Which luxury car won the Popular Mechanics excellence award?

The new-generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan, the company’s latest flagship sedan and the successor to a long line of premium luxury vehicles, has won a coveted Automotive Excellence Award from POPULAR MECHANICS magazine, one of the largest and most trusted technology magazines that reaches more than 8.6 million readers each month. Chosen by the magazine’s experienced team of automotive editors, the new S550 model won their Safety award, one of ten categories that comprise their Automotive Excellence Awards, which recognize exceptional 2007 model-year vehicles.

Don Chaikin, automotive editor, POPULAR MECHANICS, said, “With the changing environment and economy, automotive manufacturers have to provide consumers with innovative, cost-effective and better-performing vehicles in order to stay competitive in today's market. It's hard to find a model that doesn't have some great new feature, but our automotive team sought the best of the best for our readers and has singled out these ten models as our top-of-the-line picks.”

PRE-SAFE, Distronic Plus and Much More

The new-generation S-Class sedan made its U.S. debut earlier this year with an impressive array of industry-leading safety features. First, the revolutionary PRE-SAFE® system senses loss of control and automatically takes measures to protect occupants before a possible impact.

The new radar-based Distronic Plus cruise control can maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead and it is networked with other systems so that Brake Assist can be readied and PRE-SAFE measures can be triggered if the closing speed to the next vehicle is too great. Extensive testing suggests that these features will reduce rear collisions.

Infra-Red Night View Assist

Another innovative technology that made its debut on the 2007 S-Class is Night View Assist, a new option that can extend the driver’s ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet. An industry first, and in contrast to passive systems that rely only on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two projector beams mounted in the headlights. An infra-red camera discreetly mounted in the windshield receives the reflected images and displays them in a high-resolution display in the instrument cluster.

The Industry’s First Rapidly Flashing Brake Lights

The new-generation S600 and S65 AMG models are equipped with adaptive brake lights that can flash rapidly during emergency braking, a feature that’s expected to reduce rear collisions. Another industry first from Mercedes, the rapidly flashing LED brake lights are triggered primarily by the car’s Brake Assist system (standard on all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles since 1998), which automatically provides full-power braking assist whenever it senses faster-than-usual brake pedal application.

How the Winners Were Chosen

To determine the winners, POPULAR MECHANICS’ automotive editors drove over 100 of the newest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles, amassing well over 100,000 miles in the process. The team, headed by Chaikin, is comprised of senior automotive editor Mike Allen, Detroit editor Jim Dunne and West Coast editor Ben Stewart, and collectively represents nearly 100 years of automotive editorial experience.

Dave - 9/5/2006 2:51:43 PM

+4 Boost

As much as I like Japanese luxury cars, the Germans are still the 'innovators' who aren't afraid to offer the absolute newest technology available(the Japanese have yet to offer nightvision or head up displays). Unlike many car magazine(like Car and Driver), Popular Mechanics is a relatively unbiased magazine that gives credit where it's due. The new Mercedes is a technological powerhouse without a doubt, and deserves the award. With that being said, Popular Mechanics(or anyone else for that matter) has yet to test the soon to be released next Lexus LS flagship LS600hL. I'm sure the new Lexus flagships will receive recognition as well.

BMW530i - 9/5/2006 4:08:27 PM

+1 Boost

All the cars in this class are "excellent", even the Lexus LS460. I think the S-Class is still the one to beat though as traditionally, it has always ruled this segment.

The new S-Class shows that Mercedes is also serious once again. I've sat in it and the interior is top-notch and feels solid and well put together. In a few years, I am looking at getting a new car: I have my sights set on the new Mercedes CL-Class.

Jacob - 9/5/2006 4:32:00 PM

+2 Boost

The S-Class has some serious competition. It used to be the lone wolf in the premium sedan segment, I can acknowledge that, but several others (whos names I need not mention)have gotten extremely good at building these "luxo-barges." as well.

