The August 2006 issue of Autocar India has highlighted the Mercedes S350, undoubtedly a descendent of the Mercedes lineage, just classier. An extravagant 9 / 10, claims Autocar’s verdict, on the S350. Very becoming, considering all facets of this chic vehicle. The features and the amount of luxury the S350 offers makes you wonder, ‘Is there heaven on earth after all?’

Given below is the list of the nice and not-so-nice aspects of the Mercedes. However do we need mention, that the list of positive features is much longer than the negative?

PROS:

1. This version of the Mercedes family certainly looks grander, and is longer and sportier than most cars to tread the Indian roads. It reeks of elegance, and there hardly exist any other automobiles that can make even a silhouette look so fancy.
2. The V6 engine ceases to even whisper below a certain engine level. Vibration is almost close to negativity and no sounds filter through from the outside. The car is as silent as sin, even when it effortlessly passes by you, like a tiger ready to make its kill.
3. The suspension of the car gives no scope for complaint even on the bumpiest of Indian roads. Undoubtedly the best suspension system around, the improved ‘Airmatic’ is much better than its counterpart installed in the earlier version (S320) of the Mercedes. Actually, driving on poor roads is also an effortless task with the new Mercedes.
4. The 3,030 mm long wheelbase ensures even a six-foot tall person to laze about to his heart’s content. Although four is the number of passengers that fits best, the seats make you glad there isn’t a fifth person to share them with; such is the comfort level of the car. They support the thigh, back and shoulder blades thoughtfully, making every drive in the Mercedes an experience to remember. Add to that, the proper ventilation of hot or cool air through the seats. Sounds unreal, doesn’t it?
5. The interiors of the S-Class are what can only be described as elite. They are a noticeable improvement over the plastic interiors the earlier S-Class models have had to hear no end about!
6. The new motor under the hood utilizes a four-valve-per cylinder head, as opposed to the three in the earlier version. This ensures a boost in power by a whopping 11%!
7. It is simply unbelievable how the S350 glides effortlessly on all sorts of road conditions, although it is all of two tons. Turning around sharp corners is nothing to this car, all with its firm grip and world-class breaks.
8. Now that the S350 is assembled here, it is naturally easier on the purse strings than importing the car. The best luxury car you can hope to own, without denial!

CONS:

1. The air springs of the Mercedes cannot totally wipe out large potholes and sharper bumps. The E-class is definitely better at this. Mind you, this must be the only criticism that can be mustered with respect to overall riding experience.
2. The fifth passenger will feel much of a space crunch in this car. He hardly has any place to sprawl about, and that is unfair. This is something that needs to be worked upon.
3. The dashboard is somehow tacky, as compared to the minute detailing involved with the rest of the cars interiors. The dash hasn’t even managed to blend in with the rest of the insides. A shame, really.
4. It is disappointing that the S350 available here lacks facilities like Active Body Control (ABC), Night Assist, cruise control, etc. Sorry, but you need to import the car if you want all the extra frills and fancies. But it has everything else you’ve ever wished to own; making it a ‘win some, lose some’ situation. We say, go for it!