Mercedes S class; Das Beste Oder Nichts!
Das Beste Oder Nichts, we can read that in English as The Best Or Nothing, the German automaker Mercedes Benz uses the above quoted words as their key of marketing. They say and they do what the say. German cars are always known for their performance and build quality along with their taste in luxury. Even though the Britishers have took the major part of the world luxury car market the Germans are also popular in the industry. German luxury cars are also popular in India, and I think they are so popular that even with some random guy owning a BMW M Sport variant or a Mercedes AMG variant is considered of having a luxury car, we cant blame them because Germans debuted to the automobile market with luxury as a key. Indian luxury car market is ruled by the two German guys that is the BMW 7 series and the Mercedes S class. Now to revv up their market stance Mercedes have bought the fresh S Class, the ultimate name of German luxury to Indian shores. We are going on a deeper dive into the S Class W223.
The Mercedes S class or the Mercedes Benz Sonderklasse, the German name for special class and, is the full size luxury sedan from the Mercedes Benz, an automaker division of the German company Daimler AG. The S class, as said is the last name of German luxury and has won the World Luxury car of the year 2021. Introduced to the world in the year 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since S Class, the German luxury sedan debuted with many of the company ’ s latest innovations, was the best luxury sedan of that time. The features including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems such as the first seat-belt pretensioners. The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car." Although used colloquially for decades following its official reveal in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced. There are 7 generation including the W223 and every generation is classic and luxurious of its time, gradually evolving with the moving time the new generations are incorporated with first class features and giving a luxurious ride and comfortable seating, which makes S class the ultimate choice. S Class is having a huge time legacy. Before going into the review lets check the history of the S.
First generation, W116 the first to be officially called the S-Class. Produced from 1972 through 1980,the W116 series featured a four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes. The 280, 350, and 450 (4.5L version) models featured SE and SEL versions. Production of the W116 totaled 473,035 units. This was a groundbreaking sedan for Mercedes-Benz, and for the first time in the company history, the car had an obvious, blatant and outward emphasis on safety placed above a pure styling viewpoint. The overall design incorporated numerous safety features developed from the "safety research vehicles" in the mid- 1960s to the very early 1970s.
Second generation, W216 The W126 series premiered in September 1979, launching in March 1980 asa 1980 model and late 1980 as a 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. The W126 line featured improved aerodynamics and enlarged aluminium engine blocks. In Australia in 1981, the W126 S-Class won Wheels magazine's Car of the Year award. The W126 was manufactured from 1979 through 1991 with a mid-cycle update. Coupe models based on the S-Class were reintroduced with the W126. Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold.
The third generation, W140 In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line with the first productionmodel assembled in April of that year. The W140 grew in proportions and featured two wheelbase lengths and a shorter-wheelbase W140 coupé. Production hit 432,732 units. The cost of W140 25% more than the W126 that it replaced and featured double-pane window glazing, self-closing boot lid and doors, electric windows with a jam-protection feature (lowering when encountering an obstruction), rear-parking markers in the US (which appeared on the rear wings when in reverse), and a heating system which emitted warm air while residual energy was available after the engine was turned off.
The W220, the fourth generation In July 1998, the W220 was presented. The W220 S-Class was restyled due to an update on previous models or new cars released compared to its W140 predecessor. Unlike its predecessor, the W220 was not the first model to feature the company's new design theme for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz. This honor was given to the W168 A-Class when it launched in 1997. The new S- Class incorporated the new styling cues first introduced on the Mk I A-Class the year before (for example, the dashboard carried over the new styling details first seen in the A-Class), with a renewed focus on elegance and style in a more rounded shape compared to the preceding W140. Despite being smaller, the W220 S-Class offered more interior space than the W140. Production of the W220 S-Class totaled 485,000 units, slightly more than the production totals from the W140. The W220 was produced in a sedan version only and the production was concluded in the year 2005.
The fifth generation W221 The all-new W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales starting in autumn of 2005 and export to other markets beginning in 2006. Again there was a big change in design. The W221 S-Class made its North American premiere at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. The W221 is slightly larger in all dimensions than its predecessor, and it features three newly developed engines with up to 26% increase in power. The interior is completely new, all materials have been upgraded and make for a more luxurious ride, and the center console transmission gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted shifter. New technological features on the W221 include an infrared Night View Assist feature and the latest Mercedes-Benz pre-collision system. The W221 features sharper exterior styling (most notably wide fender arcs) and technological improvements. The W221 is the second consecutive generation of the S-Class to be solely produced in a sedan body style.