I'm sure that this is built like a tank. Unfortunately, it looks like one as well. ;)

iown1 - 9/5/2006 5:16:37 PM

+1 Boost

BMW530i- I'm with you I think the new Cl looks great. IMO the styling works better on the coupe.

As far as the S class. Well deserved. It's a technological tour de force. Styling doesn't grab me for an uber sedan but I'm sure it's an amazing ride.

lexusis350 - 9/5/2006 6:08:05 PM

-1 Boost

Dave,
The Lexus LX470 has nightvision.

---------------------------------------------------------

I bet that this car doesn't get an award for long lasting. It won the award for all of the stuff it has that works for a few years and then breaks.

Rupert - 9/5/2006 6:20:04 PM

+3 Boost

the great thing is, in 6 years this car will cost less than a new vw golf.

wwww - 9/5/2006 11:00:10 PM

+1 Boost

huu, cadillac's system used heat sensitivity, thermal imaging as described above as the passive systems. Cadillac had won a similar award before for using the thermal system back in the 1990's.

The article states that mercedes is the fore runner in applying the rapid flashing brake lights for civilian cars "the industry" i don't think the tech on cop cars can be compared to normal autos. The cop cruisers have a lot of toys and stuff which civilian automobiles don't have. Is like comparing army vehicles with our cars.

I also heard the US gov't might not allow the flashing brake lights to be used in the US. Is that true?

lexusis350 - 9/6/2006 12:38:31 AM

-1 Boost

huu76-
" I'm sure the S is a decent car, for the price they make you pay. "

The S-Class is way over priced. The base price for the S-Class is more than the fully loaded LS. Mercedes makes you pay through the nose to buy their cars, Lexus takes an easier approach by giving you so much more for the money, and having their vehicles last longer than a couple of years.

Matthew1 - 9/6/2006 3:30:23 AM

0 Boost

If we are talking tanks, then the LS takes the cake.

Bluff nose, slab sides and bulky proportions, it looks the most military of all the luxury sedans.

Matthew1 - 9/6/2006 4:22:30 AM

0 Boost

"built like a tank. Unfortunately, it looks like one as well. ;)"

-Jacob on the S-Class.

BMW530i - 9/6/2006 6:25:36 AM

-2 Boost

Lexus IS350,

The S-Class is way over priced. The base price for the S-Class is more than the fully loaded LS. Mercedes makes you pay through the nose to buy their cars, Lexus takes an easier approach by giving you so much more for the money, and having their vehicles last longer than a couple of years.
-------------------------------------

It's called PRESTIGE PRICING. Something that you will learn once you go to college.

Second, Mercedes' still builds quality cars that will last longer "than a couple of years". Your bias is sickening.

READ THIS

Richmond Hill, Ontario - Lexus cars and Volkswagen light trucks top the
lists in survival rates, according to a report issued by industry
analyst Dennis DesRosiers. The report looks at vehicles bought between 11 and 20 years ago, and the percentage that are still on the road today.

The study was conducted by comparing original sales numbers with Polk's
current vehicle-on-the-road data, to determine how many units are still
in operation and from there, the percentage of survival rates. "Some 64
per cent of light trucks and 53 per cent of passenger cars
survive fifteen years of active ownership," DesRosiers says. But he
warns that, "Older vehicles are, by a large margin, the least fuel
efficient and highest polluting road users. The sooner they disappear,
the sooner some of our environmental targets will be met. A cursory
look at survival rates makes it crystal clear that all levels of
government should be focusing on getting older vehicles off the road,
rather than the much more difficult goal of persuading consumers to
purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles."

Among passenger cars, Lexus led the list with a 61.60 per cent survival
rate, followed by Mercedes-Benz at 44.30 per cent, and Saturn at 41.60
per cent. Cars above the industry average, following those three, were
(in order) Infiniti, Acura, BMW, Volvo, Cadillac, Jaguar, Lincoln,
Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Saab, Buick, Volkswagen, Chrysler and Nissan.
Oldsmobile was below the industry average, at minus 0.10 per cent,
followed in descending order by Subaru, Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, Audi,
Mercury, Eagle, Dodge, Suzuki, Plymouth, Isuzu, Hyundai and finally
Lada, at minus 28.70 per cent.

