Tech-laden luxury liner pushes
Mercedes-Benz into the future
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-class
is a fresh-faced technological tour de force, but its mission remains the same:
continue Benz’s traditional prowess at the very top end of the luxury market.
Set to arrive in North American showrooms
as a 2014 model in September, the S-class is charged with replacing not one but
two different models: the outgoing S-class and the Maybach brand’s 57 and 62
sedans.
The
S-class is charged with replacing not one but two different models: the
outgoing S-class and the Maybach brand’s 57 and 62 sedans
There are five different variants planned:
short- and long-wheelbase sedans, and extra-long-wheelbase sedan, a coupe and a
cabriolet.
Stylistically, the S-class (codename W222)
is more evolutionary than revolutionary, a clear progression of the outgoing
model rather than a complete departure. It shows heritage, but surfacing
treatment is contemporary enough to give it modern appeal. The car undercuts
its predecessors aerodynamically, boasting a low 0.24 drag coefficient.
It
also has reclining seats, leather, and wood and aluminum pieces, plus a feature
called an “active perfuming system”
The 2014 model is basically the same size
as its predecessor, though the cosmetic changes abound. The grille is wider,
the headlamps are larger and the hood is more contoured. The wheel-arch flares
are less prominent, and there is a signature dropping line along the flanks
running from the trailing edge of the headlamps to a lower point above the rear
wheel arches.
Mercedes has increased the light-weight
materials used in a bid to shed weight; the entire outer skin is now aluminum,
while the internal structure uses a higher percentage of hot-formed multi-gauge
steel, all riding on revised underpinnings. Safety features include illuminated
belt-buckle extenders and airbags within the belt straps for the rear seat
occupants.
Mercedes
has increased the light-weight materials used in a bid to shed weight
There will be four different drivelines
traditional gasoline, gasoline-electric, diesel and diesel-electric. All four
will come with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. In the S500, U.S. buyers will
get a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 gas engine producing more than its predecessor.
It will be available in rear-wheel drive when sales begin in September, with an
optional 4Matic model in November, when we’ll also see the all-wheel-drive S63.
That car keeps the twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 producing 544 hp, or 571 hp with the
optional performance package.
There will also be an S400 hybrid, S350
Bluetec diesel and S300 Bluetec diesel hybrid. The 5.5-liter V12-powered S600
will come in 2014.
