" silver alloy wheels; P225/55HR17 BSW A/S tires; rear air conditioning with separate controls; portable voice activated cell phone, emergency S.O.S. (OnStar); additional instrumentation display includes park distance control; sun blinds; rear power blind; driver and passenger seats include 12-way power adjustment, massaging lumbar support; heated rear bench seat with power recline, power adjustable headrests; full leather headliner, leather/wood gearshift knob; leather/genuine wood steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic adjustment and colored grille.