The Return of the King
HAIL TO THE KING, WE MAY soon see a new name at the top of the list of desirables for those seeking modern technology in terms of connectivity, safety, autonomy, and efficiency ― those who actually have the money to put where their mouth is. The new Mercedes S-Class isn’t about design; the exterior is simply a form that holds all that it needs to contain in the most crash-friendly way possible. Thus, once past the laser headlights, Digital Light projectors, large grille with enough sensors to fly it to the moon given more thrust, and bulbous proportions, wrapped up in OLED tail-clusters not short of theatrics, is where the real essence of the car becomes clearer.
It’s not even about the powertrains. Yes, many, around the world, will speak of its straight-six powertrain choices at launch, then drive it, launch it from 0 to 100 and give you a ― doubtless ― single-digit number while creating an argument over decimals with another of their kind. Then they walk away in different directions and away from the car; perhaps, never to see it again. There’s so much more to the S-Class and the bunch of powertrains () are simply a means to propel it forward with efficient ease. All petrols will be mild-hybrids with a 48-volt electrical system driving a 16-kW motor-generator. Diesels are offered. AMG and Maybach models will follow.
