2014 Mercedes Benz S-Class - Review

PRICE : For 2014 Mecedes Benz S550 $92,900

PRICE : For 2014 Mercedes Benz S550 4MATIC $95,900

The S-Class is the world's start machine to live able to discover in addition to react to bumps thank y'all to an optional "MAGIC BODY CONTROL" system. This applied scientific discipline uses stereo cameras to scan for imperfections inward the route surface ahead in addition to really laid upwards the chassis to smoothen out whatever potholes or humps.

Mercedes has also made the sedan available amongst the closest affair yet to an autonomous driving system. Known every bit Distronic Plus amongst Steering Assist in addition to Stop&Go Pilot, what the setup lacks inward price of catchy branding it to a greater extent than than makes upwards for amongst convenience: using the aforementioned cameras in addition to multistage radar sensors, it tin read the lines inward the route in addition to really steer in addition to brake the machine past times itself at lower speeds on relatively direct stretches of road. It's precisely the affair for getting through long traffic jams amongst one's sanity intact.
While letting the S-Class grip piloting duties, passengers tin admire the 2 mammoth 12.3-inch TFT screens that sit down inward front end of the driver in addition to atop the see stack. The left-hand unit of measurement replaces a conventional analog musical instrument cluster, piece the right-hand covert displays climate, amusement in addition to Google maps-integrated navigation info.

A touch-sensitive telephone keypad amongst 12 customizable retentiveness settings lets users access to a greater extent than complex functions without having to motion their hands unopen to the dashboard. In addition, Mercedes' Linguatronic spoken communication recognition organisation allows "one shot input" commands to live spoken, in addition to text message in addition to electronic mail reading are component division of the package.

The measure mbrace organisation includes a host of cloud-based goodies, including a concierge service, location-based traffic in addition to weather condition updates, stolen vehicle location assistance, automatic collision notification in addition to more. Available apps add together meshing browsing, Google local search amongst street view, Yelp reviews, Facebook access in addition to tidings reports. Owners tin fifty-fifty utilization an mbrance smartphone app to remotely lock, unlock or locate their S-Class.

The S-Class tin live outfitted amongst the buyer's alternative of a bring upwards bench spot or executive-style reclining bring upwards seats that, similar the front end thrones, tin live outfitted amongst heating, ventilating in addition to "hot stone" massaging systems. Further coddling bring upwards spot occupants are available features such every bit private TFT screens amongst wireless AKG headsets, pillow caput rests, cooling/heating loving cup holders in addition to fold-out trey tables. Topping it all off are industry-first heated see in addition to door panel-mounted armrests.

Two unlike high-end Burmester Surround Sound systems are on offering for the ultimate inward concert-quality audio, but the S-Class doesn't halt at providing a feast for the ears: it also seeks to create an optimal olfactory experience amongst an active perfuming organisation that discreetly emits a alternative of 4 unlike scents to embrace upwards whatever undesirable odors from the exterior world

EXTERIOR

The novel S-Class was teased several times, but to live completely honest amongst you, in that location is zip besides surprising nearly it, every bit its blueprint linguistic communication is something nosotros conduct hold seen inward all the previously launched Mercedes models.

Up front, the novel S-Class receives a larger radiator grille inward three-dimensional design, a long hood in addition to novel headlights - each headlight features 56 LED lights. If y'all consider each taillight also gets 35 LED lights, 4 for the bring upwards fog light in addition to the 300 LED lights on the interior, y'all tin consider the novel S-Class has almost 500 LEDs inward total.

When viewed from the side, it is pretty clear that the S-Class is keeps classic saloon proportions, but they are designed inward such a means to give the model a sporty coupe-like interpretation.

The bring upwards is characterized past times horizontal lines running from the kick lid to the bumper, a bring upwards windscreen that cuts into the C-pillars in addition to new-style taillights, which are completely encased past times the car’s body.

INTERIOR

The cabins of most flagship luxury sedans experience similar bigger, fancier versions of "lesser" models, sharing a full general blueprint aesthetic in addition to many command components. Not so the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There is a clear differentiation betwixt it in addition to other Mercedes models, indicating that this is a special machine that exists inward a higher house the rest. Even things similar the spot command buttons are bespoke to the S-Class. More importantly, however, in that location is an elegance in addition to sense of opulence hither that cook it experience to a greater extent than similar a competitor for a Bentley than a BMW 7 Series.

