A major mid-life surgery has been performed on the Mercedes S-Class, and it's a welcome change. Gone is the old, and in comes the new, with a fresh face, new OS, bigger screens, and a host of other updates. But what does it mean for the car, and more importantly, how does it perform? The new S-Class is not just about looks; the engineering has also had a significant overhaul. The adaptive air suspension, now standard, sends a note to the Mercedes cloud when you hit a pothole or big dip or crest, allowing the next new S-Class to drive down that road or you when you pass that way again to have its damping set-up to best cope with the disturbance beneath. In the UK, the S-Class will now have four-wheel steering as standard, a feature that will no doubt make life easier for drivers. The engines have been ...
A major mid-life surgery has been performed on the Mercedes S-Class, and it’s a welcome change. Gone is the old, and in comes the new, with a fresh face, new OS, bigger screens, and a host of other updates. But what does it mean for the car, and more importantly, how does it perform?
The new S-Class is not just about looks; the engineering has also had a significant overhaul. The adaptive air suspension, now standard, sends a note to the Mercedes cloud when you hit a pothole or big dip or crest, allowing the next new S-Class to drive down that road or you when you pass that way again to have its damping set-up to best cope with the disturbance beneath.
In the UK, the S-Class will now have four-wheel steering as standard, a feature that will no doubt make life easier for drivers. The engines have been marginally tweaked for urge and refinement, but the basic range is likely to be as before.
The S-Class has long been the best saloon in the world, and this facelift has only served to reinforce that reputation. The new grille visually smears into the headlamps, and the LED lights add a touch of sophistication. The car’s whole electrical operating system is new, based on the same basic system as introduced in the electric CLA.
The cabin has also been revamped, with bigger screens that now take up a larger portion of the dashboard. The screens are electrically directed, which we find very annoying in other cars but maybe the Mercedes auto system gets it right. The heated seats and steering wheel are a nice touch, and the heated seat belt ensures you stay warm on chilly days.
UK prices will no doubt edge upwards, but we think the updates are worth it. The S-Class is already a great car, and this facelift has only served to improve it. With its electric range of around 60 miles, the PHEV options are certainly worth considering.
The AMG and Maybach variants will be available later, but for now, the standard S-Class is the one to beat. It’s a car that’s been thoroughly tested, and we’re confident that it will continue to be a top choice in the luxury sedan market.
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