
From the expressive front section, through the elegant, sweeping shoulder lines, to the powerful rear, the S-Class exudes charisma and confidence. With its long, lean profile and impressive proportions, this is a car with an imposing presence on the road.
Distinctive styling touches include the shield-shaped radiator grille and front bumper with LED daytime running lights. To the side, exterior mirrors have integrated LED indicators. At the rear, where the car’s muscular haunches and arching roofline converge, you’ll find bold LED tail lights and a rear bumper with integrated tailpipes. An extensive choice of light alloy wheels completes the sense of exclusivity and prestige.
With its innovative interior architecture, the S-Class offers an outstanding driving environment. Each control has been intuitively positioned, with many of the car’s features operable from the multi-function steering wheel or the COMAND multimedia system. The front and rear seats have been designed with ergonomics as a priority and the uncluttered dashboard display is clear and instinctive to use. Materials and finishes are of the highest quality, with wood, fine leather and coordinated upholstery featuring on all models. The multi-function steering wheel is trimmed in nappa leather and a wood / leather trimmed version is available as an option*. Extended wood trim on the centre console is another welcome addition.
Elegant rental limo
The latest S-Class engine line-up includes the new S 350 BlueTEC, an ultra-clean diesel unit that replaces the S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY. Developed by Mercedes-Benz, BlueTEC engine technology uses advanced catalytic converters to reduce diesel pollutant emissions, in particular nitrogen oxides. Key to this is AdBlue®, an aqueous urea solution that converts up to 80 per cent of nitrogen oxides into harmless nitrogen and water. As a result, the S 350 BlueTEC already complies with EU6 emission standards planned for 2014. What’s more, CO2 emissions for the standard wheelbase version are just 177 g/km – an 11 per cent reduction over its predecessor. Similarly, combined fuel consumption has improved by 13 per cent to 41.5 mpg, yet performance remains uncompromised – 258 hp, 620 Nm of torque and 0-62 mph in just over 7 seconds
The latest S-Class offers two new direct injection petrol engines: the S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY and the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. For optimum efficiency, both feature new 7G-Tronic 7-speed automatic transmission with ECO Start/Stop. Compared to previous models, each engine boasts significant improvements to performance, fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The V6 S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY*, for example, sees increases in power and torque complemented by a massive 32 per cent improvement in fuel consumption. CO2 emissions are down to just 177 g/km. On the V8 S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY**, torque has leapt from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – a huge 32 per cent improvement – yet fuel consumption is down by 19 per cent. In addition, CO2 emissions have dropped 16 per cent to 219 g/km. Major improvements have also been made to the S 63 AMG, now with ECO Start/Stop as standard. Fuel economy is enhanced by 17 per cent, CO2 emissions cut by 15 per cent, and torque is now a massive 800 Nm - a 27 per cent gain over the previous V8 unit.
Fitted as standard on the S-Class, AirMATIC suspension is the cornerstone of the car’s impeccable handling and ride quality. It incorporates ADS (Adaptive Damping System), which continuously adjusts the shock absorption to match the road surface. This helps keep the car level and balanced throughout your journey, enhancing comfort, stability and safety. A choice of Comfort or Sports suspension settings lets you change the handling characteristics at the touch of a button. The S-Class also benefits from enhanced suspension based on the Active Body Control (ABC), which uses sensor technology to detect and correct unwanted body roll. Its newly advanced features include crosswind stabilisation which reduces the effects of crosswinds on the vehicle by acting upon the ABC spring struts, making it easier for the driver to stay on course. Standard on the S 600 L and optional on the S 500 L, the system also automatically lowers the suspension by up to 15 mm at speeds above 40 mph, reducing drag and fuel consumption and improving stability. On poor roads it can be raised by 49 mm.
The constant-ratio rack and pinion steering on the S-Class has several advantages. Precise and assured, it delivers smooth handling and response, preventing jolts from the road transmitting to the steering wheel. It also deliberately provides a small degree of understeer when cornering, offsetting the lateral forces that come into play. Direct Steering is speed-sensitive power steering: active at low speeds when you need it most and inactive at higher speeds when it could impair control of the vehicle.
With the exception of the S 600 L, S 63 AMG and the S 65 AMG, all S-Class models feature the versatile 7G-Tronic automatic transmission as standard. With seven forward gears, the system ensures the S-Class uses the optimum gear ratio for any driving situation, reducing average engines speeds and improving fuel efficiency. The Direct Select gearshift – with steering wheel shift paddles and gear selector on the steering column – allows the driver to change up or down quickly and conveniently. As for the S 63 AMG, it features the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission with three modes, boasting a responsive electronic management system. Meanwhile, the S 65 AMG boasts 5-speed automatic transmission, AMG Speedshift and Speedtronic cruise control. The S 600 L model uses the highly responsive 5-speed automatic transmission to get the most out of its hefty 12-cylinder, 517 hp (380 kW) powertrain.