The 6 th generation the predecessor of the current model was the W222 S Class Officially unveiled in May 2013, the newest S-Class has a more streamlined appearance than the outgoing model. Some interesting features include a large front grille inspired by the F700 Concept car and LED lights used exclusively inside and out – a first in the automotive industry. Two strong converging character lines give the flanks a more sculpted look, while integrated exhaust tips and a large glass roof (likely optional) highlight the design. Along with the sedan, the S-Class spawned a coupe (Mercedes-Benz C217) and convertible (Mercedes-Benz A217) as well as an extended-wheelbase 'Pullman' variant, longer than the long-wheelbase 'L.' While the short- wheelbase model carries chassis code W222, the long-wheelbase model uses chassis code V222. Unlike with previous generations, Mercedes focused primarily on the development of the longer model as many customers in the fast-growing Asian markets prefer to be chauffeured. In 2016 Mercedes W222 was the last car with an S65 AMG engine. And here ends a brief about the History of S.
The new W223 S Class is one of its kind in luxury style and tech. The front-end is really stunning with the chrome finishes and the three point star hood ornament. The new grille design fresh than the older generations is really sleek and thin, which is better than the older generations and the design update is perfectly on time. The grille is having three horizontal lines which leaves lavish space for the air dam and these lines are finished with chrome to increase the elegance and the three horizontal bar is stricken by a single vertical bold line right at the centre and that too is finished with chrome. The chrome finished front grille gives the front-end a shiny appearance and really complements the luxurious approach. Another element is the three point star, the Mercedes logo which is standing proudly on the hood as a hood ornament, really stylish peace of luxury. S is currently the only car with a hood ornament in India. The hood is almost plane on the center but there are two hood character lines which are really sharp and gives an artistic feel to the hood. The character lines merges to the front headlamp unit. Other than the 2 character lines on the hood there are no other sharp lines or creases on the front-end. The next point of attraction is the updated all LED smart signature headlamp unit. Mercedes has incorporated luxury in every piece of S class and the headlamp unit is the best example. The headlamp units are sleek and attractive, smaller than the old generations. The sharp LED DRL placed attractively in the headlamp unit is giving a bold look to the S. The bottom panel and the front lip is adorned with chrome strips highlighting every lines on the front- end. The view from the front-end says out the character of the class and the low lying structure warns you not to vandalize the rolling castle. Notably if u take the headlamps as eyes the DRL can be considered as eyebrows and totally generates calmness and boldness along with serious sharp look. The front-end even though it looks so calm and luxurious it also looks bold and serious
The side profile is having a streamlined shape like that exactly of a fish and that complements to the stance of the W223. The side profile is just as plane as the hood apart from two character lines, one miled but sharp character body line which emerges from the headlamp unit, it feels so even though it is not, and it runs down the shoulder line and merges to the boot and another one just above the bottom panel, which merges out with the wheel arch. The side profile also reflects the use of chrome. Chrome strips are inserted on the window line and is used as a bordering in the windows. The flush door handles are meld seamlessly into the elegant silhouette, emerging automatically as you approach the vehicle. The bottom panels in the side profile is also adorned with chrome strips as a signature of luxury. The wheel arches are sharp and thin and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish is another peace of artwork, if you look clearly you can see the massive disc brake and the calipers, and the calipers are painted the same color as the alloys. The 20 inch wheels are really appealing the luxury and will give you a feel of floating down the road in a castle.
The roof-line swoops down as it reaches the rear end, and there a small quarter panel is incorporated nicely and the swooping roof-line is classy and complements to the luxurious structure of the S. the rear end is also adored with chrome which makes the rear end feel more premium. The rear end is dominated by the thick chrome strip on the centre and the chrome bar connects the two tail lamp clusters. The centre is more luxurious with the presence of the shiny three point star too. The bottom panel is also finished in chrome. The stripes and the diffusers along with the exhaust tips are given a classy chrome finish, hence giving it a shiny appearance. The tail lamp cluster, just like the headlamp cluster is crystal finished and the large triangular tail lamps always take your sight, with high quality detailing and highly efficient lights. The exterior is flushed with chrome highlights and minimalist sharp design. The exterior highlights include the smart LED head and tail lamps the character and charisma is just amazing and the new W223 is sleeker or lean than the old W222. The massive 20 inch wheels with the low lying feel makes it classic and luxurious. The attitude of the S is mixed with calmness boldness and roughness. The classic and aggressive attitude will always makes you respect the rolling castle. The rolling castle is available in 5 different colours, that is the Antarctic Blue, Designo Diamond White Bright, Emerald Green, Onyx Black and Rubellite Red.
