The Mercedes-Benz S-class sedan was first introduced in 1972. Since then, it has been the flagship car of the company. It has always been known for its innovations in both design and features. Forty years have passed and the Mercedes-Benz S-class continues to get good reviews for being a luxurious, powerful sedan. One of the latest additions in the lineup is the Mercedes Benz 2012 S-Class S600. The S600 boasts a powerful engine that can produce up to 510hp with 612lb-ft torque. That puts it at the upper echelon of the sedan category. Apart from its own class competition with the S-class S63 AMG and S65 AMG, the S600 is probably the best sedan right now according to most reviews.
In terms of super luxury sedans, the 2012 S-Class S600 from Mercedes Benz is competing with cars like the 2012 Porsche Panamera and the 2012 Lexus LS. Both cars are comparable in terms of power and handling and even in terms of reliability based on reviews and drive tests. We would go so far as to say that the Panamera is slightly better in terms of performance, but it is no match in terms of exterior design and features. In terms of base prices, the Mercedes Benz 2012 S-Class S600 is the most expensive of the two other cars we have mentioned. The price tag for the S600 is at $159,500, while the Panamera is only $95,200 and the Lexus LS just $75,480. Keep in mind, however, that with the Panamera and LS optional add-ons can get quite expensive.
Compared to the Panamera and Lexus LS, the Mercedes Benz 2012 S-Class S600's fuel economy is also on the negative side. Our reviews showed that fuel efficiency on the S600 is only at 12 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. The Panamera run 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 24 miles per gallon on highway driving while the Lexus LS run 16 miles per gallon in city driving and 23 miles per gallon on highway driving. Safety standards of the 2012 S-Class S600 are also very impressive based on reviews compared to the other cars we have mentioned. The systems Mercedes-Benz have in place for the S-Class S600 are mostly its own technologies and considered very good in terms of safety.