Road Test and Review: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S500)
I am drafting this review as I sit in one of the finest and most luxurious places in the world – the rear compartment of the new S-Class. I believed, until today, that reading in a moving vehicle is an unhealthy practice. But, as I flipped through the stunning 160-page S-Class magazine, it never occurred to me that I was sitting in a moving car. Why? Because with the new S-Class, the outside world stays exactly there - outside.
As I kept my laptop on the foldout tray table and started typing out some thoughts, I felt like being in a fantasy office workstation, thanks to the 24-speaker Burmester sound system, ambient lighting that bathes the cabin in a spectrum of colors, an energizing hot stone massage function with six different programmes – all integrated into an immaculately crafted interior.
The new S-Class literally coddles you in the lap of luxury. But there’s much more to the story that tells why the S-Class is the ‘best car in the world’. Let’s discuss that in detail.
Design
The new S-Class has grown over its predecessor in every dimension. However, neat lines and elegant detailing disguise the enormous size of the car. The signature chrome grille is flanked by swept-back LED headlamps and topped with the upstanding three-pointed star mascot. Chiseled into the profile are two flowing contour lines, and the dropping roofline is reminiscent of the CLS. The all-LED tail lamps are completely integrated into the body and is one of the best designs I've ever seen. Overall, the design remains conventional.
The new S-Class is the first ever car made without a single electric bulb. Instead it uses 500 LEDs that save energy up to 75%.
Now, step inside the car and you’ll understand why the S-Class is considered as the benchmark of luxury. The cabin is a blend of contemporary design and impeccable craftsmanship. Sleek horizontal lines wrap the cabin in a seamless flow of wood and leather. The dashboard is dominated by two large 32cm screens – one acts as analog-style digital instrument cluster and the other for COMAND infotainment system. The infotainment system can be controlled by the large rotary control on the center console, steering-wheel-mounted buttons, remote control or even a smartphone app. The two-spoke steering wheel is a mix of wood and leather, and has “Mercedes-Benz” etched on it in the elegant traditional script.
Space, comfort and convenience
It would be waste of time talking about the cabin space because it is much more than anyone would ever need. Yet, at the push of a button, the front co-passenger seat moves forward all the way, freeing up acres of space and unfolding a footrest. Now recline the seat 43.5 degrees, dunk your head into the creamy pillow and turn on the hot stone massage for a matchless travel experience. If that’s not enough, choose from the seven colours of ambient mood lighting or listen to pristine quality music from the 1540-watt, 24-speaker Burmester 3D music system.
The first-class rear compartment also gets two personalized TFT screens, foldable tray tables, heated armrests along with 12-V power sockets, USB ports et al. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Hotspot are standard and all these can be controlled using a remote control. Absence of touchscreens is highlighted as a shortcoming by many critics, but who would want to break out of the cocoon of comfort and move forward to fiddle with the touchscreen?
Although there is an arsenal of buttons controlling around 100 electric motors onboard, they are all neatly and logically laid out so that you get used to them in no time.
Massage function is available only on the rear seats but all four seats are ventilated with cooling and heating option. The plethora of comfort and convenience features are virtually impossible to list down, but to name a few, power rear-side sunshades, hands-free boot access auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control come as standard.
Performance
The S-Class is more about the quality rather than the quantity of power. Nevertheless, the 4.7-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine that develops 453 bhp of power and 700 Nm of torque accelerates this gargantuan of a machine from 0-100kmph in 4.8 seconds onto a top speed of 250km/hr [electronically limited]. The incredibly refined engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox that can be controlled with steering-mounted paddle shifters. The S500 gathers speed in a smooth and refined fashion and gearshifts are barely noticeable.
Ride and handling
As I mentioned earlier, the S-Class offers exceptional isolation from the outside world along with beautiful rolling comfort. The cabin is so quiet that even the loud horn sounded like a distant trumpet. The AIRMATIC suspension ensures smooth ride quality and cossets the occupants indeed. Although the suspension can thump into a pothole at times, road noise and wind noise are a thing of past.
You can swap between Sport and Comfort settings using a button on the centre console and the two modes are noticeably different. Although the S-Class focuses on the comfort of the rear passenger, Mercedes knows that owner would want to step into the driver’s shoes at times, hence the Sport mode.
The S-Class handles almost like a sports car, grips the road fairly well. The suspension can be raised at slow speeds for better ground clearance and it automatically lowers at higher speeds for stability and fuel efficiency. For such a long wheelbase, the steering is quick and predictable at any speed.
The only disappointment is that Magic Body Control (MBC), which created quite a buzz in social media last year, will not make it to India because the law of the land forbids use of certain frequencies. If only MBC made it to India, it would have had the toughest job of negotiating Indian road conditions.
Safety
Driving around in a car of this size is no cakewalk. But an array of sensors and cameras takes care of half of your job. Active Park Assist automatically steers the car into parking spaces, while intelligent headlamps coupled with Night View Assist makes night driving safer and less stressful.
Considering the endless safety features on offer, it is easier to list out what the S-Class doesn’t have. The standard kit includes 8 Airbags, dynamic cornering control system, Adaptive Brake with HOLD Function, Brake Assist, ASR and Hill Start Assist just to name a few.
