AutoArt 1:18 2004 Mercedes-Benz S500 SWB Some say that modern day sedans sometime lack character. Rich begs to differ.... Review by Richard Sufficool

Overview

AUTOart's latest Mercedes-Benz release honors the European version of the current flagship sedan. Introduced in 2005 and it was designated as W221, the latest generation of "Sonderklasse" or special class - a title that was first officially applied in 1972 to the W116 model line.

The distinctive silhouette of this new S-Class was so popular that numerous manufacturers have nearly reproduced it in their recent product lines. "Imitated but never duplicated" might very well be a mantra that would apply to the last few generations of what may arguably be the most overengineered car in the world.

AUTOart has done this particular model in metallic black. Although the finish is glassy smooth and deep, I found it difficult to get the proper lighting that didn't make the metallic powder pop out and make it look like sand was poured over it. I found that outdoor shade worked the best although in normal indoor lighting conditions, it just looks beautifully BLACK.

AUTOart's got everything right on this beauty. The trim, the gorgeous 5 spoked wheels, the discs and calipers... the tires are generic, but this time, I really don't care. The engine compartment is indistinguishable from file photos, but because the model is devoid of engine badging, I cannot tell if it's the 4.6 or 5.5 liter V8. The chassis looks great, the suspension is operable and the trunk is fully modeled.

The real eye candy on this model is the interior which is an absolute knockout. From the wood trim to the sumptuous upholstery, the colors and textures are so perfect, you'll want to stick your nose in there to sniff that new Mercedes smell. There's nothing that isn't modeled to near perfection nor is there any mold parting flash to ruin the look. If you get this model, you'll want to pose it with all 4 doors wide open and maybe engineer a working dome light in there somehow.

Yes, I really love this one despite the fact that this new S-Class and all its imitators are so ubiquitous as to be, well, almost pedestrian. But just like the 1:1, in a field of imitators, its class outshines the competition.