The arrival of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the region was celebrated at an elegant event at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi this week.

The event showcased the exceptional intelligence, comfort and luxury defining the new flagship model, said a statement.

The event, attended by more than 200 VIP customers, influencers and media, comprised experiential zones that immersed guests in the superior elements and features of the model.
Audiences were treated to an extravagant grandstand visual display leading up to the reveal of the new S-Class.

A presentation by Mark De Haes, president and CEO at Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East, highlighted the flagship model’s innovative capabilities and the brand’s exciting new ventures that are reinventing the future of cars and creating new mobility solutions.

Lennart Mueller-Teut, head of marketing and communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East, said: “Throughout its lifetime the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been at the pinnacle of automotive engineering and an undisputed status symbol around the world.  We are delighted to introduce this latest version of a truly remarkable car, and to highlight the features that demonstrate why the new S-Class really is the best of the best.”

The 2018 model takes autonomous driving to a new level with driver assistance systems and substantially expanded functionality that demonstrates the latest automotive technology. Intelligence in the new S-Class is matched equally with comfort and world-first wellness features that include in-seat massage options, temperature control, interior cabin climate control, and mood enhancing light and sound options.

Luxury is evident in every detail of the latest model, from the finest quality interior craftsmanship to the exclusive exterior design that includes stylish chrome finishes and distinctive Multibeam LED headlights with three unique torches of light.

Test drives are now available for customers to experience first-hand the intelligence and comfort features of the best car in the world, said the statement.

The S-Class will be available in different model variants in the GCC. They models and prices are: S450 - $109,950; S560 - $133,700 (available from November); S560 4MATIC - $137,350; AMG S 63 4MATIC+ - $174,950; AMG S 65 – $237,000 (available from November); Maybach S 650 - $209,300 (available form November).

Powertrain: new engines
The new Mercedes-Benz S 560 boasts a new V-8 engine that comes to the starting line with 345 kW (469 hp) and 700 Nm. The new biturbo engine is among the most economical V-8 petrol engines in the world, and consumes about ten percent less fuel than the predecessor. To lower the fuel consumption, four cylinders of the new V-8 are simultaneously deactivated under partial load with the help of the CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment system. This reduces gas-cycle losses and enhances the overall efficiency of the four firing cylinders by shifting the operating point towards higher loads. The turbochargers positioned in the V of the cylinder banks represent another special feature.

Intelligent Drive: the next step
Over 10 years ago, innovations that began with PRE-SAFE and developed into DISTRONIC PLUS led to new dimensions in driving. With the previous S-Class, comfort and safety blended into one, which Mercedes-Benz referred to as "Intelligent Drive". Now, the new S-Class adds an additional layer of excellence by incorporating and enhancing a host of innovative driving assistance systems initially introduced in the previous model. These include:
• The Active Steer Assist, which has been noticeably improved across its entire performance range, results in markedly enhanced customer benefits;
• The Active Breaking Assist, which detects end-of-tailback situations without space for evasive action, triggers a warning as well as automatic emergency stopping when required;  
• The Evasive Steering Assist supports the driver in taking evasive action when pedestrians are detected in the danger zone in front of the vehicle;
• With PRE-SAFE Sound, a short interference signal is triggered ahead of any collisions expected to produce a loud crash, in order to protect the eardrum and inner ear from high acoustic pressures.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class made a technological statement of superiority in 2013 with Road Surface Scan. The system detects bumps ahead of the vehicle and adjusts the Active Body Control suspension accordingly. In the new S-Class this suspension control is further improved. The stereo camera of the system now scans the road even more thoroughly, even in dusk and at speeds up to 180 km/h.

Another comfort enhancement is Curve, the curve-tilting function available in the S-Class Sedan for the first time. The body tilts to the inside of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees and thereby reduces the centrifugal forces perceived by the passengers.

Exclusive exterior design
Modern luxury in the new S-Class is affirmed with the highest quality materials and uncompromising workmanship. All models are fitted with a new radiator grille: the versions with six and eight-cylinder engines sport three twin louvres as well as vertical strips with a high-gloss black finish. The V-12 model variants are fitted with additional chrome-finish vertical strips in the radiator grille. Seven new light-alloy wheels with diameters between 17 and 20 inches have been introduced on the new model. – TradeArabia News Service