Description: Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $64,900 - $169,000
Invoice Price Range: $60,357 - $157,170
Where built: Germany

Elite full-size Mercedes sedans continue in multiple issues -- S350, S430, S500, S600 and S55 AMG, with 4Matic AWD versions for S430 and S500.

For power, S350 gets the new 3.5-liter V6 tuned to 241 hp; S430 uses a 4.0-liter V8 at 275 hp, but S500 goes further with the single-cam 5.0-liter V8 pushing 302 hp. S600 stocks the bi-turbo 6.0-liter V12 ripped to 493 hp, and AMG's supercharged V8 drops into the S55 AMG, also pegged at 493 hp.

Late-arriving supercar S65 AMG brings the 12-cylinder AMG bi-turbo scored way up at 604 hp.

S Class sedans envelop riders in a staggering array of sophisticated controls and perks to make life in the fast lane not only comfortable but secure. Also, there are many mechanical systems working latently for protection, including devices that stabilize forward movement and tire traction, smart brakes and adjustable suspensions.

Mercedes-Benz with headquarters in Germany makes luxury and performance vehicles that span the scale in size and type with multiple options for power and traction. The vast collection includes souped-up performance variations in many categories built by the Mercedes super-tuner AMG. But there are three new Mercedes classes for 2006 -- the elegant CLS Class of four-door coupes, the large-scale R Class sport tourer wagons and a new generation of designs for American-built M Class of sport-utility vehicles.