Among light trucks, Volkswagen was highest at 27.80 per cent, followed by Chrysler, Pontiac, Land Rover, Chevrolet, Jeep, Toyota
and GMC; below the industry average, in descending order, were Mazda,
Dodge, Isuzu, Nissan, Ford, Plymouth, Suzuki, and Lada. All below the
industry average were only by a slight margin, with second-last Suzuki
at minus 8.70 per cent, but Lada was at minus 37.40 per cent.

DesRosiers warns, however, that the numbers do not necessarily reflect
quality, and may be affected by such factors as initial inexpensive
prices, which may "write off" a vehicle more easily than an expensive
model; exportation of vehicles to the U.S.; and fleet vehicles, which
tend to reach high mileage s

lexusis350 - 9/6/2006 5:34:07 PM

-3 Boost

BMW530i-
Sorry, but you're post was so boring I didn't finish reading it, but, it has been proven that Mercedes isn't as long lasting as Lexus. And, Lexus is every bit as prestigious as Mercedes (if not more). Mercedes is just a crap brand that overcharges you for a crap car.

BMW530i - 9/6/2006 9:35:53 PM

+1 Boost

Lexus IS350,

I am going to ignore you from now on. All you talk about is nothing but your ignorant little bullshit.

You know NOTHING ABOUT CARS, NOTHING. Your ignorant little shit posts prove that.

So, goodbye you dumb ignorant fool.

lexusis350 - 9/6/2006 11:46:13 PM

-2 Boost

BMW530i-
I hope you do ignore me, that's one less liar telling people Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are good cars. And I'm ignorant? It sounds to me like you're the ignorant one.

lexusis350 - 9/6/2006 11:56:12 PM

-2 Boost

Oh and by the way, I got bored so I read your comment and just like I said, Lexus is more fuel efficient that Mercedes. I'm not ignorant, I have the facts, not the made up facts like some of us, the actual facts. You even wrote it yourself: "Among passenger cars, Lexus led the list with a 61.60 per cent survival rate". So, that which you wrote proved both that Lexus is better and that I'm not full of crap.

synx - 9/7/2006 12:31:44 AM

+1 Boost

s-class is great but interior is disapointing.

BMW530i - 9/7/2006 5:07:52 AM

+1 Boost

LexusIS350,

"Among passenger cars, Lexus led the list with a 61.60 per cent survival rate". So, that which you wrote proved both that Lexus is better and that I'm not full of crap.
----------------------------------------

YOU ARE FULL OF CRAP.

Does this survey really prove anything? There are more Lexus sold in the US than Mercedes', of course there will be a statistical bias for Lexus. I could go on about how this survey really doesn't prove anything, but I'd be wasting my breath with a dipshit like you.

Fact is, Lexus, MB etc. are all WELL-BUILT cars. Claiming that one last longer than the other is nothing but brand-bias, LIKE YOU.

BMW530i - 9/7/2006 5:09:55 AM

+1 Boost

huu76,

Sorry to be the one to point this out, but the last paragraph contradicts your entire point. Initial price may affect how long you keep your car, or before it's written off (more than 1 owner).
----------------------------------------

??? Where did I say this???

BMW530i - 9/7/2006 5:12:41 AM

+1 Boost

Oh and LexusIS350,

You claim that the S-Class is way overpriced. If you knew ANYTHING about cars, you'd know that Mercedes CAN charge these prices because of their history and the fact that people are willing to buy them. Now look at this:

August 2006 Premium Car Sales

Mercedes S Class 2427
BMW 7 Series 1395
Lexus LS 1386
Jaguar XJ 408
Audi A8 387
Infiniti Q45 18

Hmmm...people must be really stupid if they buy the S-Class, which is "so overpriced". Moron.

DarkOneForce - 9/7/2006 6:40:55 AM

+2 Boost

But, BMW530i, these are just USA, sales, just wait until global sales figures arrive.