Beyond aesthetics, few cars tin approach the novel S-Class sedan's comfort in addition to infotainment features. The measure seats are lovely, but you'd live nuts non to select the Premium 1 package's multicontour seats amongst their additional adjustments, ventilation in addition to half-dozen massage settings. That's right, six. One fifty-fifty simulates a hot rock massage past times utilizing the seat's heating elements. And precisely inward instance your bring upwards passengers are the jealous sort, the same opulent front end spot features (including adjustments) are available inward the enormous backseat. Plus, y'all tin add together an amusement system, airplane-style pop-out tables in addition to fifty-fifty a fridge.

All those infotainment functions are controlled past times the latest iteration of Mercedes' COMAND system, which remains i of the most user-friendly unopen to (even if its immense number of functions renders it a tad overwhelming at first). Compared to the setup inward other Mercedes-Benz models, the S-Class sedan's upgraded COMAND interface features a colossal, crystal-clear fundamental covert amongst all-new graphics in addition to a unlike physical push clit layout (buttons for often used functions are at nowadays grouped unopen to the main command knob rather than on the dash). Immediately following is a novel musical instrument panel, which houses a total laid of digital gauges. The number is a genuinely contemporary cabin that offers ample functionality piece keeping buttons to a minimum.

The trunk, every bit y'all powerfulness expression from a 17-foot-long sedan, is sufficiently large at 16.3 cubic feet.

SPECIFICATION

► Year : 2014
► Make : Mercedes
► Model : S-Class
► Price : $ 92900
► Engine : V8
► Horsepower @ RPM : 455 @ 5250
► Torque @ RPM : 516 @ 1800
► Displacement : 4.7 L
► 0-60 fourth dimension : 4.8 sec. (Est.)
► Top Speed :130 mph

BODY DESIGN

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a full-size luxury sedan. It's shortly available inward measure S550 (with either rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive) in addition to high-performance S63 AMG trim levels. Hybrid in addition to ultrahigh-performance S65 AMG models volition live introduced later. Seating for 5 is standard, piece an optional two-person bring upwards seating configuration lowers capacity to four.

Standard equipment on the S550 includes 18-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, automatic adaptive LED headlamps, LED running lights in addition to taillights, a rearview camera, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, an electronic body closer in addition to soft-close doors. Comfort in addition to convenience features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated 12-way powerfulness front end seats amongst four-way powerfulness lumbar, a powerfulness tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, front end spot retentiveness functions, leather upholstery, MB-Tex synthetic leather interior trim, LED accent lighting in addition to a powerfulness bring upwards sunshade.

Standard applied scientific discipline features include the COMAND electronics interface, twin 12.3-inch configurable displays on the musical instrument panel, a navigation system, Bluetooth telephone in addition to sound connectivity, Mercedes' mbrace2 telematics organisation (including smartphone app integration), an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot in addition to a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound sound organisation amongst USB/iPod sound interface, hard disk drive radio, satellite radio, TuneIn Internet radio, a six-CD changer in addition to digital music storage.

The S63 AMG differs amongst a to a greater extent than powerful engine, a unlike transmission, 20-inch wheels, AMG-tuned suspension components, to a greater extent than aggressively bolstered seats in addition to slight styling differences.

Options are plentiful. The Premium 1 bundle (standard on the S63) adds active "multicontour" front end seats (ventilation, upgraded heating, half-dozen massage settings, adjustable bolsters in addition to shoulder supports), hands-free body access, front end in addition to bring upwards parking sensors, automatic parallel parking in addition to powerfulness rear-side sunshades. The Warmth in addition to Comfort bundle adds heated armrests in addition to door panels, a heated steering cycle in addition to four-way power-adjustable outboard bring upwards seats amongst retentiveness functions, heating in addition to ventilation (many of these features are available separately). The Rear Seat bundle adds four-zone auto climate control, a powerfulness right bring upwards footrest in addition to bring upwards seatbelt airbags. The Executive Rear Seat bundle adds "multicontour" bring upwards seats, a right-rear recliner-style footrest in addition to greater adjustment than the Warmth in addition to Comfort bundle offers. The Executive Rear Seat Package Plus replaces the see spot amongst a full-length see console consummate amongst fold-out tray tables in addition to heated in addition to cooled cupholders. The Air Balance bundle adds a cabin fragrance system.

Other options include extended leather interior trim, a surround-view parking camera, adaptive cruise control, nighttime vision assist, an automatically adjustable Magic Body Control suspension, a bring upwards refrigerated box, a rear-seat amusement organisation amongst twin displays in addition to a 24-speaker Burmester 3D surround system. There are also several packages available that bundle emergency communications, information in addition to apps.

