It was with great expectations that Mercedes-Benz lifted the veil to the renewed S-Class, and it is no wonder. Since it was launched in 2013, the current S-Class (W222) has grown in sales volume worldwide. With this update, Mercedes-Benz hopes to do the same. But with what trump cards?
Let's start with the engines. Under the bonnet hides one of the main new features of the renewed S-Class: the new 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 engine . According to the German brand, this new engine (which replaces the previous 5.5 liter block) achieves 10% lower consumption thanks to the cylinder deactivation system, which allows it to run on “half gas” – with only four of the eight cylinders.
“The new twin-turbo V8 engine is among the most economical V8 engines produced worldwide.”
For the S560 and Maybach versions this V8 block delivers 469 hp and 700 Nm, while on the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ (with the new nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT gearbox) the maximum power is 612 hp and the torque reaches 900 No.
From left to right: Mercedes-AMG S 63, S 65 and the Maybach version.
In the Diesel offer, anyone who wants can choose the access model S 350 d with 286 hp or, alternatively, by the S 400 d with 400 hp , both equipped with the new 3.0 liter 6-cylinder in-line engine, with announced consumptions of 5.5 and 5.6 l/100 km, respectively.
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The news also extends to the hybrid version. Mercedes-Benz announces an autonomy in electric mode of 50 km, thanks to the increased capacity of the batteries. In addition to the mechanical renovation, the S-Class will debut a 48-volt electrical system, available in conjunction with the newly debuted in-line six-cylinder engine.An electric compressor will be powered by this system, eliminating turbo lag and is an essential ingredient in the progressive electrification of the powertrains we are witnessing. The 48-volt system allows it to assume functions normally seen in hybrids such as energy recovery and assistance to the heat engine, contributing to the reduction of consumption and emissions.
The same luxury and refinement but in a sportier style
In terms of aesthetics, the biggest differences are concentrated on the front, with a grille with double horizontal strips, redesigned bumpers and air intakes, and LED light groups with three curved strips that mark the face of the renewed model.
Further back, the aesthetic upgrade is lighter and essentially visible in the chrome-rimmed bumpers and exhaust pipes and in the taillights.
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In the cabin, metallic surfaces and attention to finishes continue to guide the interior atmosphere. One of the highlights continues to be the digital instrument panel with two 12.3-inch TFT screens arranged horizontally, responsible for showing the necessary information to the driver, depending on the option chosen: Classic, Sporty or Progressive.
Another new feature is what Mercedes-Benz calls Energizing Comfort Control. This system allows you to choose up to six different “states of mind” and the S-Class does the rest: choose the music, massage functions on the seats, the fragrance and even the ambient light. But the technological content is not exhausted here.
One more step towards autonomous driving
If there were any doubts, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is and will continue to be the technological pioneer of the Stuttgart brand. Nor is it a secret that Mercedes-Benz is betting heavily on autonomous driving technologies.
As such, the renewed S-Class will have the privilege of debuting some of these technologies, which will allow the German model to anticipate journeys, decelerate and make small corrections in the direction, all without driver intervention.
In the event that horizontal signs are not visible enough, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be able to stay on the same lane through two ways: a sensor that detects structures parallel to the road, such as guardrails, or through trajectories of the vehicle in front.
Furthermore, with Active Speed Limit Assist active the S-Class not only identifies the road speed limit but adjusts the speed automatically. According to the brand, all this makes the car safer and driving more comfortable.
The launch of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class for European markets is scheduled for July.
