Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the 2014 S-Class at the Airbus A380 Delivery Center in Hamburg, Germany.
As with every generation before it, the new S-Class will set standards across the board to retain its accolade as "the best automobile in the world". Overall, the model measures 5,116 mm long, 1,899 mm wide and 1,483 mm tall with a wheelbase which spans 3,035 mm.
"The sophisticated design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual clarity. The design draws a line from the sophisticated, progressive design idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars - intelligence that speaks to the emotions. Stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless clarity and effortless superiority make the S-Class a true design icon," said design chief Gorden Wagener.
To underline the effortless superiority of the new S-Class, and its ambition to lead, the radiator grille is now larger, upright and distinctly three-dimensional in design. With its long bonnet, the flowing, domed roof line and the gently slanting rear end, the new S-Class has classic saloon proportions. The size and space have been fashioned in such a way that the S-Class appears prestigious, and the powerful roof line is also in keeping with the car's sporty coupé-style intentions.
A character line descending discreetly from front to rear - the brand's hallmark "Dropping Line" - elegantly structures the side wall and generates additional dynamism even when the car is at a standstill. The subtly created convex-concave effect of the entire flank gives rise to an extremely powerful and elongated car body that demonstrates both excitement and calm. The pronounced shoulder above the rear wheel adds further emphasis to the car's athletic character.
Inside, the cabin embodies a classic, superior and cutting-edge saloon. The perfectly coordinated use of materials and colours produces an exclusive interior seemingly cast from a single mould. There is generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard and centre console. Metallised switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes in three colour shades to suit the interior colour particularly highlight the outstanding quality.
Under the bonnet, four different engines are avaliable:
The S350 BlueTEC has a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine which produces 258 hp and 620 Nm of torque. This will allow the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.
The S500 features a 4.7-liter V8 petrol engine that develops 455 hp and 700 Nm of torque. It will enable the model to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, before topping out at 250 km/h.
Next up, the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid will reward customers with a 2.1-liter four-cylinder engine which creates 204 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This allows the car to run from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 238 km/h.
Lastly, the S400 Hybrid will be powered by a hybridized 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque. This enables the luxury sedan to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 250 km/h.
