The Mercedes S-Class->ke359 was struggling in the early 2010s. With extremely strong competition from models like the BMW 7 Series->ke323 and the Audi A8->ke1089, the S-class was experiencing declining sales and decreasing consumer interest. To combat this, Mercedes revamped the S-Class for the 2014 model year, and as expected, it follows the same design language as that was inspired by the 2010 Mercedes F800 Style Concept. The most important highlight of the newest generation S-Class is that it is now larger, which translates into more interior room. On the inside, there’s plenty of leather everywhere to go with some wood trim and a driver-oriented cockpit. With the new interior space, Mercedes was able to include a new “Frontbass” system which puts the audio subwoofers on the firewall as opposed to in the rear. Other updates included a new navigation system with live traffic information and the option for one of two Burmester audio systems.

The new S-class is available in seven different trims. However, five of them are reserved for places other than the United States. In comparison to similar offerings from BMW->ke178 and Audi->ke14, the competition is still pretty tight, but the new S-Class should still have what it takes to reclaim its piece of the market share. With that said, we’ve prepared a full review of the new S-Class, detailing all the goodies that make it worthy of consideration if you’re in the market for a large sedan->ke142. Keep on reading to learn more about it.

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 455 @ 5250
  • Torque: 516 @ 1800
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new S-Class was teased several times, but to be completely honest with you, there is nothing too surprising about it, as its design language is something we have seen in all the previously launched Mercedes models.

Up front, the new S-Class receives a larger radiator grille in three-dimensional design, a long hood and new headlights - each headlight features 56 LED lights. If you consider each taillight also gets 35 LED lights, four for the rear fog lamp and the 300 LED lights on the interior, you can see the new S-Class has almost 500 LEDs in total.

When viewed from the side, it is pretty clear that the S-Class is keeps classic saloon proportions, but they are designed in such a way to give the model a sporty coupe-like interpretation.

The rear is characterized by horizontal lines running from the boot lid to the bumper, a rear windscreen that cuts into the C-pillars and new-style taillights, which are completely encased by the car’s body.

Dimensions and weight

Wheelbase

3,165 mm (124.60 inches)

Track, front/rear

1,624/1,637 mm (63.93/64.44 inches)

Length (overall)

5,246 mm (206.53 inches)

Width (overall)

1,899 mm (74.76 inches)

Height (overall)

1,491 mm (58.70 inches)

Turning circle

12.3 m (foot)

Boot capacity max.

510 l (134.72 gallons)

Curb weight

1,975 kg (4,354 pounds)

Payload

715 kg (1,576 pounds)

Permissible gross vehicle weight

2,630 kg (5,798 pounds)

Tank capacity/reserve

70/8 l (18.5/2.1 gallons)


Interior

On the exterior, Mercedes worked on making the new S-Class sportier, for the interior, however, it tried to improve its level of luxury. So, the new S-Class will combine the highest-level of materials with the most exclusive wood or metalized surfaces and intriguing colors.

When compared to the previous generation, the new S-Class offers 12 mm (0.47 inches) of extra headroom for the driver, 14 mm (0.55 inches) more shoulder room and 10 mm (0.39 inches) more elbow room in the front.

A 10-speaker audio system comes standard on the S-Class. This system includes a new Frontbass system, which relocates the woofers to the firewall. This eliminates the need for door-mounted woofers and Mercedes repositioned the mid-range speakers in the doors upward. This new system architecture not only gives the S-Class an awesome sounding stereo, but it also gives the sedan tons of in-door storage.

The navi system was also updated for 2014, as a Live Traffic Information system is included, which allows the system to better navigate through heavy traffic.

As an option, buyers can get one of two Burmester sudio systems, including: the Burmester Surround Sound system and the Burmester High-End 3D-Surround Sound system.

