Raising the bar

The S-Class is a traditional mix of leather, and wood and chrome trim.

Mercedes-Benz is describing its new S-Class saloon as a "technological pacemaker, with pioneering innovations that will influence automotive development of the future".

The Herald is the first newspaper in New Zealand to publish pictures and details of the new, more powerful flagship model, which is expected to go on sale here around March/April next year. A price has not been finalised but the current S-class range starts at around $176,000.

The carmaker says it will come with technical innovations that are entering car production for the first time. These include a brake system that uses radar sensors; infrared technology that improves night vision; and radar-linked device called Pre-Safe that warns of an impending collision.

Mercedes-Benz says the S-Class also sets new standards in driving dynamics and provides more flexibility with a new line-up of petrol and diesel engines and a revised version of its variable air-suspension system.

The car replaces a model which has sold 485,000 units since the late 1990s and has consistently being recognised as the world's best luxury saloon.

The new car is bigger all-round - longer, wider, taller - than the outgoing model and includes short- and long-wheelbase models. Both wheelbase measurements are longer by 70mm and 80mm than the previous model. The boot is considerably bigger, too.

Mercedes-Benz say the new dimensions create more room for occupants: shoulder and elbow room is up by around 40mm and headroom by 5mm. Rear seat passengers in the long-wheelbase version get an extra 10mm between the seats and more than 11mm more kneeroom.

The S-Class will be available at launch with a choice of four engines, three of which - 5-litre petrol V8; 6-litre petrol V12; and 3.2-litre V6 turbodiesel - have been revised. The entry-level 3.5-litre petrol V6 has been carried over from the SLK and E-Class range; The 3.5-litre V6 produces 202kW (272bhp) and 350Nm; the 5-litre puts out 290kW (388bhp) and 530Nm; the 6-litre V12 develops 385kW (517bhp) and 830Nm; and the 3.2-litre turbodiesel is good for 172kW (231bhp) and 540Nm.

The new diesel unit comes with a standard particulate filter for cleaner exhaust emissions.

The range of engines will be mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission called 7G-Tronic. The same transmission is in use in other top-end models, although the carmaker has introduced a new electronic gear-shift control in the form of a lever to the right of the steering column.

It calls it Direct Select and it enabled it to dispense with the usual gear-shift lever on the centre console and redesign the tunnel covering.

Inside, the S-Class is a traditional mix of leather, and wood and chrome trim. The instruments and the car's operating system are more practical and intelligent, says Mercedes-Benz.

"The steering wheel and instrument cluster are the primary areas in the new operating concept. These integrate all the important information and functions required by the driver."

The seats in the new S-Class all have a massage function, technology that was introduced with the previous model.

The specs

* Length: 5076mm/5206mm

* Width: 1871mm

* Height: 1473mm

* Wheelbase: 3035mm/3165mm

* Engines: 3.5-litre V6, 5-litre V8, 6-litre V12, 3.2-litre V6 turbodiesel

* High-tech highlight: Infrared night vision