The three-pointed star was originally designed to symbolize Daimler’s ambition of universal motorization – “on land, on water and in the air”- 1923. Fast forward to the 1990s, – the era of luxury sedans! Everyone who “made it” needed a worthy sedan to announce their arrival. This niche category had very little completion from the start but as sales picked up so did other choices. But still, one name stands on top of it all, the true luxury sedan “Mercedes-Benz S-Class.”
Future Proof
The current iteration of S-Class W222 arrived in India by early 2014. It was a game-changer with a plethora of technological innovations that were unheard of, at the time. The elegant and majestic W222 design has been well received by customers from around the world, and thus only little changes have been made to the cosmetics of the car.
Instead, emphases of the facelift have been put on the technology capability of the car bringing along extensive innovations. The facelifted S-Class receives updated autonomous driving technologies, and also, new engines. The highly anticipated all-new and highly efficient engine range makes sure that Mercedes is at the forefront of future electrification plans.
New model new engines
Based on appearances alone, the 2017 model and the 2018 look similar; but if you go beyond the superficial, the 2018 sedan lineup really is thoroughly updated. Aside from subtly altered trim, bumpers, and wheel designs, every version from the lowest-level S-class to the horsepower addled S63 and S65 AMG models, to the range-topping Maybach received notable changes. For all the petrol heads out there S450 is the new petrol engine. It’s a 362-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 producing 367 hp and 500Nm of torque. The AMG lines start with S63 which is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, dishing out 603 horsepower, with the same 900Nm of torque as before.
The S65 also known as Maybach S650 still has a twin-turbo V-12 and it is untouched, producing the same locomotive-like 1000Nm of torque and 621 horsepower as last year. Now, these cars are of course reserved for the uber-rich, business tycoons and celebrities in our humble India. But still, everyone needs a diesel engine, sigh! The diesel variant dubbed S350 d had the old faithful V6 which now has been replaced with an in-line 6 producing a meaty 286 hp, but a lower torque of 600Nm.
This new engine is first of its kind in India to meet the upcoming BS-VI norms. We still don’t have BS-VI fuels available, but amazingly the engine (OM656) emits 68% less nitrous oxide and 82% less particulate matter while running on BS-IV grade fuel. Now that is technology at its best for a better future. On both S iterations, the engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission or 9G-Tronic, AMG’s have SPEEDSHIFT MCT.
On top of the food chain
Mercedes has gifted the S-class’ option sheet with the same comprehensive suite of sensors and radar hardware, or more than that from its competitors. An impressive 360-degree camera enables you to understand your surroundings and an improved autonomous-driving capability (LEVEL 2 aka Tesla Pilot Mode).
A new adaptive-cruise-control feature uses map data and slows the car for impending curves, turns, or roundabouts. The S, now, can change lanes by itself—with only a flick of the turn signal—via updated active lane-change assist technology. Users also are given more information on the status of such lane change thanks to improved graphics and indicators in the digital instrument cluster.
The S-Class gets air suspension at all four ends that deliver a supreme ride quality. The 18-inch wheels do look uninteresting, but the tall 50-profile rubber, no doubt, adds to the comfort. It does behave like a boat at high speeds, mind you this is a 2.2tonne car, but that’s when you should switch to Sport mode. Oh, it has one when you feel the itch to drive and if you are petrol head like me, go for the AMG, 900Nm of torque is more than enough to make the Earth spin faster!
Mercedes also has upgraded the S-class dual digital dashboard displays to the sharp and informative 12.3-inch units. Mercedes proudly points out that it incorporated both screens, under a single pane of glass. The high-res widescreen cockpit display is simply brilliant. It displays umpteen information simply and clearly. Using the central controller for infotainment functions is also logical and easy. The S-Class has finally lost a Mercedes feature going back to the W124 E-Class, if not before. The cruise control stalk has been replaced by steering-wheel buttons. The new set-up is easy to use; although there was nothing wrong with the stalk except it was old fashioned and couldn’t easily accommodate the new active cruise functions. The steering wheel also features touch-sensitive control pads similar to those found in the new E-class. There are no major changes to the interior, so what you get is a traditional design that isn’t as modern as its competitors.
But, the S-class’ cabin still has a special old-world charm to it, with retro-looking circular vents, lots of chrome bits and wood finishes. The back seat remains the best place to be in the S-class. The seats still offer unparalleled comfort in this segment; they are perfectly cushioned, they electrically recline 43.5 degrees to be exact and has heating, cooling and massaging function with memory and also a retractable footrest. Frankly, though new rivals do come close, none of them offers a better back seat experience than this. You feel like you’re in a business class jet. It is not just a statement, not too long ago Emirates Airlines unveiled its new Business Class suites which is a joint venture between Mercedes and Emirates. Now that shows luxury is at its best with the star!
Foreseeing star
The guts of the S-Class’ is that the engineering, the technology, the luxury is as good as ever – it’s a super-quiet, smooth and refined luxury cruiser. Yet much of this new model is about the introduction of clever technology. When you look at the competition none has the legacy or the pedigree of an S-Class and arriving in an S-Class for that shareholder meeting sums up you have made your mark. -Jiji Varghese
