Latest Mercedes-Benz S Class ushers a new standard in luxury
The inventors of the automobile Mercedes-Benz have, for over 100 years, been at the forefront of innovative vehicle technology. The S Class has been a showcase of what’s to come. The flagship luxury sedan would feature technology that would eventually find its way into other vehicles. Take the airbag, ABS and the raft of infotainment systems, active cruise control, and many other innovations that we enjoy today all debuted on the S Class. So what does the latest model have to offer? We explore the new S Class.
Front the outside the new S Class exudes a large, eye-catching design. Unmistakably Mercedes-Benz thanks to its large louvred grille, sporty lower bumper, and sleek silhouette. The new S Class looks the part, the part of being a business-class sedan. The design is neat and uncluttered. There are no unnecessary grills, vents, lights and sharp edges. The rear makes use of new LED tail lights with a rear design that is as uncluttered as the rest of the vehicle. It is however inside where drivers and passengers will spend most of their time.
The interior of the new S Class ushered in a new design language for the brand. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always been a place for comfortable travel and relaxed working. With the new generation, the interior has fully evolved into a "third place", a refuge between the home and workplace. Nearly all comfort-related dimensions of the S-Class have been improved in the front as well as on the rear seats. The sense of space is accordingly generous.
The second generation of MBUX makes its debut in the new S-Class. The vehicle interior is even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides. The face makes use of two new large OLED screens. One is a digital instrument cluster that offers all the vital information needed by the driver, the other is a large angled screen that runs vertically from the centre console up to below the air vents. Here you will find all vehicle controls as well as infotainment functions. The screen is impeccably clear and easy to use as it forms part of the centre console. It is ergonomically placed for ease of use. Add to that rear screens which allow for rear passengers to engage with specific aspects of the MBUX functionality. The S Class features a brilliant blend of luxury and technology which compliments that iconic S Class craftsmanship with a modern appeal.
The S Class will be offered with a choice of two engines for the South African market. The customers have the option of either S350d or S500 derivatives. The 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbodiesel engine produces 210 kW and 600 Nm, while the latter’s 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol motor develops 320 kW and 520 Nm. Both derivatives are rear-wheel driven and feature 9-speed automatic transmissions.
For those wanting a heightened sense of luxury then Mercedes-Benz South Africa will make available the Mercedes-Maybach. The ultimate Mercedes is that with a Maybach designation. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class boasts a longer wheelbase, with the additional 180mm resulting in even more legroom for the aft occupants. For the first time, the rear doors can be opened at the push of an interior button and passengers benefit from cool tech such as active noise cancellation, which neutralises outside noise to create an eerily-quiet cabin. Heated, cooled and massaging seats also feature at the rear which will undoubtedly elevate the level of serenity.
There are two derivatives of the Mercedes-Maybach on offer. These include the 4.0-litre V8 turbo-powered S580 4Matic which develops around 370kW and 700Nm. For the ultimate land yacht the 6.0-litre V12-powered S680 4Matic which develops 450kW and 900Nm should suffice.
Unfortunately, all Maybach models have been sold for 2022 but we do look forward to sampling the S Class when it arrives for evaluation shortly.
