First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S500
Designer Attire
Unlike previous stoic, form-follows-function S-Class models, the new big Benz wears designer clothes. With its prominent wheel arches, body-color taillight bars, and strong character lines, it's a conspicuously style-driven car. BMW's Chris Bangle was first to play the dress-up game. Did the 7 Series's arrival lead Mercedes to feel the need for a new fashionista S-Class?
Decklid Bustle
Bangle's first 7 Series wore a rear-deck bustle as prominent as J.-Lo's. BMW has trimmed the bustle on the current version of its flagship--but now comes the new S-Class, and it's got one, too. Mercedes claims the new shape improves trunk size and accessibility. Says Hans-Dieter Futschik, Mercedes-Benz design director: "It doesn't remind me of BMW at all."
...
>>next page