Mercedes spared no expense when it launched
the new s-class at a lavish ceremony in Hamburg last week, even hiring singer
Alicia Keys to perform.
The car was described by CEO Dr. Dieter
Zetsche as “the most important symbol for the entire reputation of the
company.” With a striking new design, several technological world firsts and
three different hybrid powertrains, the S-Class aims to build on the success of
the current model – which was the UK’s top-selling luxury car in 2012, with
1,800 finding homes.
New
Mercedes S-Class
Up close, the new design is smart but
evolutionary, while the sleek lines hide longer, wider and taller dimensions
than the existing version’s. But the headlights and tail-lamps tell an
important story; this is the first road car to ditch light bulbs and use only
brighter, energy-saving LEDs.
The four-model range comprises two hybrids
– the S400 petrol and S300 BlueTEC diesel as well as conventional S500 petrol
and S350 BlueTEC diesel versions.
Rear
seats in long-wheelbase cars can be reclined by up to 43 degrees
The fastest model is the S500. It’s powered
by a 449bhp 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8, and will cover 0-62mph in 4.8sec.
Meanwhile, the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid combines a 201bhp 2.1-liter diesel with a
27bhp electric motor for fuel economy of 64mpg and CO2 emissions of
115g/km.
But the big surprise is the announcement of
the S500 plug-in hybrid, due later next year. This will combine a six-cylinder
petrol engine and a larger battery pack to deliver an electric-only range of
roughly 12.5 miles, along with 70mpg-plus and 74g/km of CO2.
Evolutionary
design hides world-class technology
A new proactive suspension system promises
a much more comfortable ride, as it reduces vertical body movement by up to 50
per cent. Called Magic Body Control, it uses cameras to scan the road, setting
the suspension to deal with what’s ahead.
The S-Class will come in regular or
long-wheelbase guise, with a choice of five rear seat designs. These will range
from a fixed rear bench to the First Class Rear option, where the front center
console continues into the rear with cup-holders that can heat and cool drinks.
Other creature comforts include heated armrests and hot stone massage for the
front and rear seats.
S-class
is first road car to ditch light bulbs for LED-only set-up front and rear
Dominating the dash are two 12.3-inch TFT
screens. One replaces the instrument cluster, while the other displays
infotainment and navigation.
Order books open in June. UK prices are
unconfirmed, but expect a five per cent increase over the current car, meaning
a starting figure of around $96,750.
