MERCEDES-BENZ’S seventh-generation S-Class limousine has touched down in Australia with two variations set to be provided from launch, these being the $240,700 (plus on-roads) S450 4Matic and the $264,900 S450 L 4Matic.
Extra variants will observe earlier than the top of the 12 months in response to the model’s native division, particularly the V8-powered S580 L and flagship Mercedes-Maybach S680.
Energy within the S450 duo in the meantime comes courtesy of a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol unit creating 270kW/500Nm which is then boosted by the addition of a 48V mild-hybrid system and built-in starter generator which might contribute an additional 16kW/250Nm briefly bursts.
Drive is shipped to all 4 wheels through a nine-speed automated transmission in each situations with 0-100km/h handled in 5.1 seconds.
As beforehand reported by GoAuto, the brand new S-Class measures in at 5179mm lengthy in short-wheelbase guise – 54mm longer, 55mm wider (1954mm) and 10mm taller (1503mm) than the outgoing mannequin – whereas the long-wheelbase ‘L’ positive aspects an additional 34mm in size and 12mm in top, with each using on noticeably longer wheelbases (+71mm/+51mm).
The additional size has resulted in an extra 41mm of legroom behind the short-wheelbase variants and 24mm for the lengthy wheelbase whereas a 36mm-wider entrance observe has resulted in an additional 38mm of entrance ‘elbow room’.
Sticking with dimensions, the L rides on a 3216mm wheelbase – an entire 110mm longer than the already sizeable brief wheelbase model – whereas the rear observe has been widened by 51mm and boot capability is up 20 litres to 550L in each.
The actual ace up the S-Class’ sleeve nonetheless is and at all times has been expertise and the way in which it may be used to spice up the luxurious stakes.
Lengthy deemed the flagship mannequin of Mercedes’ portfolio, the S-Class has at all times been the forebear for the model’s newest expertise and improvements.
Described by Mercedes chief government Ola Källenius as a “technological tour de power”, the brand new S450s are lavished with luxurious options and new-age expertise which can sooner or later trickle all the way down to the model’s lesser fashions, just like the second-generation MBUX infotainment system is being debuted on the S-Class, but in addition slated to characteristic within the new C-Class due on the finish of the 12 months.
Different new tech options commonplace on the S450s embrace a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen, Linguatronic voice management, superior satellite tv for pc navigation with stay site visitors updates, parked car locator and predictive navigation, head-up show, MBUX Inside Assistant, 15-speaker Burmester encompass sound system, smartphone integration, ambient lighting, wi-fi telephone charging, hands-free entry and a fingerprint scanner.
The checklist of luxuries doesn’t finish there nonetheless with many extra premium options like a Nappa leather-based multifunction steering wheel, sliding glass sunroof with a two-piece electrical curler sunblind, warmth and noise-insulating entrance home windows, darkish privateness glass for the rear home windows, dual-zone local weather management, heated and cooled entrance seats, energy adjustable seats and steering column with reminiscence operate, keyless go, energy closing doorways and ‘Airmatic’ adaptive suspension.
Driver aids and security options are in abundance too with the Driving Help Package deal (together with energetic distance help Distronic, route-based pace adaptation, evasive steering help, energetic stop-and-go help, prolonged automated restart in site visitors, and energetic lane change help), site visitors signal help and the Parking Package deal all coming as commonplace together with multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Help.
Spending the additional $24,200 on the S450 L will do greater than acquire an additional 110mm of automotive, but in addition ups the rear luxurious and security stakes even increased with energy adjustable rear seats (with reminiscence operate), automated rear local weather management and forward-facing rear airbags.
These wanting much more from their S-Class should wait till the aforementioned S560 L and S680 arrive later within the 12 months.
Based on Mercedes-Benz AG board member for gross sales administration Britta Seeger, the S-Class has at all times stood as the last word in automotive luxurious for Mercedes clients.
“This additionally encompasses improvements that make their life simpler and safer, whereas additionally saving time,” she mentioned.
“It’s exactly in these areas the place the brand new S-Class units requirements: for security and luxury.”
The present S-Class began the brand new 12 months off nicely for Mercedes with six gross sales final month, incomes it an 18.8 per cent share of the $100,000-plus upper-large automotive section – only one unit behind the Lexus LS (7/21.9%).
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing*
| S450 4Matic (a) | $240,700 |
| S450 L 4Matic (a) | $264,900 |
*Excludes on-road prices