Drivetrain

In the U.S., the S-Class only comes in two variants, not including the AMG-tuned models: S550 and S550 4MATIC. Both models come with a twin-turbocharged, 4.7-liter V-8 powerplant that produces 455 horsepower between 5,250 and 5,500, and 516 pound-feet of torque between 1,800 and 3,500 rpm.

In the global market, the new S-Class will be offered in gasoline and diesel variants, plus two hybrid versions. The base version is the S 350 BlueTec, a model powered by a 3.0-liter V-6 engine with an output of 258 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque.

First, there is the S 400 Hybrid, which combines a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with an output of 306 horsepower with an electric motor that adds another 20kW (26 horsepower).

The second option is the S300 BlueTec Hybrid, which combines a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 204 horsepower with an electric motor delivering an additional 20 kW (26 horsepower).

The S 500. It gets a 4.7-liter V-8 engine with an output of 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This will be the best-performing model in the lineup, as it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed limited to 155 mph.

Finally, we end up at the all-new S 500 Plug-In Hybrid, which checks in with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine that produces 328 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This powerful six-pot combines with an electric motor that adds in 107 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque for a total output of 435 horsepower and a tire-frying 605 pound-feet of torque. This launches the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid to 62 mph in just 5.5 seconds and to a 155 mph top speed, while getting 94.2 MPGe and producing just 69 grams of CO2 per km on the European cycle. This stout performance makes the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid faster than all other 2014 S-Class models to 62 mph, except the top-line S 500.

The S 500 Plug-In Hybrid has four drive modes: HYBRID, E-MODE, E-SAVE and CHARGE. We assume that the HYBRID mode is the base drive setup that provides the best overall performance and great fuel economy -- Mercedes didn't offer any details on this mode. The E-MODE setting puts the S 500 on electric only, and Mercedes claims that this large sedan can travel 18 miles on electric only. The E-SAVE mode runs the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid on the gasoline engine only, saving the fully charged battery for later in your journey. Lastly, the CHARGE setting uses the gasoline powerplant to recharge the battery.

Mercedes will outline the charging times and all other pertinent details of the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid in the future; possibly during its public reveal in Frankfurt.

You may notice that Mercedes has dropped the V-12 engine; instead, its models were made more environmentally friendly. To help meet its environmental goals, customers can now choose between three hybrid powertrains.

All four models are offered with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.

Global Specifications

Model

S 400 HYBRID

S 500

S 350 BlueTEC

S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID

S 500 Plug-In Hybrid

Number of cylinders/arrangement

6/V

8/V

6/V

4/in-line

6/V

Displacement (cc)

3498

4663

2987

2143

TBA

Rated output (hp at rpm)

306 at 6500

455 at 5250

258 at 3600

204 at 4200

328 at TBA

Rated output of electric motor (kW)

20

-

-

20

80

Rated torque (Nm at rpm)

370 at 3500-5250

700 at 1800-3500

620 at 1600-2400

500 at 1600-1800

480 @ TBA

Rated torque of electric motor (Nm)

250

-

-

250

340

Combined fuel consumption from (mpg)

44.8

32.7

51.3/50.41

64.2

94.2

Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)

147

199

146/1481

115

69

Efficiency class

A

D

A

A+

TBA

Acceleration 0-62 mph (s)

6.8

4.8

6.8

7.6

5.5

Top speed (mph)

155

155

155

148

155


U.S. Specifications

Model

S550

S550 4MATIC

Engine

Aluminum DOHC V-8

Aluminum DOHC V-8

Displacement (cc)

4,663

4,663

Horsepower @ rpm

455 @ 5,250 - 5,500

455 @ 5,250 - 5,500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm

516 @ 1,800 - 3,500

516 @ 1,800 - 3,500

Max. engine speed (rpm)

6,300

6,300

0-60 (seconds)

4.8 (est.)

4.8 (est.)

