Mercedes-Benz S-Class: A history of luxury and cutting-edge innovation
A lot goes into creating an iconic automobile. From design and desirability to what long-lasting impression the brand wants to leave with the public.
For Mercedes-Benz, S-Class is the standard, a cultural icon to many and one of the most sought-after luxury vehicles anywhere. In both coupe and sedan models, the S-Class leads the way for innovation, technology and high-end luxury.
In 1951, Mercedes introduced what it called the “Sonderklasse” or a “Special Class” of vehicle. A car that exuded luxury, style and stately aspirations, capturing the hearts and minds of celebrities, VIPs and business moguls throughout the world. Built around luxury and first to technology features, their approach payed appropriate homage to the brand named after Carl Benz, who introduced the very first patented “vehicle powered by a gas engine,” Jan. 29, 1886.
However, it wasn’t until 1972 that the “S-Class” nomenclature was first introduced. Interestingly, Mercedes actually had an ‘S’ designation on its vehicles as 1949, with the 170 S model.
“When you think of luxury brands, the things that pop into your head are Gucci, Prada, things like that,” said Tariq Metwally, sales representative, Mercedes-Benz of Northlake. “When it comes to automobiles, you think of Mercedes, Porsche and Lamborghini. What Mercedes-Benz has created with the S-Class is an “ultra-car.” You have a wonderful blend of luxury, where you are driving on a cloud all the time, but you also have an insane amount of power behind it as well.”
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Technology is Luxury
From the outset, Mercedes challenged its engineers to find the next great technology for each successive S-Class. From the cutting-edge overhead cam V6 in the 1951-1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 to the world’s first production available rear-seat airbags in the most recent version, the S-Class has led the way for the automotive industry.
Safety innovation has been a calling card for the Mercedes flagship. The 1959 220 and 300 SEs were the first to design ‘crumble zones,’ while the ’61 300SE popularized disc brakes and air suspension systems. Anti-lock braking came along in the 1978 S-Class, a feature later adopted across all Mercedes-Benz models in 1980.
In 1981, the S-Class introduced driver airbag and belt-tensioner systems, while the breakthrough 140-model series (1991-1998) introduced the electronic stability program, Parktronic electric parking aid and a Linguatronic voice control system during its mid-90s generational run.
Did You Know? In 1985, the S-Class was the first production vehicle with factory installed CD player.
The 2013 S-Class was the first car entirely without traditional bulbs, as the manufacturer placed 500 brighter and more-efficient LED lights throughout every S-Class that rolled off the assembly line. To this day, the S-Class remains at the cutting edge of the industry.
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“It’s also about the amount of safety that’s in these cars,” Metwally said. “The active brake assist, the lane-keep assist, all these numerous safety features that people now use on a day-to-day basis and don’t even think about, most of them originated from the S-Class.
“There’s nothing else like (an S-Class),” Metwally added. “It’s the iPhone of the (automotive) world. Mercedes-Benz is tried and true. They know what their clientele wants. I shows that Mercedes knows exactly what the S-Class is -- and its identity.”
One of Mercedes’ biggest advancements came with the introduction of the Active Distance Control Distronic cruise control system, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on prevailing traffic patterns without needing driver inputs. It was groundbreaking, turn-of-the-century technology with modern versions being a favorite feature for Mercedes fans to this day.
“Distronic came out in the early 2000s,” Metwally said. “I remember when (Mercedes) released it and when I first learned about it, I was kind of in shock. I was thinking about other cars made in the early 2000s and it blew my mind. Imagine a car (from) 20+ years ago hitting the brakes on its own. It was absolutely mindboggling to me. It’s the craziest feature that I absolutely love to this day.”
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What’s New With the S-Class?
The latest S-Class continues the tradition with three different versions, and a fourth (the new AMG!) on the way – each offering an all-wheel-drive powertrain.
The “entry-level” S500 opens with a 429-horsepower, turbocharged six-cylinder engine, with the S580 coming in at 496 horsepower from its twin-turbo V8. The more-efficient S580e plug-in hybrid pairs a six-cylinder turbo with a 48-volt electric motor that gives 46 miles of charge. At a combined 503 horsepower and estimated highway fuel economy of 68 MPGe, the S580e combines fuel economy, power and luxury.
As standard, every S-Class rides on the brand’s signature air suspension, while the optional E-Active body control helps these sizable vehicles lean into every corner. A nine-speed transmission and Dynamic Select drive modes give drivers efficiency and choice.
Another tech piece – operating alongside AWD – is the all-wheel-steering system that allows drivers to maneuver these longer vehicles with ease.
“I love the current S-Class with its rear-wheel steering, (it is) an incredible option,” Metwally said. “You are taking an extremely long car, long wheelbase, and you are reducing it with all-wheel-steering. It’s a lot of fun in the parking lot.”
The S-Class touts what it calls the ‘digital cockpit,’ which surrounds the driver and front passenger with numerous informational and entertainment options. Centered around a 12.8-inch organic LED touchscreen and up to four additional screens, there are more than 800 personalized settings available inside the car, or on your phone.
For additional effect, the screens can be set to create a three-dimensional look, which enhances the driving experience, especially when paired with the turn-by-turn navigational system. Standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless device charging, each paired with the standard Burmester 3D sound system or the more powerful 4D version. Mercedes enhanced MBUX software features voice command, along with facial recognition/fingerprint scanning security access.
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The interior combines leather, wood and metal trimming, creating the premium and luxurious feel that Mercedes is known. Including rear passengers, who also have the ability to enjoy massaging, reclining and heated seats, along with an optional 11.6-inch rear-seat entertainment screen.
“The very first thing that surprised me in the S-Class was the seats,” Metwally recalled. “Just how comfortable they were. It’s like a lazy boy on wheels. Nothing comes close to how comfortable the seats are.
“The other thing was the ergonomics – the steering wheel position itself,” Metwally continued. “Mercedes-Benz knew that a range of people would want to drive this car. They made it as comfortable as possible with the maximum amount of drivability. Not to mention the massaging seats and body contour, where the seats kind of hug you every time you take a corner.”
Safety Dance
As mentioned earlier, Mercedes continues its forward-thinking on safety. Including the rear seat airbags, the S-Class comes with a variety of driver protection features.
To reduce severity during an accident, the S-Class active suspension system intuitively lifts the vehicle if it detects an imminent impact, helping to reduce the severity of the damage. Other highlights include standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist.
A Memorable Mercedes
“I first fell in love with the S-Class on day one of working here,” Metwally said. “I have known (about the vehicle) for a very long time prior to that. The S-Class is the pinnacle. With it, you have a clientele (that) expects nothing but the best.
“You have to drive it – even just for fun,” he added. “The S-Class is one of those cars you truly have to drive before you realize the value you are getting. There’s just nothing else like it. You do truly get ‘bang for buck’ in a Mercedes.”
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