Autos
The ultimate Mercedes S-Class: Gas, electric, or both?
The only real competition to this apex chariot is itself
It’s tough being a top. Take the Mercedes S-Class, the pinnacle of luxury cars. Superior handling. Custom amenities. Cutting-edge technology. Competitors constantly nipping at your heels, er, wheels.
In 2021, the S-Class was fully redesigned with a radical, futuristic cabin brimming with creature comforts. A year later, the fully electric EQS debuted with styling so avant-garde it made a Tesla look like something your granny would drive. And this year, the all-new S 580e plug-in hybrid, which can be driven an impressive 62 miles on electric power alone, is rolling into showrooms.
To stay in top form and keep rivals at bay, Mercedes felt the need to create three variations of its flagship sedan. That means any real competition to this apex chariot is, well, the S-Class itself.
MERCEDES S 580 (GAS POWERED)
$126,000
MPG: 16 city/25 highway
0 to 60 mph: 4 seconds
Last summer, I wrote about the base-model Mercedes S 500—a $115,000 luxury car that scoots from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. But there’s a pricier trim level: the S 580, which comes with a virile V8 instead of the six-cylinder found in the S 500. Despite weighing almost 220 pounds more than its sibling, the S 580 shaves a half second off the stopwatch at the test track. All-wheel drive is standard on both models, as is a silken transmission. The optional E-Active Body Control system prevents this full-size sedan—over 17-feet long—from pitching forward or sideways. In other words, no woozy passengers when taking a sharp corner or making a sudden stop. The whisper-quiet cabin is breathtaking, in design and build quality: real wood, aluminum accents and acres of soft-touch materials. There are up to five monitors, including a giant center touchscreen, digital gauge cluster and enhanced head-up display. For backseat passengers, there’s an optional entertainment system with two more touchscreens, as well as power-adjustable reclining seats. All seats—front and back—include massage functions that are truly sublime. (Trust me, most masseurs can only wish their fingers were this dexterous.) While the acoustics are pitch perfect in the standard 15-speaker Burmester 3D stereo, it’s the premium 30-speaker Burmester 4D stereo that sounds as if you are live, onstage at a Taylor Swift concert. Considering the astronomical ticket prices for Tay Tay’s concert tour, the Mercedes S 580 may be the better deal.
MERCEDES S 580e (HYBRID)
$124,000
MPGe: 50 city/50 highway (est.)
0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds
If green is more your scene, then the all-new Mercedes S 580e plug-in hybrid offers the look and feel of a traditional S-Class, but with impressive fuel economy. The hybrid also has a slightly lower price tag. Most Americans drive 35 miles a day, and this hybrid goes almost twice as far in electric-only mode. That means you may not need to stop by a gas station except once or twice a year. And with a DC fast charger, the battery can recharge up to 80 percent in 20 minutes. While acceleration is a wee bit slower than the standard S-Class, this hybrid is still plenty fast. Battery placement, which can sometimes eat up trunk space, was smartly designed here for maximum cargo room.
MERCEDES EQS580 (FULLY ELECTRIC)
$127,200
Range: 350 miles
0 to 60 mph: 3.7 seconds
Range anxiety? I was nervous as hell when test driving my first electric vehicle, a 2011 Nissan Leaf that could only travel 70 miles before potentially conking out and stranding me on some desolate road. But there’s certainly no range anxiety with the all-new Mercedes EQS, which can travel from Washington to Philadelphia and back on one charge. Despite a slightly smaller wheelbase than other S-Class sedans, this EV is still roomy. The EQS is also almost 1,000 pounds heavier than its non-EV stable mates, but somehow feels lighter. While there are four trim levels, the EQS580 is comparable in pricing and handling to the two S-Class sedans reviewed above. While such a sensuously sculpted EV may not be classified a muscle car, it’s incredibly quick—as fast as the Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat super coupe. A space-age interior is eye-popping, with a ginormous Hyperscreen across the dash that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 17.7-inch central touchscreen and another 12.3-inch touchscreen for your front passenger. Other goodies include four-zone climate control, sound-reducing glass and a panoramic roof that stretches forever. Going forward, Mercedes expects all its vehicles to be fully electric by 2030, and the EQS is clearly leading the charge.
