Crafting A Classic

Theres a reason why Mercedes-Benzs S-Class is a world bestseller. The embodiment of class, luxury and refinement has a new range for 2018 that only serves to reinforce its appeal, as Mindy Teh finds out at its unveiling in Zurich.

- Mindy Teh

Mercedes-Benz’s flagship car in the luxury saloon category remains the very personification of accomplishment. For 2018, the latest flourishes include stylish design additions and better drive control and assistance, with emphasis placed on comfort and elegance.

There’s a reason why the S-Class remains the world’s best-selling luxury saloon – selling well over 300,000 models since 2013 – and a first drive through the rolling Swiss hills just out of Zurich showcased the car’s new heightened state. Without a doubt, this is the grandmaster of big luxury saloons and, admittedly, its competitors would be hard-pressed to follow suit.

POWER PLAYERS

The highlight of the new S-Class remains unseen but greatly felt with its all-new, highly efficient engine range. The electrification of the powertrain and Intelligent Drive means better autonomous driving while setting the right standard for a car of this segment. Journalists invited to this exclusive drive witnessed the debut of three completely new engines – the diesel (not available in Malaysia) and petrol variants of six-cylinder in-line engines and a new V8 biturbo engine coupled with groundbreaking technologies such as the 48 Integrated Starter Generator providing a remarkable power delivery without any lag in turbo and the electric booster compressor. In addition, a plug-in hybrid is in the works with an electric range of about 50km.

The luxury car marque has also added Intelligent Drive, provided better support through Active Distance Control Distronic and Active Steering Assist, always great options to have with the unpredictability of Malaysian roads, weather and, yes, drivers. Speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends, junctions and roundabouts – for drivers navigating left-hand drives nervously in Europe, this proved invaluable.