Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class reaches new heights of luxury

Mercedes S Class S500 front e1500898555113
The elegant new Mercedes S-Class

Share

24 July 2017

  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class sets the benchmark for efficiency and comfort
  • New engines provide power and efficiency
  • Latest automated driving technology
  • Intelligent suspension reads the road ahead
  • Prices to be revealed closer to launch

 

SOME may consider it a bit pretentious to describe a particular car as a benchmark but in the case of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class it’s entirely justified.

When it comes to luxury, technology, and downright comfort there aren’t too many alternatives to an S-Class. Well, there may be one that springs to mind but as they usually fall into the same price bracket as a large house we’ll say no more.

Every bit of new technology from ABS brakes to turbo-diesel engines has appeared on the S-Class before anything else. If you want to see the future of the average car in the next ten years you only need to look at the S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz S 500
New technology is standard in an S-Class

Which is why we are all a little bit excited by the announcement that there is to be a new version gracing our roads in the very near future.

It’s hard to describe the Mercedes S-Class without using the word enormous. It’s actually a touch over 3m long so it’s not as big as you might think, but when it comes to exuding presence there are few others that can touch it. You can also add stylish and elegant to the descriptors.

You could also add powerful as the new S-Class will boast a range of engines producing significant amounts of horsepower. The smallest option, found in the S450, is a six-cylinder diesel that produces 367bhp. Upgrade to the S500 and you take the power up to 435bhp.

Mercedes-Benz S 400
A private plane is not on the options list

Despite the weight of the S-Class the engine has more than enough power to hurtle you towards your next appointment at significant speed and yet still manage to achieve 18mpg and a frankly astonishing 150g/km. There is also a 530bhp V12 option, and Mercedes have also revealed plans for a plug-in hybrid version with a 30 mile electric range.

Having said that, not many people choose an S-Class for its looks or performance.

The only reason anyone chooses an S-Class – if they are in such a fortunate position – is because it’s supremely comfortable, spacious, and phenomenally well-equipped. It’s also smooth and quiet. Imagine travelling first class on BA but without the incessant drone of the engines in the background and you might come close to the S-Class experience.

Mercedes-Benz S560 Maybach
Mercedes luxury at its most luxurious

Don’t believe us? Try this.

The new S-Class introduces another world first in the form of ENERGISING comfort control. What does it do? Well, it links the climate control system (including fragrancing), the seats (heated, ventilated, and massaging), the wall heating (to heat the walls obviously), mood lighting (brightness and colour, 64 colours to be precise) and musical atmospheres (preset or user defined). All you need to do is select one of six programmes and the car will set the temperature, air flow, scent, and lighting while the seat gently (or not, depending on the chosen setting) massages you in time to the music playing in the background.

We are sure there is probably a good reason for all of that but we suspect if we asked Mercedes the answer might be, “because we can”. We could go on about the levels of comfort and technology in the new S-Class but we don’t think the internet is big enough for all that information. Put simply, if you can think of it then it’s either standard equipment, or at least an option.

The point is that the S-Class is designed to be driven in rather than driven. Which unfortunately for us lesser mortals means it will always be the reserve of the lucky few. The S-Class is aimed squarely at the higher echelons of the business market which means most of us won’t ever experience the luxury. The fact that Mercedes offer an optional “Chauffeur package” says it all.

Unless of course you happen to be exactly the kind of customer Mercedes has in mind, in which case let us know your address so we can despatch a fleet of lorries containing the full specification list and a polite but slightly nasally gentleman by the name of Parker.

 

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Latest news

Top