The Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500 4MATIC long at a glance
Economical fraudulent labeling
In 1972 the S-Class came onto the market for the first time under this name, secretly the models 250 S and 300 SEL 6.3 should already have been named after the special class. Even though back then every guilty child could use the nomenclature on the trunk lid to determine how much displacement the engine had, such games no longer work today.
There has been a kind of fraudulent labeling at the rear of the S 500 since the 2017 model update of the 222 series. Neither a rounded five-liter displacement nor eight cylinders can be found in the engine compartment, but a three-liter straight six-cylinder as a mild hybrid (combined fuel consumption: 8.0 l / 100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 183 g / km²). Mercedes has transferred this to the successor S-Class 223 driven here without any major changes.
Is it bad? No way. Because the electrified M 256 is an extremely smooth-running companion who, thanks to 320 kW / 435 PS, not only stands properly in the forage, but also knows how to be very stingy with the fuel reserves. A 16 kW / 22 PS integrated starter generator (ISG) supplies additional energy and helps when starting and accelerating. In addition to a turbocharger, the in-line six-cylinder also has an electric compressor, which ensures more spontaneity on the gas pedal.
Comfortable chassis, tiny turning circle
A fairly perfect switching 9G automatic converter divides the power and directs the 520 Newton meters of the combustion engine and the situation-dependent 250 Newton meters of the ISG via the standard all-wheel drive onto the road. As a 5.29 meter long version, the S 500 does not have any traction problems any more than excessive fuel consumption. Under real conditions, according to the on-board computer, it is barely more than 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
When it comes to the chassis, the Swabians rely on air suspension as standard, with the electronically regulated E-Active Body Control system available as an option. Our test car didn’t have that extra on board, but it still had more than excellent suspension. Only at higher speeds does the body tend to oscillate slightly, and transverse grooves can now and then penetrate more clearly to the occupants. Pleasing for all parking garage users: The rear axle, which can be heavily steered for an extra charge, ensures an almost small car-like turning circle of 10.9 meters, but it requires some familiarization from long-established limousine drivers.
Sensor technology louder than outside noise
Interior noise is also important for a luxury sedan. Up to 130 km / h, the wind whispers along the outer skin, barely noticeable, but up to that speed the noise level of the sensor unit mounted in the area of the interior mirror is annoying. It only helps to use the Burmester sound system, which is also extra expensive, in order to be distracted by the sound.
Which brings us to the S-Class interior. It is a haven of peace and security. Here you can let yourself go and relax and get annoyed that it is difficult to close the doors from the inside. They open very wide, which allows easy entry and exit. Too far, however, to be able to grasp properly. An electric locking function is only available for the rear doors of the Maybach models.
S 500 long with princely space
The multicontour seats, on the other hand, are a masterpiece of ergonomics and even after 500 kilometers in one go you get out of the front and back as if nothing had happened. The leg room in the rear of the long version is princely, but there is no claustrophobia in the first row either.
Various massage and wellness programs continue to support personal vitality, which you also need to keep track of the S-Class infotainment offerings. The new Mercedes flagship impressively proves that larger screens do not automatically increase ease of use. As if half of the 12.8 inch touch display would have done it, the MBUX system works quickly, but not all menu items seem logical at first glance. The fact that the huge display area is already unsightly to look at after driving through fingerprints should only be a side note here.
Mixed service, extremely expensive
When it comes to ease of use, the small-scale buttons on the multifunction steering wheel are also not the last word. Voice input works without major hurdles, and the fact that the sun blinds open and close with targeted eye contact, for example, is a nice gag. The implementation of the head-up display with augmented reality function is also very successful. The numerous – and certainly not fully listed here – technical refinements of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class do not hide the fact that there is a lack of attention to detail in one place or another.
The center console and the window regulator bezels are made of rather simple high-gloss plastic, tend to be scratched and are also uncleanly punched out. The trunk lid of our test car worked in a martial way, looked tense and would not have needed a soft close function if the locking mechanism had been used. One might call that nagging at a high level. With a test car price of 170,499.65 euros, there is hardly any room for excuses.
Conclusion
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (223) as the S 500 long is truly a flagship and impressively embodies what is currently technically feasible in automobile construction. Although the electric sister model EQS will appear even more futuristic, there is hardly a car that combines the old (combustion) world with the upcoming digital era as well as this car. The drive and chassis work together in remarkable harmony, fuel consumption is low and the level of comfort is high. The not always easy operation and the fact that not all interior materials used correspond to the very expensive price level are worthy of criticism. (Text and image: Thomas Vogelhuber)