The German automaker says that the S-Class represents the “essence of luxury” with its ultimate expression of “the best or nothing.”
Nowhere is the S-Class more obviously a step above its predecessor – and its competition – than in its interior, which combines a number of new technologies with a vastly more luxurious design. However, the S-Class is also more stylish outside and more efficient underneath.
Stretching 206.5 inches from head-to-toe, the S550 is slightly longer than last year's long-wheelbase model. Stylistically, it represents a major departure from the outgoing flagship, sharing much of its profile with the brand's smaller E-Class range. However, the difference is in the detailing with the S-Class boating featuring high-tech features like all-LED lighting. In fact, not a single light bulb can be found anywhere in the S-Class, whether on its interior or its front or rear fascias.
Hiding behind the S-Class' new shape is a stiffer aluminum/steel hybrid body. Every outer panel is composed of aluminum to save weight. Overall, the new S-Class tips the scales at 4,442 lbs., about 300 lbs. less than its predecessor.
Mercedes will offer both standard and sport exterior trim packages in the U.S. In the photos above, the darker version has the sport package, while the lighter one is the standard trim.
Safety tech
Naturally, an uprated version of the automaker's Pre-Safe collision avoidance system has been included. Capable of detecting pedestrians and vehicles in city traffic, it provides autonomous braking at speeds up to 50 km/h. In addition, it can now detect an imminent rear collision and it will automatically apply the hazard lamps to alert the errant car's driver.
To protect the S-Class' occupants, it will now firmly hold the brakes to prevent the Mercedes-Benz from rolling forward, a move that reduces the risk of whiplash. Also, the seatbelts now pull drivers and front passengers away from the direction of an impact on their own to reduce front collision injuries.
An inflatable airbag for the rear seatbelts is also now included, as is a cushionbag that hides under the rear seat bench on reclining seat models to prevent passengers from sliding below the seatbelt in an accident.
What's inside
Taking a giant leap forward compared to its already-luxurious predecessor, the 2014 S-Class' interior sets the bar very high.
Stylistically, it harkens back ever so slightly to Mercedes-Benzes of yore thanks to its circular air vents and generous use of wood trim and genuine metal accents. However, everything else about the new S is as high-tech as possible.
Two 12.3-inch widescreen TFT displays sit in front of the driver and at the top of the center stack, offering up every bit of information the driver and front seat passenger could want. A touch-sensitive telephone keypad with 12 “freely selectable” memory “places” lets drivers and passengers access more complex functions without having to move their hands around the dashboard. In addition, Mercedes' Linguatronic speech recognition system allows “one shot input” commands to be spoken. Text message and email reading is also newly included.
A Burmester 3D surround sound system will be offered with the Frontbass resonance chamber that debuted a few years ago in the brand's SL roadster. On the infotainment front, the navigation system features Google Maps and aircraft-style “Driveshow” with an animated compass.
Befitting the car's comfort position, Mercedes has even rethought its climate control system. An “active perfuming system” - switched on and off manually – delivers a discreet, mild fragrance to keep the cabin fresh.
Massaging seats with active ventilation (which has been revised to work faster) are available, as are five different rear seat configurations (although not all of those are likely to be offered in North America). The fanciest rear seat configuration, the First Class setup, includes a full center console and thermo cupholders with Peltier technology to cool or warm beverages.
Further, heated door panels and armrests will be available.
Technical details
Initially, Mercedes-Benz in North America will launch the 2014 S-Class in S550 (rear-wheel-drive) and S550 4Matic (all-wheel-drive) models. Diesel, hybrid and AMG models will follow over the next few months and years.
Despite their -550 nomenclature, the S550s use a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 rated at 455 horsepower and, more importantly, 516 lb-ft. of torque. That hefty torque figure is available from just 1,800 rpm all the way up to 3,500 rpm.
Regardless of drive-wheels, the S550s scoot to 60 mph from a stop in just 4.8 seconds before topping out at a limited 130 mph.
Fuel economy has not been announced, but Mercedes-Benz will include a start/stop system to reduce consumption on U.S. specification S550s.
An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard with both models, as is an electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering system. Underneath, S-Class includes a multi-link front and rear suspension setup with air springs and continuously adjustable damping shock absorbers to provide a ride quality the brand says exceeds its already impressive predecessor.
An S63 AMG 4Matic performance model is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. A plug-in hybrid model will be on sale by the end of 2014.
Availability/pricing
Mercedes-Benz hasn't announced pricing for the new car, but it has confirmed that the S550 will arrive in U.S. showrooms in September. The S550 4Matic and S63 AMG 4Matic will follow in November.
Eleven paint schemes will be offered initially in the U.S., including new Diamond Silver, Ruby Black and Anthracite Blue shades. Inside, 10 leather shades will be available.
Only the extended wheelbase model will be sold in the U.S. LINK
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