Yes, it's here, it's on sale, it's official, and I was all over it with
my camera! I had a privilege of attending a sales event for elite
customers where the W222 S Class was shown to general public for the
first time in Japan.
Whenever Mercedes Benz unveils a new car, chances are that there will be
something special about it. But when it comes out packed with
innovation and technology that will trickle down on regular market
within next 10 to 15 years years, it is given that this car is one of a
kind. The S class has always been such car, and while it may not have
been everybody's vehicle of choice, it was the car that determined the
market trends for next decade. It has always been the first car to
feature some of the toys that are so common today: satellite navigation
system, radar cruise control, night vision, parking sensors, were first
fitted on an S class.
When we all thought that there could be no more features apart from
going all green, and that automobile design and performance has reached
its peak, the engineers in Stuttgart have proven how badly wrong we were
and gave us the 2014 Mercedes Benz S Class.
The exterior design has followed the latest Mercedes Benz trends and has
taken a chunk from the luxury styling of the Maybach. They have added
an extend modern features such as a combination of curved roof, long
wheelbase and striking lines that resemble the lines used in modern day
sports cars. Side view of the car is definetely most striking, with the
A-pillars relatively thin the roof is gaining volume towards the rear
which connects beautifully with the trunk which appears to be short due
to the angled back-end giving it somewhat sporty stance.
This display model was featuring carbon package option and came
with massive black 255/40 R 20 front and 285/35 R 20 rear tires.
with red AMG brake calipers and ventilated AMG compound disks behind
them. Carbon Ceramic brakes are optional and come with gold calipers.
That is impressive stopping power, and this car needs plenty of it as
the 5.5L Biturbo V8 is rated at whooping 585 horse power and 900NM of
torque can push this car from 0 to 100 kph at 4 seconds. For a 2 ton
car, that's lightning fast.
But all that power and torque is a lot more accessible than in it was
in the outgoing W221 model, as the new S Class despite all its toys and
amenities weights almost 100 kg less.
And speaking of toys and amenities, this car has plenty of them, as a
matter of fact I don't think I have ever seen a feature list that
extensive.
There are different drive mode that reflect the preference for
suspension stiffness, transmission, engine response, and even the
loudness of the exhaust. There are sensors everywhere that execute a
variety of tasks from parking the car to watching the road, and when I
mention watching the road, I mean nothing less than that. The infrared
sensors, accompanied by front mounted camera scan the road surface for
bumps and imperfections and when they detect one the computer adjusts
the suspension within milliseconds to minimize impact to the occupants.
Of course, windows are double plated to minimize road noise, mood
lightning and aroma dispencer will help you enjoy the Mercedes Benz
experience, and if you get too comfortable, the lane departure warning
and distronic sensors will help you stay in control, while the car will
monitor your eyes and shake the steering wheel to help you regain
concentration.
The moment you step inside you know you are entering something special
as you are greeted by a blend of futuristic and classic design features.
Soft leather of heated and ventilated seats comforts you in a manner
that can only be described as First Class travel. Unlike other models,
Mercedes kept the number of buttons to a minimum, choosing not to expose
the dial pad with its questionable usefulness, but opting for
ergonomics of dial knobs and programmable switches.
Seating position is exceptional as the stylish steering wheel can be
adjusted to your liking with electric joystick. Steering wheel has been
completely redesigned to something I have never seen before, and while I
may not be the biggest fan of the wood and leather combination in the
standard model, I really like the look and feel of the AMG one. The
logo at the bottom is just gorgeous.
All materials are top notch and there is a cool blend of leather,
aluminum and carbon fiber giving the cabin a bit of sporty look. Of
course in non AMG model there are many choices of wood to replace carbon
fiber.
Rear seating is of course where Mercedes put a lot of thought into as
well, with enormous amount of leg room there is a rear entertainment
system and elbow rest hosts a couple of foldable tables that can hold a
laptop so rear passenger can update his Facebook on the go. Remember
the luxury of car phones just 20 years ago? European model has a wifi
hotspot option, but I am not aware if this has been included in Japan,
as there may be a requirement separate contract with cellular provider.
It seems that this car defines the new direction that Mercedes Benz is
taking as a company. Such successful attempt to appeal to a great
variety of age groups and interests has never been seen.
Without any doubt the Mercedes Benz S Class will be as enjoyable to
drive as to be driven in, and while it manages to posses exceptional
style, performance, and comfort, it also has feature list that we could
only dream about.
Without a doubt this car has set the standards for the automotive
industry for next 10 years, so those of you who are lucky enough to get
their hands on the first batch; congratulations, you have future proofed
yourselves!
Whenever Mercedes Benz unveils a new car, chances are that there will be
something special about it. But when it comes out packed with
innovation and technology that will trickle down on regular market
within next 10 to 15 years years, it is given that this car is one of a
kind. The S class has always been such car, and while it may not have
been everybody's vehicle of choice, it was the car that determined the
market trends for next decade. It has always been the first car to
feature some of the toys that are so common today: satellite navigation
system, radar cruise control, night vision, parking sensors, were first
fitted on an S class.
When we all thought that there could be no more features apart from
going all green, and that automobile design and performance has reached
its peak, the engineers in Stuttgart have proven how badly wrong we were
and gave us the 2014 Mercedes Benz S Class. 
The exterior design has followed the latest Mercedes Benz trends and has
taken a chunk from the luxury styling of the Maybach. They have added
an extend modern features such as a combination of curved roof, long
wheelbase and striking lines that resemble the lines used in modern day
sports cars. Side view of the car is definetely most striking, with the
A-pillars relatively thin the roof is gaining volume towards the rear
which connects beautifully with the trunk which appears to be short due
to the angled back-end giving it somewhat sporty stance.
That is impressive stopping power, and this car needs plenty of it as
the 5.5L Biturbo V8 is rated at whooping 585 horse power and 900NM of
torque can push this car from 0 to 100 kph at 4 seconds. For a 2 ton
car, that's lightning fast.
But all that power and torque is a lot more accessible than in it was
in the outgoing W221 model, as the new S Class despite all its toys and
amenities weights almost 100 kg less.
And speaking of toys and amenities, this car has plenty of them, as a
matter of fact I don't think I have ever seen a feature list that
extensive.
Seating position is exceptional as the stylish steering wheel can be
adjusted to your liking with electric joystick. Steering wheel has been
completely redesigned to something I have never seen before, and while I
may not be the biggest fan of the wood and leather combination in the
standard model, I really like the look and feel of the AMG one. The
logo at the bottom is just gorgeous. 
All materials are top notch and there is a cool blend of leather,
aluminum and carbon fiber giving the cabin a bit of sporty look. Of
course in non AMG model there are many choices of wood to replace carbon
fiber.
Rear seating is of course where Mercedes put a lot of thought into as
well, with enormous amount of leg room there is a rear entertainment
system and elbow rest hosts a couple of foldable tables that can hold a
laptop so rear passenger can update his Facebook on the go. Remember
the luxury of car phones just 20 years ago? European model has a wifi
hotspot option, but I am not aware if this has been included in Japan,
as there may be a requirement separate contract with cellular provider.
Without a doubt this car has set the standards for the automotive
industry for next 10 years, so those of you who are lucky enough to get
their hands on the first batch; congratulations, you have future proofed
yourselves!
