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What it is: The Mercedes-Benz S350 BlueTEC is a diesel-powered version of one of the most opulent cars available -- for less than $100,000.
Starts at $92,550/ 21 MPG city / 31 MPG highway
Whats worth knowing: Mercedes offers six variants of its flagship S class sedan: Two conventional gas-powered models, a hybrid, the BlueTEC diesel and two AMG high-performance monsters. Among the four traditional models, the BlueTEC may be the most appealing. It gets better mileage than the other threeincluding the hybridat a price thats slightly higher than the hybrid and bit lower than the two gas-powered sedans. Of course, at this rarified level, price and mileage may not be your top concerns. But mileage comparable to some compacts will ease any overconsumption guilt you might feel. And todays clean dieselsoffered primarily by European automakers, who have been selling them in their home market for yearsare quieter and more environmentally friendly than the smoky polluters of yore.
Who its for: Tycoons and heiresses, including those who prefer to relax in back while a driver handles the wheel. If youre a self-made striver, the S Class will definitely announce your success.
Whats good: The S Class is an all-around superb machine, from its precise mechanical underpinnings to a lush interior that many reviewers consider the best in its class. Drivers of lesser cars will be astonished at the catlike agility of such a large sedan. The BlueTEC isnt blisteringly fast, but like other diesels its muscular and sure, with power that seems to exceed its 240-horsepower rating. Standard features include a sunroof, power trunk lid, wood trim, and all-wheel drive. The rear seat is cavernous, with first-class seating and an optional package that includes power-reclining rear seats that are also heated and cooled.
Whats bad: The Comand digital control system for the radio, climate and other controls is overcomplicated, forcing you to spin through a series of menus to find radio presets, for example, rather than simply punching a button on the dashboard. This is a common ailment among upscale cars that offer a seemingly infinite number of electronic features and settings, yet lack a concise, intuitive way to organize all of them. Oh yeah, and the S Class is also ridiculously expensive.
How it stacks up: The S Class starts at a considerably higher price than other superpremium sedans, such as the Lexus LS, Audi A8, BMW 7 series, Porsche Panamera and Jaguar XJ. Some reviewers consider the Panamera and 7 series more sporty, the A8 more stylish and the XJ more iconoclastic. But dont expect a discount on the S Class: Mercedes commands premium prices because, well, thats the point.
What to do if you want one: Decide how much extra youre willing to pay for status, and whether the driver or the rear-seat passengers are the top priority. If the driver, you might find a more spirited ride by stepping down one level, to the E Class or BMW 5 series. If pampering your passengers tops the list, then the S Class may be the chariot youre looking for.
Rick Newman is the Chief Business Correspondent for U.S. News & World Report and a longtime car buff. He covers corporate and consumer trends from the magazine's New York bureau. Rick is also the magazine's car reviewer and will be writing what he calls "micro-reviews" here on a regular basis, as well as writing about all things vehicular.
Follow Rick on Twitter, @rickjnewman
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