Going by the visions of the new Mercedes S-Class, it is steaming hot whether you are gazing at it from the outside or sitting inside enjoying the pathbreaking technology and comfort features. Only, inside, you will have the comfort of 10 different massage modes and ionised, fragrant, cool air to deal with the heat! Expected to be priced just shy of AED 350,000 onwards and on sale later this month with a delivery window of three to four months, the new Mercedes S-Class gives you plenty of hot stuff to talk about, the next time you share tea time with friend, across a table or across the miles. Pour out the hot stuff here.
For those who want a historical lowdown
Mercedes-Benz laid the foundations for this model series with the model 220, around 70 years ago. Since 1951, more than 4 million S-Class Sedans have been delivered to customers around the world. The S -class badge was first featured in 1972 and it stands for Sonderklasse which in English would be super-class or special-class. It was code named 116 series just as the currently departing series is 222, which incidentally is the most sold luxury sedan in the world with over half a million examples. By the way, would you have guessed that the 9 out of 10 S-class sedan buyers around the world opt for its long wheel base version? In our region, this version is standard.
The S-class has not only been a flagship but also a flagbearer for the segment when it comes to technology. Anti-lock brake system; Adaptive Cruise Control that took set speed cruising to another level by adjusting speed depending on the speed of the car in front, named Distronic by Mercedes-Benz; magic body control that scanned the road ahead and adjusted the suspensions and the ride accordingly, are some of them.
Dimensions and Appearance
The new S-Class is 34 mm longer, 55 mm wider and 12 mm taller with a wheelbase that is generally a good 51 mm longer. The short wheel base model is 22 mm longer than the previous model. Legroom and other spaces have increased but the only reduction that has happened is with shoulder room – remains unchanged in the front but lost room by 3 cm in the rear!
The grille is loaded with cameras and sensors while LED lights make a three dot line signature day and night. The rear is pushed forwards in a dynamic stance and is highlighted by sharp, triangular taillight graphics. This is the first time in three decades that Mercedes-Benz has designed horizontal taillights for its flagship sedan.
Choice of engines
This time around, Mercedes-Benz have brought two power variants – S 450 4MATIC and S 500 4MATIC, both mated to their 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission that drives the GLS too. The S 500 is new. Both variants are driven by a 3.0 L inline 6 cylinder engine with similar figures in most respects except the overall output. S 450 makes 367 hp while S 500 makes 435 hp (68 more). The torque is 500 and 520 Nm respectively while both variants get a 22 hp additional EQ Boost for instant acceleration. The additional torque generated from this is a substantial 250 Nm. The fuel economy as to be expected from the above figures are almost identical at 8.4 – 7.8 L needed for a 100 km run (For S 450 it is 8.3 – 7.8). Carbon dioxide emissions (NEDC) is 191 – 178 g/km (192 for S 500). With the acceleration to 100 kmph taking 5.1 and 4.9 seconds respectively, and an electronically locked top speed of 250 kmph, the S 450 customer is sure going to be just as happy as the S 500 one.
One of the most aerodynamic luxury cars
With a Cd figure from 0.22 in Sport+ mode, the S-Class is one of the world’s most aerodynamic cars, and especially so in the luxury sedan segment.
When a new Mercedes-Benz is launched, antennas are up to figure out what technology is new in it that will soon be expected of its rivals too. As expected of an S-class for 2022, digitisation is placed at the centre of a car that recognises the needs and wishes of its driver and passengers. That said, the upgrades in the comfort department are spa-class! Well, once again, the new S-class has enough talking points. Here they are.
Let 2.6 million pixels light the way
The optional DIGITAL LIGHT system enters series production for the first time at Mercedes-Benz. This makes a range of warning and guidance possible, by throwing a spotlight or projecting a warning symbol onto the road in case of recognised roadworks, traffic lights, stop or no-entry signs.
In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle. This allows highly precise light distribution. It makes Highbeam Assist over 100 times more precise then 84-pixel light when excluding oncoming traffic or road signs from the light beam.
LED technology has enabled the new S-Class to realise interactive interior lighting for the first time. The active ambient lighting (optional) is now integrated into the driving assistance systems, and is able to reinforce alerts visually, and makes corresponding feedback possible for the climate control system or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant.
Energizing in every breath
The designers have emphasised the feel-good ambience within the cabin marked by elegance, high quality and lightness. It goes beyond the new architecture of the dashboard and deeper in the high ride quality, low noise levels as well as an extensive range of ENERGIZING Comfort programmes. The S-class cabin celebrate quietness, serenity, and now a healthy life. The air filtering system signals its capability with the new name ENERGIZING Air Control. [Available from June 2021 production.]
Rear seat passengers now have frontal airbags protection
Featured in the Experimental Safety Vehicle in 2019, the rear airbag has now becomes available as optional equipment in the S-Class. The airbag is placed in seatback of the front seat so as to protect the outer rear seat occupants. They deploy particularly gently thanks to its innovative construction using a tubular structure. During severe frontal collisions, this new airbag can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seatbelt wearing occupants.
There is a new centre airbag too, integrated into the driver’s seatback in the middle of the vehicle. During a severe side impact, depending on the direction of impact, its severity and front seat occupancy, the new centre airbag is placed between the driver and front passenger seats reducing the risk of their heads making contact.
