2001 Mercedes-Benz $600 - Daimler-Benz AG's Mercedes S-Class - Brief Article

Automotive Industries, Dec, 2000 by John Peter

Deep Purple had it nailed: "It's a killer machine, it's got everything."

There probably isn't enough room here to explain all of the electronic wizardry on the new S-Class, but I'll give it a try.

ABC active suspension virtually eliminates body lean, squat and dive.

Distronic adaptive cruise control will automatically maintain a preset distance behind the car in front with the help of a radar sensor mounted in the grille.

M-B's smart key will unlock and lock the car, open and close the windows, sunroof and trunk at the touch of a button while Keyless Go, a small pocket- sized card, locks, unlocks and even starts your car hands-free.

Tele Aid provides custom-tailored Web-based information direct to the car. There's also an emergency button, mechanical assistance button and an information button. The system will automatically send for help if a collision deploys an airbag.

The GPS navigation system center console display is also used for the stereo and telephone and can be voice activated.

The standard 14-way adjustable seats will cool your sweaty back as well as give you a lumbar massage and the head rest is designed to function as a pillow.

Mercedes' new V-12 uses a cylinder deactivation system that helps fuel economy by shutting off the left bank of cylinders when the car is cruising.

Sorry no room to discuss Parktronic, the tire pressure monitoring, ASR traction control or rain sensing wipers.

Geez, no wonder we're going to 42-volt.