Once programmed and running, the stereo is one of the most brilliant and balanced I have experienced in an automobile. Not only has it been redesigned and re-engineered for 2000, the sticker price has been reduced several thousand dollars. Don't get excited. The sedan, in either of its two configurations, still costs more than your first house, and perhaps your second house. Maybe both houses.
Power is smooth and readily available throughout the torque band in both engine configurations.
It is very accurate and provides excellent road feel. The S Class is loaded with gee whiz stuff and the suspension system is one of the sedan's highlights. The system includes an adaptive damping control that takes into consideration steering angle, acceleration, brake pedal input and ABS activity to select one of four shock absorber stiffness levels. A switch on the dashboard allows the driver to select a firmer ride for those back road curves. At speeds over 68 miles per hour the car lowers more than a half inch to reduce drag and increase fuel economy.