The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which was unveiled in 2020 and presented to the media in mid-2022, took a while to join our test fleet. So, does the W223-gen sedan still “lead the way” for the Three-pointed Star? We review the S500 L 4Matic!
We like: Interior blend of luxury and tech, comfort, stretch-out space in the back
We don’t like: Some controls feel “cheap” to the touch, doesn’t feel quite as “special” as the new BMW 7 Series, fiddly steering-wheel-mounted controls
FAST FACTS
- Model: Mercedes-Benz S500 L 4Matic
- Price: R2 735 064 (Mar 2023, before options)
- Engine: 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol + E-boost
- Power/Torque: 336 kW/520 Nm
- Transmission: 9-speed automatic
- 0-100kph: 4.9 sec (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 8.1 L/100 km (claimed)
- Luggage/Utility space: 500 litres
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Where does the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class fit in?
In the not-so-distant past, the question posed by the heading of this section was quite easy to answer… The S-Class or “Sonderklasse” was the undisputed flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range – its state-of-the-art model and one for which the marque spared no time, effort or budget. It’s no longer that simple.
While the S-Class still sits atop Mercedes-Benz’s sedan pile, you can choose more luxurious (Maybach) or sportier (AMG) derivatives. What’s more, can the limousine still be regarded as Mercedes-Benz’s tech leader when the new, all-electric EQS is, for all intents and purposes, the “S-Class of the Future”? And let’s not even get started on the trend of luxury car buyers preferring SUVs over traditional sedans…
Nevertheless, the W223-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class is here to battle the recently released – and extremely divisively styled, but otherwise super impressive – BMW 7 Series, as well as the Audi A8 (now only offered in S8 guise in South Africa) and the long-serving Lexus LS.
In South Africa, only 2 S-Class derivatives are offered (excluding the Maybach variants), and on test here is the most powerful of the pair – the S500 L 4Matic. Local buyers can’t choose between a standard and a long-wheelbase version, because the latter is standard (with 4Matic all-wheel drive). So, the new S-Class appears to be a careful evolution of its predecessor, in a segment that has been shaken to its core by BMW’s new Seven, plus battery electric- or SUV alternatives. Does the limousine’s appeal endure?
Compare prices and specs of the Mercedes-Benz S500 L 4Matic with the BMW 740i and Audi S8.
How the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fares in terms of…
Design and Packaging
Finished in optional Manufaktur diamond white bright paint (R29 700) and riding on optional 20-inch multi-spoke wheels (R28 000), the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cuts an elegant figure in a world where ostentatiousness seems to be the new standard.
The sedan’s head- and tail lamps are slim, and while the enlarged grille is relatively upright, it’s modestly sized compared with the 7 Series’ flagrantly oversized “double-kidney” treatment. The W223-gen sedan almost looks smaller than the outgoing model, but it isn’t – the short overhangs and stretched wheelbase disguise the ‘Benz’s dimensions well. That said, it is notably shorter and lower than the BMW 7 Series.
Some of the nice touches include flush-fitted door handles that pop out when you approach the car (when the car’s key fob is in your pocket) and disappear back into the door once the vehicle is in motion. The spellbinding Digital Light package – a R40 000 option – automatically adjusts the lighting depending on the W223’s surroundings and other road users in its proximity. When you unlock the car at night, they also perform a neat LED light show that never ceases to amaze those who witness it for the first time.
When you slide into the plush, but suitably supportive, driver’s seat, there’s an awful lot to take in. The cabin design strikes a superb balance between traditional luxury and high-tech features.
Our test unit featured pin-striped, dark matte wood trim, lots of satin silver accenting and, of course, acres of piano black inserts. However, your eyes will undoubtedly be drawn to the large digital instrument cluster first; the 12.3-inch screen can be configured to display different “styles” and different packages of information. This test car further featured the Safety and Technology Package (R76 400), which includes a 3D driver’s display – it adds notable depth to the graphics for a very cool visual experience.
Fittingly, the S500 L 4Matic’s fascia is also dominated by a massive OLED display with crystal-clear graphics. Through this 12.8-inch touchscreen, the driver (or front passenger) can access the various MBUX menus and systems, including the climate control settings, which admittedly require some familiarisation. Thankfully, a strip of buttons (for some of the major controls) sits below the screen, and once you get the hang of it, the voice control system actually works very well.
There are, however, a few minor points of criticism. Firstly, the steering-wheel-mounted controls are fiddly to use and some surfaces feel cheap to the touch, particularly the outer armrests and door pulls. The door-mounted controls to adjust the seating position no longer move much in the direction they’re being pushed, which is less satisfying (in terms of “feel”) than before.
Move to the back and the extra space is immediately evident. This S500 L 4Matic is set up for two rear passengers only, with a fat centre “armrest” that turns out to be a fantastic box of tricks – it houses a removable tablet, the aft dual-climate control panel, cupholders, as well as fold-out tray tables. Mounted between the rear seatbacks of our test unit was a refrigerated champagne bottle/glasses compartment – how very old school! It does, however, eat significantly into the claimed boot space (500 litres).
Furthermore, by just pressing a few buttons, the left rear passenger can recline almost as much as they would in a fully utilised business-class airline seat. In its most extreme setting, the front passenger seat is moved (electrically, of course) to its most forward position, so as to allow stretch-out space (replete with a footrest) for the person seated in the rear.
