14 April 2009 - 10:00
The future is here...
The slightly new Mercedes S-Class is here, and while it won't stun you into silence with its innovative looks and James Bond appeal like the SLS AMG, it's a veritable tech-fest.
The luxury saloon's USP - and the reason so many people buy it - is that it gives you everything you can expect to see in ordinary cars in five years' time, right now. Like an episode of Tomorrow's World but here and now.
And the new S-Class doesn't disappoint. Featuring a unique combination of camera and radar-based driver assistance - suddenly very Bond-esque - the luxury saloon has been transformed into an ‘intelligent partner', says Merc.
The new model includes the seriously cool ‘Attention Assist' drowsiness detection function, ‘Pre-Safe' braking - which primes the brakes if the S-Class senses an accident, and will even brake for you in truly dire circumstances - and automatic crosswind stabilisation.
Toys include the new Splitview technology we told you about before Christmas, allowing the driver to check the satnav while the passenger watches, say, Top Gear, all on the same screen.
Engines? Well, you've got the choice of one diesel and five petrol powerplants, ranging from six to 12 cylinders, with 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, improved fuel consumption and a 10 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.
With an average fuel consumption of 37.2mpg, the S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is definitely the green option. But the S600 with its 12-cylinder biturbo is the properly loony choice, giving you a frankly unnecessary 517bhp and 62mph in 4.6 seconds.
Prices are yet to be confirmed but expect to get your hands on one in time for autumn.
Now watch Jezza try to design the perfect interior for the S-Class, complete with wood-burning stove, wing-backed chairs and bookcase:
Want to comment on this?
AND YAKUZA
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Nice....(no more words necesary)
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Clever... very clever
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I'm never very impressed with "automedia" gadgetry, which is usually both a disappointment and a rip-off. I'm even less impressed by the assists for sleepy or inattentive drivers. If you want -- or need -- your transportation to make the decisions for you, might I suggest "mass transit"?
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well i dont think the s-class is the class leader in terms of technology. the lexus ls is far ahead and much of the "new" equipment on this s-class such as the drowzy thing have been on the ls for a while now...
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boring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! snore
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attchaly good and ugly
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I think it is very beautiful. Specially in Black. Oh yeah, Really Cool. :D
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My father got himself an S-class Merc some weeks ago and every time I sit in it, passenger or driver's seat, I feel utterly and completely impressed and welcome. The S-class has a way of making you feel special. And like a king. Or in my case, a queen, since I'm a woman. The car simply seems to carry a message that says: "Don't exert yourself, relax, and enjoy the ride. You've earned it." If one fine day I will be able to buy any car I like, I'll get an S-class.
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i am crazy about cars
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This car has MAFIA written all over it; its slightly understated, it looks like a normal car, its not mind-blowingly fast and it doesn't make a loud noise, its avaliable in black and its loaded with gizmos.
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I Want One
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Turbomatic commented on this article
14 April 2009
always Loved the S-class Jezza Vid! And I always liked S-classes's especially in black, MAFIA CAR!
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