What's the news?
The all new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has arrived in Ireland with prices starting from €98,255. This represents a €4,000 saving over the outgoing model despite the 'Sonderklasse' packing more technology than ever.
Mechanicals
The single engine option offered at launch is the S350 BlueTec (or S350 CDI as it was previously known). The 3.0-litre V6 engine under its bonnet offers up 258hp and 620Nm of torque yet the S350 can still return 5.5L/100kms and cost just €390 a year to tax thanks to emissions of 146g/km. That figure looks monumental when compared the emissions of the hybrid models that will arrive in 2014. The four-cylinder diesel powered S300 BlueTec HYBRID will cost just €200 to tax when it arrives in March thanks to emissions of 115g/km. That is still quite high compared to the figure for the S500 plug-in Hybrid though which will be first S-Class with fuel consumption lower than 4-litres per 100kms and the first luxury car in the world to emit less than 75 grams of C02. That means the car that can do 0-100km.h in 5.5 seconds will cost as much to tax as a Toyota Prius!
Anything else?
The near €100,000 asking is only the beginning; the list of options for the S-Class is endless. Standard and long wheelbase models are offered as too are the likes of a choice of rear seat variants with backrest angle adjustment, air cushions, massage and seat heating and cooling functions. Buyers can also opt for automatic climate control, heated armrests, cup holders that can heat and cool drinks, extra stowage and two folding tables. Possibly the stand out feature is the Distronic Plus cruise control system that can not only accelerate and brake the S-Class but also steer it at speeds up to 60km/h. The system is part of Mercedes-Benz move towards autonomous driving and has already proved itself on a 100 kilometre test drive that replicated the one taken by Bertha Benz in the first Patent Wagon.