The new S-class comes with five different
rear seat package options, and the top-of-the-line package offers a backrest
that reclines nearly 45 degrees independently of the bolster and has calf
support and a heel rest. This option comes with an airbag within the seat
cushion; it’s designed to prevent the occupant sliding forward in the case of
an accident. The inclusion of new rear seats that come with an optional
reclining function has led to a 30-litre reduction in boot space to 530 liters.
The new S also gets an optional ‘First
Class rear package’, which comes with its own centre console that allows
control of the front infotainment system from the rear. This package also comes
with thermally-controlled cup holders.
45-degree
seat recline part of a major effort to make the most comfy rear seat ever
Globally, the new S-class will be offered
with a choice of powertrains that includes petrol, petrol-electric, diesel and
diesel electric options. All four will come with the seven-speed automatic
gearbox from the outgoing model, but with subtle revisions for faster and smoother
shifts.
Engine choices include a carryover
3.0-litre V6 diesel with 254bhp in the S 350 BlueTEC (S 350 CDI for India) and
a 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel with 201bhp in combination with a 20kW (27bhp)
electric motor for a total output of 228bhp in the S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid. The
4.7 twin-turbo V8 that does duty in the S 500 now comes with 20bhp more and
this engine will also be coupled with a plug-in hybrid system at a later stage.
The S 63 AMG is still under wraps. It is
expected to be powered by the same twin-turbo, 5.5-litre V8, good for 536bhp in
standard guise or a 563bhp in combination with the optional performance pack.
In select markets, it will also be offered with the firm’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive
system for the first time.
The
dashboard is dominated by a pair of 12.3-inch screens in a wood and leather
fascia
Some markets will also get the S 400
Hybrid, which uses a revised version of the naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6
petrol unit in combination with a 20kW (27bhp) electric motor for an overall
output of 321bhp.
Further down the line, we will see an
all-new top-of-the-line S 600. It is expected to come with a revised version of
the outgoing car’s 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12, which churns out 530bhp. The S 65
AMG is expected to make a comeback as well with the 612bhp 6.0-litre V12 under
its hood.
Additional novelty tech bits in the new
S-class include Mercedes- Benz’s optional Magic Body Control (MBC) system.
Available as an option, this system comes with cameras mounted within the
windscreen that scan the road and detect surface irregularities before
automatically adjusting the car’s dampers to reduce body movements, better
control roll and pitch, and generally improve overall ride comfort.
The
Mercedes-Benz S-Class back
The new S-class is also available with an
Intelligent Drive package which includes the next generation of features like
Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus,
Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist Plus with Cross-Traffic
Assist and Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian recognition.
Optional equipment includes a Comfort
package that allows the seats to mimic a hot-stone massage, and also a Warmth
and Comfort package that gives you a heated steering wheel and armrests, seats
with active ventilation, and power heated rear seats with memory. Then there’s
the range-topping 24-speaker, 1540-watt Burmester 3D surround sound system, and
an Air Balance Package that ionizes and filters the air and emits five choices
in fragrance throughout the car.
Mercedes-Benz has always aimed to make the
best car in the world with the S-class, and with the new car, they have
improved even what wasn’t broken. Expect to see the car in Indian showrooms by
2014.
