Short Take Road Test
When the current Range Rover debuted almost a year ago, the folks at Land Rover were confident that prospective buyers of its luxury behemoth would be the same people considering the Mercedes-Benz S-class.
"Oh, really?" we retorted.
Although Land Rover PR people were comparing apples with oranges, they had a point. The Range Rover offers a surprisingly carlike ride and one of the poshest interiors ever and thus is quite ideal for everyday transport. Plus, it comes standard with four-wheel drive, making it an attractive alternative to big rear-wheel-drive sedans, especially for upper-crustees living with snow.
Now, with the introduction of the all-wheel-drive S-class 4MATIC sedans, it's Mercedes-Benz's turn to proclaim that prospective Rover buyers will be cross-shopping S-classes. After all, few, if any, Range Rover owners actually drive off-road; to them, all- or four-wheel drive simply means, "I can drive it in the snow!"
Although 4MATIC is not new to us-it's been around off and on since 1990 in E-class sedans and wagons-2003 marks the first year Mercedes is offering all-wheel drive in its flagship S-class, in both the S430 and the S500. At a cost of $2900, 4MATIC raises the base price of our Pewter Silver S500 to $85,920. With a few options-our tester had a CD changer ($400), a heated steering wheel ($400), Distronic cruise control ($2950), and special-order chestnut wood trim ($1150)-the price ballooned to $90,820. Yikes!
Besides a chrome "4MATIC" badge on the decklid, that $2900 gets you a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system that uses a mechanical center differential to split torque 40/60 front to rear under any condition. When grip is lost, 4MATIC calls on a four-wheel traction-control system to vary torque distribution to individual wheels using the brakes and the front and rear open differentials. So if three wheels lose traction, 4MATIC can still deliver power to one wheel to keep the car in motion.
The S500 came to Hogback Road for testing in February, but there wasn't much white icing on the landscape. Nevertheless, the 4MATIC performed as advertised, finding traction at will. Head man Csere even pointed out that ascending the steep snow-covered driveway leading to his rural castle was no sweat, requiring zero intervention from the traction-control system. Impressive, considering the car came with all-season 225/55R-17 Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus tires. We reckon an S500 4MATIC fitted with snow tires would be unstoppable.
On clear roads, the big Benz drove like any other rear-drive S-class we have experienced in the past. The 4MATIC system was so seamless and transparent that differentiating it from a rear-drive setup was nearly impossible-a good trait, indeed, particularly if you enjoy apexing esses on the way to the ski chalet.
Like its rear-drive brethren, the S500 4MATIC is more successful as a highway cruiser than a back-road burner. Its straight-line stability and tracking are first-rate, complemented by low-effort steering that is progressive and linear if a bit numb on-center. The standard Airmatic DC suspension with its adaptive damping delivers a soft, plush ride in comfort mode that's perfect for fully enjoying the 14-way power-adjustable front seats and 10-speaker Bose sound system. It's the kind of car that actually makes a long road trip fun. For those sportier moments, tap the dash-mounted damper-adjustment button once, and the ride firms up nicely; tap it twice, and it becomes downright stiff, suitable for only the curviest roads you dare throw its way.
