Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz launched the sixth generation S-Class in India on 8 January 2014. The sixth generation car has gone through a midlife update, and was recently unveiled at the Shanghai Motor show as the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The updated ‘W222’ S-Class has undergone some cosmetic updates and comes laden with state-of-the-art technologies.

The new car features quite an aggressive look with a new and larger grille attached to a redesigned bumper. The Intelligent LED Light System headlamps adapt their illumination according to the road conditions, speeds, as well as the oncoming traffic. The side profile reveals aerodynamically flowing body lines, which meets the arched roofline at the rear. The LED tail lights feature prominently along with two huge tail pipes.

The S-class has always been a pioneer in the tech world, often premiering tech that goes on to become mainstream elsewhere. It offers full second level autonomy, meaning it can operate many of the systems by itself, but it still needs a driver on standby to take over if required. The updated car will carry the same two 12-inches TFT displays, one in the centre of the dashboard and the other behind the new multifunction, two-spoke wooden steering wheel. The S500 features Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system with an inbuilt 250GB hard disk.

Among the other new additions is a seven-coloured LED ambient light system, a high-quality Burmester music system, heated armrests as well as a specialised air balance package which filters the air in the cabin and sprays a special scent branded by Mercedes-Benz themselves. The heated and adjustable rear seats feature a Hot Stone Massage system. The car also features a Wi-Fi hotspot for internet access when on the move. The car also features an enhanced AIRMATIC suspension with Magic Body Control for a better ride.

The updated car is expected to be offered with the same engine options – 3.0-litre V6 diesel and a 3.0-litre petrol. The former produces 255bhp and the later produces 330bhp. Both the engines will come with the newly developed nine speed automatic transmission. However, the Mercedes Maybach S500 will be offered with a 4.7-litre V8 producing 452bhp and the top of the line Maybach S600 will be offered with a 6.0-litre V12 producing 522bhp.

The S-Class, in its segment, is pitted against its German counterparts, the Audi A8 and the BMW 7 Series as well as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Maserati Quattraporte.