Mercedes-Benz has given the S-Class a massive update

Thursday, 3 September 2020

This is Mercedes-Benz throwing everything it has into its flagship model. (Mercedes-Benz promotional video)

Mercedes-Benz earlier today revealed its seventh generation S-Class flagship which goes on sale in Europe from December and will reach the New Zealand market in 2021.

Larger outside, roomier inside and with a more aerodynamic body shape, the new W223 Series S-Class will also deliver a significant boost in technology including the option (for Germany) of Drive Pilot (Mercedes’ autonomous driving system) with the potential to deliver Level 3 hands-off autonomous driving in some motorway and traffic-jam driving situations.

Built on a new aluminium hybrid platform, the S-Class will be available in standard and long wheelbase configuration but is set to be produced only as a saloon with no plans for coupe or cabriolet variants.

This is the latest S-Class, Mercedes-Benz’ flagship model line. Pretty, ain’t it?

The initial launch phase will introduce petrol and diesel straight-six engines with details of V8 units, a plug-in hybrid and AMG performance models to follow in 2021. The plug-in version is targeted to have an EV driving range of about 100km.

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If you want the absolute best of Mercedes, the S-Class is for you. Just be prepared to pay for it.

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Petrol performance is available in S 450 4Matic and S 500 4Matic models while the 350d and 400d diesel engines are also part of the first launch phase in Europe.

Perhaps you’d like your leather in white? Love that new steering-wheel too.

The S 450 4Matic is the first model confirmed for New Zealand and features the 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid technology. The M256 petrol engine develops 270kW with 500Nm of torque and gains a further 16KW and 250Nm of EQ Boost electric assistance.

The S 500 designation has typically denoted a V8 model but for the W223 Series the new powerplant is a high output version of the 3.0-litre in-line six developing 320kW output with 520Nm of torque and the 16kW/250Nm EQ Boost assistance.

The two levels of diesel performance from the 2925cc engine are 210kW/600Nm for 350d models and 243kW/700Nm for the 400d. All models are equipped with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.

AirMatic suspension is standard with continuously adjustable damping and customers can option the fully active E-Active Body Control suspension. The suspension can even jack one side up by 80mm if the safety systems detect an incoming side impact. This reduces impact loads on the door structure which goes on to nullify cabin deformation and ultimately keep occupants more safe.

Notable exterior changes include a larger grille and prominent Multibeam LED headlights while one of the W223s most distinctive features are the triangular-themed rear light clusters.

The dimensions of the large-size luxury sedan have increased with standard wheelbase models gaining 71mm in the wheelbase and 54mm in overall length to measure 5179mm. Body width, height and track measurements have also increased.

The dimension increases are slightly less for the long wheelbase configuration with a 51mm increase in the wheelbase and 34mm in overall length. The long wheelbase car measures up 110mm longer than the standard model.

Agility can be improved with an optional rear-wheel steering system (up to 10-degrees) that achieves a 2.0-metre reduction in the turning circle.

The S-Class cabin receives a complete makeover. Mercedes-Benz says it has removed 27 buttons from the interior with the immediately obvious change being a large 12.8-inch portrait format central screen (64 per cent larger) featuring OLED technology.

The S-Class also has a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with 3D graphics and optional head-up displays which can feature Augmented Reality technology. There are extended functions for the second generation MBUX infotainment and connectivity technology that has recently debuted on new generation Mercedes-Benz models. Active Ambient Lighting is a new feature.

A front centre airbag debuts on the new S-Class to provide separation between the driver and front passenger in a side impact collision and S-Class continues in its role as a safety pioneer by introducing optional frontal impact airbags for rear seat occupants.

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand says its first shipment of new S 450 4Matic models is timed to arrive in the second quarter of 2021 with specification and pricing details to be announced closer to launch.