The wait is over. The car is here. The all-new S-Class from Mercedes-Benz has finally been officially revealed and boy does it turn what we perceive as innovation on its head.
The new S-Class was created, once more, with one simple aspiration – to be the best car in the world. So, have Mercedes managed to surpass all expectations once more?
The new S-Class was created with three engineering priorities: Intelligent Drive, Efficient Technology and Essence of Luxury. It thus pushes the boundaries of not just Mercedes-Benz, but automotive technology as a whole; with innovative new features and equipment never before seen on a production automobile, or even concepts for that matter. The focus, being three-way, is evident. The car looks unmistakeably like a new Mercedes, but at the same time, it doesn’t look all that revolutionary. What the three areas of focus have in common, is the fact they can’t really be seen as much as experienced. The feel is where everything is so radically different. Another unique approach to development was the fact that the new S-Class was primarily created as a long wheelbase model, with the shorter wheelbase model being derived from it, rather than the other way around.
Powering the all-new S-Class are four initial drive-lines – two petrol and two diesel. The S300 BlueTEC Hybrid uses the company’s 204-PS, 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine paired to a 20 kW electric motor which adds up to 250 Nm of torque to the engine’s already prodigious 500 Nm. The S350 BlueTEC is powered by the latest version of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, making 258 PS and 620 Nm of torque. The petrol-hybrid is the S400 Hybrid, which uses the 306-PS, 3.5-litre V6 together with the 20 kW electric motor, which, you guessed it, adds up to 250 Nm of torque. Then, there’s the S500; simply the most powerful of the range with a twin-turbocharged 4.7-litre V8 engine making 455 PS and 700 Nm of torque. All models boast of class-leading efficiency figures.
The ambience and seating have been given a thorough makeover. Passenger comfort is now on another plane with the new S-Class combining ride comfort, spaciousness and user-friendliness to the highest standards. The exclusive interior features the use of perfectly coordinated materials and colours with fluid, elegant style and horizontal elements and lines. The Energising Massage function, Executive Seat and an available “First Class Rear” setup brings unmatched rear seat comfort. There’s also the Burmester High-end 3D Surround Sound system.
When it comes to lighting, the new S-Class is the first to not include a single light-bulb. Almost 500 LEDs are used in the lamp clusters and inside to illuminate the road, the vehicle, the interior and the boot. The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus have been improved to provide enhanced assistance. These are supplemented by a new stereo camera and multistage radar sensors, which lend the S-Class with 360-degree all-round vision and help it detect potential dangers on the road better.
The next highlight is the suspension. It practically “sees” the road ahead and adjusts itself to provide the best ride quality. Making this possible are two new systems – Road Surface Scan and Magic Body Control. This innovative system is available as an option only on the eight-cylinder models.
The price for the all-new S-Class begins from €79,789.50 (Rs 56.2 lakh) and goes up to €107,635.50 (Rs 75.8 lakh). Expect Mercedes-Benz India to make an announcement about the India launch soon.
