First Drive: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
by Joanne Ahern • October 29, 2013 • Car Reviews, First Drives
Prices for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class start from €98,225
Mercedes-Benz is hailing the new S-Class as ‘a car so technically advanced that it can virtually drive itself’.
And it’s basing this claim on its new advanced adaptive cruise control system, Distronic Plus with Stop & Go Pilot, which not only keeps pace with the vehicles in front but also steers itself. It works at speeds of up to 60kph.
The German car maker views the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class as ‘an important crossroads on their journey towards the development of a car capable of being driven without driver intervention’ – a goal it believes will ‘become a reality within the next decade’.
Other equipment available in the S-Class includes adaptive high beam assist, coffee stop recommending attention assist and night view thermal imaging, which highlights the presence of pedestrians and animals on the road.
Meanwhile, Magic Body Control reads the road and adjusts the suspension to mitigates the effects of bumps.
And the new S-Class also features technology which can foresee an impending rear end collision and tightens the rear seat belts to reduce injury. Inflatable belt straps are also available.
atTheLights was at the Irish launch of the S-Class and got a very quick spin behind the wheel. Unfortunately, as our next appointment encroached on our time, we didn’t get to check out the new technology, but we look forward to doing so at a later date.
The cabin in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is luxurious
What we can tell you though is that this graceful and luxurious car is a pleasure to drive, encasing you in its serene and sumptuous leather cabin.
The interior of the new S-Class is larger than the previous generation. Drivers are treated to a dual colour screen system, one providing driver information, the other providing controls for the comfort and infotainment.
The S-Class is fitted with Google Maps, as well as voice controlled phone and audio systems. An optional feature is a system which reads aloud text messages and emails.
The luxury of this vehicle is further evidenced by the pearl-effect switches and wood on the dashboard and centre console.
Mercedes-Benz points out that a lot of S-Class owners are chauffeur driven, so with this in mind, the S-Class passenger travels First Class.
Passengers have a choice of rear seat variants, with air cushions, massage, seat heating/cooling functions and backrest angle adjustment.
A business class centre console includes heated armrests and cupholders that can both heat and cool beverages. There’s also extra storage space and folding tables and an air freshening perfume.
The S350 BlueTEC diesel is the first model to arrive in Ireland, with the S300 BlueTEC HYBRID, the S400 Hybrid, S500 and S500 plug-in Hybrid to follow.
Pricing, meanwhile, comes in at lower than the outgoing model, starting from €98,255.
Visit the Mercedes-Benz website or its Facebook page for further details.
