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Elegant Mercedes S-Class Coupé’s a motorised extravagance for tycoons who value real style
THE Mercedes S-Class sedan is arguably the world’s best car for its mix of luxury, space and technology, but its stiff upper lip image is aimed squarely at chauffeur-driven moguls, with styling that generates little emotional appeal.
The new S-Class Coupé version (known previously as the CL) hikesup the aspirational factor by trading legroom for a two-door shape that makes a much more powerful visual statement.
It’s difficult to design good-looking large cars but Merc’s stylists have hewn a strikingly beautiful thing, in this reviewer’s eyes at least. This 5-metre long grand tourer has big-car presence without looking bloated, and with its exotic curves (and the very cool matte-white paint job of our test car), the S-Class Coupé would effortlessly slide into millionaire’s playgrounds like Monaco and form a natural part of the scenery – even without the optional LED headlights that are encrusted with Swarovski crystals.
This isn’t a family Benz but more of a selfish treat, a motorised extravagance for tycoons who place style on a pedestal.
Form overrides function in the SClass Coupé as the two back seats are relatively cramped and access to them is hindered by the absence of rear doors. The extra-large doors also call for parking spaces with extra-large width, although they do have the handy function of staying exactly in the position you’ve opened them, instead of jumping into pre-set slots which risks getting them bashed.
But what the Coupé lacks in passenger-lugging practicality it makes up for in interior opulence, which takes clear aim at Rolls Royce and Bentley with its luxury finishes. The pamper factor is hiked-up with features like massaging seats (there are several programmes including a hot-stone massage), and a high-end Burmester audio system.
Under the skin it’s pure S-Class in terms of technology. Like its fourdoor cousin the Coupé is gizmoed-up with features that were until recently in the science fiction realms. It’s the first car in the world to feature a Curve Tilting function, allowing for the car’s body to lean into a bend much like a motorcyclist or skier would.
Rather than improving cornering speed it’s intended as a comfort enhancer, by countering the effect of centrifugal force on the occupants.
This curve tilting forms part of the Active Body Control suspension which delivers a silky ride while virtually eliminating body roll when cornering, accelerating or braking. Making the ride even silkier is a bump-flattening system called Magic Body Control, that uses sen-