Review
Mercedes S-Class
Mercedes presented the new S-Class at the Shanghai Motor Show. This Mercedes flagship takes another big step forward towards autonomous driving with intelligent drive. There is also a new engine range and there are also nice novelties in the field of comfort and wellness.
Innovative driver assistance systems
With the arrival of the new S-Class we come one step closer to autonomous driving. There are numerous features available to make the driver’s life easier. For example, the S-Class can stop in a traffic jam for a maximum of 30 seconds and then automatically start again and follow the moving traffic. Handy for traffic jams on the highway. The active distance assistant DISTRONIC can automatically adjust the speed based on map and navigation data of the chosen route. The active distance assistant DISTRONIC and the active steering assistant support the driver in maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front and steering the car. The active emergency braking assistant will stop the car when the driver is no longer actively driving the car, for example when he or she has become unwell.
Mercedes S 400 d 4MATIC
The new inline six diesel engine makes its debut in the new S-Class. This block has a displacement of 2,925 cc and it has become the most powerful diesel engine in the history of Mercedes-Benz. This engine is available in two power variants, the S 350 d with 286 hp and 600 Nm max. torque and the S 400 d with 340 hp with no less than 700 Nm. max torque. Both variants are also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and all models have a 9G-TRONIC PLUS automatic gearbox.
We were introduced to the new S-Class through a test drive with the S 400 d 4MATIC. This new engine drives very smoothly and the nine-speed automatic transmission ensures that the S-Class is always in the most optimal gear. Thanks to the more than generous torque, the S 400 d moves very quickly despite its high weight. You can reach 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h. Personally, we would choose the version with 4MATIC. Then you have the most optimal grip in all circumstances. The S 400 d is available from 95,953 euros and for the S 400 d 4MATIC you have to pay at least 99,825 euros.
Wellness
The new S-Class features an ENERGIZING comfort program. This program uses various systems such as air conditioning, seats with massage function, heated surfaces, mood lighting and mood music. Six different programs can be selected to increase the feeling of well-being in the car and create an atmosphere of wellness. This comfort program includes, for example, mood lighting. The lighting then makes the interior look like a work of art by creating color worlds using different colors. Music is also used to create a certain atmosphere. The vitality program, for example, is characterized by fast music with many beats per minute. This comfort program appeals to the imagination and is a world first for series cars. Depending on the equipment, this program can be experienced in all seats.
Interior
There is also splendor in the interior of the S-Class. There we will find, among other things, two new high-resolution displays. Both screens of the widescreen cockpit have a screen diameter of 12.3 inches and are placed behind a common glass cover. We also find numerous high-quality materials in the interior and the finish shows great attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Conclusion
The new S-Class was already the absolute top and remains so after this new facelift. With the updated driver assistance systems, Mercedes gives us a glimpse into the future of assistance systems. The comfort is pleasant and the finish is sublime. The price tag is of course not bad, but if you are looking for the best of the best, the S-Class certainly exceeds expectations.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
