S-Class ‘More Than Just a Car,’ Says Mercedes-Benz
Rear axle steering
Happily once Lewis took the helm, he commanded his S to Sport Plus at all times. Like that, he can take full advantage of its E-Active hydropneumatic Body Control and rear-axle steering, an aspect that makes this big car shockingly agile on the road.
Hamilton however pointed out that when he races his W11, he’s on a track made ready for him to crash. And he’s always at ease to know that his S is so much better to be in on the road, which is a much more dangerous a place to drive…
Five New Models
Under the bonnet, there are five models to start with, two of those being 22 hp, 250 Nm hybrid electric EQ boosted 3-litre turbo petrol straight-sixes. The 367 hp 375 lb.-ft S 450 4Matic is good for 5.1 seconds to 60mph. The 435 hp 383 lb.-ft S 500 4Matic meanwhile rushes to 60 in 4.9 seconds.
Add a trio of 2.9-liter straight-six turbodiesels in the 286hp 442 lb.-ft S 350 in both rear and 4Matic all-wheel drive get-up. And the 330hp 600 lb.-ft AWD S 400 d 4Matic.
A 48-volt integrated starter generator-packed V8 will follow soon, as will the AMG and Maybach versions. A plug-in hybrid with a 100km electric range comes in 2021. New bigger S-Class comes in both normal and long wheelbases, for the benefit of passengers and their luggage. The S-Class Coupé and convertible have however been culled.
Orders for the new S open in December, with deliveries later in the year.