A pair of Sport packages adds body cladding in addition to either 19- or 20-inch wheels to the S550. Different 20-inch AMG wheels tin live added to the S63.

POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S550 comes amongst a 4.6-liter turbocharged V8 goodness for 449 horsepower in addition to 516 pound-feet of torque. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 seven-speed automatic transmission in addition to rear-wheel drive are standard, in addition to 4Matic all-wheel drive is an option. At ( www.allcars-world.blogspot.com ) show track, an S550 sprinted from null to lx mph inward precisely 4.9 seconds. That's a fleck quicker than its master copy rivals, which run inward the soundless quick, mid-to-high 5-second range. EPA-estimated fuel economic scheme is xx mpg combined (17 city/25 highway).

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG gets a 5.5-liter turbocharged V8 that produces 577 hp in addition to 664 lb-ft of torque. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 specialized seven-speed automatic transmission in addition to all-wheel drive are standard. Mercedes says it volition hitting lx mph inward 3.9 seconds, which would live on par amongst the SLS AMG supercar

DRIVETRAIN

Effortless. That's how the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class feels when you're behind the wheel. The steering is fairly light, in addition to when equipped amongst lane-keeping assist, it volition fifty-fifty subtly steer the machine for you. Still, you'll live surprised at how adeptly this really large sedan volition hunker downward in addition to become unopen to a corner.

You may intend you've enjoyed a comfortable ride before, but it most probable pales inward comparing to the adjustable air suspension fitted every bit measure to the S-Class. Not only does it Fe out bumps, there's non a hint of floatiness, which is a requirement for a machine designed to cruise effortlessly at triple-digit Autobahn speeds. Plus, the ride gets fifty-fifty amend amongst the optional Magic Body Control. Utilizing a windshield-mounted camera, the machine detects bumps in addition to other imperfections inward the route ahead in addition to automatically adjusts the air suspension to compensate. We're non exaggerating when nosotros say large speed humps tin experience to a greater extent than similar pebbles.

The means the S550 gets upwards to speed is also, well, effortless. Acceleration from the turbo V8 is ferocious, yet its noises are reduced to a whisper within the cocoon-like cabin. You're to a greater extent than probable to listen the S63, but it's non every bit vociferous every bit other AMG models. You're also to a greater extent than probable to teach inward problem amongst Johnny Law since it gets upwards to speed quicker than many sports cars.

SUSPENSION

Being a luxury sedan, a top-quality ride is component division of the package. Mercedes took this expectation to the following story past times offering optional ROAD SURFACE SCAN to discover imperfections inward the route via a stereo camera. With this data, the S-Class in addition to so uses its MAGIC BODY CONTROL to straightaway adjust the suspension organisation to compensate.This alternative is available on all V-8 models.

As standard, the S-Class comes amongst the common Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS in addition to a revised version of Mercedes’ AIRMATIC suspension system

ENGINE

Finally, nosotros halt upwards at the all-new due south 500 Plug-In Hybrid, which checks inward amongst a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-8 engine that produces 328 horsepower in addition to 354 pound-feet of torque. This powerful six-pot combines amongst an electrical motor that adds inward 107 horsepower in addition to 251 pound-feet of torque for a total output of 435 horsepower in addition to a tire-frying 605 pound-feet of torque. This launches the due south 500 Plug-In Hybrid to 62 mph inward precisely 5.5 seconds in addition to to a 155 mph top speed, piece getting 94.2 MPGe in addition to producing precisely 69 grams of CO2 per km on the European cycle. This stout performance makes the due south 500 Plug-In Hybrid faster than all other 2014 S-Class models to 62 mph, except the top-line due south 500.

The due south 500 Plug-In Hybrid has 4 drive modes: HYBRID, E-MODE, E-SAVE in addition to CHARGE. We assume that the HYBRID fashion is the base of operations drive setup that provides the best overall performance in addition to keen fuel economic scheme — Mercedes didn’t offering whatever details on this mode. The E-MODE setting puts the due south 500 on electrical only, in addition to Mercedes claims that this large sedan tin go eighteen miles on electrical only. The E-SAVE fashion runs the due south 500 Plug-In Hybrid on the gasoline engine only, saving the fully charged battery for afterwards inward your journey. Lastly, the CHARGE setting uses the gasoline powerplant to recharge the battery.

