The powertrain is, more or less, just another marvel in the list of marvels the new Mercedes S-Class brings to the road and to its occupants. The “OM256” series in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine displaces 2,925 cc and delivers a credible 330 hp from 3,600 rpm with a significant 700 Nm of peak torque coming in from just 1,200 rpm. The S 400 d L brings its 4MATIC all-wheel drive, fed by the tried-and-tested 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. It is good for a dash from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The dynamic four-wheel traction makes for effortless acceleration in any gear and at any engine speed. It also has the usual “Dynamic Select” drive modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
Among the big changes inside the cabin is the début the second-generation MBUX or Mercedes-Benz User Experience. It uses a huge centre touchscreen together with a smaller 12.3-inch 3D-display screen behind the steering wheel. The MBUX is essentially the interface between the driver, passengers, and vehicle, apart from the voice-controlled assistance; remember “Hey, Mercedes”? Thus, there are up to five screens on board, some even with OLED technology. The new 3D driver display makes for spatial perception of the scene with a real 3D effect thanks to eye-tracking. This is available with a choice of themes: Understated, Sport, Exclusive, Classic, and Navigation. Speaking of themes, another major highlight is the Energizing Comfort Control.
A refreshing take with mood-altering efficiency, Energizing Comfort Control uses the Thermotronic climate control, the Air Balance fragrancing, the Burmester 4D premium sound system, the massage functions as well as the seat ventilation or heating in the seat, the multi-colour ambient lighting, and the huge centre display — all together, mind you — to create an ambience to suit one of several choices, with themes such as Warmth or Vitality.
All the best things inside the Mercedes S-Class, though, are in the back seat. The chauffeur setting takes the front passenger seat all the way forward, raises it and folds down the backrest to make the maximum space for the privileged left rear occupant. The reclining seat-back makes things even more comfortable. Everything is at hand, a screen away. If the rear-seat entertainment screens are a little too far away to move from what a position of supreme comfort, the rear middle seat-back folds down to turn into a centre arm-rest that holds a tablet. With MBUX preloaded, the tablet puts the control of all car systems at one’s fingertips. That includes the climate, audio, massage, and even the sunblinds. Furthermore, most commands are a simple “Hey, Mercedes” away.
On the move, the S, with active air suspension and adaptive damping make the ride quality Maybach-level sublime. The sound insulation is excellent and the thick glass helps. The dual-pane sunroof, separate for the rear occupants, is a nice touch. Another innovation is the rear front airbag.
Okay, it’s not the first time. Mercedes had tried doing a frontal airbag in the past but it didn’t behave as intended and they dropped the idea; content with the side curtain airbags and the Beltbag in the Maybach S-Class. Now, however, the front airbag for the rear occupants has returned as optional extra for the long-wheelbase S. The new unit is curved and surrounds the entire front area by opening in an arc around the occupant. That said, this is, in any case, among the safest back seats there are in the industry. This is the place to be to really enjoy journeys. Whether it’s a short 10-kilometre one or a quick 250-km drive out of town, the S makes it easier to stay as fresh as getting out of a hotel room on arrival. The driver, on the other hand, has a slightly different experience. If you plan on being a rear-seat occupant, there’s no real need to read further.
