New 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

One thing about Mercedes-Benz sedans is that they get a rap for being strictly luxury-oriented, with refinement the ultimate goal. In the case of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, refinement and sophistication take a back seat to raw, brute power and hybrid technology.

Six trim levels include S400, S550, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG. New for 2010, the S400 Hybrid is powered by a 275-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 that works in conjunction with a lithium-ion battery pack, which adds 20 more horses, and is Mercedes-Benz’s first stint in the sedan hybrid market. The S400 hybrid receives 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Additional engine options include a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8 in rear-wheel-drive or 4Matic all-wheel-drive configurations (S550); 510-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-12 (S600); 518-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 (S63 AMG); and 604-horsepower, twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12. Each engine is coupled to either a five- or seven-speed automatic transmission with auto-manual mode. EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the gas-only engines range between 11-15 mpg in the city and 17-23 mpg on the highway.

Facing stiff competition from Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Bentley Continental Flying Spur in the full-size luxury sedan segment, the sleek 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a few exterior tweaks, including new 18-inch wheels on the S550 and 19-inch wheels on the S600. Other changes include a new front grille, active bi-xenon headlights, LED taillights and larger side mirrors.

Inside, the spacious 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class seats up to five people comfortably and features the COMAND system, which controls audio, navigation and climate settings, with a 6.5-inch dash screen and center console control knob. Luxury and convenience options include massaging front seats, an infrared night vision system, a lane-departure warning system and driver drowsiness monitor.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is at the forefront of safety technology with standard features including the Pre-Safe system, which tightens the front seat belts, closes the sunroof and side windows and adjusts passenger seats in preparation for an impending collision. Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control and Pre-Safe Brake system use radar signals and automatically reduce speed to lessen the severity of a collision. A host of additional standard safety features include antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, front and rear side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

With all its power, hybrid fuel-efficiniency, technology and safety features under the umbrella of world-class luxury, it’s hard to find a weakness in the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.