The latest Mercedes S-Class has received its world premiere promising to establish a new benchmark for luxury motoring with its all-new state-of-the-art interior, cutting-edge technology features and a refreshed engine line-up.
A perennial favourite among the well-heeled, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the go-to luxury car for celebrities, high-flying businesspeople, world leaders and more thanks to its signature blend of uncompromising comfort levels, premium image and effortless performance on the road.
It’s a recipe Mercedes-Benz has steadily evolved over the years, which goes some way to explaining why the latest S-Class retains a familiar look to its predecessor.
Suffice to say it is still a sleek looker – especially for such a large vehicle – with the S-Class emphasising its formidable presence on the road with a revised front-grille/emblem and new alloy wheel trims.
If the exterior has received only light cosmetic tweaks, then the interior has by contrast received a major overhaul to reassert the S-Class’ status as the pinnacle in lavish automotive comfort.
Superscreen Time
Headlining the changes is the ‘Superscreen’, which replaces the outgoing model’s conventional portrait touchscreen. Comprising three sections, the ‘Superscreen’ features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster behind the wheel, a 14.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen and a 12.3-inch display reserved for the front passenger.
Beyond the prominence of contemporary technology in the overall design, the S-Class’ interior is still brimming with plush materials, cossetting front chairs and exquisite attention to detail.
It’s a similar story for passengers in the back, the S-Class – which will come in Standard and Long 5.3m length – presenting a lap of luxury for those who prefer to be driven.
Rear passengers will get their own centre console with a 13.1-inch screen mounted on the back of the front seats, plus HD cameras built-in for video conferencing even when you’re on the move.
Mercedes-Benz have also worked to tune the rear suspension especially with a view to ensuring pristine comfort levels for passengers, even on the roughest road surfaces.
At the heart of the S-Class’ interior transformation, however, is a major update for its acclaimed MBUX infotainment system, which will now feature AI-powered virtual assistants. The tech upgrade is all handled by the latest MB.OS operating system, which is also charged with performing over-the-air updates, one of which could see the S-Class transformed with Level 4 autonomous driving in the near future.
New V8 Petrol, plus Diesel and PHEV Options
Mercedes-Benz has also given the S-Class a thorough overhaul under the skin, not least under the bonnet, where the latest model sees the introduction of a new V8 flat-plane crank petrol engine.
Generating 530bhp and promising silky-smooth acceleration and cruising, it should endow this trim – known as S 580 4Matic - with unparalleled refinement and performance.
Elsewhere, the six-cylinder S 450 4Matic (375bhp) and S 500 4Matic (443bhp) engine choices slot in beneath the new V8, where they are joined by the S 350 d 4MATIC and S 450 d 4MATIC, which utilise diesel-fuelled technology for assured pulling power and improved fuel economy.
The most efficient engine option, however, are the two PHEV trims in the S-Class’ line-up – the S 580 e 4MATIC and S 450 e - which turn to Mercedes’ EQ Hybrid Technology to ensure upwards of 62-miles of electric-only driving.
The latest S-Class arrives as the latest salvo in Mercedes’ decades-old fierce rivalry with another German-engineered luxury limo, the BMW 7-Series.
Prices are yet to be confirmed but are likely to be close to or in six-figures, while Mercedes-Benz is promising myriad customisation options to personalise the luxury levels in your S-Class.
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