A class above

A car that aspires to be the best in the world and the vehicle on which Mercedes-Benz traditionally rolls out innovative new technologies. Whether this or previous S-Class models are or have been the best car in the world, as marketing spin would suggest, is a subjective matter open to interpretation debate and criteria.

However, having said that, the S-Class is the unofficial benchmark by which the luxury saloon segment is often measured, and in our region, the S-Class was awarded the overall top honour at the inaugural Dubai-based Middle East Car of the Year awards. More luxurious, advanced, comfortable and safe than ever, the new S-Class is also the most efficient yet.

Luxury benchmark

A petrol-powered model produced for specific markets such as China, Australia the Middle East and others, the S400 L is an efficient but spacious long wheelbase petrol-powered somewhat entry-level alternative to turbo-diesel or hybrid models in some markets, and complementary choice in others. 

However and unlike past entry-level S-Class models, the S400 L does not take a Spartan approach to luxury, but is an opulent luxo-chariot packed to the rafters with much of the convenience, infotainment, driver-assistance and safety systems offered by Mercedes. While the S-Class line is available with pretty much near every contemporary automotive feature one can imagine, the S400 L’s in available with the model line’s innovative Magic Ride Control system.

A huge car with big presence, the new S-Class is unmistakably luxurious, indulgent, statuesque and even stately. However, with handsomely soft lines, curved edges and flowing arcs counterbalancing its massive grille high-rise bonnet and sheer size, the S-Class goes about its business with a refined sense of discretion, and without vulgar overstatement or glitz, doesn’t attract the wrong kind of attention.

Pointing the way towards a more elegant design language at Mercedes, the S-Class’ submarine-like sense of flow features a character line that extends from the headlight LED strip and along its flank as defined groove. Its shoulder line is muscular yet subtle while its arcing roofline descends to a gently tapered and sloped boot.

Fast and frugal

A more powerful and efficient entry-level petrol engine, the S400 L’s 3-litre direct injection twin-turbo V6 engine develops 328BHP throughout 5250-6000rpm and 354lb/ft torque at a broad 1600-4000rpm midrange band.

In addition to an increased use of light aluminium in construction — and with a 7-speed automatic gearbox allowing for aggressive low gearing — the S400 L is quicker and more responsive on-the-move than its S300 and S350 previous generation entry-level petrol counterparts.

According to Mercedes-Benz Australia’s posted specifications, the new S400 L is able to make the 0-100km/h dash in 5.3 seconds and conversely, is able to return frugal 7.9/100km fuel consumption and
184g/km CO2 emissions figures on the combined cycle, and in ideal conditions.

Smooth and eager, the S400’s turbos spool up swiftly from idle, and with little turbo lag, provide a broad and muscular mid-range torque band, with meaningful low-end pull, and responsively flexible mid-range. With its wide and rich torque band underwriting buildup to its maximum power plateau, the S400 is brisk and versatile throughout.

Well up to the job of hauling its near two-tonne weight, the S400 L overtakes, accelerates and drives up inclines with quick confidence. Big ventilated disc brakes provide effective stopping power, while an optional Brake Assist BAS Plus system now even features a Cross-Traffic Assist function able to increase brake force needed if a collision at a junction is anticipated, at up to 72km/h.

Reassuring and refined

Comfortable, cosseting and highly refined, as is expected of a Mercedes-Benz flagship luxury car, the S400 L standard fit air suspension smoothes out bumpy, lumpy and imperfect roads with aplomb. Wafting along when in its air suspension’s comfort mode, the S 400 L is a hugely refined environment ideal for long distance travel.

In its sportier suspension mode the S400 L feels more buttoned down, with tighter body control through corners and on vertical rebounds from dips and crests, but nevertheless still rides comfortably. Utterly composed on the highway, the S400 L has the same reassuringly planted sense of stability associated with large Mercs, while its large steering, tight turning circle and relatively good visibility make it manoeuvrable in the city.

Sumptuous in the way it rides, the S400 L is also quite adept at hiding its sheer size and weight when driven through winding routes. With light but accurate steering and good body control, the S400 L weaves through winding roads in comfort, poise and relative agility considering its size. In fact, its steering and suspension set-up seems to be quite sporty on turning into a corner, where it changes direction tidily with little under-steer detected.

It is easier to induce slight moment of over-steer before electronic safety systems vigilantly step in, if accelerating too sharply in a corner. But driven purposefully with its weight loading up the outside rear wheel, the S400 L grip levels are faithfully well. 

Class and comfort

Spacious, comfortable and refined inside, the extended wheelbase S400 L provides acres of legroom for rear passengers, who also enjoy generous headroom, well-cushioned leather-clad seats and a host standard of rear convenience features.

Above the expected optional rear seat features even include individual entertainment screens and massaging seats. In front, the driver has a comfortable and with highly adjustable seat and steering, can find an ideal position.

Laid out in high quality leathers, woods and metals, the S400’s cabin has a welcomingly luxurious and comfortable ambiance, to go along with the high levels of refinement from noise, vibration and harshness. Functions and instrumentations are well-laid out and ergonomic, and include a huge infotainment screen and optional touchpad controller.

Available with a vast array of standard and optional high-tech convenience and safety features, the driven S400 L was extensively kitted and included among the range of semi-autonomous driving features was Mercedes’ Collision Prevention System, Active Parking Assist with reversing camera, and Night View Assist, which uses sensors to detects objects considered a possible danger and automatically displays them on the instrument panel screen.

Included on the tested vehicle were also Adaptive Brake Lights, keyless entry, hands-free access and adaptive high beam functions. Multizone climate control, climatised seats, electric sun blinds and AMG body styling also featured. Standard to the S-Class is all-LED lighting, but its’ signature Magic Ride Control system, which uses radar to read road texture and preemptively adapt the suspension, is however only offered on the S500 version and above.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 3-litre, twin-turbo, in-line V6 cylinders

Bore x stroke: 88 x 82.1mm

Compression ratio: 10.5:1

Valve-train: 24-valve, DOHC, direct injection

Gearbox: 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive

0-100 km/h: 5.3 seconds

Maximum speed: 250km/h

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 328 (333) [245] @5250-6000rpm

Specific power: 109.5BHP/litre

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 354 (480) @ 1600-4000rpm

Specific torque: 160.2Nm/litre

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.9 litres/100km

Fuel tank capacity: 70-litres

CO2 emissions, combined: 184g/km

Length: 5246mm

Width: 1899mm

Height: 1496mm

Wheelbase: 3165mm

Track, F/R: 1624/1637mm

Overhang, F/R: 888/1193mm

Aerodynamic drag co-efficiency: 0.28

Headroom, F/R: 1069/995mm

Shoulder room, F/R: 1566/1501mm

Boot capacity: 530-litres

Kerb weight: 1975kg

Steering: Variable power-assisted, rack and pinion

Turning circle: 12.3 metres

Suspension: Adaptive air dampers

Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs

Tyres, F/R: 245/45R19/275/40R19

Price, as tested: JD147,429 (on-the-road)