Imagine watching the head up display on a 77” TV
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience enters its second generation in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This learn-capable system makes the cabin space of the S-Class even more digital and intelligent: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. Personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more possible. For example, the new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time. The car can be seen placed with a three-dimensional effect without having to wear 3D glasses!
The optional head-up displays (HUDs) are available in two formats. The larger HUD provides augmented reality (AR) content, featuring animated turn-off arrows (“fishbones”) projected onto the road lane. The image appears to be 10 metres ahead and the display area corresponds to a monitor with a 77-inch diagonal.
The luxury of travel is elevated to spa-class with 10 massage programmes
Up to 19 motors in the front seats make for comfortable seating while 10 massage programmes are available with warmth based on the hot stone principle. The seat heating is made to be felt through the inflatable air chambers which are now closer to the seat surface in the active multicontour seats. In the rear, a heated additional cushion for the head restraint is a new feature, which is available for the two electrically adjustable rear seats.
Enter a new dimension of music
In an innovative twist, the massage based on vibrating motors in the seat cushion is integrated with resonance transmission by the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system. This makes bass tones feelable. Direct reproduction of the sound resonance in the seats adds another level to the three-dimensional listening experience – 4D sound inspired by the acoustic massage. 30 loudspeakers and eight exciters – two in the backrest of each seat – are included in the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system.
Every seat can control infotainment
Best of all, the voice assistant can be activated by calling out from the rear, like “turn on the hot massage!” Gestures can be detected using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms that help MBUX Interior Assist to interpret head direction, hand movements and body language, reading the intentions of occupants. MBUX Interior Assist also improves safety like notifying the driver if the camera has detected a child seat on the front passenger seat but seat belt is not fastened.
In a clever network sharing move, the screens within the car are connected. If you wish to share a game or a file from the front screen to the rear passenger, it can simply be ‘swiped’ out of the screen and can be found on the backseat screen!
Mercedes understands you in 27 languages, and sometimes without any!
The computing power of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has increased by 50 percent compared with the earlier model; the memory bandwidth is 41,790 MB/s. No wonder then, 27 languages are supported by “Hey Mercedes” and speech employs Natural Language Understanding (NLU).
The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” is even more capable by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. In China, for example, it can be used to order food on your way home. Evolving to depend less on the magic activation words “Hey Mercedes!”, telephone calls can be now accepted without uttering them. The Alexa and Siri rival in the cabin can also explain vehicle functions and answer general knowledge questions.
The MBUX Smart Home function makes the S-Class a control centre for an ‘intelligent home’. You can use the cabin assistant to check if lights are on in your living room or if your washing machine has been switched off.
Imagine watching the head up display on a 77” TV
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience enters its second generation in the new generation of Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This learn-capable system makes the cabin space of the S-Class even more digital and intelligent: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. Personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more possible. For example, the new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time. The car can be seen placed with a three-dimensional effect without having to wear 3D glasses!
The optional head-up displays (HUDs) are available in two formats. The larger HUD provides augmented reality (AR) content, featuring animated turn-off arrows (“fishbones”) projected onto the road lane. The image appears to be 10 metres ahead and the display area corresponds to a monitor with a 77-inch diagonal.
Rear axle steering makes parking as easy as a compact sedan
The optional rear-axle steering can be turned up to 10° either way for better manoeuvrability in urban areas to the level of a compact car. While long cars could be a nightmare to park in tight city parking lots, even the S-Class with a long wheelbase and all-wheel drive has its turning circle reduced to less than 10.9 metres – about 1.9 metres smaller when compared with models without the real axle steering.
Rises to keep you safe in a crash
The control units of E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension (optional) analyse the driving situation and adjust the suspension 1000 times per second. When a side impact threat is detected by radar sensors, the vehicle body can be raised by up to 8 centimetres by the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL within a few tenths of a second. This is a new function of PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side. This reduces the loads on the door structures, as the door sill can absorb more of the energy thanks to its higher position. As a result, deformation of the passenger cell and the loads acting on the occupants can be reduced.
Apart from this, the new aluminium hybrid bodyshell has an aluminium content exceeding 50 percent. This means a high level of crash safety, lower weight and a highly rigid bodyshell for outstanding handling characteristics as well as excellent noise and vibration comfort.
Stuff that the earth is made of!
More than 98 kg of components made from resource-conserving materials are used in the S-Class. The number of components containing recyclates is now 120 – more than twice as many as in the preceding model. Another 40 kg or so are made from renewable raw materials.
Door handles that extend a warm welcome!
The flush-mounted door handles are a completely new development. They are electrically extended when the driver approaches, or the outer surface of the door handle is stroked.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, 2020, outdoor, still shot, exterior: diamond white
Tick the Electric box
For those who wish to go the futuristic route, a Plug In Hybrid with an electric range of up to 100 km. Or go the whole hog, with an all-electric S-Class with an astounding range of 700 km: the EQS upcoming in 2021.
The most advanced Mercedes ever is built in the most advanced plant with the intriguing name of Factory 56. The booking is open from this month while the market launch in the Middle East will commence in January 2021.
