Mercedes-Benz South Africa has been the first manufacturer to lift the covers off its new models at the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show. While as many as twenty of the newest Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles are on display, there are a few that stand out, the first of which is the all-new and flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Mercedes are touting the first new ‘S’ in 8 years as “the best car in the world”, by virtue of its levels of comfort and safety. The luxury and technology are packaged in a mix of sporty lines with elegant cues, which are sure to see the luxury limo’s appeal continue.
Some of the highlights include, laying claim to being the first car in the world to not include a single lightbulb, with 500 LEDs split between the headlights (56), tail-lights (35) and interior (300). Interior passenger space has increased by between 10 mm to 14 mm in areas of head, shoulder, knee and elbow room. New LCD displays are very ’21st century’ and present infotainment features, as well as the drivers instrumentation.
In addition, an array of optional safety extras includes such features as ‘Magic Body Control’, which is a system that scans the road ahead through the use of cameras and proactively manages body movement to ensure a smooth ride. A Driver Assistance suite of features brings Active Lane Keeping Assist, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Cross-Traffic Assist, as well as Pre-Safe brake assist with pedestrian recognition.
When the S-Class goes on sale early next year, the initially engine line-up will include a hybrid, petrol and diesel: S 400 Hybrid, S 500 and S 350 BlueTEC. Briefly, the S 350 offers a 3.0-litre V6 CDI Bluetec rated for 190 kW and the S 500 follows with a 4.7-litre turbocharged V8 with 335 kW. The flagship S 63 AMG is on display at JIMS 2013 and will bring 430 kW and 900 Nm with it when it arrives later in 2014.
Prices start at R 1 214 000 for the S 350 BlueTec and range to R 2 174 000 for the S 63 AMG.