Dodge Igloo Kool Tunes Cooler
Mixing beats with brews, Dodge offers a combined cooler and boombox ($296), with two built-in speakers, LED status indicator, charging port and Bluetooth pairing. You can rock your tunes for up to 10 hours on a single charge. Capacity: 26 (12-ounce) cans.
Lexus Flask and Tumblers
Add some spirit—or spirits—to the holidays with a Lexus High Camp Parkside Flask ($140). The stainless steel, vacuum-insulated container has a chic cypress-green finish and can hold the temperature of a full bottle of wine for up to 24 hours. Two tasteful tumblers—inspired by classic stemless wine glasses—fit on the top and bottom of the flask.
Ferrari Baby Romper Outfit
For swaddling any newborns in the family, there’s a festive Ferrari romper ($150). This outré outfit—made of 100% cotton—has the automaker’s famous Prancing Horse emblem on the front and comes with matching baby bib. Expect plenty of pitstops ahead!
Ferrari Plush Pump Shoes
For more prancing, though this time as an adult, Ferrari has a pair of patent-leather pump shoes ($1,291). Available in black, red, or cream, these preening pumps are designed with a square toe, red lining and natty-looking red pull at the heel. Made in Italy, naturalmente!
Rolls-Royce Cufflinks
How to up your sartorial game even more? Spirit of Ecstasy cufflinks ($900) from Rolls-Royce are crafted in 925 sterling silver, with choice of either a rhodium-plated or dark-ruthenium finish. And pricing is a bargain, considering the average MSRP of a brand-new Rolls today is $500,000.
Kia Flashlight and Electric Lighter
For outdoor adventures, Kia has a waterproof, rechargeable LED flashlight with built-in electric lighter ($38). The compact flashlight is less than four inches long and come in three modes: full power, half power or—for all of us disco queens—pulsing strobe. And the tail of the flashlight opens up into a windproof lighter. Lanyard and micro-USB cord included.
Cadillac Cabana Towel
Some automakers see everything in black and white — literally. The Cadillac cabana towel ($37), with retro-groovy yarn-dyed stripes, is made of 100% microfiber polyester and measures 60×72 inches.
Cadillac Crew Socks
Cadillac also has a pair of sporty, fully knitted black-and-white crew socks ($59). Bonus: the classy cardboard presentation box.
Ford Warriors in Pink Mug
The Warriors in Pink Mug ($20) from Ford is part of the automaker’s longtime initiative to help fight breast cancer. Both the Susan G. Komen and Pink Fund each receive 5% of the purchase price of the mug, as well as any other Warriors in Pink merchandise.
Maserati Aero Pen
Need some motivation to start writing holiday cards? Maserati has the Pininfarina Aero pen ($140), with a futuristic design that evokes the infinity symbol. Made of aerospace aluminum, this super cool pen comes with an attractive base in unrefined concrete, along with a customized box.
Dodge Dodgeball
Let off some steam and release your inner Ben Stiller or Vince Vaughn with this aptly named Dodge ball ($17). Made of performance rubber and measuring 8.5-inches wide, this red dodgeball comes with the automaker’s logo emblazoned in white.
Bentley Napkin Rings
Ringing in the New Year just got a lot more la-di-da with a pair of Bentley napkin rings ($97). The diamond-shaped knurling pattern echoes the elegant design on the grillwork, console and upholstery of glam Bentleys. The automaker’s emblem is laser-engraved on the underside of the napkin rings. Available in nickel-plated metal or gold-plated zinc alloy.
I’ve written before about my first car: a used-but-pristine sports coupe, bought by mom for my 16th birthday. Recent test drives in two cool coupes brought back a flood of fond memories from those gawky teenage years.
But while a two-door ride may not be the most practical vehicle for a decades-older me, it’s easy to appreciate the fast-and-furious allure.
After all, buying a sports car is often associated with a midlife crisis. So who knows, there still may be room—or vroom!—for a sportster in my future.
FORD MUSTANG ECOBOOST
$33,000
MPG: 22 city/33 highway
0 to 60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Cargo space: 13.5 cubic feet
PROS: Muscle-car moxie. Surefire handling. Tech-laden cabin.
CONS: Snug backseat. Pricey options. Intra-model competition.
