This video features the Mercedes-AMG S-Class range.

Ten Second Review

Mercedes-Benz reckons that its S-Class saloon is very possibly the best car in the world and this revised version of the W222 model backs that claim up with some hugely impressive technology. It's enough to keep this car very competitive indeed against aspiring rivals.

Background

The S or 'Sonderklasse' has served as the flagship Mercedes saloon for over fifty years in various guises and the improved 'W222' model we're looking at here is the sixth generation since Mercedes started officially using the S-Class tag back in 1972. This car though, has a tougher brief than any of its predecessors. At its entry point, it must satisfy successful mid-level Managers, while at the other end of the line-up, the same car with greater power and opulence must also be good enough to meet the exalted expectations of potential Rolls Royce and Bentley buyers, with Maybach-badged versions of this model. To achieve that, this car will have to be even more ground-breaking than its predecessors - but then the S-Class always has been. This, after all, was the luxury saloon that in 1978 pioneered anti-lock brakes, in 1981 introduced airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and traction control and by 1992 was the first car to be built entirely free from harmful CFCs. This time round, even more ingenuity will be required in the face of new generation rivals from Audi and BMW.

Driving Experience

This improved S-Class features more than 6000 fresh components, standardisation of '4MATIC' 4WD and three new engines. The key news is that the 3.0-litre V6 diesel that's been used in volume versions of the S-class since 2005 has at last been replaced. Instead, customers are being offered a completely new 2.9-litre in-line six cylinder diesel motor developing 286bhp in the base S350d 4MATIC or 340bhp in the S400d 4MATIC. This powerplant uses variable valve lift control for the first time and is mated to a new, even smoother 9-speed 9G-TRONIC auto gearbox. In the S400d, 62mph from rest takes just 5.2s en route to an artificially-limited maximum of 155mph and on the move, the electronically controlled air-sprung suspension delivers ride quality that rivals can't quite match. Its incorporated MAGIC BODY CONTROL' set-up now incorporates a further curve-tilting function that tilts the body by up to 2.65-degrees through the bends so that passengers will hardly notice it as you go through tighter turns. Other engines on offer in the line-up include a new six-cylinder petrol unit that's used as part of the brand's hybrid offering, where it's mated to an electric motor and a 48-volt electrical system. There's also a new 469bhp petrol biturbo V8 that's used in both standard and 'Maybach'-badged versions of the S560 4MATIC derivative. The top Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ variant gets an AMG-developed 4.0-litre biturbo petrol powerplant with 612bhp to replace the previous 5.5-litre V8.

Design and Build

We may be talking about a facelift here, but it's the most extensive model rejuvenation of any that Mercedes has undertaken in its entire history. You wouldn't really know that from a glance at the exterior of this car. Its dimensions are unchanged, so it remains 5,125mm long in its standard form, or 5,255mm in length in its long wheelbase guise. Changes are limited to details things: the prominent chromed front grille has been updated, as have the bumpers and the graphics of the LED headlamps and tail lights. Inside, the cabin materials are of an even higher grade than before, but otherwise, the spacious interior will be familiar to previous buyers of this sixth generation design. That means the front of the cabin continues to be dominated by two 12.3-inch screens and uses touch-sensitive steering wheel controls. New is an 'Energizing Comfort Control' package that links together various comfort systems in the vehicle: you choose a mode ('freshness', 'warmth', 'vitality', 'joy', 'comfort') and the set-up uses a range of various elements - interior climate, music, massaging seat settings, cabin fragrance and so on - to deliver a co-ordinated 10 minute programme aimed at re-vitalising you. On a more practical note, there's a 510-litre boot.