Ha, Ha...
...and ofcourse we'll see how much more do folks in Europe, Japan, China, M. East chose the german big sedans over the japanese counterparts.

DarkOneForce - 9/7/2006 6:40:59 AM

+3 Boost

audiot - 9/7/2006 8:54:53 PM

+4 Boost

I'd rather have an S-Class personally, but it does appear to me that Mercedes is not relevant with people under 40. No one I know in this car crazy town called L.A. drives one. I'm not saying Mercedes isn't a great car. It is, but its value is lost on some people.

It appears to me that Lexus and Audi have taken over for Mercedes in my generation. Possibly because of Mercedes' quality issues, their aging C-class, their conservative styling, and their lack of marketing.

It's just an observation. You will hear younger people question Mercedes as overpriced, because for them, Mercedes value and heritage doesn't resonate with them. Mercedes really needs to tackle this because a brand has the responsibility to keep its name going. People aren't necessarily stupid because they don't understand a brand that has fallen a bit behind.

lexusis350 - 9/7/2006 11:16:36 PM

-1 Boost

Zergy-
I have sat in a Mercedes-Benz and that is why I hate them. I sat in a brand new ML500 and if felt like I was in a 1979 Honda Civic. The leather seats were hard and uncomfortable and the steering wheel felt like plastic. And the prestigious name for Mercedes makes them less exclusive. If you go to LA, they become boring, an everyday car. With Lexus' unrecognized prestige, they are the more exlusive (and more comfortable) vehicle.

Say what you want people, I hate Mercedes. Always have, always will. No one is going to change my mind.

And BMW530i-
Your username is BMW530i so why do you care so much about Mercedes. I have no problems with BMW, I like them. I just think Mercedes is too overated. But BMWs are nice, not as nice as Lexus, but that's okay because they are performance cars, not really luxury cars (exept for the 7-series).

lexusis350 - 9/7/2006 11:32:27 PM

-1 Boost

audiot-
I agree totally with you. Mercedes is in the same situation as Cadillac is. The new generation doesn't care about which country their car came from or how much history it has, they care about the bang for the buck and even you MB fans can say that Mercedes isn't on the cheaper side of the luxury vehicles. And don't say it's because they are prestigious because so are other luxury brands like BMW. And Mercedes' only cheaper vehicls looks too outdated. The C-Class's design doesn't pop from the rest of the traffic like Lexus or BMW. They have to do some serious restyling and price changes if they want to continue building cars for the younger generation.

Matthew1 - 9/8/2006 2:01:10 AM

+3 Boost

Duh. The C-Class is old and its replacement is near.

I don't know why you hate Mercedes, afer all, the Lexus brand was launched on a 're-fettled' S-Class!

lexusis350 - 9/8/2006 4:34:52 PM

-2 Boost

When Mercedes brings out a new generation in their car, they usually look like a grandma car. Look at the S-Class, the old generation was, I have to admit, really nice looking. Then the 2007 comes out and it's boxy looking.

Will-
You mean that Mercedes didn't rebadge an Altima. I never knew! LOL

lexusis350 - 9/8/2006 10:51:23 PM

-2 Boost

That's why Mercedes has lost it's exclusiveness.

BMW530i - 9/9/2006 7:35:57 AM

+1 Boost

LexusIS350, you're an idiot. Plain and simple. Your post smell of BIAS. Incredible. You're not open minded at all.

I'm going to lower myself to your level by smacking Lexus now and using some harsh words.

I'll tell you this. I care about Mercedes because after Audi and BMW, I LIKE Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes has more prestige than your sissy Lexus wannabe car. Lexus has ZERO PRESTIGE. They're reliable and that's it.

The original LS used many technologies in the W140 S-Class. You above all should know this since you're a God damn Lexus fan...eh, TROLL. Lexus took apart a W140 S-Class and improved what they could and then they built their LS. Now, today, look at the heads of state and what they prefer. Hint: It's not a Lexus LS. The S-Class, 7-Series and A8 own this segment.

