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2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (base trim)

Making the right choice in a market of more than 200 cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs is no easy task – not without us, that is. Here at the online edition to Automobile Magazine, you can find all the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class research you need to make an informed buying decision. Select an option below to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, S600 & S550.
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2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP Range:$86,700 - $86,950  |  Get Internet Pricing from a Local Dealer!
Engines: 5.5L V8
Transmissions: 7 Speed Semi-Automatic; 6 Speed Semi-Automatic
Drivetrains: Rear Wheel Drive; All Wheel Drive
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S-Class Review
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Back in 1991, Automobile Magazine editor David E. Davis, Jr. wrote a column about the just-introduced 1992 S-class, specifically its nose-bleed pricing, as the top-of-the-line 600SEL reached $125,000. If a $100,000-plus S-class was big news back then, what to make of this $200,000-plus S-class?

The S65 AMG, with its custom-order "designo" interior, crests that magic number, reaching $207,965 as tested. Wow. True, there was no AMG version of the S-class back then. (A more direct comparison shows today's S600 starting at $145,075.)

Clearly, the success of Bentley has shown that there is sufficient oxygen to support luxury sedan sales at the lofty, $200,000 price level. And with Mercedes' own Maybach prices starting with a 3, the company obviously felt that the best way to play in the $200k neighborhood was to grow the S-class at the top end.

Thus, we now have not one, but two V-12 S-class sedans (the S600 and the S65 AMG), and not one, but two AMG S-class sedans (the S63 AMG and the S65 AMG). The latter situation is the most bizarre, with the $127,875, 504-hp, eight-cylinder S63 competing against the $194,875 (base price), 604-hp, twin-turbo V-12 S65. Both are insanely fast: 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds versus 4.2 seconds.... Read full article

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pricing (base trim)

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Packages MSRP Invoice
266 Distronic PLUS with Parking Guidance and Blind Spot Assist $2,850 Get Price
321 AMG Sport Package $5,630 Get Price
325 Rear Seat Package $2,920 Get Price
Options MSRP Invoice
057 iPod Integration Kit $425 Get Price
23R 18" 7-Split Spoke Wheel $0 Get Price
289 Wood and Leather Steering Wheel $560 Get Price

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specifications (base trim)

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Performance & Efficiency Hide
5,461 cc 5.5 liters V 8 front engine with 98.0 mm bore, 90.5 mm stroke, 10.7 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder M273
Premium unleaded fuel 91
Multi-point injection fuel system
23.8 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank 19.8
Power: 285 kW , 382 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 391 ft lb , 530 Nm @ 2,800 rpm

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Crash Test Data

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Frontal Impact Side Impact
Driver's Side Not Tested Front Occupant Not Tested
Passenger's Side Not Tested Rear Occupant Not Tested

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