It only arrived on our shores in the third quarter of 2021, but the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class will feel aged by a few years when 2022 rolls around. Why, you ask? The full-size luxury sedan is getting quite an upgrade, at least for its home market.
By next year, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will feature Level 3 autonomous driving
The German carmaker announced that the S-Class will be equipped with Level 3 autonomous driving technology beginning in the first half of 2022, following approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority. This makes Mercedes-Benz the world’s first automaker to meet the demanding legal standards necessary to implement the feature, in accordance with United Nations global regulations on automated lane keeping systems (ALKS).
Level 3 autonomous driving on the S-Class will be implemented through the Drive Pilot feature, which works by using data from LiDAR, camera, and moisture sensors complemented by a high-precision positioning system. It allows the car to drive itself up to 60 kilometers per hour in heavy traffic as well as suitable stretches of German highways.
Drive Pilot allows users to perform secondary tasks as the car drives itself
Mercedes-Benz says that this will take the strain off drivers, leaving them free to perform secondary tasks such as shopping online or sending emails on the In-Car Office functionality. The carmaker is offering Drive Pilot on close to 13,200 kilometers of highways in Germany, with extensive testing in other markets underway.
Autonomous driving is classified into six levels by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), with 0 involving no automation and 5 representing full automation with no provision for human input. Current autonomous driving technology, such as Tesla’s Autopilot feature, is at Level 2 or partial automation where the vehicle can perform steering and acceleration, but the human driver still oversees the tasks.
The technology is initially usable on almost 13,200 kilometers of highways in Germany
Level 3 or conditional automation marks the start of when the vehicle itself monitors the driving environment, able to perform most driving tasks while allowing human intervention when necessary. The feature was previewed on the Honda Sensing Elite system in Japan earlier this year and will be installed on the Legend Hybrid EX sedan.
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Know more about Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 is a full-size luxury sedan that is regarded as the German marque's flagship model. It is available in the Philippines in one variant only and the Mercedes S-Class 2024 Philippines price is Php 17,890,000. Powering this vehicle is a 3.0-liter inline-6 gasoline engine equipped with a 48-volt EQ boost mild-hybrid system, producing 435 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. A 9G-TRONIC (9-speed automatic transmission) is used to send power to all four wheels via the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.
Dimensions-wise, the S-Class is 5,320 mm long, 1,954 mm wide, and 1,503 mm high, with a wheelbase rated at 3,216 mm. In the local market, this German full-size luxury sedan goes up against the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, and Audi A8.
>>> New and used Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Launch
Initially introduced by the German brand in 1972 and has been a staple in the Mercedes line-up since. The current model launched by the Auto Nation Group, Inc. is the S 500 4MATIC Long AMG Line. It arrived on Philippine shores in September 2021.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 boasts of a timeless aesthetic that the nameplate is known for. Like its predecessors, the current version features elegant body lines and a prominent chrome grille with the iconic Mercedes-Benz emblem that stands on the front and center of the hood. The grille is then flanked by LED headlamps.
For the Philippine market, the S 500 4MATIC Long AMG Line rides on a set of 21-inch AMG spoke alloy wheels. It also gets a panoramic sliding sunroof, sequential turn indicator lamps, power closing doors, and AMG body styling.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Interior
For the version available locally, the S-Class Philippines features soft-touch leather surfaces, a yacht-like front cabin, and a lounge-like rear cabin. All of its seats are clad in Nappa Leather, and the center console is decorated with a black crystal trim piece. The roof also comes with DINAMICA microfiber roof liners.
Speaking of the rear cabin, it features double sunblinds, electronically adjustable seats, fast-charging USB ports, and a mini-fridge, among others.
Technology & Safety Features
The dashboard of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 comes with a slew of tech and safety features starting with a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment display system. The infotainment system is capable of connectivity through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, and Aux-In. An added control feature for the driver is the cruise control buttons on the steering wheel.
In terms of safety, the German brand equipped the S-Class with an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake-force distribution, as well as front and rear parking sensors. Driver-assist features include Active stop-and-go assist, Active Lane Keep Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Blind-spot Assist, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree-view camera, etc.
Platform & Chassis
The S-Class Philippines comes with an Airmatic suspension system that helps improve the ride. Stopping power comes from ventilated discs in the front and discs at the rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500 4MATIC Long AMG Line is a 3.0-liter inline-6 that's paired with a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. Combined, the said powertrain can generate up to 435 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels via a 9-speed Direct Select automatic transmission.
Available colors for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are Anthracite Blue, Black, Designo Diamond Bright White, Emerald Green, Graphite Gray, High-tech Silver, Mojave Silver, Obsidian Black, Onyx Black, and Rubellite Red.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class may arguably be the most sophisticated as compared to rivals such as the Audi A8 2024 and BMW 7 Series, but it is also the most expensive.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2024 Price List
| Variant | Price |
|---|---|
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 | Php 17,890,000 |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dynamic driving experience
- Luxurious interior theme
- Considered as the benchmark
Cons
- Cargo space is limited
- No diesel options
- The most expensive in its class
₱ 17,890,000
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