Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Germany, 2014-present)

Mercedes unveiled the sixth generation S-Class at a Hamburg airport hanger in may 2013 in the shadow of the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger airliner. At launch it was the first modern passenger car to have no light bulbs; all of the lighting is provided by LEDs for the interior and exterior.

The S-Class is offered with four engines at launch – the S400 Hybrid, S500, S350 BlueTEC and S300 BlueTEC Hybrid. Only the non-hybrid S500 is available in the US at launch.

The S400 Hybrid has 302hp and 272lb-ft of torque; it uses 6.3l/100km and emits 147g/km of CO2.
The S500 has 449hp and 516lb-ft of torque; it uses 8.6l/100km and emits 199g/km of CO2.
The S350 BlueTEC has 255hp and 457lb-ft of torque; it uses 5.5l/100km and emits 146g/km of CO2.
The S300 BlueTEC Hybrid has 201hp and 369lb-ft of torque; it uses 4.4l/100km and emits 115g/km of CO2.

The suspension in the S500 offers world’s first. It uses road surface scan via the stereo camera to detect the road ahead. It can send data to the suspension to either firm or soften the suspension and provide a better ride.

The standard suspension includes a full air suspension with adaptive dampers.

From the outside, the S-Class is very subtle. It bares a striking resemblance to the upgraded E-Class.  The changes include a larger, more upright radiator and longer hood. From the side, there are dual convex and concave style lines that run to the rear of the car.

The car includes 500 LEDs that illuminate the road and interior. The headlights each include 56 LEDs, and there are 35 in each taillight, plus four more for the rear fog light.

The standard wheelbase length is 3035mm (119.5in), and the long wheelbase version is 3165mm (124.6in). This is identical to the previous generation. However, overall length is up 37mm (1.5in) for the short wheelbase and long wheelbase version compared to the previous generation short and long wheelbase models.

The interior of the S-Class was built with a focus on the long-wheelbase model. All versions include 300 LEDs and two LED screens.

The two screens are both 12.3in diagonally. The left screen replaces a traditional instrument cluster and displays all of the car’s data. The right display controls infotainment and climate functions. The infotainment display eschews touch interfaces in favor of a solid aluminum rotary dial.

There are five different rear seat options for the S-Class that tops at the Executive seat that reclines up to 43.5 degrees.

Climate options include four-zone automatic controls and an active perfuming system that pumps scent into the interior. Other seat options include a heated massaging function with 14 separate air cushions and six massaging options for either the front or rear seat. The seats also house fans that pull air into the seats to cool seats faster.

The S-Class’ stereo lives up to such a special car. There are speakers mounted in the firewall that vibrate the cross member and side member to provide low frequency sound.

The 2014 S63 AMG is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 with 575hp, 40hp more than the previous generation, and 664lb-ft of torque and is offered in two wheelbase lengths.

Compared to the previous generation, the 2014 S63 AMG weighs 100kg (221lb) less than the outgoing model, which gives average fuel consumption of 10.1l/100km or 10.3/100km and emits 237g/km of CO2 or 242g/km of CO2 depending on if it is the rear- or 4MATIC all-wheel drive model, which is 0.4l/100km better than the previous model.

Power gets to the ground thanks to the AMG-tuned versions of Mercedes’ MCT 7-speed transmission with stop/start. The optional all-wheel drive system directs power 33:67 to the front and rear.

The weight loss comes thanks to making the entire exterior of the car out of aluminum, switching to a lithium-ion battery that is 20kg (44lb) lighter than a traditional battery and using carbon fiber for the spare wheel holder.

Acceleration to 100km/h takes 4.4 seconds for the rear-wheel drive models and 4.0 for the all-wheel drive version. Both versions have an electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h.

The S63 AMG is offered with two suspension options – Airmatic and Magic Body Control. The Airmatic system offers a full air suspension with adaptive damping with “Comfort” and Sport” modes.

The Magic Body Control system uses a front camera to scan the road surface ahead and adapt the suspension in advance. It also has “Comfort” and “Sport” modes.

The list of options on the S63 is long but highlights include optional composite brakes that are 20% lighter than the standard brakes, exterior carbon fiber package, carbon fiber and piano black lacquer interior trim package, 3d surround sound radio and the first-class rear suite from the standard car, which adds folding tables, reclining seats and more.