Premium car brands like to throw the word ‘luxury’ around when describing their offerings, and then there’s Mercedes-Benz. The German carmaker has practically become synonymous with opulence in the local vernacular, and it ups the ante even further with the debut of the 2022 S-Class in the Philippines.
Philippine Digital Premiere: The all-new S-Class
This was made possible by Auto Nation Group, Inc. (ANG), the brand’s authorized distributor in the country. The virtual launch simultaneously held at Mercedes-Benz Philippines’ Facebook page and YouTube channels underscores both the comfort and the sophisticated tech that the seventh-generation model promises. It now drops the coupe and convertible options, coming exclusively in a sedan body style.
It's bigger, more luxurious, and smarter than the outgoing model
According to ANG Chief Operating Officer Frankie Ang, the refinement process for the new W223 S-Class is the most extensive so far in Mercedes-Benz history. “The brand did to the new S-Class what it does best – putting customers in the center,” he says. “It can now be experienced with all the senses – seeing, feeling, hearing, and smelling – while offering impressive innovations in the areas of driver assistance, protection, and interaction.”
Exterior
The latest S-Class has grown in dimensions over the previous W222, measuring 5,179mm long, 2,109mm wide, and 1,503mm high, accompanied by a 3,106mm wheelbase. Mercedes-Benz claims that the new numbers have resulted in perfect proportions, with the longer hood terminating in an elegant three-slat chrome grille flanked by LED headlamps rendered in a ‘three-dot design.’
Each headlamp delivers more than one million pixels for optimal lighting
Classic lines on the profile meet futuristic convenience with the inclusion of automatic door handles that lie flush with the body, instantly extending when drivers approach the car. The C-pillar flows into redesigned horizontal taillamps that now feature a three-dimensional pattern accompanied by sequential indicator lamps. Twin exhaust tips surrounding the rear diffuser suggest that this executive sedan can deliver quite a punch, with 21-inch multi-spoke AMG wheels punctuating the corners.
Interior
If the aesthetics aren’t enough to convince you, open the doors to the cabin with the yacht-like design concept that has opulence written all over it. Rear headroom and legroom have been increased by 16mm and 41mm, respectively. Up to four occupants can lounge around on exclusive Nappa leather seats featuring an elegant diamond pattern. Rear passengers enjoy electric adjustment and an extendable leg rest on their perches that also come with a massage function.
Active Ambient Lighting sets the mood during night drives
A refrigerated compartment keeps refreshments chilled even when outside temperatures soar. The power sunroof overhead allows occupants to welcome more ambient light during daytime drives. Meanwhile, the Active Ambient Lighting takes over when the sun goes down, setting the mood as well as serving as a visual indicator of danger.
Tech & safety
The tech centerpiece on the cockpit of the new S-Class is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia and infotainment system, comprising a 12.3-inch OLED touchscreen at the dashboard’s center stack. This is extended to the rear seats with two 11.6-inch touch displays behind the front headrests, and all are patched to a 15-speaker Burmester 3D sound system. An MBUX tablet is also mounted on the rear armrest, activated by voice commands.
This is just one of five multimedia screens that come standard on the 2022 S-Class
A host of driver-assistance systems are on hand to take driving to the next level of safety, with features such as Active Distance Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Active Parking Assist. The W223 S-Class is also the world’s first automobile that features intelligent rear seat airbags using the ambient air instead of gas.
Engine & drivetrain
Powering the 2022 S-Class is a 3.0-liter inline-6 gasoline engine equipped with a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system, yielding a combined output of 435 horsepower and 520 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 9-speed Direct Select automatic transmission, spinning all four wheels with the 4Matic all-wheel drivetrain.
The new S-Class comes with intelligent airbags for the rear seats
The Dynamic Select system allows drivers to choose from five driving modes for flexible driving dynamics, while the Airmatic air suspension helps the new S-Class adapt to uneven roads, enhancing onboard comfort.
Pricing
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz W223 S-Class carries a sticker price of Php 17.89 million. If you’re up for treating yourself to the most refined and intelligent S-Class to date, you can check it out at all Mercedes-Benz Philippines dealerships in EDSA-Greenhills, Bonifacio Global City, Alabang, and Cebu, or visit their official website.
See more of the industry’s jaw-dropping automotive releases at Philkotse.com.