The new Mercedes-Benz S Class saloon is the epitome of prestige motoring. As the world’s best-selling luxury saloon (sedan), this latest evolution delivers its most extensive update in one generation. The S Class has been meticulously refined in every detail to ensure it remains the benchmark in its automotive segment. More than just a flagship model, it embodies the essence of the brand in terms of luxury, engineering excellence and craftsmanship.
A Star Is Born
The three-point star has always signified the brand on the grille of the cars from this premium German car maker and now, for the first time, an illuminated grille is accented with redesigned, three-dimensional chrome stars. For more than one hundred years, the upright Mercedes star has symbolised brand heritage and pioneering spirit. On the S Class, as an option, the star on the front is optionally self-illuminated, giving the vehicle a radiant presence at night.
As part of the bold silhouette, a new ‘Digital Light’ twin-star headlamp design not only creates an iconic look both day and night, but also enhances visibility, helping drivers feel more confident on any road. At the rear, newly designed tail-lights with three chrome-framed signature stars reinforce the S Class identity.
Crafted using innovative high-pressure casting technology, the Mercedes-Benz S Class offers multi-spoke alloy wheels with sharper contours, reduced thickness and a striking 50-cross-spoke design, perfectly complementing the refined elegance of the new S Class. Finished in ‘Tremolit Metallic High Sheen’, it’s an attractive option for those who like distinctive wheels.
A Premium Interior
In the new S Class, every journey becomes an experience of firstclass comfort and serene elegance, say the company, who have refined the interior in numerous areas to create a space where technology and craftsmanship meet. The redesigned instrument panel, featuring the new ‘MBUX Superscreen’ (Mercedes-Benz User Experience for infotainment) integrates seamlessly into the cockpit.
New, elegant door trims and a reimagined centre console showcase wood inlays and combine the finest materials within an ergonomic design. It’s the little touches that count; the console features new illuminated cup holders and easily accessible mobile phone compartments, allowing for the wireless charging of two smartphones side by side within the reach of both the driver and the front passenger. In addition, cable-based USB-C charging with power delivery of up to 100W ensures fast and convenient charging options for all occupants. On crowded, regulated roads, anything that makes our motoring lives easier is welcome. There’s even heated seat belts in the front for those chilly mornings. We are reaching the stage where there really is no point in going home.
The new multifunction steering wheel also offers improved ergonomics and intuitive operation. MercedesBenz has reintroduced the control concept, featuring rocker switches for the limiter as well as a roller for volume control, in response to customer feedback. The capacitive switch panels are seamlessly integrated and provide tactile aids for better orientation.
In the back, rear-seat excellence is a given and customers can choose between a more dynamic silhouette or a long-wheelbase model with even more expansive rear-seat space. At its pinnacle, the four-seat ‘First-Class’ rear compartment in the long-wheelbase model turns the rear of the S Class into a business lounge. The full-length rear centre console discreetly keeps everything within easy reach: Concealed storage with wireless and fast-charging USB-C ports for mobile devices, a refrigerated compartment plus temperature-controlled cupholders. Folding tables create a comfortable space for working on a laptop, signing documents or enjoying a quiet meal on the move. Those who prefer to travel in the rear can also choose from new optional trim finishes for the rear centre console, adding a further touch of personal exclusivity.
Two detachable ‘MBUX’ remote controls in the rear provide effortless operation of vehicle functions such as climate control and window shades, as well as the larger 13.1 inch displays of the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System. These screens also feature integrated HD cameras, making them ideal for business video conferencing allowing occupants to join a video meeting and stay productive whilst travelling in the style they wish to become accustomed to.
