Mercedes-Benz revealed the new S-Class in Cape Town this week, going on sale in South Africa with a starting price of R2,330,000.
The news comes in tandem with the release of the new Mercedes Maybach S-Class, for those looking for an even greater degree of luxury.
Now in its seventh generation, the S-Class is available in two versions – the S 350d and the S500 4Matic – both of which promise to live up to the S-Class’s “superior positioning in the Mercedes-Benz line-up,” said the automaker.
Luxury sedan style
The latest S-Class sports a short front overhang, long wheelbase, and a balanced rear overhang to give the car the look of a classical sedan.
Wide track wheels and a new grown, high-status grille have also been added to attain a more muscular look than the outgoing models.
In designing the new S-Class, a “systemic digitalization theme” was followed, according to Mercedes-Benz South Africa VP for Marketing and Sales, Selvin Govender.
“Intelligent networking of different systems gives our customers tangible added value,” he said.
“This coupled with impeccable craftsmanship and superior value perception make the S-Class the pinnacle of luxury”
All S-Class models are equipped with a 12.8-inch OLED central display running the latest MBUX operating software, as well as a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.
Also included are retractable door handles operated by the car’s keyless-go system, a heads-up display, automatic climate control, and no less than 31 speakers, courtesy of a Burmester surround sound system.
These speakers are fitted throughout the cabin, including two in the backrest of each of the car’s seats to deliver a “4D sound experience”, and the sound intensity can be individually adjusted.
An active ambient lighting system has additionally been fitted inside the cabin, allowing owners to customize the mood of the interior with a set of roughly 250 LEDs.
Furthermore, the sedan makes use of interior cameras and a learning algorithm to assist in recognizing and anticipating the wishes and intentions of its occupants, according to Mercedes.
It does this by interpreting hand gestures and head direction through an overhead control panel, responding with the corresponding vehicle functions, said the carmaker.
Power
A key difference between the two versions of the S-Class is that the S500 4Matic makes use of a mild-hybrid powertrain, while the S350d does not.
The S350d is equipped with a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine, generating an output of 210kW and 600Nm.
The top-spec S500, however, sees a 48V onboard electrical system alongside a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, turbo-petrol unit – offering a more substantial 320kW and 520Nm.
This specification also sports the 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, whereas both versions of the S-Class feature a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Price
The South African pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is as follows:
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350d – R2,330,000
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4Matic – R2,492,000
A 5-year/100,000km service and maintenance plan is included in the purchase.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
