MISSION STATEMENT

The new S-Class makes a strong case to defend its ‘best car in the world’ title

- Anubhav Sharma

In this fast-paced world of new gadgets, products and apps launched every other day, seven years seems like a long time for an all-new model. But perhaps not so when you are Mercedes-Benz and the model in question is the S-Class, the setter of new standards for technology and luxury for Mercedes-Benz and, as it believes, for the entire automotive industry. A brief glance at the legacy of the S-Class should convince you the company is not wrong. The S-Class, over the years, has indeed set benchmarks and improved cars across the board. The new S-Class, in line with those expectations, is grander, richer, safer and futuristic.

It does not look radically different from the outgoing model, on the outside. The bigger grille and smaller high-tech headlights up front, pop-out door handles that sit flush with the doors, fewer creases in the profile, and the two-section tail-lights are the main changes, and they all come together to reinforce the family look we have seen on other Mercedes models like the E-Class and the CLS. The result is a cleaner, understated look which is instantly recognisable as a Mercedes. It is 208.3 inches long (up from 206.9 inches), 59.2 inches tall (up from 58.8 inches), and has a 126.6-inch wheelbase (versus 124.6 inches). More space for everyone on the inside and a cleaner, contemporary look on the outside.