New high-tech, luxurious S-Class hits showrooms in UK

It will be launched in Thailand later this year, according to Mercedes-Benz Thailand, although the features to be made available have yet to be finalised.

With a three-engine line-up of one diesel, one petrol and one petrol hybrid – S 350 BlueTEC, S 400 Hybrid and S 500 – the new range also offers two trim choices of the SE Line or the AMG Line, as well as the standard and long wheelbase options, with UK production commencing in September ahead of deliveries in October. 

The new S-Class offers up to a 9-per-cent increase in power over the outgoing W 221 model (to 333 hp for the S 400 Hybrid), 18 per cent reduction in CO2 (147 g/km for the S 400 Hybrid) and 22 per cent improvement in fuel consumption (16 kmpl for the S 400 Hybrid). 

Improved levels of standard equipment over the already impressive outgoing S-Class include the addition of a reversing camera, Comand Online NTG 5, full LED Intelligent Light System, DAB digital radio and Keyless Start. 

Additional new equipment for the S-Class includes Magic Vision Control, the innovative wash/wipe system that applies washer fluid directly in front of the wiper blades to minimise waste and obstruction to the driver, an enhanced AirMatic full air-suspension system with continuously adaptive damping control delivering a composed ride while retaining the ability to lower its body at different speeds (by 10mm at 110 kmph and a further 10mm at more than 160 kmph) or rise by 30mm should it be required during low speed manoeuvres, and Comand Online NTG 5 – the latest generation of telematics – all as standard. 

The Magic Body Control suspension system debuts on the new S-Class – an option on the S 500 (£4,340). Linked to the new Road Surface Scan system, Magic Body Control uses a stereo camera located on the top edge of the windscreen to scan the road up to 15 metres ahead, allowing it to model a precise image of the road surface. 

The system then uses this image to calculate if any action is required to react to uneven road surfaces. Should this be the case, the damping characteristics of each wheel can be influenced by Magic Body Control through the use of hydraulics operating at a pressure of 200 bars in a fraction of a second. This counteracts the pitching, rolling and lifting motions felt on uneven roads, creating unprecedented ride comfort.

The innovative new interior of the S-Class is equipped as standard with a pair of high-resolution TFT screens measuring 307mm diagonally. They relay key vehicle information and allow quick, intuitive access to the most sophisticated system of its kind, from the optional 1,540-watt Burmester 3D surround sound system with 24 specially designed speakers, 24 amplifier channels and three speakers integrated into the headlining (£6,430) to the range of perfumes emitted by the Air-Balance Package (£360) – a further function of which is the ionisation of the air entering the vehicle and passing through a filter system to improve the quality of the air and remove pollutants. 

Three different seat packages are available in the rear – ranging from three seats finished in high quality leather to two individual seats complete with the ability to recline to an angle of 43.5 degrees. Furthermore, the seats can, if desired, simulate a hot stone massage for even greater comfort, while the armrests can be heated. 

With all the improvements in technology, in equipment, safety systems and efficiency, the new S-Class accounts for only a 2-per-cent rise in the UK price for the S 350 BlueTEC SE Line over the outgoing car. Prices start from £62,650 OTR for the S 350 BlueTEC SE Line, rising to £65,650 OTR for the S 350 BlueTEC L SE Line, £69,650 OTR for the S 400 Hybrid L SE Line and £88,130 OTR for the S 500 L AMG Line.