In 2016 the Mercedes-Benz S‑Class was the best-selling luxury saloon worldwide. Now the flagship model has been comprehensively modernised and is confirming its role as a technological trailblazer with new engines and enhanced driving assistance systems. The performance model from Affalterbach now also boasts a new engine, new transmission, new all-wheel drive system as well as a new exterior and interior design. Mercedes-AMG has further sharpened the driving dynamics and visual appearance. The first models of the new S‑Class can be ordered with immediate effect at prices starting from 88,446.75 euros, and will arrive in European dealerships in July. Additional new engines and also pioneering technologies, such as an integral 48‑v olt starter-alternator, are already in the pipeline.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class; long wheelbase

Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC

Among the highlights of the new S-Class is a new, highly efficient engine line‑up. Here is an overview of the models available from July:

The standard equipment of the S-Class is comprehensive. Standard features include COMAND Online with Widescreen Cockpit and Car‑to‑X-Communication (enables autonomous information exchange with vehicles as well as the traffic infrastructure), multifunction steering wheel with Touch Control buttons, touchpad with Controller, intelligent THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, the air suspension system AIRMATIC with continuously variable damping system, DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode selection as well as the Smartphone Integration package with Apple Car Play® and Android Auto™ and a wireless charging system for mobile devices.

The new S-Class takes another major step towards autonomous driving, elevating Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive to the next level. The range of driving assistance and safety systems features a modular design and as standard includes Active Braking Assist, Crosswind Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Traffic Sign Assist and also the occupant protection system PRE‑S AFE®. New and also part of the standard specification is PRE‑SAFE® Sound (prepares human hearing for the anticipated accident noise when there is a risk of a collision).

Numerous new and comprehensively revised assist systems are bundled together in the optional Driving Assistance package (2737 euros). DISTRONIC Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of curves or junctions. This is complemented by Evasive Steering Assist, a considerably improved Active Lane Keeping Assist and also the additional functions of the Active Emergency Stop Assist. Also included in the Driving Assistance package is PRE‑SAFE PLUS®, which additionally takes into account dangerous situations caused by traffic following behind, such as a rear impact for example.

With Remote Parking Assist, the driver can manoeuvre the S‑Class into and out of narrow parking spaces or garages from outside the vehicle via smartphone. The Remote Parking Assist is part of the Remote Parking package (4343.50 euros), which also comprises the Parking package with Active Parking Assist and 360° camera plus the KEYLESS GO package.

Extremely quick and precise adjustment of the headlamps to the current traffic conditions comes courtesy of MULTIBEAM LED. Via 84 individually controllable LEDs, the light is always switched on exactly where it is needed. The ULTRA RANGE Highbeam produces the maximum light intensity permitted by law, which results in the brightness of the main beam headlamps remaining above the reference value of 1 lux over a distance of more than 650 metres. MULTIBEAM LED with ULTRA RANGE Highbeam comes as standard on the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC and carries an additional cost of 1999.20 euros for other models.

In the interior the S-Class sets new standards when it comes to comfort and well-being. Making its world debut is the  ENERGIZING comfort control with six programmes which combine different comfort functions for a harmonious set-up. This enhances physical comfort and performance while driving and during a break. The ENERGIZING comfort control will be available in combination with the AIR‑BALANCE package (440.30 euros) and the extended ambient lighting (476 euros) from September 2017 and costs 238 euros.

The extended ambient lighting (476 euros) showcases the interior like a work of art by composing 10 colour worlds from a total of 64 colours. In addition, the ambient lighting is integrated into the ENERGIZING comfort control and adjusts harmoniously to the individual screen designs.

Ahead of its 2014 launch, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class XL was spied on the streets of Stuttgart and we have the video.  According to the latest reports, the extra-long wheelbase S-Class will be 200mm longer than the current long wheelbase S-Class (5,2446mm) putting it at 5,446mm  long.  The seating layout will remain the same as the standard with the addition of a third window behind the back door.

Power for the enlarged S-Class will come from a V12 5.5 liter engine that is capable of outputting 585 HP (430 kW) and could potentially adopt the S600 Maybach moniker.  No definite word on where the debut will happen but there is a good chance it will be debuted at the Guangshou Motor Show in China where they love long wheelbases.

