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2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Overview

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2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

The flagship sets the standard for a carmaker's lineup, as it's a showcase for the best the company has to offer. Though there are a couple of higher rungs on Mercedes' sedan ladder (the rare, V12-powered S600 and the even more-rare AMG performance models), the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 is the mainstream top of the list. With the premium V8 and newly redesigned 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, the vehicle is equipped with arguably the most popular combination of features to be found on a big Mercedes in the U.S. market.

You'll Like This Car If...

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers its owners a masterful vehicle. Drivers will enjoy the smooth powertrain and taut handling. Passengers will appreciate the first-class legroom and sumptuous creature comforts. The question becomes: Is it better to drive, or to be driven?

You May Not Like This Car If...

This is a big car in all respects---particularly the rear seat and trunk areas. If you don't regularly carry passengers in back (or don't plan on spending much time there yourself), you're carrying around a lot of surplus sheet metal in an S-Class sedan.

What's New for 2008

A new AMG model, the S63 AMG, joins the lineup. The redesigned 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system has been made lighter and more fuel-efficient.

Driving the S-Class

Driving Impressions With premium luxury cars, owners might likely be in the rear seat, being driven, instead of up front, being drivers. It's a rare car that is equally satisfying in either...

role, but the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class certainly qualifies. The 5.5-liter V8 makes effortless power and the seven-speed automatic transmission shuttles from gear to gear seamlessly. The combination of the Airmatic Semi-Active air suspension and other details effectively insulates the occupants from outside noise, while not isolating the driver from road conditions, and the 4MATIC, in concert with the Electronic Stability Program and the vehicle's relentless mass, makes the S550 a reassuringly stable winter driver.

Favorite Features

Cabin comfort/Ride quality
Whether in the front seats or the rear, the S550 is an enormously comfortable car. The interior is quiet, spacious and accommodating, and the long wheelbase and Airmatic suspension system smooth the edges off the roughest pavement.

Drivability
The responsiveness of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class belies its size. The silky drivetrain and supple chassis conspire to make this full-size car drive as if it's something smaller and sportier than its dimensions indicate.

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Details

Interior

Understated elegance is the theme on the inside of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Amber ambient lighting rings the front cabin and, in the rear, passengers stretch out with 42.3 inches of legroom. One of the challenges that a luxury automaker faces is how to provide access to all the features of a high-end vehicle without undue frustration or driver distraction. The S-Class interior houses a busy but logical array of switchgear. Many functions (navigation, sound system, phone, vehicle) are displayed on an eight-inch color screen in the center of the dash. They're accessed by Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, through a turn-and-push, aluminum knob on the center console. With a modest amount of study time, drivers soon learn to use the mouse-style controller to change navigation, audio, telephone and vehicle settings. Inside storage spots are numerous, if small, and the big trunk is a trip-friendly luggage swallower.

Exterior

Longer, taller and wider than the previous generation, the 2008 S-Class has a polished, sleek shape. In profile it has a slight nose-down rake, capped by a curvy, coupe-like roofline and with flaring fenders that stretch over wheels positioned near the corners. The sloping front end features a set of asymmetrical headlamps framing the traditional Mercedes shield-shaped grille. C-pillar, fenders and deck lid all converge gracefully at the tri-section, vertical tail lamps. The short deck in back hides the big trunk beneath. In all, it's a refined, modern look that's somewhat deceptive. The S-Class doesn't appear to be all that large---until you park it next to something that isn't.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Notable among the standard appointments on the Mercedes flagship is a fine-sounding 14-speaker, 600-watt harmon/kardon(r) surround-sound system that plays CDs, DVDs and MP3s and has a compact flash memory card slot. The hands-free communication system has voice controls for telephone, audio and navigation features. The GPS navigation system includes a 20-GB onboard hard disc and an eight-inch screen that tilts for easier viewing. The power glass sunroof adds a splash of sunshine or starlight, while the power rear-window sunshade affords more privacy. Bi-xenon headlamps include Active Curve Illumination with cornering lights and heated washers.

Optional Equipment

The list of available features on the S550 includes the Night View Assist system, which extends the driver's nighttime forward vision by projecting infra-red light onto the road ahead and displaying the reflected image on the eight-inch screen on the instrument cluster. The standard 14-way adjustable heated seats can be supplemented by optional cooling ventilation. Adaptive seats offer four levels of massage and active controls that monitor driving conditions, adding lateral support to seat bolsters to hold passengers in place while cornering. Radar-based Distronic PLUS Adaptive Cruise Control and Parking Guidance systems help the driver maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and objects.