Summary
The 2014 S-Class is such an engineering marvel that even the most mean-spirited cynic is left with a smile on his face. It raises the bar on luxury travel to new heights that seemed unimaginable even a few years ago. With its state-of-the-art technology, sovereign styling and flawless craftsmanship, the S-Class is once again setting the benchmark for competitors to emulate.
The S500 in priced at Rs 1.56 crore ex-showroom New Delhi.
As I kept my laptop on the foldout tray table and started typing out some thoughts, I felt like being in a fantasy office workstation, thanks to the 24-speaker Burmester sound system, ambient lighting that bathes the cabin in a spectrum of colors, an energizing hot stone massage function with six different programmes – all integrated into an immaculately crafted interior.
The new S-Class literally coddles you in the lap of luxury. But there’s much more to the story that tells why the S-Class is the ‘best car in the world’. Let’s discuss that in detail.
The new S-Class has grown over its predecessor in every dimension. However, neat lines and elegant detailing disguise the enormous size of the car. The signature chrome grille is flanked by swept-back LED headlamps and topped with the upstanding three-pointed star mascot. Chiseled into the profile are two flowing contour lines, and the dropping roofline is reminiscent of the CLS. The all-LED tail lamps are completely integrated into the body and is one of the best designs I've ever seen. Overall, the design remains conventional.
The new S-Class is the first ever car made without a single electric bulb. Instead it uses 500 LEDs that save energy up to 75%.
Space, comfort and convenience
It would be waste of time talking about the cabin space because it is much more than anyone would ever need. Yet, at the push of a button, the front co-passenger seat moves forward all the way, freeing up acres of space and unfolding a footrest. Now recline the seat 43.5 degrees, dunk your head into the creamy pillow and turn on the hot stone massage for a matchless travel experience. If that’s not enough, choose from the seven colours of ambient mood lighting or listen to pristine quality music from the 1540-watt, 24-speaker Burmester 3D music system.
The first-class rear compartment also gets two personalized TFT screens, foldable tray tables, heated armrests along with 12-V power sockets, USB ports et al. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Hotspot are standard and all these can be controlled using a remote control. Absence of touchscreens is highlighted as a shortcoming by many critics, but who would want to break out of the cocoon of comfort and move forward to fiddle with the touchscreen?
Although there is an arsenal of buttons controlling around 100 electric motors onboard, they are all neatly and logically laid out so that you get used to them in no time.
Massage function is available only on the rear seats but all four seats are ventilated with cooling and heating option. The plethora of comfort and convenience features are virtually impossible to list down, but to name a few, power rear-side sunshades, hands-free boot access auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and dual-zone automatic climate control come as standard.
Performance
The S-Class is more about the quality rather than the quantity of power. Nevertheless, the 4.7-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine that develops 453 bhp of power and 700 Nm of torque accelerates this gargantuan of a machine from 0-100kmph in 4.8 seconds onto a top speed of 250km/hr [electronically limited]. The incredibly refined engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic gearbox that can be controlled with steering-mounted paddle shifters. The S500 gathers speed in a smooth and refined fashion and gearshifts are barely noticeable.
Ride and handling
As I mentioned earlier, the S-Class offers exceptional isolation from the outside world along with beautiful rolling comfort. The cabin is so quiet that even the loud horn sounded like a distant trumpet. The AIRMATIC suspension ensures smooth ride quality and cossets the occupants indeed. Although the suspension can thump into a pothole at times, road noise and wind noise are a thing of past.
You can swap between Sport and Comfort settings using a button on the centre console and the two modes are noticeably different. Although the S-Class focuses on the comfort of the rear passenger, Mercedes knows that owner would want to step into the driver’s shoes at times, hence the Sport mode.
The S-Class handles almost like a sports car, grips the road fairly well. The suspension can be raised at slow speeds for better ground clearance and it automatically lowers at higher speeds for stability and fuel efficiency. For such a long wheelbase, the steering is quick and predictable at any speed.
The only disappointment is that Magic Body Control (MBC), which created quite a buzz in social media last year, will not make it to India because the law of the land forbids use of certain frequencies. If only MBC made it to India, it would have had the toughest job of negotiating Indian road conditions.
Safety
Driving around in a car of this size is no cakewalk. But an array of sensors and cameras takes care of half of your job. Active Park Assist automatically steers the car into parking spaces, while intelligent headlamps coupled with Night View Assist makes night driving safer and less stressful.
Considering the endless safety features on offer, it is easier to list out what the S-Class doesn’t have. The standard kit includes 8 Airbags, dynamic cornering control system, Adaptive Brake with HOLD Function, Brake Assist, ASR and Hill Start Assist just to name a few.
Summary
The 2014 S-Class is such an engineering marvel that even the most mean-spirited cynic is left with a smile on his face. It raises the bar on luxury travel to new heights that seemed unimaginable even a few years ago. With its state-of-the-art technology, sovereign styling and flawless craftsmanship, the S-Class is once again setting the benchmark for competitors to emulate.
The S500 in priced at Rs 1.56 crore ex-showroom New Delhi.
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