Mercedes S-Class

El Mercedes S-Class it is an institution in itself. It is one of those few, very few, models that transcend the lines of its own brand. The S-Class is considered a separate model. The best of the best is destined for him, the most exclusive and advanced that the German brand is capable of giving. If there is any innovative technology, it is presented first by the representative saloon, and then by the rest of the range.

The S-Class is a Mercedes, but not all Mercedes are an S-Class. You have to go back to 1954 to date the date of birth of the great representation sedan. Its name derives from the German Sonderklasse, which means Special Class.. Although the first units were not known by this name, Mercedes used another name, it was not until the third generation when it began to be called that.

To date, the Mercedes S-Class accumulates a total of 10 generations on the market, seven under the name that we currently know.. The last of these editions is presented in 2020, and as usual, it launches a series of innovative technologies that the rest of the range will begin to use in the coming years. We are not before a Mercedes E-Class larger.

Technical characteristics of the Mercedes S-Class

The current generation of the S-Class receives the code V 223. A change that implies a new chassis, developed to offer the highest levels of comfort and dynamism, while being prepared for a wide variety of mechanical systems, from traditional combustion to electrified propulsion solutions. Mercedes offers two types of platforms, one normal and one extended battle in order to provide greater comfort to the rear seats.

The Mercedes S-Class is located within the F segment, that is, the largest of all as its dimensions show. 5,18 meters long, 5,29 for the SL-Class, 1,92 meters wide and 1,5 meters high. To these generous dimensions must be added a wheelbase of 3,1 meters for the normal body and 3,21 for the extended wheelbase edition. Battles that in any case offers ample space for subsequent occupants.

Despite its discreet proportions, the S-Class has never shown an excessively large trunk. The occupants come first, the load, no. The trunk volume varies between 330 and 550 liters depending on the model and bodywork. Depending on the model selected, the occupancy of the S-Class can vary between five and four passengers. In this latest version, the back row becomes two individual armchairs with all kinds of luxuries, including massages.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the Mercedes S-Class

Mercedes S-Class rear seats

As we have already said, the best of the best is reserved for the Mercedes S-Class, and that also includes a range of engines adapted to the requests of a model in this category. The new generation launches a fleet of engines of all kinds; diesel, gasoline and plug-in hybrids with up to 100 km of autonomy. The most powerful model in the range is the extraordinary Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance with a PHEV system that develops 802 horsepower.

Given the relative youth of the tenth generation, the mechanical fleet is short at the moment, and under no circumstances will we see engines with less than six cylinders. The diesel branch is made up of two different mechanics S 350d and S 400d. The powers are 286 and 330 horses respectively. And, like the rest of the blocks, the management is entrusted to a nine-speed automatic gearbox, with a standard all-wheel drive scheme except for the 350d, which is optional.

More versions come from the hand of the gasoline engines. Two units: S 450 and S 500. Six cylinder blocks that deliver 367 and 435 horses respectively. In this case, you do receive the help of an MHEV scheme. A 48-volt auxiliary electrical system, a low-capacity battery, and an electric motor that provides extra help at different phases of acceleration. Both options are certified with the DGT ECO label.

Equipment of the Mercedes S-Class

Where the Mercedes S-Class really shows that it is made of a special paste is inside. Each previous generation has become a reference in terms of technology and quality. It is in the passenger compartment where you can see the difference between an S-Class and the rest of the range.. The sense of luxury that it transmits surpasses any other model of the house, except of course the Mercedes GLS, the SUV version of the sedan.

As usual, Mercedes reserves different trim levels, but it must be recognized that they all arrive with high quality. Nevertheless, the customization program, and the optional ones, allows you to configure a model to the particular taste of each client, including a wide deployment of technologies. The S-Class is the first car in the world to achieve level 3 autonomous driving, and its safety standards far exceed those of any other model, including accident prevention and a front airbag system for rear occupants.

It is practically impossible to detail all the equipment that the S-Class can offer, but we can highlight the most innovative elements. Digital LED headlights with signal projection on the asphalt, Head-Up Display with 77-inch screen, massage seats, sound system with 31 speakers, state-of-the-art voice control, four-zone climate control, 12,3-inch digital instrument panel and multimedia system with 12,8-inch central screen.

Mercedes S-Class on video

The Mercedes S-Class of Km 0 and Second Hand

Given the long history of generations of the Mercedes S-Class, the second-hand and Km 0 markets are well supplied with units for sale. Thanks to the popularity gained over the years, the S-Class has earned a well-deserved reputation for durability, luxury and comfort. Features that allow you reduce its depreciation percentage to much lower levels than those of its rivals. It is a car that retains its value very well.

However, it is also easy to see how the cheapest units for sale have very low prices due to a very high number of accumulated kilometers, above 300 thousand in most cases. These units, mostly from the fourth generation (1998-2005), have starting prices of around 2.000 euros. The Km 0 market is more limited, most customers are looking to customize their S-Class, and therefore dealers do not usually accumulate much stock.

Rivals of the Mercedes S-Class

Although the history of the Mercedes S-Class is difficult to match, it has before it a list of models that intend to stand up to it. A short list and mainly intended for wealthy pockets or high dignitaries. The main rivals are: Audi A8, BMW Serie 7, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS, Maserati Quattroporte y Porsche Panamera. All of them are similar in terms of qualities, equipment and features, although in this last section the Porsche stands out above the rest.

Highlights

Materials quality
ride comfort
Equipment

Improvable points

High price
Not too big trunk

Prices of the Mercedes S-Class

As always, the Mercedes S Class is manufactured under the highest quality standards, and to meet this objective, the German manufacturer opens facilities in its new Factory 56. The sale price is in accordance with this condition of exclusivity. The starting price in Spain for the Mercedes S Class is 112.698 euros for the S Corto in its 350 d variant. The most expensive of the entire family is the AMG S 63 E Performance with 802 horsepower. Its basic rate starts at 246.250 euros, without offers or promotions.