Under the Hood

As befits a top-line luxury car, the S550 has a wonderful powertrain. The 5.5-liter V8 is rated at 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, and its silken power flow meshes well with the smooth, silent shifting of the seven-speed automatic transmission. The combination is capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in well under six seconds, which is quite impressive for a car that weighs nearly 4,700 pounds. The S550's fuel economy is slightly less than its contemporaries, but that's probably not a major purchase issue.

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower at 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque at 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/21 (RWD), 14/20 (AWD)

5.5-liter V12 Twin Turbocharged
510 horsepower @ 5000 rpm
612 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800-3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17

6.3-liter V8
518 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
465 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17

6.0-liter V12 Twin Turbocharged
604 horsepower @ 4800-5100 rpm
738 lb.-ft of torque @ 2000-4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 11/17

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 29 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.8/10
Comfort

9.8/10

Styling

9.7/10

Great looking, reliable and comfortable car.

By PHILB (MD) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "The greatest looking, most comfortable car ever."

Cons: "I have no cons."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the car used with 19,000 miles on it in 2010 and saved about 35,000 dollars and the car has been great. Not one expense other than having the regular services done. My wife usually drives it and I have a 2007 SL550 Designo edition and the same with it, not one complaint whatsoever. We love both cars and as seniors, we will never wear these cars out. The S550 comfort seat package with the massage features is so wonderful. The amazing thing is, our daughter who is only 26 loves to take her friends out for a night in it and she thinks it is the best car ever. I have been a Mercedes owner for over 30 years and have never had any trouble with any of them."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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75K and still going strong!

By bigstanup (TN) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort,Sound System,Interior Storage Compartments"

Cons: "To Much Technology to Deal With"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my car at 46K a couple of years ago and have been impressed with just about everything about it! The way the S550 takes to the road is second to none and I am never tired or stiff after a long trip (450+mi)and the 25mpg is a pleasant surprise."

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Bestblarge luxury sedan ever

By Mike (TX) on Sunday, August 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth powerful ride"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my third Benz and second S550. I am amazed at the ride and performance improvements from my 2010 to my new 2012. This time I got the Sport Plus Pkg. the car handles wonderful on the road and the ride is silky smooth. My combined fuel economy has in crease by an average og 3-4mpg. I drive about 30,00-35,00 miles per year."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great touring car

By Oz (GA) on Friday, May 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 181,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great reliability - have 180K and going strong"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 3rd S series. Buoght my S-550 new in 2006 as a 2007 model. Great road car as I can drive 6 hours staight without thinking of stopping. Leather has held up great, all the electronics work great but not up to 2012 pace. Upgrade the GPS every two years so is always current. Car is bullet proof. A few repairs over the years, motor mounts, ball joints but all to be expected with 180K. Will keep until new S series is out in 2013."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great car in its day

By Iceman27 (NY) on Monday, April 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Quick and nimble"

Cons: "Costly to maintain"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"When this car was new, it was state of the art. Time has passed and innovations have been made to the 2007. However, this model was the best "S" I ever owned. It was my fifth. For a little more than $30,000, this is a good buy. Cost to maintain is expensive."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Dream car - almost dream come true - happy to have

By Bob on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality of ride and thecar build"

Cons: "Cost"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Second MB and first S. 2007 s550 4matic. Wonderful ride and quality inside and out. Love extra toys (camera, distronic plus, massage seats, other features). A few super minor gripes: Bluetooth doesn't work well with blackberry, distronic plus and park assist turn off in foggy/wet/snowy weather (sometimes, nor everytime), after awhile, dynamic seat feature stopped working. Other - fuel economy is great on hwy, so so in city (now new engine might be better). I do love 4wd! Saved the car a few times!!! Accelerates wonderfully in "s" mode - don't need Amg 63 or 65 to pass pretty much anyone (except motorbikes ;-) )... Expensive maintenance (dealer mechanics suggest always! about $1500 in annual work - not repair!) repair if not on warranty or insurance (body) is expensive (so if it's a used car may look too expensive).... But I love it, can't imagine not having it or a similar car... Hard to drive anything else now . If you care for a good car - buy it."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 29 reviews