The new Mercedes-Benz S Class made its world première at the Shanghai Motor show, primed and ready to go when it hits showroom floors in July.
Featuring an all-new and highly efficient engine range with a series of new technologies for electrification of the powertrain, more comfort, Intelligent Drive, and enough technology and infotainment features to allow plenty of stick shaking, the best-selling luxury saloon in the world in 2016 will surely continue to top the charts for many years to come.
"The development of the new S-Class was extremely extensive. With a whole series of new features and functions the S-Class remains the technological pioneer", says Ola Källenius, responsible on the Board of Daimler AG for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
The Look on the outside
The S Class has always been an aspirational model; a car to look at as well as to drive - and the new model is no different.
Sure, it has the expected use of maximum quality materials and workmanship, as well as extensive technological competence. But now all models are fitted with a new radiator grille; six and eight-cylinder engined models sport three twin louvres as well as vertical strips with a high-gloss black finish in the radiator grille; additional chrome-finish vertical strips in the radiator grille indicate a long wheelbase and V-12 engine; and an extensive chrome trim and Maybach logotype adorn the front.
There are new Multibeam LED headlamps available as an optional feature, but all new S-Class cars feature three distinctive torches of light as an exclusive design element, the new LED lamps with crystal-look tail lamps standing out at the rear looking like jewels, as well as a tail lamp light show that plays when the vehicle is unlocked and locked.
Tailpipes are framed by a chrome trim element, which spans the entire width of the vehicle, and seven new light-alloy wheels with diameters between 17 and 20 inches are available as standard or options.
The look on the inside
Dominating the new Mercedes S Class interior are two new high-resolution displays, each with a screen diagonal of 12.3", all under one shared glass cover blend into a wide-screen cockpit.
This wide-screen cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver as well as a central display above the centre console, with the driver able to choose from three different display styles ("Classic", "Sporty" and "Progressive“) to view, and what information and views are required.
There are touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel that are controlled by finger-swipes a la smartphone operation, allowing the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.
The infotainment system can also be operated via the touchpad with controller in the centre console and by LINGUATRONIC voice control.
The material and colour concept in the new S Class has been carefully composed. From open-pore woods to leather-trimmed doors and upper body edges (dependent on the trim level), high-quality materials define the interior, and there is a wide range of brown tones, including new colour combinations such as magma grey/espresso brown or mahogany brown/silk beige.
Interior lighting uses only long-lasting, energy-saving 64-colour LED technology, with a whole host of individual settings available for the extended ambience available via the trim elements, the central display, the stowage facility at the front of the centre console, the handle recesses, the door pockets, in the front and rear footwells, on the overhead control panel, and on the tweeters when the vehicle is equipped with the Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System.
All S Class models are also fitted as standard with the KEYLESS start function.
The comfort on the inside
The optional ENERGIZING comfort control found in the new Mercedes S Class is a world-first, linking various comfort systems in the vehicle together. "It systematically uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrancing) and the seats (heater, ventilation, massage), the wall heating as well as lighting and musical atmospheres, and enables a specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer."
Six different programmes can be selected - Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training (three trainings – muscle relaxation, muscle activation and balance - each with several exercises) - with each programme lasting for ten minutes, backed by suitable music.
ENERGIZING Comfort Control also incorporates the ambience lighting, tailored to each of the individual screen designs, adapting the LED brightness according to mood.
The Power under the bonnet
The powertrains of the new Mercedes S Class feature new engines with landmark technology - engines such as the Mercedes-Benz S 5604MATIC with its combined fuel consumption combined of 8.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 195g/km, and the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC with 9.3 l/100 km and 209 g/km.
Both feature the new V-8 petrol engine capable of 345 kW (469 hp) and 700 Nm.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ (8.9 l/100 km and 203 g/km) features an AMG 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine with cylinder deactivation, and produces 450 kW (612 hp).
The new Mercedes S Class is the most powerful diesel car in Mercedes-Benz history, a new in-line six-cylinder diesel engine making its début in both the Mercedes-Benz S 350 d4MATIC (5.5 l/100 km and 145 g/km) and the S 400 d4MATIC (5.6 l/100 km and 147g.km) models.
It comes in two output levels with 210 kW (286 hp) and 600 Nm as well as 250 kW (340 hp) and 700 Nm, the new six-cylinder diesel engine designed to comply with future emissions legislation (RDE – Real Driving Emissions).
Further new power units are planned, including a plug-in hybrid with about 50 kilometres of electric range, and ground-breaking technologies such as the 48-volt Integrated Starter Alternator and the electric booster compressor.
The help behind the technology
The new S-Class takes another major step towards autonomous driving, elevating Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive to the next level.
The new S Class features, alongside many others:
- DISTRONIC Active Proximity Assist
- Active Steer Assist
- Active Lane Change Assist
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Active Parking Assist
- Traffic Sign Assist
- Remote Parking Assist
- Road Surface Scan
- Curve-tilting functions
- Active Body Control
all part of the S Class comfort drive and self-drive.
Also featuring many technologically advanced infotainment features, the new Mercedes-Benz S Class is available to lease from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. Contact our Customer Service Advisors now!
