The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a car that has introduced such innovations as voice recognition, active cruise control and anti-lock brakes, is a showcase of future technologies. It is a car that makes all other cars better. Mercedes – never one to shy away from the spotlight – has turned the world’s attention to itself once again with the premier of the new 2014 Mercedes Benz S-Class.
Since its inception, you could always recognize an S-Class immediately; a tradition that continues with the 2014 Mercedes Benz S-Class. I personally always believed that the 2005 model was the best looking supreme ‘Benz. The new car is reminiscent of that fluid design. The radiator grille is now larger and has substantial presence. With a long hood, sweeping roofline and gently slanting rear end, the new S-Class has classic saloon proportions. The S-Class looks prestigious and powerful. In the old movies, someone would jump into a cab and yell: “Follow that car!” This is that car.
The new car of kings is also 300 lbs. lighter than the one it replaces (4442 lbs.) Making it easier for the 455-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V-8 and eight-speed automatic to provide rapid transit for Sheiks, Sultans and Titans of industry.
In the past, the short wheelbase car was always the main focus of design -not so with this generation. Since Asian and European markets prefer chauffeur-driven cars and North American and European cars are owner-driven., it made more sense to design a large car and produce a small car from it.
As with every one before it, the S-Class is a car of firsts.
The first car to use LED lighting for both interior and exterior lighting. Not a single bulb lights the new car. Loaded S-Class sedans will feature lighting from nearly 500 LEDs, including about 300 LEDs in the interior. The LED can be lit in seven colors with five dimming levels and four dimming zones
The 2014 S-Class is touted as the first vehicle to incorporate a hot stone massage system.
The new S-Class is the world’s first car to be able to detect imperfections on the road ahead and instantly adjust the suspension accordingly . ROAD SURFACE SCAN and MAGIC BODY CONTROL work hand-in-hand with full air suspension and damping systems to float this car along much like the A310 Airbus whose factory it was introduced in.
Mercedes’ DISTRONIC PLUS ( with Steering Assist and Stop and Go Pilot) system uses on-board cameras and radar sensors to detect lane markings and other vehicles. This system is capable of navigating some turns and autonomous piloting. You guessed it! This is the first car that can drive itself.
We have before us a plethora of electronic controls used solely for the purposes of comfort, convenience and efficiency. Two 12.3-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display screens convey information. An Enhanced Voice Control System and Premium Audio System are standard, along with FrontBass speaker technology. Ventilated seats have four fans in the cushion and two in the backrest. Rear seat belt buckles that only appear when the doors are open and heated armrests are standard fare on the new 2014 Mercedes S-Class.
Order the optional RearSeat package, and the S-Class provides individual rear seats separated by a large console with extra storage, collapsible tables, and cupholders that keep beverages warm or cold. Safety features include inflatable rear seat belts, which can reduce strain on the occupants’ ribcages in a collision, and an inflatable cushion designed to keep reclined rear-seat passengers from sliding under the seat belt in a crash. There are enough luxury touches to make you forget there ever was a Maybach.
The car will arrive in September, first as the 2014 S550 model with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (2WD or AWD). Later an S500 Plug-In Hybrid will be made available and, of course, there will be a high-performance S63 version.
Today, you can have a Hyundai Elantra that parks itself. A decade ago, that was the stuff of science fiction and cartoons. With such things as interior perfuming and computer-controlled headlights, Mr. Zetsche made sure the package was as impressive as the presentation. In 10 years time, many of these breakthroughs will be available to the masses, thanks to the meticulous engineers at Mercedes-Benz and their out-of-the-box thinking.
The BMW 7-Series and Audi A8 now have a longer, lower, wider and more athletic S-Class to deal with. They also must roll up their sleeves and begin to design smarter flagships that can see and feel. So many models have benefitted from the trickle-down technologies of Mercedes-Benz. They were never meant for us but became passe’ to the moguls they were designed for. The 2014 Mercedes Benz S-Class has not only excelled beyond its current company technologies, it has surpassed the industry as a whole.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Gallery
[Source: Mercedes-Benz]
Is the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class the most innovative executive sedan in the industry?
