140 years ago, Carl Benz revolutionised mobility with a three-wheeled, two-stroke machine called the Patent-Motorwagen. It’s an epic story that you can unpack with me here. But to celebrate the invention of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has revealed its latest S-Class on its 140th birthday, and it’s “more S-Class than ever”.
It’s a heightened level of luxury that represents the latest iteration of the world’s most popular luxury sedan with a strong emphasis on the star that united Mercedes with Benz in the 20s. The star on the front bumper is now illuminated alongside the grille, which is 20% larger than the last. Twin star headlamps are integrated into the front bumper, star welcome projection lights illuminate the floor, and chrome-framed star-motif tail lights are worked into its familiar silhouette.
An updated MBUX system is included, along with what Mercedes is calling the Superscreen in the centre console, and a passenger gallery screen on the dash. The interior has seen a heightened level of luxury with three new trim options. These include open-pore woods, high-gloss metallic textile blends and a new upholstery colour, “Beech Brown”. For the first time in an S-Class, the stormy grey colour is worked into the interior with Mirville textile highlights. Now, the S-Class offers over 150 exterior colour options and 400 interior colours, along with new leather packages. For the first time, the S-Class will have a leather-free option. And for those who enjoy a touch of performance styling, the AMG Line and AMG Line Plus are available as options in the customer configuration.
As the brand reflects on its 140-year heritage, it noticed a recurring trend. S-Classes are often the vehicle of choice for business moguls and the like, but, more importantly, for diplomats, heads of state, and royalty. To ensure the S-Class’s luxury and class are met with a similar level of protection, its latest long-wheelbase sedan will come with a GUARD option.
Named the S 680 GUARD, customers can now purchase an armoured S-Class from the showroom, and it’s more than just a few heavy steel panels and thick glass. The Integrated Protection System is developed in-house with an aluminium skin to help counter the added weight of the armour, and an adapted chassis, engine and gearbox help withstand the increased weight without compromising performance, reliability and comfort.
The S 680 Guard is also the only series production limousine to offer VR10 ballistic glass and body armour. It has been thoroughly tested to ensure occupants are protected against both ballistic and explosive threats, with a three-out-of-three protection rating. Customers can configure their S 680 armour to their liking to ensure it meets the requirements of demanding scenarios. But the best part is that beefed-up engine I mentioned earlier…
Powering this luxury tank is a 6.0-litre bi-turbocharged V12 that produces 450kW and 830Nm, which is also worked into the standard S 680. Long live the V12. But if a V12 and explosive-proof armour aren’t enough, the S 680 GUARD comes with an engine and floor-mounted fire extinguisher, and 900 litres of compressed cabin air to prevent any harmful exterior gases from harming its occupants. Oh, and if you are antisocial, it’s been equipped with a communication system to speak to individuals outside the car without opening the windows.
Servo-assisted doors allow occupants to open the doors with ease and little regard for inclines. The windows are also hydraulically operated, and the cherry on top is the optional flagpoles for diplomats. It is truly a mental machine.
It’s no secret that the world is more volatile than ever, and it’s a rather astute offering from Mercedes that will likely be lapped up. For us civilians, we too can purchase such a car, and I’m very interested to see how much this mobile luxury war toy will cost when it lands here. For now, I’m looking forward to experiencing this heightened level of luxury that comes with this new S-Class. It’s subtle attention to detail that pulls its heritage into the design, which is gorgeous and, to put it simply, so Mercedes. It’s technologically advanced, a serious looker, and will likely require a dress code to enter, but Mercedes has hit the nail on the head once again with the S-Class.
