Mercedes Benz S-Class – Simply The Best

•Mark MusutuWould you like to know what the future holds for the auto industry? Would you want to know what will be found in cars 10, 15 or 20 years from now? Then check what’s found in an S-Class today.

The Mercedes S-Class is a true pioneer and has been the benchmark of the automobile industry since 1972.

What we see as standard in many of today’s cars was in the S-Class about a decade before it got to the industry – airbags, ABS, pre-tension seat belts, pre-safe breaking, to name a few.

Each new model has introduced groundbreaking systems that trickle down to lesser models as they become more accessible.

The S-Class is the pied piper of the auto industry and the default limousine of choice for decades. It’s a car synonymous to world leaders, it’s the most preferred presidential car on the market, and the most common sight at UN, SADC and EU conventions.

It’s also the CEO’s car of choice, it goes well with royalty and it fits into families of mafiosos and gangsters.

Someone said the only thing that beats driving an S-Class is being chauffeured in one. Quite frankly, if there is any car that beats an S-Class, it beats it on ground of brand name merit.

Example: A Citizen wrist watch may have more features and offerings than a Rolex or Patek Phillipe watch, but the latter may be preferred because of brand name.

Above a certain point it’s more than quality, features and design that are sought, and so is the Mercedes S-Class compared to the few cars that are able to steal the glory from it.

Mercedes is having sleepless nights vying for a permanent stake in the ultra luxury market segment and they are well on course, the S-Class competes well against BMW 7 series, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ at the lower end and is taking on Rolls Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying spur at the upper end. Though falling short at the top mainly because of that intangible, historical and cultural value possessed by these Brits.

At a glance, it hasn’t changed much from its predecessor, more of an evolving, ‘if it aint broke, don’t fix it’ approach.

It’s a big and bold car; not bad on looks.

In terms of design, I give it 70%. It looks good enough to rival peers such as the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 but it’s a little too ordinary to take on the bigger boys.

Mercedes has phased out its ultra luxurious Maybach and it’s pretty much obvious that the S-Class was next in line to inherit its graces.

Mercedes introduced a sub brand S-Class called the Mercedes-Maybach. This S-Class is 200mm longer than the long wheel base S-Class, it’s almost identical to the S-Class and can be identified by its panoramic roof and extra chrome finishes.

They claim it’s the quietest thing on four wheels. Someone quoted it as being embarrassingly comfortable.

There is not a cockpit as serene as that of a Mercedes S-Class. I found the interior dash to be too retro because of round air vents and I feel Mercedes should have had more retro styling on the exterior and made it more boxy and modern on the interior.

Nevertheless, it lives up to its rich legacy.

Standard features include: Magic body control, a chassis technology that sets itself up to deal with the road conditions ahead, crosswind assist, airmatic, night view assist plus, pre-safe, stereo camera, 360-degree camera, parking package, traffic sign assist, LED intelligent light system, warmth comfort package, command online, split view display as well as 24-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound.

Seats have energising massage function, climatisation, memory package, and temperature controlled cup holders. Executive seats as well.

Other features include: Dimmable seven-colour ambient lighting, fragrant air balance package and thermotronic automatic climate control.

The S-Class is a technology showcase. We might as well say on board the S-Class are controls to the Hubble space telescope, Mars Rover and the international space station.

It is propelled by an array of engines which include:

A V6 with 90 kW (285 hp) output, 620 NM torque found in the belly of the S 350 Blue Tec which is a darling to many.

A V8 found in the S 500 churning out 335 kW (455 hp) with twin turbo charging and intercooling. It can burst from 0 to 100 in 4,8 seconds.

A V12 tops the range, producing a monster 390 kW (530 hp) and an acceleration of 0 to 100 in 4,6 seconds.

All these meeting very high standards of environmental responsibility in emissions. This power is distributed via nine and 7G tronic plus gearbox that is able to play between gears as per power demand.

The S-Class has set the standard for luxury and cutting edge technology for over 40 years and the current 2016 S-Class is the best yet and takes technology and efficiency to other levels altogether.

If you board it, it will mess with your psyche and beat your expectations – by far. It is certainly one of very best roaming the planet.

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