[Mercedes-Benz News] It’s been some eight years in the making, but now the wraps have been lifted off the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (scroll down for our first-hand account of the global reveal). The Stuttgart luxury carmaker has lofty expectations of its new model, claiming that it is one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced cars ever made.
View a video of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Sense of style
While Mercedes has adopted a somewhat controversial design ethos of late, the large, eyelid-bearing headlamps and more organic bodystyle has been conservatively applied to the S- so as not to ruffle any feathers with its traditionally upmarket, and conservative audience.
Having nixed its über-luxurious Maybach brand, Mercedes has had to up the quality and sumptuousness of the new S-Class to fill the gap. Nowhere is this reflected more than in the cabin, where acres of wood and stitched leather sit alongside metallic switchgear and an analogue clock to appease the traditionalists. The presence of a touch-sensitive telephone keypad a brace of 12,3-inch TFT screens in lieu of analogue dials and ancillary displays are more of a nod to the modern world and hint at the advanced technology shoehorned into the new model.
Luxury abounds
Aside from an optional Burmerster 3D surround-sound audio system, there are also some decidedly opulent and innovative options on offer. These include a cabin ventilation system that both ionizes the ambient air and integrates a perfume atomizer that can subtly dispense a choice of three fragrances. Those in colder climes can also specify a Warmth Pack that comprises heated seats/steering wheel/armrest, not to mention a host of driver assistance systems ranging from Attention Assist, a night vision module and adaptive cruise control.
The rear compartment can be specified with a First Class Rear Seat package that utilizes two electrically adjustable rear seats separated by a Maybach-esque centre console with folding tables and cooling/heating function for the cupholders. Owners can even specify an Energizing seat package that integrates 14 electrically actuated air bladders capable of serving up six different types of massage, and even a hot stone treatment.
Two body styles at present, possible Pullman & Cabrio
At present the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered in short- and long-wheelbase configurations, with the former measuring 5116 mm long, 1899 mm wide and 1483 mm tall with a wheelbase that spans 3035mm. The long-wheelbase model has similar dimensions but is 230 mm longer and its wheelbase is 130 mm greater than that of its stablemate. It’s been suggested that an even longer Pullman version and even a cabriolet in a similar vein to the ocean drive concept will appear later in this model’s lifecycle.
Comfort at the forefront
Comfort and refinement has been taken to all new levels with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. From additional sound deadening materials applied to the bulkheads and suspension structures and improved window seals. While the standard suspension geometry has been further enhanced to promote even greater levels of ride comfort and refinement, there is also an optional Magic Body Control (MBC) system that uses cameras mounted within the windscreen to scan the road and detect surface irregularities before automatically adjusting the damping characteristics to reduce body movements, better control roll and pitch and generally improve overall ride comfort.
Advanced safety at its heart
The S-Class has long been a benchmark for innovative safety systems and the new car is no exception. Much of the S-Class’ safety technology centres on the use of cameras for close-range pedestrian/obstacle detection as opposed to radar sensors. The rationale is that camera-based technologies, which analyse visual cues to potential hazards before on-board systems determine the associated risks, are more efficient than radar-based systems alone. In addition to an automatic brake activation system working in tandem with a pedestrian collision detection module, the system also features an Emergency Steer module that, in milliseconds, is capable of calculating the best evasive action line before assisting driver inputs to the electric steering system. Another safety innovation is a rear-mounted multi-sensor that detects any car rapidly approaching the stationary S-Class. Should a vehicle be detected approaching too quickly, the system activates the hazard lights to catch the other driver’s attention and activates the brakes so that should a collision occur, the S-Class doesn’t hit the rear of the car in front. The Emergency Brake Assist system will also be beefed up for the new car, moving its operating speed up from 19 km/h to 70 km/h, while the enhanced Attention Assist module will be able to detect driver fatigue between speeds of 59 km/h and 199 km/h.
Such Mercedes safety staples further bolster this as DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Night View Assist Plus and ATTENTION ASSIST.
Engines
The S-Class will arrive here just before the end of the year. The local range kicks off with the S350 BlueTEC, which features a 3,0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine developing 190 kW and 620 N.m of torque. Mercedes claims a 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
This unit will be joined by the S500 (4,7-litre V8 petrol with 335 kW and 700 N.m) capable of 0-100 km/h in 4,8 seconds, before topping out at 250 km/h. Early next year, the S600L developing around 395 kW and AMG models, possibly including the 6,0-litre V12 biturbo S65 AMG developing around 456 kW, will join the line-up.
CAR AT THE GLOBAL REVEAL
CAR was the only South African motoring publication to clinch an invite to the international reveal of the new S-Class at the Airbus plant at Hamburg-Finkenwerder Airport. Together with about 750 other scribes, I witnessed an Airbus A380 in construction (the scale of the individual parts is immense), saw Alicia Keys perform and then stood in awe as an Airbus touched down on the runway, slid open its belly and deposited a number of S-Classes that were then escorted to the launch hall by every single current Mercedes-Benz model (all painted white). The spectacle concluded with a fireworks show. It’s the most extravagant media event I’ve attended (and there have been a few good ones – including one for a major S-Class competitor, the new Range Rover, where Dire Straits’ Mark Knopfler serenaded guests on the lawns of a country estate in the UK), and underlines Merc’s approach to its halo model. If the S-Class isn’t ground-breaking and incredible to drive, it surely casts doubt on the whole company. We’ll get a chance to jump behind the wheel at the global launch in July to find out if its lives up to these lofty expectations (and bests its formidable forerunner), so I can only comment on what I saw and felt at the reveal.
Firstly, as seems to be the case with nearly every new Mercedes, pictures do not do it justice. In the flesh, it is very well balanced, the front is beautifully detailed (the headlamps especially, with minute “Mercedes-Benz” lettering) and the grille is as imposing as you’d expect on a large Benz. However, the highlight is the dropping line that runs from the front wheel arch and gently descends towards the rear wheel. It’s adds texture and interest to what could have been very slab-like side. The rear… If you liked the Maybach 57 and 62, it’ll be to your taste. To me, the bumper simply juts out too far, resulting in a somewhat clumsy overhang. At least the lower bumper portion that houses the exhaust tips is bang up to date without being fashionable.
Inside is where the magic lies, though. I haven’t sat in a cabin that so successfully combines old and new. The two TFT screens are huge (laptop-sized, in fact) and their resolution crystal-clear (not something all manufacturers get right) and the lighting, courtesy of 300 LEDs, is sublime. But then, there are the traditional air vents, slabs of wood and beautifully stitched leather trim. Nothing this side of a Bentley or Rolls-Royce can best it. And even those cars feel only barely more special. Two things irk, though; one big, one small. Firstly, the boot seems smaller than the currect model’s – it’s deep and wide, but not very long. We’ll measure it and compare when the first test vehicle arrives. The second gripe is trivial, but the “Mercedes-Benz” writing on the lower part of the steering wheel could have stayed on the drawing board. Drivers don’t need to be reminded they’re piloting an S-Class … the cabin and enormous three-pointed star on the bonnet make that quite clear. Mercedes-Benz seems to have done enough with the static elements. Now let’s hope the walk matches the talk. – Terence Steenkamp