The Advanced Parking Guidance system, standard on the S-Class, not only identifies whether a kerbside space is suitable for your car but also guides you in. At speeds below 25 mph, the system uses discrete, side-mounted radar sensors to scan for spaces at least 1.8 m longer than the vehicle. Below 10 mph, a “P” symbol appears in the instrument cluster display if a space has been identified. When you begin your parking manoeuvre, steering directions appear in the display to guide you into the space. These show both your ideal and actual path, allowing you to correct steering until the two paths coincide. As with the familiar Parktronic system, audible warning tones alert you to the proximity of stationary objects. Naturally, the system can be switched off via a switch on the dashboard if you prefer to park unaided.
Setting ever-higher standards for automotive safety, the S-Class comes with extensive equipment to promote safer driving. Innovative features such as Attention Assist – fitted as standard – work alongside active safety features such as ESP® to significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Standard on the S 600 L, S 63 AMG L and S 65 AMG L – and optional on all other models – the Front Seat Comfort Package makes S-Class journeys even more pleasurable. Dynamic multi-contour seats feature self-adjusting air chambers in the side bolsters to enhance lateral support when cornering. These automatically adapt to changes in steering angle, acceleration and speed so you enjoy support when you need it most: in response to the road. The seat backrests incorporate a massage function, which can be controlled via the COMAND multimedia system. Using 7 separate air chambers and 4 different programme settings, the massage function keeps the back muscles continuously stimulated. A precise graphic illustration on the COMAND multimedia system display makes individual seat adjustment simple. In addition, the package includes comfort front head restraints. These offer increased lateral support via the individually adjustable side bolsters and come with Neck-Pro® technology to reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a collision.
With the Rear Seat Comfort Package, being driven in the S-Class has even greater appeal. Individual multi-contour rear seats feature independently adjustable air chambers, enabling you to create a bespoke, personally contoured seat with optimum lumbar support. Adjustments are made via the COMAND multimedia system with a high-quality graphical representation on the COMAND multimedia system display. For total luxury, the seats also feature a massage function with 4 different programme settings to help relax weary passengers. Comfort head restraints on the outer seats are another key feature, with adjustable side bolsters for greater lateral support. The Rear Seat Comfort Package is standard on the S 600 L and S 65 AMG L and optional on all other models.
Fitted as standard, the latest COMAND multimedia system enables convenient, intuitive operation of a range of vehicle functions. The enhanced system includes an ECO function that plots the most fuel-efficient route, up to 40 GB HDD storage for the navigation system, 3D map display, and PIN-protected navigation update. It also comes with TMC (Traffic Message Channel) to help you stay one step ahead of road congestion. Entertainment highlights include a 7.2 GB Music Register for storing audio files and a new music search function. This enables you to search by categories such as album or genre on the hard disk, SD-Card, USB device and CD/DVD player. You’ll also appreciate Bluetooth® connectivity for hands-free phone calls, the latest Linguatronic voice-control system and a handy USB port in the glove compartment.
| Engine and performance | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | V12 | |
| Capacity (cc) | 5 513 | |
| Number of valves | 36 | |
| Maximum power (kW/HP DIN) | 380/517 | |
| At (rpm) | 5.000 | |
| Maximum torque (Nm) | 830 | |
| At (rpm) | 1 800 - 3 500 | |
| Administrative power (HP) | 44 | |
| Maximum speed (km/h) BA5/BA7/CVT | 250, electronically limited | |
| Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (s) BA5/BA7/CVT | 4,6 | |
| Consumptions (L/100 km) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Urban cycle BA5/BA7/CVT | (21,5 - 21,7) | |
| Extra-urban cycle BA5/BA7/CVT | (9,7 - 9,9) | |
| Combined cycle BA5/BA7/CVT | (14,1 -14,2) | |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) BA5/BA7/CVT | (329 - 332) | |
| Transmission | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type : | Propulsion | |
| Masses (kg) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kerb weight | (2 210) | |
| Total weight | (2 690) | |
| Gross vechicle weight | (4 790) | |
| Divers | ||
|---|---|---|
| Turning circle diameter (m) | 12,2 | |
| Front tire dimensions | 255/45 R18 | |
| Rear tire dimensions | 275/45 R18 | |
| Cargo capacity (dm³) | 560 | |