Mercedes Christens the latest version
of its iconic S-Class with its very own fragrance.
Carbon-fiber missiles with horse or bull
badges might attract more attention, but few cars command the respect of an
S-Class. Mercedes-Benz’s flagship is globally recognized as the unofficial –
expect in cases where it’s official – transport of powerful people on all three
sides of the law: right, wrong, and above. Its flawless comportment,
industry-leading technological suite, and lavish interior have made the S-class
an icon. But buyers in this market re uncompromising by their very nature. For
2014, the regal Benz gets redesigned with more of everything that makes it the
preferred transport for diplomats, despots, and Kardashians.
For
a detailed look at the S-class's array of cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and
radar transceivers
Construction
Mercedes tells us that the S-class’s
platform is “entirely redesigned,” but given that the wheelbase and overall
length are the same as its predecessor’s down to a tenth of an inch, we’re sure
at least some things haven’t changed. Legroom was never an issue, though, so
that’s fine with us. The body shell and the suspension systems now incorporate
a greater percent of aluminum. The lighter materials help trim about 200 pounds
from the car, even as it grows a smidge wider (1.1 inches) and taller (0.8
inch). As before, while other markets will have the choice of short- and
long-wheel-base S-classes, Americans will get only the long one.
Powertrain
Diesel
and hybrid six-cylinders, two twin-turbocharged V-8S, and two twin-turbo V-12S
will keep the engine portfolio diverse
It’s hard to find fault with Mercedes’
current engine portfolio, so it’s hard to find fault with the decision not to
alter it much for the new S-class. The S550 will still be powered by the
twin-turbo 4.7-liter V-8, which gains 20 horsepower for a total of 449. Torque
remains at 516 pound-feet. A seven-speed automatic is the only transmission. As
with the E63, the E63 AMG will be available only with all-wheel drive; its
twin-turbo 5.5-liter now makes 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet. That’s 14
more horses than last year’s optional Performance package. When the rear-drive,
V-12-powered S600 and S65 AMG join the stable next year, tire smokers will be
able to spark up with as much as 738 pound-feet. And while there’s no official
word yet, more-responsible torque fiends can bet on the diesel-six S350 BlueTec
also making a repeat appearance. The S400 hybrid will return, too.
It’s
hard to find fault with Mercedes’ current engine portfolio, so it’s hard to
find fault with the decision not to alter it much for the new S-class.
Interior
With Maybach out of the picture, the
S-class will have to do battle not only with its traditional competitors, but
Roll-Royce and Bentley as well. (Even when Maybach was in the picture, the
S-class was taking the lead in that arena anyway). Its interior is even more
sumptuous than its predecessors, with stitched leather that you can practically
smell in photos, rich woods, and touches like piano-key HVAC controls, organ
pulls for the main air vents, and an available pop-up tray table between the
rear seats.
The
massaging seats have a hot-stone setting that uses a fast-acting heating
element
Of all the great arms races in the
automotive industry, perhaps the least predictable concerns luxury-car interior
trimmings. Rolls offer a headliner studded with LEDs to mimic a starry sky.
Genuine granite trim is an option in the outgoing S-class (and we’re told it’s
a possibility this time around). The next frontier: a rechargeable scent
diffuser hidden in the Benz’s glove box. Mercedes calls the fragrances “moods”
and will offer four: Sports, Night-life, Downtown, and Freeside. Sadly, none
smells like bear and pretzels. The massaging seats have a hot-stone setting
that uses a fast-acting heating element. And now that even the Chevy Malibu
offers ambient lighting, the S-class has seven different colors, five dimming
levels, and four dimming zones. A chauffeur package affixes a power-operated
foot-rest to the right-rear seat. Along with the back-seat “cushionbag”, rear
passengers in the S-class have inflatable seatbelts and motorized buckles that
rise up out of the seat of easy access, and then retract. In total, there are
more than 100 actuators and electric motors in the S-class.
Design
In adapting its sculptural design language
to the S-class, Mercedes created a car that is a little bit less formal but far
more visually cohesive than the one it replaces. From some angles, the outgoing
S resembles nothing so much as an Asian tiger shrimp styled by Mazda. From the
first glimpse of its Escalade-sized grille, this new car leaves no doubt as to
its identity. Fluid lines, sharp creases, an airy greenhouse, and C-pillars
that taper into a trim and almost Maybach-esque tail lend the car a powerful
shape. While the concave surfacing on the doors and the sculpting of the front
fenders reduce the visual height from some angles, the new S-class never looks
less than appropriately imposing.
