A LIMO WITH LINEAGE
WHAT better way to celebrate leaving 2020 behind than at the wheel of the latest high-tech version of one of the world’s most- successful luxury limousines — the seventhgeneration Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
it was even launched globally by Britain’s seven-times F1 champion Lewis Hamilton — now Sir Lewis.
The Brexit trade deal means no hefty tariffs on this update of the model which was launched back in 1972, the year the UK signed up to join what was then the Common Market. i drove a fully-stocked, long-wheelbase S500 4Matic L saloon costing up to £110,325.
innovations include door handles that pop out automatically. And once sitting in the leather driver’s seat, the smart, highly tactile cockpit gives you a strong sense of having ‘arrived’.
With a range priced from £78,705, this is definitely a car for grown-ups and can change its style to suit your mood; from a stately glide to a sporty ride. it’s longer and wider than its predecessor; an estimated 90 per cent of sales will be for such long-wheelbase models.
One immediate and eye- catching feature is the 3D satnav screen in the 12.3 in driver display, which is truly mesmerising and appears to have real depth.
My car was powered by a 435 hp 3-litre straight-six cylinder petrol engine, linked to a smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox. There are five driving modes and it can be tuned to personal preferences.
This imposing two-ton limousine accelerates from rest to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds up to a top speed artificially restricted to 155 mph. Economy averages 32 mpg with CO2 emissions from 199 g and 202 g/km.
it is packed with safety, comfort and self-driving high-tech — though half the fun is driving yourself. The all-wheel drive 4MATiC is available for the first time in right-hand drive for the UK.
There’s a total of five engine options and a plug-in hybrid version, and Maybach S-Class priced from about £160,000 are to follow.