Revealed! Mercedes-Benz NZ launches S-Class limo

The Mercedes- Benz S-Class 450 L is 5256mm long and weighs 1915kg. Photo: Liz Dobson

Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has officially launched the S-Class sedan to the Kiwi public with the seventh generation of the class-leading limo set to impress with its array of technology.

The first models to be sold here are the S450 4MATIC (from $215,000) and long-wheelbase S450 L  4MATIC at $235,900.

The two S450 models will be joined by a V5 S580 L (from $291,700) and then the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S680 from $492,800.

The S-Class has Mercedes-Benz's most loyal customers, says the brand, with 194 of the previous models sold here from 2013, while 500,00 were sold globally. 

The average of Kiwi customers are aged 60 but of interest, the biggest single market for this luxury sedan is China, with the average age 40 and, yes you can gasp at this fact, for 15 percent of the buyers, the S-Class is their first car. 

The standard Mercedes S450 is 5146mm and costs from $215,000. Photo: Liz Dobson

“For our customers, the S-Class has always stood for the ultimate in automotive luxury,” says Britta Seeger, member of the Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG Boards of Management for Sales.

“This also encompasses innovations that make their life easier and safer, while also saving time. It is precisely in these areas where the new S-Class sets  standards: for safety and comfort.” 

The two S450 models are powered by a turbocharged 3-litre, inline six-cylinder engine (270 kW/500 Nm), allied to a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, and 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.

The addition of a 48 V mild hybrid drive incorporating an integrated starter generator and a 48-volt onboard electrical system, can add an extra 16 kW and 250 Nm for short periods, to create smoother and more responsive acceleration. 

Reaching 100 km/h from standstill takes 5.1 seconds for both S 450 body styles, while combined cycle fuel economy is rated at 8.2 L/100 km for the S 450, and 8.4 L/100  km for the S 450 L.  

The seventh-generation Mercedes S-Class has a stunning array of screens. Photo: Mercedes-Benz

The S-Class boasts an outstanding array of new technology and safety features, plus a dash that is class-leading, even knocking out the likes of Bentley and Aston Martin.

The S-Class gets the second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) that is available on up to five large screens. The voice assistant "Hey  Mercedes" is available on every seat, while certain actions – such as accepting a phone call – can be performed even without reciting the keyword. 

Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, the S-Class recognises and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting head direction, hand movements and body language, and responds with corresponding vehicle functions.

For example, if the driver looks over their shoulder towards the rear window, Interior Assist automatically opens the sunblind. If the driver is looking for something on the front passenger seat in the dark, it automatically switches the light on.

Natural hand movements are also recognised, allowing the driver or passengers to open the sliding sunroof with a gesture. Cameras and face recognition are also used for a range of assistance and comfort functions including the new biometric authentication, drowsiness detection by ATTENTION ASSIST, and settings for the exterior mirrors. 

During severe frontal collisions, a rear airbag (standard on long-wheelbase models) can considerably reduce loads on the head and neck of seat-belt-wearing occupants in the outer rear seats. This frontal airbag for the rear seat deploys particularly gently, thanks to innovative construction using a tubular structure. 

The all-new S-Class has had its wheelbase extended by 71 mm in standard-wheelbase models to 5146mm and by 51mm in long-wheelbase models to 5246mm, and the rear-seat passengers get an extra 110 mm of legroom. Both models are 1899 mm wide.

Of note is the return of the classic Mercedes three-point star on the bonnet of the S-Class rather than the contemporary version that is embedded in the grille. It’s a great feature and gives the large sedan a luxurious feel. 

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sees the return of the three-point star on the bonnet. Photo: Liz Dobson

We started the S-Class launch from Newmarket, Auckland and had the S450 L for the leg to Te Arai Lodge, near Mangawhai and then back to Newmarket.

The first impression before I hopped into the S450 L was that the longer rear suited the large bonnet of the S450 L, giving it a more even proportion than the standard S450. And once at Te Arai Lodge, that impression was amplified when it was parked next to the standard S450.

The 100km drive to Te Arai Lodge took on motorway where the S450 L was in its element as a limo, gliding along the tarmac with ease while the turbocharged 3-litre engine had plenty of oomph when overtaking, although I was conscious of the length of the S-Class when merging into a lane. But blindspot monitoring eased any concerns, while I engaged the advanced cruise control on the motorway segment. 

Our chance to explore the dynamics of the S450 L came when we turned off SH1 and onto the winding, country road that allowed us to loop through tight bends, testing the suspension. Despite its length of 5256mm and weight of 1915kg, the S-Class limo version handled the terrain with remarkable ease, with little challenges.

On the way to our lunch destination, I tried the front passenger seat, which is a fine place to be, especially with the massaging seats, which have no competition. You can’t beat a Mercedes-Benz massaging seat. 

The standard S450 (above) and S450 L have a turbocharged 3-litre engine.

On the way from lunch, I moved to the back limo on the motorway leg and again, it’s a glorious place to be in situ. I turned on the television, reclined the seat and enjoyed the quiet cabin.

The S-Class really is a class leader, but … and here’s the but that Mercedes-Benz is considering. Out later this year in New Zealand is the EQS, the 700km range electric model that has an even more amazing dash. 

Mercedes-Benz spokesman Ryan Lewis told AutoMuse that they’ll “wait to see what happens” when the EQS arrives.

But Mercedes-Benz recognises that the EQS could take away sales of the S-Class but sees a place for the luxury sedan in its line-up.

“What the S-Class represents to the brand is that it is a passion project for the engineers who are so enamored with the vehicle, that I can’t see Mercedes-Benz doing away with that,” said Lewis.

“There will certainly be a vehicle in this space for the foreseeable future.”

And thank goodness for that!