The seventh generation of Mercedes’ iconic S-Class presents the epitome of motoring luxury and technology, writes Mark Keohane in the latest instalment of Keo’s Garage.
Scour the internet and try find a negative review of the latest generation of the iconic Mercedes Benz S-Class. You won’t.
First hitting the market in 1972, Merc’s magnificent luxury sedan – perhaps just a few centimetres short of a limousine these days – is only in its seventh iteration in 50 years. Hop inside the cabin and you understand why. The S-Class has long been at the forefront of technology and luxury, and the latest to emerge from the royal bloodline is no different.
There is no good reason for me –residing in the hills of Vredehoek and driving basically just myself to and from work every day – to consider owning an S-Class. There was every reason, however, to happily take the keys and explore the opulence of the latest S350d when I got the offer to drive it for the week.
Anyone who sat in the back of the car over the last week can probably give you a more accurate review than I can, because that’s basically what this car was made for. This is the car you buy to be driven around in. At various stages throughout the week my daughter, son and colleague chose to be escorted in the backseat.
A look inside the S350d:
The 350d does not have the televisions on the headrests, nor does it come with the optional (let’s-not-say-how-expensive) fridge in the back that the top specced S-Class does. That’s about where the superfluous luxury ends. From the back you’ve got the leg room a first class cabin, adjustable seats with heating and lumbar-specification options. You also have a removable tablet where any normal car would have its middle seat. On that tablet the passenger flying first class can control – among a bunch of other little things – the climate in the back and the colour of the ambient lighting that runs beautifully throughout the vehicle.
To the front we go. A dashboard worthy of a spaceship, with the most impressive infotainment system I’m yet to experience. Integrated into the centre console is your main touchscreen where you can control everything, and where the car – were it to possess human consciousness – would be able to control you. The augmented reality map giving you a real time view of your area, a ridiculous 360 degree camera that basically lets you drive from birds eye view and the seamless transition between Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Mercedes’ own frightening range of car-specific controls. You also select your driving modes here, adjust the seats, the climate and so on. Pretty much anything you need to change is done so on this incredibly responsive screen. Beautiful to look at, blissful to use.
As always, Mercedes nailed it with the steering wheel, and its luxurious appearance is simply a mirror to the quality of the drivetrain that it controls. The 350d possess a 2.9L straight-six turbo-diesel that crunches out 210kW and 600Nm, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Characteristic of the S-Class is the familiar comfort of an almost-unmatched air suspension that, in combination with all-wheel-drive system, makes tar feel like velvet to the touch. Far from a velvety grip though, the tyres cling to the road and the rear-wheel steering makes turning in a cruise-liner as easy as if it were a hatchback.
Words don’t do justice to the myriad automotive capabilities that the S-Class possesses. Mercedes, in their 7th generation of S-Class have delivered, as has been the history to this model, the epitome of extravagance and innovation. To be behind the steering wheel of S350d is to fall in love with the car, but wow, just to sit in the back is to appreciate just what puts this Merc in a class of its own.
The S350d at a glance:
- Price: R2 338 200
- Engine: 2.9-litre straight-six turbo-diesel
- Power: 210kW
- Torque: 600Nm
- Transmission: Nine-speed Automatic Transmission
- Fuel efficiency: 6.6 L/100 km (claimed)