Mercedes-Benz S-Class touches down from $240,700

MERCEDES-BENZ’S seventh-generation S-Class limousine has touched down in Australia with two versions set to be offered from launch, those being the $240,700 (plus on-roads) S450 4Matic and the $264,900 S450 L 4Matic.

More variants will follow before the end of the year according to the brand’s local division, specifically the V8-powered S580 L and flagship Mercedes-Maybach S680.

Power in the S450 duo meanwhile comes courtesy of a turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol unit developing 270kW/500Nm which is then boosted by the addition of a 48V mild-hybrid system and integrated starter generator which can contribute an extra 16kW/250Nm in short bursts.

Drive is sent to all four wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission in both instances with 0-100km/h dealt with in 5.1 seconds.

As previously reported by GoAuto, the new S-Class measures in at 5179mm long in short-wheelbase guise – 54mm longer, 55mm wider (1954mm) and 10mm taller (1503mm) than the outgoing model – while the long-wheelbase ‘L’ gains an extra 34mm in length and 12mm in height, with both riding on noticeably longer wheelbases (+71mm/+51mm).

The extra length has resulted in an additional 41mm of legroom in the back of the short-wheelbase variants and 24mm for the long wheelbase while a 36mm-wider front track has resulted in an extra 38mm of front ‘elbow room’.

Sticking with dimensions, the L rides on a 3216mm wheelbase – a whole 110mm longer than the already sizeable short wheelbase version – while the rear track has been widened by 51mm and boot capacity is up 20 litres to 550L in both.

The real ace up the S-Class’ sleeve however is and always has been technology and the way it can be used to boost the luxury stakes.

Long deemed the flagship model of Mercedes’ portfolio, the S-Class has always been the forebear for the brand’s latest technology and innovations.

Described by Mercedes chief executive Ola Källenius as a “technological tour de force”, the new S450s are lavished with luxurious features and new-age technology which will one day trickle down to the brand’s lesser models, like the second-generation MBUX infotainment system is being debuted on the S-Class, but also slated to feature in the new C-Class due at the end of the year.

Other new tech features standard on the S450s include a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment touchscreen, Linguatronic voice control, advanced satellite navigation with live traffic updates, parked vehicle locator and predictive navigation, head-up display, MBUX Interior Assistant, 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system, smartphone integration, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, hands-free access and a fingerprint scanner.

The list of luxuries does not end there however with many more premium features like a Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel, sliding glass sunroof with a two-piece electric roller sunblind, heat and noise-insulating front windows, dark privacy glass for the rear windows, dual-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, power adjustable seats and steering column with memory function, keyless go, power closing doors and ‘Airmatic’ adaptive suspension.

Driver aids and safety features are in abundance too with the Driving Assistance Package (including active distance assist Distronic, route-based speed adaptation, evasive steering assist, active stop-and-go assist, extended automatic restart in traffic, and active lane change assist), traffic sign assist and the Parking Package all coming as standard along with multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

Spending the extra $24,200 on the S450 L will do more than gain an extra 110mm of car, but also ups the rear luxury and safety stakes even higher with power adjustable rear seats (with memory function), automatic rear climate control and forward-facing rear airbags.

Those wanting even more from their S-Class will have to wait until the aforementioned S560 L and S680 arrive later in the year.

According to Mercedes-Benz AG board member for sales management Britta Seeger, the S-Class has always stood as the ultimate in automotive luxury for Mercedes customers.

“This also encompasses innovations that make their life easier and safer, while also saving time,” she said.

“It is precisely in these areas where the new S-Class sets standards: for safety and comfort.”

The current S-Class started the new year off well for Mercedes with six sales last month, earning it an 18.8 per cent share of the $100,000-plus upper-large car segment – just one unit behind the Lexus LS (7/21.9%).

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs