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2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: First Contact

2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 13 photos
Photo: Mercedes
2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior2014 Mercedes S-Class Interior
The auto world has one model on its lips today, the 2014 Mercedes S-Class. We’ve already shown you the camouflage-free spy photos, as well as the first official images of the interior. Now it’s time to get back on the topic, as we managed to get a brief interaction with the new Mercedes flagship.
When we saw the aforementioned images of the 2014 S-Class we felt that there might have been room for more. Fortunately, the luxury sedan looks better in real life, with all 5,116 mm (201.5 in.) of it expressing refinement. In case you were wondering about the size of the long version, this will measure 5,245 mm (206.5 in.). Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to take photos of the car.

The true revelation though is when you access the cabin. The broad dashboard seems even wider thanks to its design and background lighting, with the latter allowing the driver to choose between no less than seven colors.

All the surfaces, from the leather trim to the various controls, appear to be even more plush than before, but your attention is obviously grabbed by the massive displays. These measure 12 inches in diagonal and are only split by a very thin area, so you get the impression of a single screen. The one on the left handles the dashboard instruments, while the display on the right is be used for infotainment.

Speaking of infotainment, the 2014 Mercedes S-Class prides itself with a Burmster audio system that brings 1,500 watts into the cabin, via 24 speakers - eight of these are placed on the headliner for enhancing the surround effect. Automakers have always bragged about bringing a concert hall into your car, but the new S-Class actually gets pretty close to the experience.

As for the rear passengers, these will be able to use 12-inch entertainment screens and, starting from next year, they'll be able to replace these with iPads.. The space in the back, even in the standard wheelbase model, is simply overwhelming, so you can truly enjoy the multimedia features.

While all the aforementioned features keep your mind relaxed, the 2014 S-Class also shows proper care for your body. There’s a new heating function that also includes armrests and door handles, while the seat ventilation can now provide cooling by sucking air in instead of blowing it out. The seats can offer a massage function using 14 individual cells and there’s also a feature that simulates warm rock massage. In addition to that, the rear passengers will be able to enjoy optional reclining seats, as well as an electric seat belt concierge.

What’s more, the interior of the new Mercedes S-Class is gifted with an aroma control system, which offers four different types of scents.

The S-Class has always been famous for the plethora of satefy tech offered and the 2014 model is no exception to this. For example, the seatbelts are gifted with built-in airbags called Beltbags. The system is already used by other carmakers such as Ford and Lexus, but the S-Class also features this for the rear seat occupants. And there’s more: if you order the aforementioned reclining seats, you’ll also get a cushionbag that will keep you from going under the normal belt during a crash.

In terms of active safety, the new S-Class will come with systems such as the Active Night View Assist Plus, which is already available in the Mercedes range. Even when the driver isn’t using the night vision system, this is active and, if it detects a potential crash, it can activate the headlights to illuminate the pedestrian or object ahead.

When it comes to the technical side of the car, we are most curious about the Magic Body Control. So suspensions were able to offer air springs and active dampers, but the aforementioned system also offers the 2014 S-Class hydraulic bushings, a feature borrowed straight from Mercedes’ Formula One efforts.

As for the engine range, the new W222 2014 Mercedes S-Class will be launched with a range of engines borrowed from its predecessor. The vehicle will arrive in May, with the 4Matic versions of the S500 BlueTec and S350BlueTec set to debut two and three months later, respectively. Of course, the first bath of powerplants will also include the S400 Hybrid.

Nevertheless, we’ll have to wait for the additional power units in order to see if the tech side of the new S-Class matches the rest of the car. Among other units, we’re expecting the S-Class to adopt the new twin-turbo V6 of the upcoming E400, a 3-liter unit delivering 330 hp. What's more, we’d like to see Mercedes join BMW and Audi in the twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine race.

The 2014 Mercedes S-Class presentation also included an Audi A8 and a BMW 7-Series for the sake of comparison. A classic marketing trick, but one that perfectly works: climb aboard the three cars and the S-Class will feel light years ahead of its competitors. To put it shortly, Merc has given us a four-wheeled spa.
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About the author: Andrei Tutu
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In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
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