IN A NUTSHELL: Introduced in 1964, Ford hoped to sell 100,000 Mustangs annually. But by tapping into the Boomer zeitgeist, almost 700,000 units were sold the first model year. Mustang is now the automaker’s longest running nameplate and the best-selling sports car in the world.
This was the original “pony car,” with a high-test engine, long hood and affordable price tag. Luckily, the latest Mustang — recently redesigned and in its seventh generation — has stayed true to its roots.
So, too, has the EcoBoost engine. Developed 15 years ago as a more enviro-friendly powerplant, these turbos often have been used on base models. The latest EcoBoosts — there are more than half a dozen — are 20% more fuel efficient and produce 15% fewer emissions than other Ford engines. And while the original could barely eke out 122 horsepower, today’s four-cylinder EcoBoost in the Mustang delivers 315 horsepower.
The only bummer: no manual transmission. For that, you need to dig deeper into your wallet — much deeper. The Mustang GT, with a 486-horsepower V6, costs $50,000. And the boffo Dark Horse trim level, boasting a 500-horsepower V8, is $62,000. These MSRPs are without any options, which add up quickly.
But the Mustang EcoBoost still offers plenty of features: LED headlights, keyless entry, smartphone integration and Wi-Fi hotspot. Various driving aids—blind-spot monitor, rear-parking sensors, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic braking—are all standard.
The stodgy interior has been replaced with a mod, techno cabin with better upholstery and soft-touch surfaces. Various configurations of the digital instrument panel can be viewed at the whim of the driver. And the larger, 13.2-inch infotainment screen is user-friendly.
Such upgrades remind me of the Mustang Mach-E. Though purists initially derided the use of the Mustang label on a four-door electric SUV, the Mach-E was the fourth best-selling EV last year. Similar in price and acceleration to a traditional gas-powered ‘Stang, the Mach-E is arguably just as fun. But add in the retro-cool factor, and there’s no comparison.
SUBARU BRZ
$33,000
MPG: 20 city/27 highway
0 to 60 mph: 6.6 seconds
Cargo space: 6.3 cubic feet
PROS: Sporty. Zippy. Fits anywhere.
CONS: Low ground clearance. Bouncy. Tiny trunk.
IN A NUTSHELL: The Subaru BRZ may not have the aura of a Ford Mustang, but this compact coupe still checks plenty of boxes.
Porsche-like styling. Precision steering. Punchy power. Even pricing is a plus, with a top trim level less than $37,000.
Despite Lilliputian dimensions — the BRZ is a third smaller than a Mustang — there’s still more passenger room than in the rival Miata. As a tallish driver, I appreciated the unexpected amount of headroom and legroom in the front seats.
But trunk space is another matter. With less than half the stowage space of a Mustang, don’t expect to haul more than a few grocery bags. And while you literally have to climb into certain jumbo SUVs and pickups, the opposite is true with the low-slung BRZ. These seats are so close to the chassis that it feels like sitting in a go-kart. Luckily, once I scooched myself down into the cabin, it didn’t take long to get used to the seating position.
Three trim levels, all with rear-wheel drive, dual-zone climate control, push-button start and Subaru’s renowned EyeSight package: adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking. Step up to the Limited version for larger wheels, heated seats, fancier upholstery, extra safety gear and a better sound system. The performance-oriented tS comes with sport-tuned suspension, premium Brembo brakes, dark gray metallic wheels and sporty interior stitching.
Only one engine is available: a very capable 228-horsepower four cylinder. My test car also came with the six-speed manual transmission, which added more gusto.
With such a short wheelbase, the ride is firm but controlled. And keeping weight down on the BRZ must have meant installing less insulation. After all, there’s some noticeable road noise, especially on the freeway. But then, you also hear the constant purring and revving of the engine, which is music to the ears of sports-car aficionados.
Autos
Hauling sass: beauty and the beast
Reviewing Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Mercedes E-Class Wagon
Ritzy versus rugged: you choose.
Like forlorn lovers, two iconic vehicles showcase the strengths—and weaknesses—of growing up on different sides of the track.
The revered Jeep Wrangler, first introduced in 1986, traces its roots to the rugged Jeeps of World War II. Believe it or not, one Jeep—dubbed “Old Faithful”—was actually awarded a Purple Heart after surviving the Guadalcanal beach landing.
