Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes Benz S-Class – Overview

The sixth generation of Mercedes Benz’s flagship luxury car was first launched in Malaysia in 2014. At the time of launch, only two variants, the S400 Hybrid and S500 were available. Jumping ahead to 2018, the facelifted W222 Mercedes Benz S-Class was introduced with a locally assembled S450L variant and in 2019, the S560e plug-in hybrid.

The Mercedes Benz S-Class squares off with flagship models from other luxury brands such as the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS. The Mercedes Benz S-Class is priced at RM 699,888 for the S450L and RM 658,888 for the S560e without insurance.

Mercedes Benz S-Class – Exterior

Before the facelift, the Mercedes Benz S-Class was majestic and exudes a grand presence with its large size and smooth design. The refreshed exterior welcomes a new grille that now features three double-louvres instead of the previous four single-louvres.

The Mercedes Benz S450L continues to wear the AMG Line that includes a newly designed AMG front bumper, a restyled rear bumper with a new diffuser, and a more prominent designed twin exhaust tip. Meanwhile, the Mercedes Benz S560e is optioned with the Exclusive trim (along with a Night Package) that features a set of different styled bumpers that reflects its hybrid identity.

The facelift models introduced a new headlight design that sports a three-bar “eyebrow” Daytime Running Lights. These headlights are now Multibeam LED units with Ultra Range high beam that has a throw distance range of 650 meters. The individually controllable LEDs can leave out any detected road users and avoid them. 

The taillight design although unchanged, the graphics has been updated. The three-bar design now features a dark, classy crystal-look presentation. Mercedes Benz introduced the Magic Vision Control adaptive wiper/washer system to the Mercedes Benz S560e. 

A feature that integrates the washer into a blade with a series of laser-cut holes along the entire length of the blade, allowing a more precise and economical spray of water. The Mercedes Benz S-Class wheel designs have also been updated. The sportier Mercedes Benz S450L gets a 20-inch AMG 10-spoke rim and the elegant Mercedes Benz S560e rides on 19-inch multi-spoke alloys. 

Mercedes Benz S-Class – Interior

Similar to the changes on the outside, the facelifted Mercedes S-Class received minimal changes in the cabin. The Mercedes Benz S450L gets a new Nappa leather steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, a new look for the seat controls, and a new push-start button. Ambient lighting now offers color variation of 64 colors instead of the previous six.

The Mercedes Benz S560e gets the same equipment as the other variant but adds on a redesigned steering wheel and as part of the Exclusive trim, this variant gains Nappa leather upholstery on various parts of the interior such as seats with diamond design, center armrests at the front and rear, top instrument panel section, door center panels, grab handles, and map pockets on the front seat backrests.

The Mercedes Benz S450L has a great-sized boot that can carry 530 liters of luggage. The Mercedes Benz S560e, however, lose some space and only has 410 liters due to the batteries for the hybrid system. Although the batteries increased in energy content, the unit is smaller than the one used in the pre-facelift Mercedes Benz S400h.

Mercedes Benz S-Class – Features

The Mercedes Benz S-Class gets THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control system. It is a four climate zones air-con, two for front and two for rear passengers. The rear air-con has independent climate controls on the rear floor console. Rear passengers get air vents on the console and on the B-Pillar. The Mercedes Benz S560e gets extra pre-entry climate control, which allows owners to set their preferred temperature before entering the car.

Safety

Standard safety features of the Mercedes Benz S-Class include 10 airbags, DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Braking Assist, Crosswind Assist, autonomous emergency assist, and tyre pressure monitoring system. The Distronic adaptive cruise control is now able to slow down for curves and junctions, up to 210 km/h. Also available is a 360-degree surround-view camera system and Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC for parking usage.

Infotainment

Inside the Mercedes Benz S-Class, there are two 12.3-inch screens installed together under a continuous glass cover. It looks like one long single screen instead of the separated one on the pre-facelift models. One is the fully digital instrument panel, and one is for the infotainment system. The COMAND Online infotainment system and touchpad with controller are carried on from the pre-facelift model. For the first time, Apple CarPlay and Android Autos are available.

Rear passengers get two 10.2-inch displays on the front seat backrests. If you pull down the rear center armrest, you will find two sets of wireless headphones, a wireless charging tray for your handphone, and a remote for operating the rear displays. The sound system is provided by a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound audio system.

Mercedes Benz S-Class – Powertrain

Engine

The Mercedes Benz S560e’s hybrid drive system combines the same V6 engine and an electric motor with a rated output of 121 hp and 440 Nm. This combination produced a total output of 476 PS @5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 700 Nm. Power for the electric motor comes from a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which features 37 Ah lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt (Li-NMC) cells.

Transmission

Chassis

Drivetrain

Mercedes Benz S-Class – Driving Performance

The Mercedes Benz S560e comes equipped with ECO Assist, which provides driving recommendations to the driver. This feature considers numerous factors such as traffic, navigation, and information from the car’s radar and stereo camera to promote more economical driving. The system also analyzes battery power levels and traffic before computing the right course of action.

Overall, the Mercedes Benz S-Class drives well for its huge size with help from the range of driver assistance available. However, even with the powerful engine, don’t expect sports car handling down your nearest twisty roads. The Mercedes Benz S-Class suits journeys where comfort is a priority. 

Mercedes Benz S-Class - Ride Comfort

A Chauffeur package, which with a button, the front passenger seat folds and moves to the front to give the perfect space and legroom for the “Boss” is available. It also comes with a power-retractable footrest.

The driving experience is further elevated with the soundproofing of the Mercedes Benz S-Class. The only sound that could be heard is the air-con and media playing. The air suspension especially in Comfort mode, absorbs harsh road conditions well as if the car is gliding on air.

Mercedes Benz S-Class - Fuel Economy

It is thanks to the plug-in hybrid system that allows the Mercedes Benz S560e to have the better fuel economy among the two variants. The hybrid system also allows the Mercedes Benz S560e to run on the electric motor alone with a range of 50 km.

The batteries can be charged with either a water-cooled onboard charger via a Mercedes Wallbox (7.4 kW), a conventional domestic power socket (230V/13A, 3.0 kW), or a typical public charging outlet (230V/16A, 3.7 kW). These will charge the battery from 10% to 100% SoC (status of charge) in around 1.8 hours, six hours, and under four hours respectfully in the above-mentioned arrangement. 

Mercedes Benz S-Class - Conclusion

The ambiance and workmanship in the interior with sophisticated surfaces and tasteful materials make a lavish cabin. In addition, it is part of a Mercedes Benz S-Class’s DNA to present innovative technology which has yet to feature in any vehicle to date. It will be a bold choice to pick the Mercedes Benz S-Class as a partner to your journey but one you will not live to regret.