C-Class? Looks and drives a million times better than your wannabe IS350. Read Motor Trends review where the IS350 lost to the 330i and C350 because the "ride wasn't up to the German brands". Yeah, the IS350 is "going to blow away the Germans". In your dreams.

So you hate Mercedes? Well in that case, then let me tell you that I HATE Lexus now because they've got too many fanboys like you who are friggin blind and ignorant and biased. Stop insulting some of the worlds greatest cars. That goes for Audi, BMW and Jaguar too, dick.

BMW530i - 9/9/2006 7:40:54 AM

0 Boost

LexusIS350,

I have sat in a Mercedes-Benz and that is why I hate them. I sat in a brand new ML500 and if felt like I was in a 1979 Honda Civic. The leather seats were hard and uncomfortable and the steering wheel felt like plastic. And the prestigious name for Mercedes makes them less exclusive. If you go to LA, they become boring, an everyday car. With Lexus' unrecognized prestige, they are the more exlusive (and more comfortable) vehicle.
---------------------------------------

Bullshit. You're clearly trolling here. The last M-Class was horrible, I'll give you that. The new one however is miles ahead in quality etc. It's not class-leading, that goes to the Q7, but it's a great interior. And the seats are fine. I don't know what shit you're talking about. A relative of mine has the ML350 and I find it comfortable enough.

FYI, the interior of the RX is completely overrated IMO. I've seen a few of them around and the interior looks like baked dog shit to me. How do you feel now?

Do I have to make you feel even worse? I'd take an ML over your sissy RX anyday. At least when it rains, the ML won't get stuck like that wannabe RX.

God, I am sounding like a kid...

crackityjones - 9/9/2006 2:09:14 PM

+2 Boost

Zergy, how can Audiot be "wrong" when he/she says he doesn't know anyone who drives a Mercedes? You can't be wrong about your own personal experience.

Don't be such a tool.

crackityjones - 9/9/2006 2:10:53 PM

+1 Boost

Will, do you work for Toyota? Seriously. You're beginning to sound like a mole.

BMW530i - 9/9/2006 2:45:57 PM

-1 Boost

LexusIS350,

That's why Mercedes has lost it's exclusiveness.
------------------------------------

Wow, you truly know nothing at all about marketing. MB appearing in movies is awesome advertising. This creates even more awareness, interest, desireability etc.

How can MB have lost its exclusivity through movies? What are you smoking? I'd like to know...

lexusis350 - 9/9/2006 10:08:09 PM

0 Boost

BMW530i-
"A relative of mine has the ML350 and I find it comfortable enough."
-----------------------------------------------
Comfortable enough, huh. Does that mean that it could be more comfortable? I think so. And you go ahead and take your precious ML, I think you'll realize your mistake in about four years when you've spent more money repairing it than it cost to buy.

lexusis350 - 9/9/2006 10:10:38 PM

0 Boost

BMW530i-

"How can MB have lost its exclusivity through movies? What are you smoking? I'd like to know..."
------------------------------------------------------
Mercedes has lost their exlusivity by being in everything you see in the movies. You see them so much it isn't exciting to see them in real life. And I'm not smoking anything. You're the one smoking if you would take a piece of crap like the ML-series over the RX, a true luxury crossover.

icen - 9/10/2006 4:56:38 AM

+1 Boost

Isn't this getting a little bit off track?
Aren't we talking about the cars here?
What's with the movies and other stuffs?

As far as the car is concerned, here's what I think:
- It doens't matter who's te poineer to what design, I mean, they all started in aircraft industry, in NASA, or in the military.
- Because MB offers those stuffs it gets the award. But I'm pretty sure that if other company wants to develop those system, they'll come up with pretty much the same quality. All those special features offered by mercedes is all about building status and marketing. I mean, if honda offer those feature.. would anyone actually buy them? Different company has different markets. As for mercedes, they need to keep up their status with the features. (by the way, anyone of you hear of the night vision from the mercedes is not clear enough, which a bare eye might out-perform it?)
- IS350.. i've driven an IS350 b4.. and i know what you mean and I agree to a certain extend, however, I don't think such subjective comments should be made without further verification. Maybe you should try out somehgih end AMG MB first?