Then there’s the refined Mercedes E-Class wagon, a high-society hauler. The German automaker debuted its first modern station wagon in 1977 but can boast lineage dating back to Karl Benz’s first patented car in 1886. Ritzy doesn’t begin to describe today’s sensuous ride.
So, beauty or the beast? Trust me, it’s not an easy choice.
JEEP WRANGLER RUBICON 392 FINAL EDITION
$102,000
MPG: 13 city/16 highway
0-to-60 mph: 4.2 seconds
Cargo capacity: 72 cu. ft.
PROS: Kick-ass power. Butch cred. Collector’s edition.
CONS: High ground clearance. High price. Highly impractical.
IN A NUTSHELL: Wranglers are known for their all-terrain prowess, but the rough-and-tumble Rubicon trim is the most off-road-capable Jeep ever produced. This Wrangler arrived in 2003, the year Angelina Jolie drove a Rubicon in her second Lara Croft action flick, which led to a special-edition “Tomb Raider” model. Jeeps also played a role in “MASH,” “Clueless” and “Jurassic Park,” as well as “Gilmore Girls,” “Band of Brothers” and “Dukes of Hazzard” (cue Daisy Duke’s beloved “Dixie”).
But now you can star in your own life with the most wicked Jeep of all: the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition. The renowned Hemi V8 engine—the heart of muscle cars like the Dodge Charger and Challenger—is being phased out, and the Hemi-powered Rubicon is next on the chopping block. But instead of sunsetting later this year, the in-your-face Final Edition has proved so popular that its exit has been extended through 2025.
It’s easy to see why: Press the ignition button and a thunderous roar from the dual-mode exhaust system is enough to wake the dead. With 470 horsepower, this beast screeches from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
Bronze 17-inch wheels are paired with thick 35-inch tires, boosting ground clearance to 13.3 inches. That’s more than twice as high as most SUVs, which means climbing—and I do mean climbing—in and out of this vehicle can be a challenge. It was a source of pride to finally step up into this Jeep without looking like a complete klutz.
Inside the no-nonsense cabin are 12-way power seats with gold stitching and an exclusive medallion on the shifter. A commemorative plaque is on the Mopar swing gate, which has a built-in table for roadside picnics. There’s also an 83-piece toolkit. And if you deflate the tires for heavy-duty off-roading, an optional on-board air compressor will inflate the tires back up again.
But my fave feature is the automatic retracting roof, which is just as classy—but much quicker to operate—than fancy-schmancy tops on most high-end convertibles.
MERCEDES E-CLASS STATION WAGON
$76,000
MPG: 22 city/31 highway
0-to-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
Cargo capacity: 64 cu. ft.
PROS: Sleek styling. Cushy cabin. Heavenly handling.
CONS: Lotsa SUV competitors. Irritating infotainment system.
IN A NUTSHELL: The Jeep Wrangler may be all brawn, but the Mercedes E-Class station wagon is a complete brainiac. Think “nerd chic,” with loads of high-tech wizardry hidden beneath shapely sheet-metal.
Promoted as an all-terrain vehicle, with air suspension to raise and lower the chassis, this wagon deftly wends its way over rutted backroads or rolling meadows. And the 360-degree surround-view system includes a “transparent” view, which relays images from various camera angles to the dashboard monitor so that you can see what you’re driving over in real time.
But the elegant E-Class is finest on city streets. A long wheelbase—over 16 feet—ensures smooth sailing in what is truly a land yacht, with plenty of legroom and rear cargo space. And the 375-horsepower V6 turbo is no slouch, proving to be almost as fast as the Hemi-infused Wrangler. The Mercedes engine positively purred during normal driving but growled when I stomped on the gas.
An exquisite cabin showcases the latest electronics, including a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, 14.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and optional 12.3-inch front-passenger display. The 21-speaker Burmester stereo is mic-dropping amazing, putting concert-hall acoustics to shame. And this wagon can become a 5G wireless hotspot, which really boosts connectivity.
My only beef: The less-than-intuitive entertainment system, which left me struggling as I repeatedly swiped back and forth to try and land on my preferred Sirius stations. In the end, it was easier to use the very capable voice-activation system instead.
Overall, both the Mercedes wagon and Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 boast plenty of power and panache. They just haul your ass in very different ways.