Market and Model

As before, most S-Class models will continue to be sold in the £75,000 to £90,000 bracket, but it's perfectly possible to pay up to and over £200,000, if you choose a well-specified Mercedes-AMG S 65 or Mercedes-Maybach variant. A key draw this time round will be the improved 'Intelligent Drive' driving assistance technology on offer which takes another step towards fully autonomous driving. 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 a considerably improved Active Lane Change Assist and additional functions of the Active Emergency Stop Assist. What else? Well, a 'Remote Parking Assist' feature enables the car to be parked remotely using a smartphone app. The Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound system now has even more speakers and an output of 1,520 watts. And a new Concierge Service can help the S-Class driver with everything from making restaurant reservations and obtaining tips about tourist routes, to gathering information on cultural or sporting events, before sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

Cost of Ownership

Fuel consumption is pretty much the same as it was in the pre-facelifted model - which is impressive, given that all variants now feature 4MATIC 4WD. Choose an S350d variant - as we suspect most British S-Class customers will - and you'll get 51.4 miles from a gallon of diesel and 145g/km. For the S400d, you're looking at 50.4mpg and 147g/km. Of course, if you choose conventional petrol power, your running costs will rise substantially. The S560 manages 33.2mpg and 195g/km. While the S 63 delivers 31.7mpg and 203g/km. Helping in this regard is Mercedes' almost obsessive quest to reduce consumption and emissions. All of the S-Class body is fabricated from aluminium to cut weight. It's worth knowing that your maintenance outlay can be kept in check by going for the optional Service Care package that takes care of routine maintenance, spreading the cost of regular servicing, guaranteeing the price of parts and labour for up to four services and covering the cost of all recommended service items such as brake fluid, spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash. There's also an ASSYST dashboard service indicator that monitors engine use and tells you exactly when a garage visit is due.

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Specification

Body Glass
Green tinted glass
Electric windows
Rain sensor windscreen wipers
Infrared protective + noise insulating glass
Brakes
ABS
Acceleration skid control
Brake assist
Electronic parking brake
ESP curve dynamic assist
Chassis/Suspension
AMG sports suspension
Communication
Wireless Smartphone charger
Near field communication
Driver Aids
Attention assist
AMG speed sensitive sports steering
Active park assist with parktronic system
Traffic sign recognition
Collision prevention assist
Crosswind Assist
Driver Convenience
Remote boot release
Closing aid for boot/doors
Driver Information
Outside temperature gauge
Trip computer
Service indicator (ASSYST)
Brake pad wear indicator warning light
AMG analogue clock
COMAND online with Media interface
Mercedes connect me
Cockpit display 12.3" widescreen
Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android auto
Driving Mirrors
Auto dimming rear view mirror
Auto dimming driver's door mirror
Electric adjustable/heated/folding door mirrors
Embellishment Trims
Dashboard upper section in artico artificial leather
Entertainment
DAB Digital radio
Exterior Body Features
AMG body styling
Magic vision control
Visible twin exhaust tailpipe in bumper
High gloss chrome air intake grilles in front apron
AMG performance exhaust system
Black front apron
Exterior Lights
Front fog lights
Headlight wash system
Headlamp assist
Adaptive brake lights
LED tail lights
Adaptive high beam assist
Multi beam LED headlights
Heating/Cooling/Ventilation
Luxury auto 2 zone climate control
Luxury rear auto climate control
Interior Features
Sunglasses storage
Luggage nets in boot/front pass footwell
Easy entry/ electrically adjustable steering column
Front/rear centre armrests with storage
Twin rear cupholders
Twin front cupholders
Lockable/illuminated air conditioned glovebox
12V socket in luggage compartment
Load securing rings in luggage compartment
AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs
12V power socket in centre console
AMG aluminium gear shift paddles
Brushed stainless steel illuminated door sills with AMG lettering
Interior Lights
Front/rear reading lights
Ambient Lighting
Packs
Driving Assistance Pack - S Class
Front seat comfort pack - S Class
keyless Go comfort pack - S Class
Roller blind pack - S Class
Seat memory pack - S Class
Safety
First aid kit
Front side airbags
Three 3 point rear seatbelts
Front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Driver/Front Passenger airbags
Window airbags
Pre-safe anticipatory safety system
Rear seatbelt warning indicator
Active bonnet
Front passenger seat with pre-safe positioning system
i-Size and ISOFIX Child Restraint system
Seats
Heated rear seats
Sports seats
Front seat back map pockets
Auto Mercedes-Benz child seat recognition sensor
Electric adjustable rear seats
Rear outer seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters
Comfort ventilated front seats
Comfort ventilated rear seats
AMG sports seats
Electrically adjustable backrest
Rear seat memory
Luxury rear head restraints
4 way electric lumbar support
Pre-safe impulse seats
Security
Remote central locking
Locking wheel bolts
Alarm system with interior protection
Vanity Mirrors
Illuminated vanity mirrors
Wheels - Spare
Tyre sealant kit

