Mercedes-Benz has just presented the brand-new S-Class to the world at its headquarters in Sindelfingen. The self-proclaimed best car in the world is once again packed with technical innovations and sophisticated luxury.
Viewed through your eyelashes, little seems to have changed in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The silhouette is very similar to that of the model introduced in 2013, which received a facelift in 2017. But if you look more closely, you do see differences. For example, the two sharp folds across the center of the flanks have been smoothed out and the door handles replaced by ones that automatically sink, making the whole thing even smoother.
The tape measure reveals even more differences. The new S is 54 mm longer (34 mm for the extended version), 55 mm wider (with retracted door handles 22 mm wider), 10 mm higher and the wheelbase has been increased by 71 mm.
At the front, the slimmer headlights and more straight grille catch the eye, the stern is much slimmer thanks to the more horizontal light clusters that, together with the chrome strip, form one line across the width.
Interior
However, a true revolution has taken place in the interior. That enormously wide LCD screen, which we had just gotten used to, has disappeared. It seems Mercedes feels that now that it has descended all the way to the A-class, it has become unworthy of the S. Instead, a rectangular clock display screen, assisted by a head-up display that comes in two versions. The largest also projects in augmented reality. The enormous central screen shows 3D images and floats above a wide panel, as it were. The combination of high-gloss wood with aluminum strips is inspired by luxury yachts. The whole looks so rich that Louis the Fourteenth would have developed an acute inferiority complex.
Mercedes-Benz S-class interior
LCD
The aluminum-wooden beam is also back in the back, where everything is even more luxurious if possible. LCD screens, LED mood lighting and artisan stitched leather are omnipresent. The soft cushions (referred to by Mercedes as ‘Kuschelkissen’, or cuddly cushion) are now also available for the front occupants, while they are even heated at the rear. The door panels around the armrests are also heated. Energizing Air Control is a filter system that removes fine dust, pollen, odors and harmful substances from the air with the help of an active carbon filter. Mercedes-Benz also prides itself on the sound insulation, which means it must remain remarkably quiet on the road.
Mercedes-Benz S-class in the rear
MBUX
Introduced in 2018, the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) is ready for its second generation, making its debut in style in this new S-Class. The possibilities for personalization have been expanded and, according to Mercedes-Benz, it has been made more intuitive. The speech assistant (‘Hey Mercedes’) has a greater self-learning capacity and can now also be used from the rear.
In addition, it can also communicate with your home. Lighting, curtains, heating, alarm, appliances: when of course connected to the internet of things, MBUX takes control and the S-class ensures that your favorite music and the scent of game roasts are zipping through your home by the time you leave. garage door opens automatically. In the meantime, your back is nicely kneaded by the chairs with ten different massage programs.
Enjoying music intensively without risking a charge for noise nuisance is possible thanks to a system that makes the basses resonate in the seats, so that you feel them in your body as if you are standing right in front of the speaker column at Pinkpop.
Mercedes-Benz S-class rear
Rear axle steering
The optional rear axle steering has a higher degree of wheel angle (10 degrees). The well-known Pre Safe system now also has a function that makes the active chassis raise the entire body a bit (80 mm) in the event of an imminent collision. As a result, more of the impact goes to the sill, which can absorb more force than the doors. The driver assistance systems have been further refined, bringing the S-Class one step closer to full autonomy. Parking is possible from the outside using the smartphone.
engines
Initially, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be available with six-liter three-liter petrol and diesel engines in-line. The S 450 4Matic has 367 hp (270 kW) and 500 Nm, the S 500 4Matic 435 hp (320 kW) and 520 Nm. The S 350 d is available with rear-wheel drive and as a 4Matic and produces 286 hp (210 kW) and 600 Nm. The most powerful diesel is the S 400 d 4Matic with 330 hp (243 kW) and 700 Nm. All S-classes have a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and are set to a top speed of 250 km / h. Accelerations range from 4.9 seconds from 0-100 for the S 500 4Matic to 6.4 seconds for the entry-level diesel.
A V8 with ISG (integrated starter generator) and 48V on-board system will follow at a later stage. Next year there will be a plug-in hybrid that can drive around 100 km fully electric.
The new S-class will be in showrooms in December.