A Word About Technology
To itemise the full extent of existing, revised and brand new technology and safety equipment featured on this prestige vehicle, this post would have to be the size of a modest novella, so here are the bullet points:
This latest S Class brings the state-of-the-art MercedesBenz technology to centre stage. At its core is the purpose-built ‘MercedesBenz Operating System’ (MBOS), which comes with a new service-oriented electrical and electronic architecture. This water-cooled supercomputer powers everything delivering faster processing, greater computing power and a deeply integrated experience. Connection to the ‘MercedesBenz Intelligent Cloud’ enables over-the-air updates for numerous vehicle functions, keeping the S Class digitally up to date and attractive throughout its life.
Sensors
To provide top-tier driving assistance, every model comes equipped with a wide array of sensors: ten external cameras, five radar sensors and twelve ultrasonic sensors. These sensors work in conjunction with a high-performance control unit running on MBOS. Artificial intelligence algorithms, which are trained for the job on large amounts of accumulated fleet data, process the sensor data to understand the surrounding traffic conditions. And there’s more:
Standard equipment includes detailed navigation, ‘Drive Assist’, with features such as ‘Distance Assist’ with ‘Steering Assist’ and ‘Lane Change Assist’ and ‘Parking Assist’. ‘Evasive Steering Function Plus’ autonomously steers around objects or other vehicles to prevent collisions within the vehicle’s own lane. For enhanced highway support, ‘Proactive Lane Change Assist’ offers automated lane changes.
The Drive
As might be expected at this premium level of automotive excellence, the new Mercedes-Benz S Class combines effortless performance with hallmark tranquillity and assurance, thanks to a refined range of electrified power-trains. From both eight and six cylinder engines to six cylinder diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid, buyers can choose from a wide variety of options that contribute to the signature sublime smoothness that defines the SClass experience.
At its peak, the new eight-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC Saloon (long version) delivers 530BHP (537PS / 395 kW) and 750 Nm of torque. Engineering upgrades and mild-hybrid technology support seamless power delivery, energy recuperation and exceptional smoothness, while meeting the latest emissions standards and ensuring a tranquil cabin experience.
Thanks to a refined injection system, optimised intake and exhaust ports and many other engine improvements, the V8 now responds more quickly and efficiently and delivers an even more refined driving experience. The sixcylinder petrol engine in the Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC Saloon (long version) and Mercedes-Benz S 500 4MATIC Saloon (long version) now responds even more dynamically, with torque increased up to 640 Nm using over-torque. Overtorque means a short-term increase in torque value to provide the SClass with more tractive force in certain driving situations, like overtaking or acceleration.
Further improvements include a more powerful electric auxiliary compressor, optimised intake and exhaust ports, and a revised intake camshaft. Enhanced insulation measures provide superior noise and vibration damping, creating an exceptionally calm ambience at any speed.
Hybrid
The plug-in hybrid option with an electric range of around 62 miles (100 km) combines this upgraded six-cylinder engine with a powerful electric motor, increasing system output and delivering an even smoother and more responsive drive. As a global vehicle, petrol particulate filters and pressurised tanks are now standard worldwide, underscoring the brand’s commitment to efficiency and refinement.
If diesel power is preferred, the Mercedes-Benz S 350 d 4MATIC Saloon (long version) and MercedesBenz S 450 d 4MATIC Saloon (long version) feature a new six-cylinder diesel. Developed to meet future emissions legislation, it introduces the first series-production use of an electrically heated catalytic converter for faster and more efficient exhaust after-treatment. Robustness improvements in exhaust gas recirculation, cooling and crankcase ventilation further enhance durability and efficiency.
All three engines feature a 17kW integrated starter-generator which provides intelligent support in the low-rpm range. In combination with turbocharging, this ensures excellent power delivery. The system includes the 48-volt electrical system, which enables functions such as coasting, boost or recuperation and thus contributes significant fuel savings.
MHH International With Mercedes-Benz
The striking new S-Class is new for this year but we offer export from the UK to destinations around the world, a wide range of new and used premium cars from this famous German manufacturer. You can see our current wide-ranging stock on these pages. Kenya and New Zealand are just two of the twenty-seven countries we serve. We also feature cars from many other prestige brands. Check out our website for full listings and details of VAT-free options.