Options

Entertainment
TV tuner	£1,110.00
Burmester surround sound system	Standard
Burmester high end 3D surround sound system	£5,300.00
Packs
Exclusive nappa leather pack - S Class	£4,790.00
Air-balance pack - S Class	£360.00
AMG exterior carbon package - S Class AMG	£5,000.00
Intelligent rear seat belt pack - S Class	£995.00
Night pack - S Class	£835.00
Night pack - S Class (when bought with AMG exterior carbon package)	£495.00
Rear luxury lounge pack - S Class	£4,595.00
Remote parking pack - S Class	£1,195.00
Business Telephony pack - S Class	£3,600.00
Business Telephony pack - S Class (In conjunction with Rear luxury lounge pack)	£2,250.00
Winter pack - S Class	£2,295.00
Driver's pack - S Class	£2,775.00
Paint - Metallic
Metallic - Emerald Green	Standard
Metallic - Anthracite Blue	Standard
Metallic - Obsidian black	Standard
Metallic - Diamond silver	Standard
Metallic - Iridium silver	Standard
Metallic - Ruby black	Standard
Metallic - Magnetite black	Standard
Metallic - Cavansite Blue	Standard
Metallic - Selenite Grey	Standard
Exterior Body Features
Metallic paint	Standard
Designo metallic paintwork	£3,130.00
Electric panoramic glass sunroof	Standard
Special Metallic paint	£760.00
Designo Magno Paint	£3,650.00
Magic sky control in panoramic vario-roof with switchable transparency	£1,565.00
Interior Features
Nappa leather upholstery	Standard
2 spoke AMG Performance steering wheel in black nappa leather/dinamica	£420.00
3 spoke wood/leather AMG sports multi fuction steering wheel	Standard
Body Glass
Rear privacy glass	£345.00
Brakes
Red brake calipers	£620.00
Grey brake calipers	Standard
AMG ceramic high performance braking system	£6,995.00
Driver Aids
Night view assist plus	£2,080.00
Energizing Comfort interior theme program	£210.00
Communication
Preinstallation for Digital vehicle key for smartphone	£190.00
Paint - Special
Designo metallic - Mocha Black	£3,130.00
Special metallic - Diamond white	£760.00
Designo Magno - Cashmere white	£3,650.00
Designo Magno - Allanite grey	£3,650.00
Trim - Leather
Nappa leather - Black	Standard
Nappa leather - Silk beige/Espresso brown	Standard
Exclusive nappa leather pack - Black	£4,790.00
Exclusive nappa leather pack - Silk beige/Espresso brown	£4,790.00
Exclusive nappa leather pack - Porcelain/Black	£4,790.00
Exclusive nappa leather pack - Nut brown/Black	£4,790.00
Nappa leather - Nut brown/Black	Standard
Nappa leather - Porcelain/Black	Standard
Exclusive nappa leather pack - magma grey/Espresso brown	£4,790.00
Exclusive nappa leather pack - mahogany brown/Silk Beige	£4,790.00
Nappa leather - magma grey/Espresso brown	Standard
Embellishment Trims
Designo trim - Black piano lacquer	£1,230.00
Open pore brown ash wood trim	£850.00
AMG carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trim	£2,880.00
Black poplar wood trim	Standard
Burr walnut wood trim - Brown	Standard
Open pore black ash wood trim	£850.00
Designo trim - Black piano lacquer with flowing lines	£1,960.00
Wheels - Alloy
20" AMG cross spoke forged alloy wheels	£1,190.00
20" AMG cross spoke forged alloy wheels in matt black	£1,965.00
20" AMG 10 spoke design alloy wheels - 647	Standard

Performance

Performance
0 to 60 mph (secs)
0 to 62 mph (secs)	4.3
Engine Power - BHP	612
Engine Power - KW	450
Engine Power - PS
Engine Power - RPM	5500
Engine Torque - LBS.FT	664
Engine Torque - NM	900
Engine Torque - RPM	2750
Top Speed	155