Source: WCF

We’ve seen the Mercedes S-Class standard wheelbase, the S-Class long wheelbase, for the speed hungry among you, the monstrously powered-yet-luxurious S63 AMG.  But the fun doesn’t stop there, ladies and gentlemen, as there are even more variants of their top of the range Mercedes S coming.

Mercedes has confirmed that the S-Class range will be completed by six model variants, stating “there will be now three new models in addition to the short-wheelbase and extended wheelbase variants and the S-Class Coupe”.  Why so many?  With Maybach gone, Mercedes has opted to seek the same market share of the outgoing brand, and they’ve decided the standard wheel base isn’t going to do it.

In the latest spy photos, we see can see that Mercedes is adding an extra long wheelbase variant to the S-Class lineup.  Unlike the upcoming S-Class Pullman, that will have 6 seats (formed by three rows of two), this new extra-long wheelbase S-Class sticks to the traditional two rear seats, but adds approximately 200mm over the conventional long wheelbase variant.  Think of it as the middle ground between the long wheelbase S-Class and the S-Class Pullman.  Hit the gallery below to see more.

Thanks to Andrus for the tip and GMotors for the photos.

With the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman, Mercedes is looking to directly target it’s Rolls-Royce Phantom rival, as revealed by Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche.

Zetsche recently confirmed with UK’s Autocar that “Mercedes-Benz has conceived and developed the new S-class to support six different models, along with three different wheelbases in a move aimed at broadening its reach at the top end of the luxury car ranks”.

At the very top of the S-Class lineup will be the ‘Pullman’ variant, designed to take the place of Daimler’s discontinued Maybach brand, the S-Class Pullman will be the crown of the future Mercedes-Benz line-up.

The S-Class Pullman will be based on an extra-long-wheelbase version of the S-class, measuring in at around 236.2 inches long with around a 138 inch wheelbase.  It will receive several luxurious styling touches unique to the model, most notably, the ultra luxury model will gain a distinctive grille that will give the S-Class a more noble appearance over it’s S-Class brethren.

“We will continue in the market segment above €200,000 [£170,000],” said Zetsche. “It is important that Mercedes-Benz is represented. We have tradition at this level.

“We see a chance to extend our leadership at the top end of the luxury car market. We plan to extend the number of models, and a Pullman is included in those plans.”

Zetsche also confirmed that the new S-Class, due to go on sale this fall, will eventually be sold with the choice of three wheelbases in selected markets. Wheelbases will include standard, long and extra-long wheelbases — the long added to the line-up for key markets like China who desire limousines in key markets such as China.

Adding to the S-Class lineup, Mercedes plans to unveil their CL replacement, the S-Class Coupe at the Frankfurt motor show this September. The new coupe S-Class, which will likely be debuted initially as a concept, will be the base for the next S-Class model, the S-class Cabriolet, scheduled to go on sale toward the end of 2014. Quotes via Autocar.

The S-Class Pullman is slated to be unveiled in May of 2014, so stay tuned.

Scheduled for its official world premier one month from now, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the most highly anticipated redesigns of the year. A few weeks ago we brought you the very first photos of the Mercedes S-Class undisguised and now, thanks to our good friends at MBPassion, we have the latest photos showing the long version of the 2014 S-Class .

Nearly ten months ago, we reported that the new Mercedes S-Class was going to be offered in a few different variants with multiple wheelbases and engine options. This is to be Mercedes way of filling the gap following Maybach’s closure. The Mercedes S-Class we see here is likely the long-wheelbase version (codenamed V222, 207.87 inches long, 7.08 longer than the standard-wheelbase car). Looking for something even longer, their is a rumored extra-long wheelbase version, which will measure in 13.78 inches longer than the standard car (codenamed X222 and 214.57 inches in length). And if this car still isn’t long enough for you, don’t despair as Mercedes-Benz is also working on a Pullmann with six doors with a total body length of 226.38 inches.

Stay tuned as we will continue to bring you the latest news on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with full coverage on May 15.