Now lets not hop into the inside because this should be luxurious so stepping inside will suddenly make it worthy of the name S Class. The interior is suddenly making you feel really futuristic and luxurious. The interior is absolutely comparable to a Five-Star Hotel Lounge, the rear seat is finished with elegant and cozy leather, the attractive cross stitch patterns, the interior is given two finishes, one the common finish for the premium feel, the beige and there lies no problem of getting the interior dirty cus this castle is worth a lot of money. The second trim feels more premium, that is the Nappa leather finished interior with contrasting Sienna Black Brown finishes. The Nappa leather seats are more practical because it feels more premium and practical. The upholstery patterns are really classy and makes the seats more lively. The back portion of the rear seats are given a glossy black finish with white lines along with chrome strips bordering them. The chrome stripe is running all around the interior through the door line and the doors are really classy finished with the buttons for the seat adjustments and door operations. The hand rests are amazingly put together on the right places to give you the absolute comfortable relaxed ride. The door pad is shining with aluminium inserts from the door handle to every buttons, and the gloss black background finish makes the aluminium elements stand out and striking along with the leather upholstery given to the door pad makes it soft to touch. The back seat hand rests is having a gloss black finished portion where the tablet is placed. The tablet can be taken out from the place and it can be used to control the multimedia system and the ambient lighting and many more functions. The rear seat is extra comfortable with the pop out thigh support. The S is having another highlight feature that is first ever active ambient lighting, that means the ambient lighting will show gestures about the increased or decrease in the temperature, that is as the temperature rises up the ambient lights turn red and as the temperature goes down the ambient lights turn blue. The front seats are equally comfortable and stylish
as the rear ones and the gloss black background makes the aluminium finished buttons stand out. The front-end is having the key of control of the rolling castle the Multi-function AMG Sports Steering wheels. The steering wheels are made comfortable with the Nappa leather wrap and is flat bottom to give the sports car feel, after-all its a beast which is comfortable to control not a perfect drivers car but the perfect driver ’ s car. The multi-function sports steering wheel in Nappa leather has a flattened bottom section and is heavily embossed in the grip area – outstanding prerequisites for a sporty driving style. The high-quality, soft Nappa leather is a quality experience in itself. Via the touch control panels you can control key vehicle functions without having to take your hands off the steering wheel. The steering wheel is embraced with gloss black finish and the aluminium insert makes it more commanding. Behind the wheels the selection nobes are all new with a aluminium and black dual tone finish. The digital meter console is also incorporated perfectly to the place and it is looking futuristic and classic both in one shot.
The classy and futuristic meter console is a tablet kind with many different themes and animations, and its given a chrome border lining. The centre console is consumed by the large 12.3 inch vertical infotainment screen placed right at the centre and just like that of the meter console chrome bordering is given to the infotainment screen too. The interior is lavishly adorned with Piano black finish and chrome outlines. The AC vents are given a brushed aluminium finish and every pockets are filled with features like wireless and USBC charging. The mid storage pocket is given the continuation of the leather finish on the top and the dashboard is well put together nicely complementing to the royal attire. The chrome borderlines and the aluminium highlights and the gloss black inserts altogether makes it royal and luxurious. The centre portion of the dashboard is given a wood themed trim to get the feel of ultimate luxury and that minimal approach makes it more elegant. The 12.3 inch huge infotainment system is integrated with the Mercedes-Benz User eXperiance, aka the MBUX system. This is integrated with many features like the Touch control concept, Natural voice control, “ Hey Mercedes ” and MBUX,, touch-pad , Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system, MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System, Extended MBUX functions, two fully integrated high-resolution 11.6-inch displays mounted on rear seats, 7-inch tablet you can also use the internet or Android apps. The features of the tablet: 1. WiFi-enabled tablet •
Headphone connection via Bluetooth or 3.5 mm audio jack • Docking station with charging function in the centre armrest 2. MBUX remote control of the central display 3. Direct access to available equipment: • MBUX multimedia system with media • Display of the distance to the set destination incl. arrival time • Rear compartment air conditioning system, in conj. with THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control in the rear or seat climate control in the rear • Seat massage, in conj. with Rear Seat Comfort Package 4. Ambient lighting • Change from MBUX to Android mode with: • Web browser • Android apps 5. Mirroring of the rear displays incl. depiction of navigation, in conj. with MBUX. The S is called a techno castle because of the wide range of features like that mentioned above and more features or small attention to details are also given to the car which makes it attractive and satisfied to be in, features includes the Remote controlled tailgate, ambient lighting with projection of brand logo, illuminated door sill with the writing Mercedes Benz, AMG floor mats and designer seat-belt buckles.
In India, the S-Class is available with two engine options – a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder petrol that produces 362 BHP and 500 NM as well as a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel that puts out 282 BHP and 600 NM. All variants come equipped with a 48 V mild-hybrid system, a 9-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive and rear- wheel steering. The rear wheel steering turns the rear wheel in the opposite direction to that of the front wheel thus making it more manoeuvrable and getting rid of the parking headaches. the new S-Class comes loaded with safety features. It has E-Active Body Control adaptive suspension, per-safe Impulse Control and more importantly, a frontal airbag for rear passengers as well as Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities.
So as the caption given to the Mercedes states the S Class is the best Luxury car around the world and is totally deserving the world luxury car of the year award. With the minimalist approach and less but aggressive character lines, lavishly filled with chrome around every bits of the corners and pockets every small bits of elements are finished with perfection. The twenty inch wheels with the sleek exterior show the attitude of ultimate luxury along with the calm but aggressive. The final word can be nothing but Das Beste Oder Nichts!
That is a small preview on the new S class and a small bit to its history hope you enjoyed and seeya in next post. Share with your friends and keep supporting.
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