Mercedes volition outline the charging times in addition to all other pertinent details of the due south 500 Plug-In Hybrid inward the future; maybe during its populace give away inward Frankfurt.

You may notice that Mercedes has dropped the V-12 engine; instead, its models were made to a greater extent than environmentally friendly. To aid run across its environmental goals, customers tin at nowadays select betwixt 3 hybrid powertrains.

COMFORT & QUALITY

It takes a existent cynic to discover mistake amongst the Mercedes-Benz due south Class' rider comforts. The 2014 S550 has spacious accommodations, superb front end seats, slow access for those inward back, in addition to a fillip of excellent accoutrements to become amongst occasionally fiddly ergonomics. And if anything, its finishes are to a greater extent than beautifully crafted than ever.

The S-Class is built inward 2 distinct lengths, but for the 2014 model year, U.S. dealers volition sell only the long-wheelbase version--dubbed the "standard" wheelbase here, every bit much for the beingness of a shorter machine elsewhere, every bit for the possibility that an fifty-fifty longer machine is inward the works.

The long-wheelbase S-Class body at nowadays has a slightly wider rail in addition to to a greater extent than shoulder, head, in addition to elbow room, which guarantees plenty of front end in addition to rear-seat leg room, fifty-fifty amongst the front end seats powered all the means back. The bring upwards doors are cutting widely, for slow access in addition to limousine-like space.

The seats themselves are sculpted for goodness comfort. In front, the 16-way powerfulness seats tin live controlled via COMAND or door-mounted switches. There's an active multi-contour business office that inflates air pockets inward reply to cornering forces; if it sounds gimmicky, it feels useful in addition to comfortable when the due south Class hustles upwards to higher speeds. The seats are well-padded, heated, in addition to ventilated--and that final characteristic powerfulness live responsible for the i flaw, a difficult surface at the dorsum of the bottom cushion.

The dorsum seats tin live configured inward a few ways, from a basic bench spot to a pair of buckets, to the S-Class' most lounge-like seating alternative ever, its First Class Rear Suite. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 pair of reclining chairs amongst fold-out footrests in addition to a separating console fitted amongst laptop trays, the suite also has app-enabled spot adjustments in addition to a massaging business office that's inspired past times hot-stone treatments at a spa. The armrests are heated, even. For utmost comfort, the front end rider spot tin live lowered in addition to its headrest removed, so the right-rear rider tin nap on a chaise-style recliner.

With the S-Class' larger cabin, you'll rarely discover infinite at a premium, fifty-fifty for the smaller items. There's a large glovebox, in addition to a console large plenty for large electronic gadgets. Two cupholders conduct hold built-in cooling. And inward most versions, the S-Class' bring upwards spot has a fold-down share in addition to a pass-through to the moderately sized trunk.

Fit in addition to destination has few peers inward the machine world, in addition to the S-Class sure enough has never looked better. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 broad hit of leather in addition to woods trim is on the gild sheet, everything from silver-hued trim or quilted leather on the dash to sueded leather on the recliner-seat pillows. The S-Class also has a fair amount of "metallized" surfaces--plastic clad amongst metallic paint. It tin glint in addition to luster similar metal, but to the touching it's non every bit substantial every bit existent metal, peculiarly at the climate vents, where the S-Class' tiny knobs immature adult woman out on the high ritual of, say, Bentley's chromed vent pulls.

FEATURES

Every S-Class model comes measure amongst a navigation system, a Burmester AM/FM/CD/SiriusXM stereo system, a panorama sunroof, heated seats, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, total LED exterior in addition to interior lighting, a powerfulness bring upwards window sunshade, adaptive highbeam attention in addition to 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Premium 1 Package adds active ventilated, active multicontour in addition to massaging front end seats, a proximity key, powerfulness bring upwards window sunblinds in addition to parktronic amongst active parking assist.

The Driver Assistance Package builds on the Premium 1 Package amongst Distronic Plus amongst PRESAFE brake, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, PRE-SAFE PLUS, PRE-SAFE Brake in addition to CMS bring upwards (for a detailed break-down of these security systems, scroll downward to "occupant safety").

The Warmth Comfort Package brings powerfulness retentiveness bring upwards seats amongst heating in addition to ventilation, front end in addition to bring upwards heated armrests, in addition to a heated steering wheel.

