Previews Jaguar and Mercedes 'S' Classes
27 October 1998
Previews Jaguar and Mercedes 'S' ClassesDETROIT, Oct. 26 -- For both Mercedes and Jaguar, the introduction of their new "S" class sedans represent a new era. And starting today,has first information details posted on- line. The first is the eagerly-awaited Jaguar S-Type. The sporty-looking sedan could give further momentum to Jaguar's renaissance. It is designed to expand the reach of the automaker from the upper end of the luxury market to the more affordable segment now dominated by the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Though it bears a distinct Jaguar look, the S-Type shares many basics, including the underlying chassis, with Ford's upcoming Lincoln LS sedan line. Expect the S to be more content-laden and a bit more pricey. Initial dealer reaction has been overwhelming, and if Jaguar projections are right, the S-Type could more than double volume by 2,000, to 100,000 or more a year, setting into play a grand expansion plan envisioned by Ford. It will be followed in calendar year 2001 by the X400 (still a codename), Jaguar's 3-Series-Class model. That could help Jaguar reach 200,000+ annually, or more than eight times its volume during the dark days of the early 1980s. Notably, there is some controversy about the S-Type's styling, with some skeptics worried it simply doesn't reach far enough. But overall, reaction has been positive to the vehicle, which is designed to revive the look of the classic Jaguar Mk II of the '50s and '60s. Next, we have the sumptuous S-Class Mercedes. The last generation of the automaker's biggest and most lavish model was seen by many as an answer to the wrong question when it came out eight years ago. It was big, heavy and seemed to be synonymous with the go-go era of the Reagan years. The new S-Class has a very different type of sensibility. It's sleek and graceful -- a full 600 lbs lighter than the old S-Class, though with essentially no lost space for either passengers or cargo. Mercedes officials insist it represents a dramatic change in their way of thinking, with a new emphasis on customer needs, rather than engineering dictates. But as always, expect a load of breakthrough technology. This includes the new "Distronic" system, the world's first Adaptive Cruise Control. Should a slower car pull into your lane, Distronic will back off the throttle, even apply the brakes, until the offending vehicle speeds up or moves out of your way. There's one of the best navigation systems on the road, a very neat video cockpit system, heated/cooled seats, and more. has posted a story and photos of the the "S" class sedans on-line today as of 9 a.m. Eastern time. Other features this week on include the startling revelation that Mercedes and Ford had opened merger talks while the German automaker was also talking to Chrysler. The Car Connection, , is the nation's premier automotive "e-zine." Turn to it for the latest news, reviews, and often- controversial reviews. You'll find driving tips from racing instructor Bob Bondurant, helpful maintenance advice from On-Site Mechanic Bob Weber, and "spy shots" of tomorrow's hottest products Caught in the Web. The Car Connection also offers a timely car calendar and the web's most expansive automotive Yellow Pages linking to auto sites all over the world.
