For almost its entire existence the Mercedes S-Class has been unchallenged at the top of the automotive hierarchy, arguably even outclassing the likes of Rolls-Royce in the process, relatively speaking, of course But in recent years it has unquestionably come under threat. On the one hand, Audi has seriously raised its game, with its current A8 boasting a superb cabin, excellent quality and a desirability that seems ooze from every ultra-tight panel gap. And then there is old arch-enemy BMW with its 7 Series, a controversially styled techno-fest on wheels that boasts the handling and agility of a much smaller, sportier car. One senses that winning has never been good enough for Mercedes when it comes to the S-Class. Only utter domination will do. Is the new Mercedes-Benz S500 destined to rule or surrender?
Mini Maybach?
The one area where Mercedes has often treaded water with the S-Class is design. Remember the unsightly box on wheels from two generations ago? To some onlookers eyes, the new models design is a disappointment, especially at the rear where the body-coloured strips in the tail lamps remind strongly of the much maligned Maybach ultra-luxury sedan. On the other hand, the curves along the flanks and tidy front-end do a lot to restore the balance and theres certainly one thing that cant be disputed the Mercedes-Benz S500 has a lot of presence. Interestingly, the newcomer appears smaller than before, even though it is actually marginally bigger, especially between the wheels (70 mm stretched). It is also 43 mm longer and 16 mm wider.
The curvy design theme continues in the cabin, and the overall look is certainly vastly more modern and less cluttered than before. Older, more conservative buyers may take a while to get used to the info-tainment systems and their controls, but Mercedes must be commended for moving with the times, and doing it in a way that is not as frustrating as in a BMW.
As is to be expected from Mercedes-Benz, the driving position is spot-on and the comfort levels exceptional. The front seats offer not only vast adjustability and great padding, but also heating and ventilation (massaging is optional). Those seated in the rear are well catered for too, although legroom is not exactly of the stretch-out variety. The boot is vast, able to swallow 560 L of luggage.
As is to be expected these days, Mercedes-Benz offers a large number of optional extras, but in reality the standard specification is acceptable. Climate control, auto lights/wipers, active bi-xenon headlamps, radio/CD shuttle, keyless entry, voice control and front/rear park distance control are standard. You do have to pay extra for navigation, though, which is mighty cheeky. There are no qualms about the safety spec eight airbags are fitted, as are ESP, ASR, hill-start/hold and adaptive brakes.
Iron fist, velvet glove
Ultimately, the S-Class experience is all about luxury, comfort and refinement. Historically the engines fitted to the flagship models (such as this Mercedes-Benz S500) have played a big role in defining the character of this model. So, expectations are certainly high of the new 5,5-litre V8. On paper, it promises much, with 285 kW and 530 Nm of torque being on tap. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz S500 does weigh nearly 2 tonnes and is equipped with the 7G-tronic transmission which hasnt always been impressive. Does it deliver?
Certainly, and how! Firstly, theres the performance. The Mercedes-Benz S500 can sprint to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds, but do so in almost complete silence. Theres just a relentless, but very smooth, wave of power that pushes the occupants into their comfy chairs. And it doesnt really matter at what speed youre driving, the Mercedes-Benz S500 always seems to have power in reserve. And while the transmission was sometimes a bit clunky on down shifts, it is otherwise well-suited to the engine, quietly and quickly shifting up the ratios in such an unobtrusive way youre hardly aware of its presence.
Riding on a sophisticated air-suspension (Airmatic) system with adaptive damping (ADS), the S-Class delivers the type of ride comfort that may exceed even your highest expectations, and which comfortably surpasses what is offered by the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series. The computer systems monitor driving style, vehicle load, road conditions etc to make sure the ride stays as comfortable and composed as possible, but there is also the option of stiffening it all up, if required, by using the S/C/M key on the centre console. The S setting makes it significantly firmer, and keeps the body flatter during cornering. We dont think it really suits the S-Class, though, because even in C, for Comfort, the S-Class is a remarkably agile sedan. Still, at least you know you can switch to a racier setting when needed. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz S500 is an effortless cruiser, stunningly quiet, smooth and with a ferocious turn of speed.
Mercedes-Benz S500 – Verdict
What a return to form. The new S-Class effortlessly surpasses anything else in this segment, in just about every manner possible. Yes, its not quite as agile as a BMW, and yes, the cabin may not possess the beauty of the A8s, but thats where its deficiencies stop. The refinement is the most memorable aspect of this incredible machine, and its a refinement thats palpable not only in the quietness of the cabin, but also the way in which the engine delivers its massive thrust. Once more, the S-Class defines this, er, class.
We like:
- Superb refinement
- Ride comfort
- Performance
- Build quality
- Resale
We dont like:
- A bit awkward looking
- 7G-tronic not always smooth
Fast facts
Engine: 5,5-litre, V8, petrol
Power: 285 kW @ 6 000 rpm
Torque: 530 Nm @ 2 800 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Wheels: 18-inch alloy
Top speed: 250 km/h
0-100 km/h: 5,4 seconds
Fuel economy: 11,9 litres/100 km
Source: www.um.co.za
Also consider:
- BMW 750i: Significantly cheaper but on the other hand it is quite convincingly outclassed by the Mercedes-Benz S500. The BMW may be a dynamic class leader, but its interior environment is not as soothing and overall its not quite as refined. And then there are those looks
- Audi A8 4,2 Quattro Tiptronic: Still a favourite that boasts an exceptionally fine cabin and massive grip. Its not as powerful, though, and the ride refinement cant match the Mercedes-Benz S500.
- Lexus LS430: The big Lexus has never quite taken off in South Africa and in its latest guise it continues to play an also-ran role. The engine lacks power and its dynamically behind the leading pack. Superb refinement, though.
