Test Drive: Diesel's back in big Mercedes-Benz
— -- Mercedes-Benz has brought back a diesel version of its big S-Class sedan to the U.S. the first since the 1996 model.
It seems odd that it waited so long to field a diesel for the S-Class that met U.S. emissions rules, because Mercedes has been a diesel pioneer here and is doing good business with diesel power in its smaller E-Class sedans and in its SUVs.
Called the S350 Bluetec and introduced last fall as a 2012 model, it has all-wheel drive (called 4Matic) standard. Starting at $93,425 with shipping, it is near the bottom of the S-Class price list. Only the S400 hybrid is cheaper, at $92,725.
That makes the S350 diesel a relative bargain. For just $700 more, the diesel gives you the 4Matic not available on the hybrid, as well as better mileage and quicker acceleration. M-B says the hybrid sells best on the Left Coast, the diesel in the East and Snow Belt, and each accounts for about 5% of S sales.
The Bluetec diesel, emissions-legal in all 50 states and D.C., is a 3-liter, turbocharged V-6 and rated a modest (typical for diesels) 240 horsepower. But it's rated a jaw-dropping 455 pounds-feet of torque available at just 1,600 engine revolutions per minute.
Perversely, for all that low-speed torque, it can't get out of its own way from a dead stop if you nail the throttle. It oozes ahead until about 8 mph, then begins to accelerate as you intended.
But, if you ease into the throttle — push firmly and deliberately — the car gets going acceptably.
Mercedes-Benz acknowledges that "the engine will take a moment to spool up all systems" but says the pattern quickly becomes second nature.
Once underway, throttle response is vigorous and prompt.
Another perversity: The seats adjust all manner of ways using the on-screen pictogram and the big control knob on the console. Yet perfect comfort was elusive. Mainly, the system wouldn't dial back the intrusive lumbar push.
The so-called dynamic seats automatically inflate the side bolsters to keep you in place during corners. But it also triggers at parking lot speed, keeping driver and front passenger in place during 3 mph parking turns. It was adjustable to be less intrusive, but still bothersome. We turned that feature off pronto.
The lane-departure warning also was intrusive, though effective. Cross the lane line without using your turn signal and the steering turns back the other way, a warning comes on and the car slows. Only the dead will fail to notice. Turned that one off pronto, too.
The $108,640 S350 Bluetec test car was rakish-looking by virtue of its low roof line and optional big wheels with fat tires ($2,020). But it seemed more cushy-limousine-like inside because of extraordinary legroom in back (more than in front) and its optional ($3,040) "rear seat package." That includes heated and power-ventilated back seats that are separately adjustable and tiltable, plus separate rear climate control.
The same sport/lux confusion shows in the ride and handling. When the suspension is set on Airmatic Comfort, the normal mode, the car bobs and pitches a bit like an old Buick. "Sport" mode is no antidote, seeming too stiff, neither truly sporty nor luxurious.
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