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Mercedes S600

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Big numbers make Mercedes tick. Take the £270,000 Maybach as an example, or even the 500bhp SL55. Better still, consider the new S600, the German giant's current limousine flagship.

By Dan Strong

September 2002

Big numbers make Mercedes tick. Take the ΂£270,000 Maybach as an example, or even the 500bhp SL55. Better still, consider the new S600, the German giant's current limousine flagship.

Two turbos, 12 cylinders, 500bhp, 800Nm of torque and a 0-60mph sprint time of only 4.8 seconds would make this monster virtually invincible in a game of Top Trumps. But what's it like on the road? As you'd expect, it's incredibly fast and very stable thanks to its 18-inch wheels, sticky tyres and active suspension. On top of this, the brakes are powerful and the cabin quiet. On a long, winding section of autobahn, you could hold it at its top speed (a frighteningly accessible 155mph) until the fuel ran out - something we suspect would take min-utes rather than hours.

Equipment levels befit a ΂£100,000 car, and on top of the DVD player and screen in the rear, there's also satellite-navigation and seats which respond to rapid changes of direction by inflating side bolsters to offer extra support. But while you can't help but feel impressed by this mighty Mercedes, you have to wonder what the point is, as in the UK you simply won't be able to explore its limits. Of course, lots of other cars can go extremely fast too, but these are not machines that aim to offer the last word in automotive luxury as well.

The S600's badge and its massive engine are sure to impress car nuts and driving enthusiasts alike. Sadly, though, in this country you'll never legally find out just how good it really is.

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FIRST OPINION

    The S600 is an astounding piece of machinery. Fast, well balanced and enormously expensive, it's unlikely to fail in making a statement about its driver. The only problem is that you'll never get to experience more than 50 per cent of its true ability in the UK.
 

AT A GLANCE

    New Mercedes S600 on sale here now, priced from £100,000
    Powered by 500bhp turbo V12
    Top speed of 155mph; covers 0-60mph dash in 4.8 seconds
     
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