All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrives in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia has sold and delivered more than 18,000 units of the S-Class limousine since its first introduction in the late 1970s. Yes, you are probably thinking that ‘we have seen way more than that number over the years’ and you are very right as reconditioned car importers have been importing ‘used’ S-Class for years and probably sold more than the official number of 18,000 plus units.

So, we could be having some 36,000 plus S-Class cars from various generations on Malaysian roads and most of them will still be running rather well with happy owners.

Now, comes a next level S-Class, an all-new model which was first shown last year in Europe and was an immediate sales hit when it beat Rolls Royce and also Bentley for the prestigious award of ‘World Luxury Car 2021’ as voted by our 93 distinguished international journalists from 28 countries that make up the World Car Awards jury panel. The votes were tabulated by KPMG.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today offers this very best luxury vehicle in the best possible version for corporate Malaysian buyers and even without a confirmed price in hand, the advanced bookings have put the waiting list to 4 months into 2022. Yes, if you order your new S-Class today, you will be receiving your car in April 2022.

Modern luxury attains the next level in the interior of the S-Class. The designers have created a luxurious ambience with lounge character marked by elegance, high quality, and lightness. The dashboard with its new architecture, modern surface design, and ergonomic display arrangement is a particular highlight.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become more intelligent in many areas. Digital innovations such as in the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) are joined by innovations that increase driving enjoyment while making driving even safer.

Following systematic development, the driving assistance systems are a further step towards autonomous driving. Thanks to improved environmental sensors, for example, the parking systems give the driver even better support when manoeuvring at low speed. The integration into MBUX means that the level of visualisation has now entered a whole new dimension.

MBUX: a new dimension in personalization and interaction

The S-Class combines artificial intelligence with the experience gained from 135 years of automobile engineering.

No other innovation in recent years has so radically changed the operation of a Mercedes-Benz as MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The second generation of this learn-capable system now débuts with the new S-Class.

The vehicle interior is even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The system now features a fingerprint scanner just below the central display. When you touch the colour-illuminated button, the system unlocks access. This is secure and additionally more straightforward than entering a PIN.

The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have become far more extensive. This certainly applies in the rear, but also to the driver: For example, the new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time. A real three-dimensional effect is achieved without having to wear 3D glasses.

Also available is the MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation which connects the virtual world with the real world. The technology incorporates graphical navigation instructions and traffic information into live images to ensure drivers will reach safely and stress-free,

The voice assistant "Hey Mercedes" is constantly learning, by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword "Hey Mercedes". These include accepting a telephone call. "Hey Mercedes" now also explains vehicle functions and answers general knowledge questions. In the S-Class, the voice assistant can also be controlled from the rear.

Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, MBUX Interior Assist recognizes and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting head direction, hand movements, and body language, and responds with corresponding vehicle functions. As well as enhancing operating convenience, MBUX Interior Assist improves safety. Even before the journey begins, it notifies the driver if the camera has detected a child seat on the front passenger seat but the seat belt is not fastened, for example.

Dimensional concept and interior design: generous ambience with a lounge-like nature

The S-Class has always been a place for comfortable travel and relaxed working. With the new generation, the interior has fully evolved into a "third place", a refuge between the home and workplace.

The desired harmony between digital and analogue luxury results in a revolutionary interior design, including associations with interior architecture and yacht design elements. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console, and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. The systematic reduction in the number of controls underscores the minimalist appearance of the interior. A fine divide between the upper section of the dashboard and the large trim element structures the area and creates horizontal breadth.

Alongside five screens, the highlights include the large areas of trim in the dashboard and in the rear. These flow around the passengers and are a systematic further development of the wrap-around effect.

The Anthracite open-pore poplar wood trip lends the interior an individual look. It blends harmoniously while creating exciting contrast. New design elements include the flat, four-square centre vents with horizontal nacelles. Two slim, vertical side vents on each side round off the ends of the dashboard.

The driver display and media display offer a comprehensive aesthetic experience The appearance of the screens can be individualised with a choice of four display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Exclusive, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service)

Also featured in the new S-class is the class-leading Burmester 3D surround sound system. The high-quality speakers achieve impressive surround sound. You can specifically optimise this for the front and rear seats to intensify the listening experience. The unmistakable Burmester speaker covers also enhance the interior visually.

Powertrain: more electrification, more efficiency

With the 3.0-litre inline-6 engine and 9G-Tronic transmission, the vehicle is capable of performing the century sprint in just 5.2 seconds. Additionally, the S 580 e offers an estimated 100 km pure electric driving range, courtesy of its hybrid electric motor. 

Sustainability: environmentally compatible development

More than 98 kg of components made from resource-conserving materials are used in the S-Class. The number of components containing recycles is now 120 which is more than twice as many as in the preceding model. Another 40 kg or so are made from renewable raw materials.

The process of environmentally compatible development with specific targets is firmly embedded in the overall development process. Environmental aspects are already taken into account in the conceptual phase.

A new, recycled thread is now used for the floor coverings. This thread – brand name ECONYL - consists of regenerated Nylon. It is manufactured by recovering Nylon waste destined for the landfill, for example, old fishnets and fabric remnants from mills and carpets.

These are collected and transformed into a new thread having the same properties as nylon from new raw materials. The recycling process used to produce the thread saves CO2 in comparison with new production. It also enables Mercedes-Benz to keep materials in circulation.

The new locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz S-Class model at a glance:

Model	S 580 e
Displacement (cc)	2,999
Rated Output (kW[hp>/rpm)	270 [367>/5,500 – 6,100
Rated Torque (Nm/rpm)	500/1,600 – 4,500
Rated Output for Electric Motor	110 kW
Rated Torque for Electric Motor	440 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 kmph (sec)	5.2
Top speed (kmph)	250
Kerb weight/payload (kg)	2,400/670
Recommended Retail Price (OTR w/o Insurance)	To be confirmed

 

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Level 3 autonomous tech, the Drive Pilot gets regulatory approval