Luxury, luxury, luxury. That was the word that was mentioned a lot during the launch of the much-anticipated Mercedes-Benz S-Class family in Malaysia. And why not. This is the Sonderklasse we’re talking about here. The iconic flagship series comprises the refreshed S-Class limousine, S-Class cabriolet, S-Class Coupe, and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
The S-Class is the definitive statement of luxury, an amalgamation of contemporary design, exquisite craftmanship, highest technology standards and performance.
Modern luxury
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) says that development work on the new S-Class was extremely extensive, with 6,500 new components. The flagship vehicle was the best-selling luxury saloon in the world in 2016 and it intends to keep it that way.
The company has sold over 300,000 saloons since 2013, and today there are six different S-Class body variants.
The facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class or S 450 L is a locally-assembled luxury sedan that’s powered by a 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 petrol engine. The powerplant delivers 362bhp (367PS) at 5,500-6,000rpm, and 500Nm from 1,800 to 4,000rpm.
This new powertrain is paired with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, replacing the 7G-Tronic unit on its predecessor, the hybrid S 400h.
You’d want to cruise in luxury in this, however, if there’s a need to go racy, it’ll not hesitate to get you out of the lights to 100km/h in a cool 5.4s. You can put the pedal to the metal all the way up to 250km/h.
In terms of ride and handling, the new S-Class features dynamic AIRMATIC suspension that optimises ride quality in any environment. The DYNAMIC SELECT switch on the centre console lets you select different handling characteristics – Comfort, Sport, and ECO.
Exterior-wise, changes are subtle. There’s a new radiator grille with three twin louvres in chromes as well as vertical bars in a high-gloss black finish.
Exterior colour options include Selenite Grey, Obsidian Black, Iridium Silver, Magnetite Black, Diamond Silver, Cavansite Blue and Diamond White Bright (who comes up with these names?).
With the new multibeam LED headlamps (optional feature), the new sedan features three distinctive torches of light as an exclusive design element. The front bumper is also new with more pronounced air intakes and a sportier look overall.
The rear LED lamps have a crystal look, while the tail lamp comes with three horizontal pairs of fibre optics.
The S-Class sedan also gets an updated AMG 10-spoke wheels, wrapped in 245/40 (front) and 275/35 (rear) run-flat rubber.
External aesthetics aside, the new S-Class features some neat tech wizardry, including Intelligent Drive that takes another step towards autonomous driving.
Active Distance Control DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now provide even better assistance to help the driver keep a safe distance and steer. The system adjusts speeds automatically ahead of bends, junctions and roundabouts.
On the inside, the new S-Class features two new high-resolution 12.3-inch displays that are housed under one shared glass cover.
The fully-digital instrument cluster lets the driver display three different styles: Classic, Sporty and Progressive.
That aside, there’s touch-sensitive Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel. You can use swipe motions like on a smartphone to control the entire infotainment system.
Speaking of which, the infotainment system remains the COMAND Online system that can be operated via the touchpad with controller on the centre control, as well as via LINGUATRONIC voice control.
The infotainment unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and smartphone integration via MB Mirror Link. For added convenience, there’s also wireless charging available at both the front and back of the vehicle.
Interior colour combinations offered include Black, Nut Brown/Black and Silk Beige/Espresso Brown. Some combinations may only be available with certain exterior colours only.
Pricing and availability
In Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz S 450 L will be offered as an AMG line variant at MYR699,888 on-the-road without insurance.
MBM is offering financing for the S 450 L AMG Line at just MYR8,888 per month with three-year EaseCare Financing. EaseCare comes with value-added benefits like service package, comprehensive motor insurance (first year) and Agility Financing (flexible financing).
By comparison, a conventional three-year financing without any added value will set you back MYR16,198 per month.
For more information, visit the official Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website.
