The New Mercedes S-Class
Celebrating 140 years since Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz pioneered the first automobile, Mercedes is celebrating its origins with the new S-Class and reasserting itself in the luxury saloon market.
With over 50% of the car being entirely new this crosses the boundary of a heavy refresh into almost new car territory.
The S-Class now get a new super computer bringing all functionality together and enabling over-the-air software updates. Its MB-OS operating system uses 3D Google maps projected via its MBUX augmented reality head-up display onto the windscreen.
But it’s in the cabin where the most obvious changed are found. The MBUX Superscreen is standard and comes with a natural dialogue AI virtual assistant powered by Google Cloud with a human-like interaction.
MBUX Superscreen
In the back, the passengers can access remote control dual 13.1 inch displays with integrated HD cameras for video conferencing via Teams, Zoom or Webex.
The long wheel base version has First Class style reclining seats with leg extenders and folding tables large enough for working on with laptops. And there are rear window shades and remote controls for climate and other functions. There’s even heated seat belts.
The rear screens can also entertain with Disney+ among other networks and comes with plenty of apps to choose from. And the Burmester® 4D sound system with Dolby Atmos provides a fully immersive experience.
Long wheel base S-Class
The new S-Class comes with an all new V8 in the S 580 4Matic with a wafty 750 NM of torque and 530 BHP.
The S 500 4Matic gets 443 BHP and the S 450 4Matic produces a respectable 375 BHP. Both versions use the same six cylinder petrol engine capable of pulling up to 640 NM of torque on demand.
There are two 6-cylinder diesel options from the S 350 d 4Matic and S 450 d 4Matic producing 308 and 363 BHP respectively.
Two plug-in hybrid versions are available. There’s the 429 BHP S 450 e and the 577 BHP S 580 e powered by a six-cylinder EQ Hybrid powertrain that comes with a 22kWh battery for up to 73 miles of electric only range.
Lastly, the flagship 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 is only available in the armoured S 680 Guard 4Matic providing occupant protection from nefarious actors.
There’s no confirmation on prices yet, but expect them to start in excess of £100,000 when the order books open in the summer.
———
About the Author
Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more. You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.