The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has always served as a repository of the best automotive technology of its time. I can't decide what's a more difficult proposition for Mercedes-Benz everytime they’re tasked with birthing an all-new S-Class: how to make the best car in the world? Or how to make it better than the last one? Times aren’t what they used to be. Internationally, its arrival is accompanied by that of potential usurper and compatriot – the EQS. So for it to truly hold its own, it must unholster all its technological firepower while retaining its old-world essence that comes, in large part, from burning copious amounts of the amber nectar we call petrol (and diesel).
Never in recent history have they got the S-Class’s design so right as they have with the new W223. It’s got the fuss-free, smooth design language that adorns all modern Mercs, but out of that visual minimalism emerges a sedan that’s regal and proportionate in the classic sense, despite being slightly longer than the previous one. While the locally-assembled version is still a few months away, for now we’re treated to the hierarchy-topping, AMG-line import that makes for a very handsome sedan, any way you look at it. The absence of creases on the exterior lend it the sort of aggression that it needs to slice its way past a mind-bogglingly advanced crew of rivals.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The 30 Best Watches Of 2024
Rounding up the best shapes, materials, complications and sizes from this year's horological novelty treasure chest.
Wes Lang's Heroes of Love...
Last month, LA-based artist Wes Lang unveiled The Black Paintings, a monumental series of works that play like storyboards to a raucous midnight horror movieand a spiritual quest. Here, GQ collaborates with the artist on a fashion story that brings his stylish characters off the canvas.
The Miraculous Resurrection of Notre Dame
In 2019, a fire nearly destroyed the crown jewel of France-and the nation set a breakneck five-year deadline to bring it back from the ashes. This is the story of how an army of artisans turned back centuries to restore Notre-Dame by hand, and wound up reviving something even greater than the cathedral itself.
"IT'S NOT ABOUT BEING PERFECT. IT'S ABOUT BEING REVOLUTIONARY."
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter talks business, legacy, art, and family
The Wedding Singers
Madboy Mink's dynamic duo, Saba Azad and Imaad Shah, redefine festive style.
A Watch Is More Than Just a Pretty Face
As collectors look to make their grail watches stand out, they're turning to unique vintage bracelets and paying thousands on thousands for straps on the secondary market.
The Fluidity of Cartier
Why Gen Z stars are obsessed with this historic maison.
A Princess with Passion
From restoring monuments to reviving hereditary crafts, Bhavnagar's Brijeshwari Kumari Gohil has her sights on the future.
THE FUTURE SOUNDS LIKE AT EEZ
The Coachella-slaying, multi-language-singing, genre-obliterating members of Ateez are quickly becoming load-bearing stars of our global pop universe.
DEMNA UNMASKED
He's the most influential designer of the past decade. He's also the most controversial. Now the creative director of Balenciaga is exploring a surprising source of inspiration: happiness. GQ's Samuel Hine witnesses the dawn of Demna's new era, in Paris, New York, and Shanghai. Photographs by Jason Nocito.
