Mercedes-Benz's flagship S-Class was redesigned for 2007 and continues largely unchanged for the new model year. For 2008, the S63 AMG - another high-performance AMG model joins the S-Class lineup, which already includes S65 AMG, S550 and S600. Rear-wheel drive models are offered, along with one that has Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. Satellite radio is the new additional feature for 2008.

The Mercedes-Benz S550 receives a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter, V-8 engine; as does the AWD S550 4Matic. The S63 gets a 6.2-liter, 518-horsepower V-8; the S600 features a turbo-charged 5.5-liter, 510-horsepower V-12; and the high-performance S65 has a 6.0-liter version of the same engine offering 604 horsepower. The S550, S550 4Matic and S63 are teamed with a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the S600 and S65 get a five-speed automatic transmission. The S-Class suspension automatically adjusts for firmness and load leveling, whereas S63 and S65 are tuned by Mercedes' AMG high-performance division. Fuel economy is estimated at 11-14 mpg in the city and 17-21 mpg on the highway. During rough driving, the side bolsters of the car automatically pump up and down to keep driver and passengers in place. The S550 sprints to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, while the S65 takes 4.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. For a car that weighs a minimum of 4,300 pounds, the S-Class is quick, with precise steering and solid handling.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class features state-of-the-art luxury interiors. The cabin is elegant with rich quality materials, ornately polished woods and silky leather. The S63 and S65 models receive a sport-tuned suspension, sport exhaust and specific trim. The S-Class wears angular headlights and pronounced fender flares on a smooth sheet-metal body, while chrome and wood accents adorn the interiors. Available features on S-Class include ventilated and massaging front seats; a heated/ventilated rear seat; and keyless entry/start. A rearview camera; distronic plus adaptive cruise control and Mercedes' infrared night view assist are also offered. The options available on the 2008 S-Class are costly. The Comand system (cockpit management and data) gets too much of the driver's attention.

Standard safety features include the pre-safe system from Mercedes-Benz, which can sense an impending crash and automatically tighten seatbelts as well as reposition power seats for air bag protection; stability control and traction control; anti-lock brakes; anti-skid control; and front side air bags, rear side air bags and curtain side air bags. Also available is Mercedes' tele-aid assistance; active headlights; the Comand system with its large screen mounted to the right of the instrument panel; and night vision assist, which uses infrared technology to detect objects beyond the headlight range.