When you buy a new S-class, you get one of the very best large saloons out there and, for 2018, the car gets even better because Mercedes-Benz has added a very long list of upgrades as part of what the industry calls a ‘mid-cycle update.’ Changes include interior features, exterior sheet metal enhancements and more sophisticated semi-autonomous drive functions. The latter advancement includes cruise control technology that modifies the car’s speed to account for such aspects of driving as curves, intersections, speed limit changes and road toll booths. This function uses the GPS system to get information about the terrain that’s being traversed. This allows the driver to use cruise control on minor roads and not just on motorways. One of the most significant 2018 additions to interior opulence, which was already exceptional even in this class of car, are a set of six ‘energizing comfort control settings,’ as Mercedes calls them. You can choose Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort
and Training and selecting one or the other, you get a different combination of ambient lighting colours, climate control, fragrance (really!), massage and audio programming. It’s an almost bewildering list of benefits, but surely this will one-up anything previously offered in a luxury car interior. Choose one and it runs for around ten minutes and hopefully, you’ll feel much better afterwards. For serious drivers though, the dynamic qualities of the car will be more important than mere ambience. Regardless of powertrain, these cars are a delight to drive and handle exceptionally well for large saloons. Drive one at 250 km/h and you’ll feel as though you were just ambling along. Opt for a birturbo AMG variant and you’ll surprise many a sports supercar. If anything, some of the interior controls take a while to become familiar with, but it all works well enough when you get used to the various knobs and buttons. It’s often said that Mercedes-Benz S-class cars are the benchmark all large luxury saloon builders aim at and for 2018, that standard has been made even more difficult for them to match, never mind exceed.
Z ENGINE: Wide engine range up to biturbo V-12. Z TRANSMISSION: Nine-speed automatic on top variants. Z ACCELERATION: Zero to 100 km/h in 4.6-seconds (V-8 biturbo). Z TOP SPEED: Electronically limited to 250 km/h (V-8 biturbo). Z I LIKED: Generously sized saloon with exceptionally roomy interior, superlative Mercedes build quality, outstanding range of engines for every possible application, advanced technology, especially with regard to semi-autonomous driving aids, the car has great presence with its prestigious looks. Z I DIDN’T LIKE: Very complex and sometimes confusing to operate various systems such as satnav and entertainment array. This is a car than needs familiarity before it can be driven confidently. Z MARKET ALTERNATIVES: Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Maserati Quattroporte, Jaguar XJ, Tesla Model S, Lexus LS, Bentley Mulsanne. Z WHO DRIVES ONE? In many cases, the chauffeur! The new S will appeal to people looking for a large, prestigious, saloon that fits their lifestyle and business requirements. Z PRICE AND AVAILABILITY: Available now starting at just under €100.000. ESSENTIALMAGAZINE.COM NOVEMBER 2017 / 43
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