BMW530i - 9/10/2006 7:19:19 AM

+1 Boost

huu6,

The World's two richest countries don't drive German cars. Dubya rides in a Cadillac and Koizumi rides a Toyota limo.
-------------------------------------

Completely understandable. Bush has to appear pro-American. Plus, the taxpayers wouldn't be too thrilled if GWB drove around in an expensive Mercedes or Maybach.

The Japanese PM has the same issue. He has to appear nationalistic and therefore rides in a what? Toyota President or Century?

And I AGREE with you about BMW interiors. I have no problems admitting that BMW interiors need a little more refreshing. However, BMW isn't as luxurious as Lexus or MB. They're more sport oriented and therefore, it can be claimed that their interiors "don't have to be as plush as the competition". Still, I feel that they do need to pep them up a bit.

BMW530i - 9/10/2006 7:23:10 AM

+1 Boost

LexusIS350,

Mercedes has lost their exlusivity by being in everything you see in the movies. You see them so much it isn't exciting to see them in real life. And I'm not smoking anything. You're the one smoking if you would take a piece of crap like the ML-series over the RX, a true luxury crossover.
-----------------------------------------

You know, you're shooting yourself in the foot here. I live in Albany and I see tons of Lexus here. Wait, you know what? Lexus isn't as exclusive as it used to be. I mean, I see so many of them here. God, I am so bored of these Lexus, I'll just go to my local BMW and Mercedes dealer and buy one just to be different.

See what I mean?

And the ML was "comfortable enough". That means that for my tastes, it was very comfortable. And you know what? The ML actually has something called "handling capability", something that wannabe RX of yours can only dream of getting. So maybe you're right after all: maybe the RX is a little softer than the ML and therefore more comfortable: because ML drivers actually expect good handling traits, as you do when you buy German.

FYI, I'd still take the ML over your wannabe RX. What a dull ride with an overrated interior.

lexusis350 - 9/10/2006 3:03:43 PM

-1 Boost

BMW530i-
I'm sorry, I did shoot myself in the foot. Mercedes never has been very exclusive. Not until Lexus came into the big picture anyway. Lexus' designs pop out of the crowd while Mercedes blends right in. That's not something you want in an exclusive car. The C-class (quoting Will) looks like an Altima. It really does. Actually, Altima's look better.

BMW530i - 9/11/2006 5:15:55 AM

+2 Boost

LexusIS350,

I'm sorry, I did shoot myself in the foot. Mercedes never has been very exclusive. Not until Lexus came into the big picture anyway. Lexus' designs pop out of the crowd while Mercedes blends right in. That's not something you want in an exclusive car. The C-class (quoting Will) looks like an Altima. It really does. Actually, Altima's look better.
------------------------------------

Dumb post. Sseriously.

Lexus designs are incredibly boring. The only car you have in the lineup that looks half-way decent is the GS. The rest, sleeping pills.

Mercedes designs tend to be conservative because their customers expect that. I don't know what the Lexus customers want, but whatever it is, they've obviously have ZERO taste when it comes to style.

breh760li - 9/12/2006 1:45:39 AM

+1 Boost

Oh incredibly boring designs? So that's why many luxury car buyers choose lexus haha! Maybe ur just too used with those german car designs...Oh and the 2007 LS 460L is way way more good looking and more dignified looking than the '07 S-class. Come on be real 'coz if they really look as such, NOBODY would place them at the top of the luxury car class and in the first place neither they'll buy a luxury car that doesn't look good! Hehe! Fuego Lexus! (:

Sedulous - 9/17/2006 9:43:02 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry to dredge up the past,but...

LexusIS350,

to point out the obvious(because it never is around here)
How long have Lexus's been sold for?

somewhere around 2 decades...

and Mercedes's have been built since when?

Yep, since the late 1800's..

so a 41% survival rate for over a century is better than a 61.6% survival rate for 2 decades

see the difference: centuries---decades

yes, now u see it