Top speed (mph)

130

130

Fuel mileage

TBA

TBA


Suspension

Being a luxury sedan, a top-quality ride is part of the package. Mercedes took this expectation to the next level by offering optional ROAD SURFACE SCAN to detect imperfections in the road via a stereo camera. With this data, the S-Class then uses its MAGIC BODY CONTROL to instantly adjust the suspension system to compensate.This option is available on all V-8 models.

As standard, the S-Class comes with the usual Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS and a revised version of Mercedes' AIRMATIC suspension system.

Prices

The 2014 S-Class hits the market in October 2013 at a starting price of $92,900 for the S550, which is a $2,100 price cut from the 2013 model. Adding in 4MATIC AWD jumps the price to $95,900.

U.S. Pricing

2014 S550

$92,900

2014 S550 4MATIC

$95,900


Competition

BMW 7-Series

If we were to pick between the two sedans - 7-Series or S-Class - it would be pretty difficult to choose. Not because we like the two models that much, but because we believe that both makers failed to further individualize them from the rest of the lineup. Still, the 7-Series may have a small advantage.

It comes with a choice of three gasoline and two diesel engines, with power ranging from 258 to 544 horsepower.

Audi A8

Now, if you want to buy a real luxury sedan the A8 is the perfect choice, or at least for us. It looks great, has an elegant stance and it offers the same level of luxury as the other two German contenders.

The problem with the A8 is that is offered with a 4.2-liter FSI V-8 engine that delivers just 372 horsepower and 328.22 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm.

History

1971-1980 Mercedes S-class (W116)

Mercedes initially used the S-Class name back in 1972 when the model was unveiled as a replacement for the old W 108/W 109 series. The model was initially offered in three trim levels: 280 S, 280 SE and 350 SE, with the 450 SL and 450 SLC arriving six months later.

1979-1991 Mercedes S-Class (W126)

The second generation S-Class was unveiled at the 1979 Frankfurt Motor Show. This model was offered with a new design, new safety features, like an airbag for the driver and front passenger, plus a new 5.6-liter eight-cylinder unit with an output of 272 horsepower.

1991-1998 Mercedes S-Class (W140)

The third-generation S-Class was dropped at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show. This model also featured a new design language, but alongside the new design language, the W140 S-Class also offered innovative features, like a newly developed double wishbone front axle and considerably improved cabin noise offered by the soundproofing properties of the windows. Also, as a first for a Mercedes passenger car, the S-Class was offered with a 408-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 engine.

1998-2005 Mercedes S-Class (W220)

The W220 series, or the fourth generation S-Class, made its world debut at the 1998 Paris Motor Show. This new model was a step forward from the previous W140 series and came with a modern design language, a more luxurious interior and a choice of three engines: the S320 had a 224-horsepower 3.2 liter V-6 engine; the S430 a V-8 engine with 279 horsepower; and the S500 a 306-horsepower V-8 engine.

2005-2013 Mercedes S-Class (W221)

The W221 series arrived in June 2005. When compared to the previous generation, the new series was larger and a more luxurious. It featured a Maybach-like appearance, as well as three newly developed engines with up to 26-percent power increase.

Conclusion

We have to admit, Mercedes did a pretty impressive job with the new S-Class, but still it is not the model it needs to be. So we think that Mercedes' aspiration "the best automobile in the world" is a little bit exaggerated.

Update History

UPDATE 05/15/2013: The new Mercedes S-Class finally made its world debut today at the Airbus A380 delivery center in Hamburg, Germany.

UPDATE 8/21/2013: Mercedes-Benz has announced the all new 2014 S 500 Plug-In Hybrid with its 94.2 mpg rating. See more after the jump.

UPDATED 9/9/2013: Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the full U.S. lineup and pricing details. We will only see S550 and S550 4MATIC variant here in the States, and the model will base out at $92,900.

UPDATED 10/15/2013: The new Mercedes S-Class made its debut today at dealerships across the country and on network television as part of an integrated marketing launch. Check out the two new commercial we have just added to the review!

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes S-Class!