2014 Mercedes Benz S-Class Revealed

If you’re a CEO or a high-ranking government official, your new ride is here. The 2014 Mercedes Benz S-Class has finally been unveiled, with Merc boss Dr Dieter Zetsche, describing it as “the best automobile in the world”. Packed with stunning technology and a completely revamped design, the best of the Benz sedans has managed to improve upon its predecessor massively, and that’s much easier said than done.

The new S-Class reinforces Benz’s new direction in design, taking cues from the new E-Class and CLA-Class. The front has a new, larger radiator grille, flanked by well-shaped feline-like LED headlights. Reception to the new front-end and the LED headlights has been mixed, but we’re leaning towards the positive side with this one. The front fender reminds us of the A-Class with an aggressive bottom end. Distinct character lines run down the sides and the sloping roofline makes another appearance here, along with sharp taillights. All in all, Mercedes Benz has maintained the elegance of the S-Class with wholesale changes resulting in a pleasing, simplistic design.

As always the new S-Class features the best and newest technology Merc’s engineers have developed over the last few years. With luxury nearing that found in a private jet, and technology like that of a fighter jet, the new S-Class comes with a very fair share of goodies, not limited to the following:

• The cabin gets two 12.3-inch TFT screens for the instrument cluster and the navitainment, a touch-sensitive telephone keypad, rear climate control with two more zones, access to infotainment media from any seat in the car – rear seat passengers can even see the Google Maps display to make sure the driver is going the right way
• Roughly 300 LEDs in the cabin offer seven hues, five dimming levels and four dimming zones will be standard and the LED brake lights dim at night or while waiting at lights so as to be kinder on the eyes of drivers behind
• Five different options in rear seating, the uppermost of which offers a backrest that reclines nearly 45 degrees, does so independently of the bolster, and has calf support and a heel rest. Get the First Class Rear package and avail yourself of a console that allows control of the center console from the rear, and thermally-controlled cupholders
• Magic Body Control that uses stereo cameras to scan the road surface and adjust the suspension in advance of road imperfections
• Massaging seats based on the “hot stone principle” for front and rear using 14 cushions in the backrest and six massage programs
• An Air Balance Package that ionizes and filters the air and emits five choices in fragrance
• Grouped under “Intelligent Drive,” the next generation of features like Active Parking Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Brake Assist Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian recognition
• A Warmth and Comfort package with heated steering wheel and armrests, seats with active ventilation, and power heated rear seats with memory

The 2014 S-Class will be offered with a choice of four engines, including two hybrids – the S 400 petrol and S 300 BlueTEC diesel. The conventional petrol and diesel models badged S 500 and S350 BlueTEC respectively complete the lineup. Powered by a 449bhp 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8, the S 500 is by far the fastest, covering 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds, while the S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid combines a 201bhp 2.1-litre diesel engine with a 27bhp electric motor for a combined fuel economy of 64mpg and CO2 emissions of 115g/km. AMG models are expected to be announced in the coming year as well.

Ever since Daimler-Chrysler announced the discontinuation of the Maybach brand, the S-Class has assumed the mantle of being its most luxurious offering. The 2014 S-Class is really tough to fault, with a majestic presence, efficient German engineering under the hood and the interior worthy of a Rolls-Royce. Everyone may not love the look of the new S-Class, but there’s no doubting that it still is one of the best cars available in the market today.