Ultimately, however, much of the S-Class’s interior ambience and added “drama” appear at night with a staggering number of LED lighting options to choose from… Occupants appear to be surrounded by a continuous band of light, provided by no fewer than 250 LEDs.
Performance and Efficiency
Traditionalists may scoff at this, but the S500 L badge no longer signals the presence of a V8 petrol engine under the Mercedes-Benz S-Class’ bonnet. Instead, there is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 motor, which, with a little bit of EQ-Boost assistance, delivers an impressive 336 kW and 520 Nm of torque. Power is directed to all four of the ‘Benz’s wheels via a slick 9-speed automatic transmission.
Of course, there are various drive modes to choose from, but in its sportiest setting the S500L can blast from 0 to 100 kph in 4.9 sec (in fact, we recorded a 5.08-sec time on a sweltering day, which was very impressive). What’s more, the full whack of torque is available from 1 800 rpm up to 5 800 rpm, which is why the 9-speed ‘box rarely finds it difficult to transmit immediate urge to the asphalt. The result is a car that always feels like it has power in reserve, and which responds with a steady, undramatic surge.
The reason for ditching the V8 for a smaller capacity engine is, of course, driven by the quest for optimal fuel efficiency. Mercedes-Benz claims an average fuel consumption figure of 8.1 L/100 km which, as you can imagine, won’t be easy to achieve. A more realistic figure is about 10 L/100 km which, although high by contemporary standards, is a superior return to what a V8 would average in similar driving conditions.
Comfort and Features
Given the vast number of options to choose from, it is highly unlikely that any two W223s sold in South Africa will turn out to be identically specced. There are, for example no fewer than 10 different leather options (our test unit’s Exclusive Black leather was a no-cost option). If you want black Nappa leather trim, however, that’ll cost you an additional R40 000…
Front and rear seat memory packages are no-cost features, but if you want the “First-Class rear compartment” (as fitted to this unit, with its fold-out trays, drinks fridge etc), you will have to fork out an extra R29 000, which, somehow, seems reasonable within the context of a first-class sedan!
A more practical option may be the Chauffeur Package, which at least makes it possible to accommodate a 3rd rear passenger.
With numerous other comfort-oriented features (including massaging, and heating, which even extends into the armrests), let’s just say that you’ll feel relaxed, whether you’re driving or are dozing away in the back on soft pillows (also offered).
In terms of tech, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is bang up-to-date, too. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported (of course), plus there are numerous USB-C outlets dotted around the cabin. A nice-to-have optional feature is the MBUX augmented reality head-up display (R65 000), which just elevates navigation prompts to a new, futuristic level.
A Burmester surround sound system is standard, complete with 15 high-performance speakers and a total output of 710W. For an extra R148 900, you can have the flagship Burmester 4D surround sound system that is said to add a “new dimension courtesy of speaker-like exciters featuring sound massage.” Essentially, the exciters (or structure-borne sound transducers) vibrate and pulsate in sync with rhythms.
Needless to say, even a stock-standard S500 L 4Matic is a luxurious machine loaded with the latest tech, and several features are no-cost options, or bundled into no-cost optional packages. The Mercedes-Benz configurator will help you to specify the S-Class of your dreams in no time at all!
Ride and Handling
Weighing in at 2 100 kg and equipped with adaptive air suspension as standard, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a relaxed, supple cruiser – at least, most of the time. Our test unit came fitted with the larger (20-inch) wheels and, unfortunately, we noticed sudden and sharp road imperfections disturbed the serenity of the cabin with too much regularity.
Similarly, while the cabin is quiet, it does not, subjectively speaking, represent a big step up from its predecessor. Perhaps the newer BMW 7 Series has reset the benchmarks in this segment (we tested the new S-Class soon after we put an example of the 7th Seven through its paces), but saying that, you’re unlikely to be disappointed by the big Benz’s ability to soothe away the office stress on the way home.
When you engage Sport mode, the Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class’ ride firms up and its handling sharpens, while the transmission mapping hangs on to the twin-turbo engine’s revs, which results in livelier throttle responses. Look, the S500 L 4Matic is no thundering AMG that likes to spin up its rear wheels; think of it instead as just a neat and tidy handler when the roads require it, or when you’re in a particular hurry!
Price and After-Sales Support
The Mercedes-Benz S500 L 4Matic costs R2 735 064 (March 2023, before options), which makes it significantly pricier than the BMW 740i, and similarly priced to the Audi S8. A 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan are included.
Verdict
We thoroughly enjoyed the time spent with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S500 L 4Matic. It’s an elegant, classy car with a lovely blend of old-school luxury and modern technology. Considered in isolation, the ‘Benz is really hard to fault, particularly if you don’t want to “flash” your wealth. But at over R2.7 million, it seems pricey compared with the new BMW 7 Series. And, it has to be said that, as much as most of us are not fans of the new Seven’s exterior design, its interior has moved the game several steps forward – frankly, beyond what the current S-Class can offer. In conclusion, then, the W223-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class will continue to appeal to previous S-Class owners, but to buyers who are more open-minded to alternatives, it may no longer be an automatic inclusion on their new-luxury-car shortlists.
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