The Rear Seat Package includes bring upwards spot belt buckles that ascension upwards when the bring upwards doors are opened, bring upwards seatbelt airbags, slow adjust headrests, four-zone automatic climate control, an electronically adjustable footrest for the right bring upwards spot in addition to a front end rider spot that tin live motion frontward an additional 77mm for additional bring upwards spot space.
The Sport Package nets a body kit in addition to 19- or 20-inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke wheels. The Sport Package Plus One adds bigger wheels inward the cast of 20-inch AMG Multispoke rims.

The Rear Seat Entertainment Package brings a bring upwards spot amusement organisation amongst dual TFT screens in addition to AKG headsets.
Highlights from the stand-alone options include a Burmester 3D surround sound system, Nappa leather upholstery, MAGIC BODY CONTROL, Night View Assist Plus in addition to a bring upwards fridge box.

NEW VIEW ASSIST PLUS : Mercedes engineers managed to improve the S-Class' night-vision organisation amongst the introduction of Night View Assist PLUS, which is equipped a special pedestrian detection function. The Pre-Safe braking organisation has also been improved to cut injuries inward unavoidable crashes. Mercedes says the machine tin apply maximum braking pressure level automatically unopen to 0.6 seconds earlier what is recognized every bit an unavoidable accident. The organisation thus acts every bit something similar an "electronic crumple zone," Mercedes contends.

SAFETY

In add-on to ABS in addition to ESP stability control, the S-Class boasts nine supplemental restraints including two-stage front end air bags, a articulatio genus air handbag for the driver in addition to pelvic air bags which piece of occupation together amongst drapery in addition to side air bags to render extra protection for front end occupants inward unsafe side-impact collisions. Rear seatbelt airbags are optional.

A measure "ATTENTION ASSIST" organisation tin alarm the driver to the start signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes to a greater extent than than 100,000 accidents a twelvemonth inward the U.S.A. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses lxx parameters to flora a unique driver profile during the start xx minutes of driving. Between 50 in addition to 112 mph, the organisation identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers cook every bit they start out to teach drowsy in addition to triggers an audible warning in addition to a "Time for a Rest?" message amongst a java loving cup icon inward the musical instrument cluster.

Collision Prevention Assist uses radar to decide whether the S-Class is inward danger of colliding amongst a vehicle or object upwards ahead. Active at speeds inward a higher house xx mph, it automatically prepares the brakes to apply the ideal leveling of stopping powerfulness i time the driver hits the pedal.
Optional security gear includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, a novel applied scientific discipline that warns the driver if it detects that the S-Class is drifting into an following lane in addition to tin apply steering inputs to rest on the proper course. Also available is Active Blind Spot Assist, which uses radar to discover if a vehicle is inward the blind-spot area. It provides driver alerts in addition to tin also steer the machine out of harm's means if the driver accidentally starts to merge into a vehicle.

Pre-Safe Brake detects impending collisions amongst vehicles or pedestrians in addition to tin automatically apply 100 per centum of the S-Class' braking strength to avoid or mitigate the severity of the crash. It also includes Cross-Traffic Assist, which tin discover potential collisions amongst vehicles approaching from either side of an intersection. Both are component division of the Distronic Plus amongst Steering attention system, an active cruise command setup that tin maintain a laid distance from the machine ahead in addition to also go along the vehicle centered on direct roads or inward gentle curves.

FUEL ECONOMY

The 2014 S-Class arrived inward America inward the autumn of 2013 amongst precisely a unmarried drivetrain at first, leaving the most fuel-efficient models from the prior twelvemonth on hold.

Official U.S. EPA gas mileage ratings house the S550, powered past times a twin-turbo, 4.6-liter V-8, at a fair 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, in addition to xx mpg combined. The 2014 figures cook the novel S550 a notch amend than final year's--though it's soundless a fleck thirsty inward the grander scheme.

The S550 4Matic (all-wheel-drive) scores 16/26 mpg city/highway, in addition to the S63 AMG scores 15/23 mpg city/highway.

As a guideline, final year's S550 was rated at 15/25 mpg inward the rear-drive S550 in addition to at 15/24 mpg inward the S550 amongst all-wheel drive. In long-distance interstate driving, we've seen 25.5 mpg fifty-fifty when cruising at nearly eighty mph amongst this engine in addition to the measure seven-speed automatic.

In the offing are novel versions of the S350 BlueTEC turbodiesel, in addition to a hybrid. But that gas-electric model won't only live a restyled S400 Hybrid amongst a carryover drivetrain--it is a novel S500 plug-in hybrid, late revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show but non yet rated for the U.S. market. European gas mileage figures house it at upwards to 78 mpg, but those figures don't interpret good to EPA ratings.

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