Merc is S-ensational
It was hardly ideal weather to test drive the
new Mercedes-Benz S-Class the Swiss Alps
were in full snowing mode creating treacherous
icy conditions on switchback mountain passes
winding up to magnificent St Moritz.
But as
expected, the big Benz, brimming with high
tech equipment, snubbed its nose and pressed
on as if nothing out of the ordinary was taking
place.
That is the essence of this car it’s a cut
above, and Benz makes no bones about the fact
equipping the new model with all the clever
technology at its disposal and luxury features
designed to make driving almost a seminal
experience.
Now in its eighth generation spanning fifty
years, the iconic Mercedes-Benz S-Class has
slipped up a cog with a brace of new engines,
a new look and more of pretty well everything
that defines the model.
Three engines will eventually be offered
here: a 5.4-litre, 285kW/530Nm V8, followed
by a 3.5-litre, 200kW/350Nm V6 and then a
mighty 5.5-litre, twin turbo V12 with 380Nm/
830Nm output. Mercedes-Benz Australia also
has the 3.2-litre turbo diesel V6 under
consideration.
These engines are used across the Benz
range.
The modelsare designated S350, S500 and
S600 and though prices were not available at
the international press preview drive, talk of an
eight per cent price rise was bandied about.
That would make the starting point for the V6
around $180,000.
A seven speed automatic transmission is
standard throughout as is ESP (Electronic
Stability Program) and air suspension.
Air suspension is worthy of special mention
because the suspension gives the big Benz a
superb feel in terms of ride, comfort and
control. It is much more “connected” than the
previous model.
Weighing close to two tonnes even in S350
form, the new S-Class defies its bulk giving a
sporty,”solid” feel. This is accentuated by the
steering and other dynamics.
It’s a big, agile car to drive, not be driven in.
Though appearing smaller, the new model is
actually larger all round offering more room
inside and a bigger boot.
Few if any parts carry over and the styling is
more aggressive with pronounced wheel
arches, high top boot lid, curving roof turret
line and imposing grille. Benz designers
laughingly describe the look as “discrete
elegance.”
Interior noise levels are eerily quiet apart
from some exhaust burble under hard acceler-
ation.
The interior itself is in a more modern idiom
with graceful lines interspersed with high tech
materials and equipment.
A “Command Control” system looks after
many in car functions and also chassis
dynamics. It is relatively simple to use from
one centre console mounted pivoting knob.
Little is left off the standard equipment list
but plenty of options are available to “tailor”
the S-Class.
The most interesting is Night View Assist
an infrared vision system that is said to increase
safety at night. It gives a clear image on a
screen in the instrument pod many metres in
front of the headlights.
The system is linked to the radar modulated
cruise control system and other electronic
systems on the S-Class.
Driving the big Benz is rewarding particularly with the multi mode seven-speed auto
taking car of business. The S500 has strident
performance and is never lacking in response.
It sounds superb and can run relatively
economically when cruising.
The S350 is similarly rewarding but with a
little less kick in the tail.
And of course it’s comfortable: one car was
fitted with adaptive seats that actually “hug”
driver and passenger to counteract cornering
forces. They could be standard on all Aust-
ralian models.
All ancillary equipment is first rate – the
audio, climate control, seats, materials. One car
even had an automatic boot closer and a glass
roof option is available.
The new S-Class will be here early next year.
