New S Class tested in Zurich: ‘An oasis of well-being’
ZURICH: Mercedes-Benz lined up 14 of its experts to explain to world media, in a Zurich launch of the face-lifted S Class, aspects of innovation in a car with 6,500 new components. Features of the new S Class include a new V8 engine, an Intelligent Drive system, a world-first wellness program tailored for the energizing comfort of drivers and a crafted luxury interior.
REPORTS of the death of the internal combustion engine have been greatly exaggerated. Motoring news headlines give the impression that the world is turning electric in the next decade which will see the end of petrol and diesel engines. This is not realistic and not possible. Even Volvo, which said it would turn electric after 2019, will continue to produce hybrid cars which still rely on fossil fuel.
Modern cars are reliable and durable, and those of us who bought a luxury sedan or SUV are not likely to give them up anytime soon. They are likely to survive with their present or next owners well into the next decade.
Meanwhile, electric vehicles have their limitations in powering larger vehicles for long distances. They still have price, residual value and range issues yet to be resolved. Their time will come in the future to play an important role in the transport network, but that will be within a mix of hybrid, gasoline and diesel cars. It is feasible to expect families to have two cars each — one electric for town trips and one internal combustion or hybrid for long journeys.
Modern petrol engines are clean and highly efficient. Cars launched in 2017 should have a lifespan of at least ten years. These include a dozen or so petrol and diesel cars in the past three months alone. Some will even survive for another two decades such as the new Audi A8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Rolls Royce Phantom — all launched this month.
There are thousands if not millions of classic, sports and luxury cars that are cherished by their owners around the world. They, too, will continue to run for the foreseeable future.
For the present time, those jumping on the environmental bandwagon are harming the industry. Diesel is being demonized, although diesel passenger cars are not the biggest polluters. This has caused a decline in the value of diesel cars and made many potential car buyers reluctant to buy a new gasoline or diesel car, which could result in a recession.
Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist based in London.
QAt launch, the new S Class will offer a choice of three engines, including a 4-liter V8 Bi-turbo most relevant to the
469bhp and 700Nm of torque, and is among the most economical in its class. Four cylinders are deactivated under partial load, saving 10 percent in fuel compared to its predecessor.
The company confirms that it will introduce an upgraded plug-in hybrid model, the S560 e to the region later this year which will offer an allelectric driving distance of 50 km.
The Intelligent Drive system integrates several elements to provide a higher level of autonomous driving. The system combines Active Steer Assist, Braking Assist, Evasive Steering and Pre-safe, in addition to a stereo camera that scans the road more thoroughly, even at dusk, and speeds of up 180 km/h to ensure the best and safest ride possible.
Exterior design creator AchimDietrich Badstubner described the car as an “oasis of well-being and a private sphere in a first-class atmosphere.” The energizing comfort control links various comfort systems in the vehicle together. It uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrance) and the seats (heater, ventilation, massage), the panel heating, as well as lighting and musical atmospheres, to enable a specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer. There are six programs on offer.
panoramic sunroof as standard, as well as a Sun
Protection Package to protect passengers from direct sunlight and reduce the interior temperature of the car. Additionally, front seats with memory settings come as standard
Mobile phones can be wirelessly charged and without a telephone hold-
offers a wealth of individual settings that add a welcoming effect upon entering the cabin. All new S-Class models are fitted as standard with the keyless start function.
The interior of the new S-Class is characterized by two new high-resolution displays, each with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. The driver can choose from three different display styles. The Mercedes-Benz parking package and 360-degree camera are
The driver can use the steering wheel controls to operate active cruise operation and control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The infotainment system can be also operated via the touchpad controller in the center console and by voice control. The model tested in Zurich was the S 560 with a new bi-turbo 4-liter V8 engine offering 469bhp and a torque of 700Nm. It consumes 10 percent less fuel than its predecessor through cylinder deactivation under partial load and stop-start technology. Armin Herold of the powertrain development department said that all new petrol engines will feature a particle filter that will soon be a requirement.
For those who feel the need for more power and sporty performance, the
with its V12 engine. The output of the V8 is raised to 612bhp which is 27bhp more than that offered by the previous 5.5-liter engine. This was achieved by means of two new twin-scroll turbo
DIBSHFST 5IF ".( WBSJBOU DBO BDDFMFSate to 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds.
+BO #ZSMB BO ".( EFWFMPQNFOU FOHJneer said that power is delivered by a
OFX transmission. The driver can select a driving mode that suits his driving from relaxed long-distance comfort to dynamic sportiness. Further driving
models can be recognized by many exterior features including two twin-square tailpipes and multi-beam LED headlights.
The S Class is the best-selling premium car in the world with 4 million sold since its inception in 1972. Last year, it was the best-selling premium sedan worldwide. One in every three was sold in China and the ratio increases to 60 percent for the Maybach top model. Today there are six different body variants to choose from.