The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The flagship sedan of the Mercedes-Benz fleet, the 2012 S-Class is a sleek-lined, full-sized sedan available in both short and long wheelbase versions known as the S550 and the S600, respectively. A reinvention of previous incarnations of the S-Class, the 2012 model has been tweaked and refined, though the greatest changes are under the hood. New to 2012, the S-Class offers a diesel engine and hybrid model, both with the torque for which Mercedes-Benz is known.

The engine options on the 2012 S-Class sedan range from the traditional 3.5-liter V-6 engine and 5.0-liter V-8 to the twin turbocharged cylinders of a 5.5-liter V-12. Also on the docket is the first. The S500 plug-in hybrid is planned to replace the current S400, and Mercedes-Benz may also introduce their newest diesel engine, dubbed DiesOtto, in the 2012 S-Class. Regardless, the engine options available in the S550 and S600, as well as the hybrid S400, are expected to bring Mercedes-Benz characteristic power and torque to this next generation of their premiere luxury sedan.

Fuel economy will vary widely based upon engine type, with the hybrid S400 anticipated to get 44 mpg, while the S550 5.5-liter V-12 is anticipated to get 18 mpg combined (15/23 mpg). However, all S-Class models will feature four-wheel anti-lock brakes, seating for five, and power steering with seven-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to anti-lock brakes, the S-Class comes equipped with navigation system, front and rear curtain and side airbags, and traction control. A sound system complete with MP3 readability and 10 speakers creates a luxurious audio immersion experience, and voice activating systems for navigation, radio, and Bluetooth phone connection make this car as responsive to the driver's comforts as it is to the driver's commands.

Other proprietary technology that is anticipated to be included with the 2012 model is Attention Assist, which monitors driver behavior and tells the driver when he is too drowsy to drive safely; Pre-Safe, which prepares a car automatically when a collision is anticipated; and headlamps that automatically adjust to suit driving and atmospheric conditions. It is expected that Mercedes-Benz will also include its new Pre-Scan suspension system, which uses lasers to scan the road ahead and adjusts the suspension accordingly, when they unveil their fully imagined 2012 S-Class.

For those looking for a luxury sedan that is complete with the latest safety features and a powerful engine need look no further than the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. With room to comfortably seat a family of five and ample trunk space for getaways on long weekends, this is a sedan that is as practical as it is fun to drive. This is a performance vehicle masquerading as a sedan, and with its smooth ride and rapid acceleration, its as comfortable to drive as it is fun.