Achtung! Die Neue S-Klasse!

By Yoav Gilad - May 15, 2013

According to its 120 page press release (of course we read it all, there isn’t a quiz is there?), Mercedes-Benz has set out to build “the best automobile in the world.” In addition to the press release’s length, MB may have set a record for hyperbole, acronyms, and buzz-words (soon to be cliched). But did they succeed at their stated goal– is the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class the world’s best auto?

You decide. MB focused on the long-wheelbase S-class this time around and it will be the only model the US receives. The wheelbase and length remain identical to the outgoing model, but it’s a bit (0.7 inches) taller and roughly an inch wider. Benz also made extensive use of aluminum throughout so that the weight remains close to its current weight (in spite of heavier hardware). The cd (coefficient of drag) is a scant 0.24. The design of this car is obviously understated and it’s easy to see that it’s derived from other current Mercedes offerings. The grille gets a little bigger and the front fascia shows a strong familial resemblance to the E-class.

Standard and optional items on the V222 (the long-wheelbase version of the W222) follow:

The interior features two 12.3-inch TFT screens for the instrument cluster and the infotainment, touch-sensitive telephone keypad, rear climate control with two more zones, access to infotainment media from any seat in the car – rear seat passengers can even access the Google Maps display to ensure the driver knows where he’s going
Roughly 300 LEDs in the cabin offer seven colors, five dimming levels and four dimming zones will be standard and the LED brake lights dim at night or while waiting at lights to preserve the vision of drivers behind you
Five different options in rear seating, tincluding a reclining backrest (goes down nearly 45 degrees) does so independently of the bolster, and has calf support and heel rest.
Magic Body Control [really] that uses stereoscopic cameras to scan the road surface and adjust the suspension in advance of road imperfections
Massaging seats based on the “hot stone principle” for front and rear using 14 cushions in the backrest and six massage programs
An Air Balance Package that ionizes and filters the air and emits five choices of fragrance (no more pine tree air fresheners! Yay!)
A Warmth and Comfort package featuring heated steering wheel and armrests, seats with active ventilation, and power heated rear seats with memory

For powertrain options check out our previous article, here. When we hear more, we’ll let you know! But tell us, do you think Benz succeeded in building the best automobile in the world?