Since its introduction in 1972, the S-class has been the flagship model of the Mercedes-Benz line. It is the car that, for many, defined the brand by creating the strongest association with the idea of luxury, while placing advanced technological development, safety and efficiency high on the priority list.

In order to introduce Trinidad’s luxury buyers and the media to the newest member of this iconic line, local dealers Sterling Services (Battoo Bros) Ltd, hosted a gala launch at their headquarters in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Sterling was established in 1947, while the Mercedes-Benz dealership was established in 1958, for both the passenger car and commercial lines. The guest list included ministers of government, diplomats, top businesspersons, past Mercedes-Benz owners, and potential buyers.

Amid a live flow of contemporary classical music, light refreshments and an open bar, guests mingled until it was time for General Manager Jeffrey Jodhan to give his formal introduction and welcome. This was followed by a video presentation and a mesmerising aerial acrobatic performance. As the silver satin covers were whisked away, guests were invited to survey the new S500 long-wheelbase, and to fully satisfy their curiosity about its gorgeous interior, complete with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, lavish seating and trim. Also on display were the E63 S-AMG, E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet, a CLA 45 AMG, and a standard A-class, all brilliant vehicles in their own right.

The S500’s wonderfully complex engine bay houses a twin-turbocharged 4.6-litre V8 engine, which makes a generous 455hp@5250rpm and 516ft-lb@1800-3500rpm. It must be said, the brand new S500 on display was already spoken for, the proud owner graciously lending his new car for the event. This powerful engine can propel the monumental S-class to 62mph (100km/h) in a scant 4.8s and will storm up to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph). In the combined cycle, which uses a mix of driving conditions for a better average fuel consumption figure, the S500 should manage around 27mpg, which is comparable to an 80s-era economy car.

If you think those specifications are impressive, contemplate the S400 Hybrid’s 37mpg, achieved from a 3.5-litre, 306hp/273ft-lb V6 engine paired with a 27hp/184ft-lb electric motor, while clocking 6.8s to 62mph and also requiring an electronic speed limiter set to 155mph. The story gets even better with the diesel versions, which don’t always make it to our shores. The S350 BlueTEC uses a 258hp/457ft-lb V6 turbodiesel to achieve similar performance, while sipping fuel at 42mpg. Finally, the S300 BlueTEC Hybrid gives you the best of both worlds by combining a 204hp/369ft-lb 2.1-litre four-cylinder with the same electric motor to deliver a utopian 54mpg, while getting to 62mph in a reasonably quick 7.6s and on to a top speed of 240km/h. The drag coefficient of the S-Class improves on its predecessor once again, setting the new benchmark in its segment at a Cd of 0.24. All engines for the new S-Class already meet the Euro 6 emissions standards plus offer up to 20 per cent lower fuel consumption than the outgoing model series.

For customers and automotive experts alike, the S-Class has long been the yardstick for advanced engineering and luxury driving. The innovative safety systems featured in the new S-Class include the Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, which help the driver to stay in lane and even enable the car to drive itself in a traffic jam with only minimal intervention. The S-Class also has available BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist. This system combines the inputs of a stereo camera setup, along with long-, medium- and short-range radar to determine if braking needs to be applied, or if the driver has already responded, increased to full braking force to avoid an accident or greatly reduce its severity. This should be particularly useful at busy junctions with a mix of road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles that can emerge unexpectedly.

Night View Assist Plus includes two separate LED headlamps that shine an invisible and non-dazzling infrared light onto the road. Infrared thermal cameras are used to assimilate what is happening both near and far ahead of the car and activate the system’s warning functions. The new S-Class is also the first car worldwide to dispense completely with conventional light bulbs in favour of LEDs. As part of the parking package, the available 360˚ camera uses four video cameras at each corner of the vehicle to provide optimal parking assistance.

The Magic Body Control sensors detect surface undulations on the road ahead and prime the suspension accordingly for an unparalleled level of driving comfort. The system can also counter body roll due to cornering, along with dive and squat, while coddling you in the finest soft leather and treating your senses to the available high-end 3D surround sound system by Burmester and seven-colour ambient lighting. If sitting in this car is anything to go by, then the level of comfort and luxury provided is gloriously, ridiculously good, especially in the back seat of the long-wheelbase version. There is even a Mercedes-Benz COMAND control app for the iPhone that lets passengers easily navigate the COMAND system to switch the vehicle’s display through the navigation, radio, media, internet and vehicle menus; the Seats function quickly configures the seat contour and seat venting and massage programmes. Did we mention that in addition to ionisation, the A/C system can also integrate perfuming?

The new S-Class is expected to start in the TT$900K-range and go all the way up into the TT$2M region, depending on engine size and configuration. As with other luxury brands, options affect vehicle pricing significantly. Contact Sterling Services to schedule your consultation or demonstration drive.

 

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View this photo set on Flickr