Test Driving The All New Mercedes-Benz S580e.
When Mercedes-Benz announces a new S-Class is being unveiled, you can be sure it will be a star-studded event. As a motoring journalist, we are fortunate to be invited to be part of this event as the usual guest list will contain names starting with Dato Sri, Datuk, Datin and Tan Sri. Then there be some others that have to be addressed as YB and there might even be a few Royals attending.
So, is this the ONLY demographic of the Mercedes-Benz buyer in Malaysia? Well, surprisingly it is NOT. In Malaysia, we also have a lot of small to medium business owners who can afford the high asking price of the S-Class as their business may be small, but the need for the S-Class in their home or business car park is very important. For the many who simply cannot afford the S-Class, they move one rung down and get the E-Class. If budgets are tight, then it is the C-Class.
The S-Class has been and remains the default choice for showing business and social success and its fills all demographics in Malaysia (and around the globe as well).
Over the years, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has delivered more than 18,000 units of the S-Class since its first introduction in the late 1970’s. Add to this healthy figure the thousands of used reconditioned units that have been sold over the decades and the 18k figure will probably be double.
Now, comes an all new S-Class which beat the ‘mighty’ Rolls Royce and also the ‘distinguished’ Bentley for the prestigious award of ‘World Luxury Car 2021’as voted by 93 distinguished international journalists from 28 countries that make up the World Car Awards jury panel. The votes were tabulated by KPMG so they cannot be wrong.
S-Class Design
The first thing you will appreciate is the signature ‘face’ of the S-Class with its status grille. The long wheelbase and a balanced rear overhang defines this classical saloon with perfect proportions. The wide track and flush-mounted wheels with modern designs give the vehicle a muscular look. The so-called character lines have been greatly reduced along the sides. Cleverly contoured surfaces with a sculptured look create special light effects.
The headlamps characterize the front aspect of the car. The dynamic appearance of the car is continued at the rear. Thanks to precisely designed, highly detailed interior features and certain animated functions, the rear lights contribute to the impression of high quality. They make the new S-Class unmistakable in both their day and night design.
S-Class Cabin Technology
The Mercedes-Benz User Experience or MBUX has been moved up to a new user experience level. The vehicle interior is even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The system now features fingerprint scanner just below the central display. When you touch the colour-illuminated button, the system unlocks access. This is secure and additionally more straightforward than entering a PIN.
The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have become far more extensive. This certainly applies in the rear, but also to the driver: For example, the new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time. A real three-dimensional effect is achieved without having to wear 3D glasses.
Also available is the MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation which connects the virtual world with the real world. The technology incorporates graphical navigation instructions and traffic information into live images to ensure drivers will reach safely and stress-free,
The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” is constantly learning, by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword “Hey Mercedes”. These include accepting a telephone call. “Hey Mercedes” now also explains vehicle functions and answers general knowledge questions. In the S-Class the voice assistant can also be controlled from the rear.
Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, MBUX Interior Assist recognizes and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting head direction, hand movements and body language, and responds with corresponding vehicle functions. As well as enhancing operating convenience, MBUX Interior Assist improves safety. Even before the journey begins, it notifies the driver if the camera has detected a child seat on the front passenger seat but seat belt is not fastened, for example.
Also featured in the new S-class is the class-leading Burmester® 3D surround sound system. The high-quality speakers achieve impressive surround sound. You can specifically optimize this for the front and rear seats to intensify the listening experience.
S-Class Cabin Comfort
From the well padded and soothing drivers seat to the well proportioned rear passenger’s seats, this S-Class provides great comfort for city traffic and also long distance driving. The user friendly steering controls, with its predictive touch feature allows for easy use. Left hand buttons for the main center screen and right hand buttons for the driver’s cockpit functions.
Then there is the signature Mercedes electric seat adjustment on the door panel for easy use and the great all round view for the driver to negotiate this large sedan.
S-Class Driving
So, this time around Mercedes-Benz has decided to ‘tone down’ the engine capacity to keep with global direction to reduce emissions. With a plug-in hybrid 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine mated to a 9G-Tronic transmission, this large vehicle is still able to perform the century sprint in just 5.2 seconds.
Plus, when fully charged, the S580e offers an estimated 100km pure electric driving range, courtesy of its hybrid electric motor. In heavy traffic the air suspension provides a ‘gliding’ experience and when on the open highway, the well padded cabin provides a great space for listening to your favorite singer. Driving or riding in the rear of this S-Class is truly an experience.
By the way, the previous Mercedes-S-Class which was the S450L was launched in Malaysia in August 2018 for RM699,888 and it had a 2996cc engine that did the century sprint in 5.4 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 580e Specifications
Engine: In-Line 6-cylinder Turbo Hybrid
Capacity: 2999cc
Gearbox: 9G-Tronic
Max power: 367hp @ 5,500-6,100rpm
Max torque: 500Nm @1,600-4,500rpm
Top Speed: 250km/h
0-100 km/h: 5.2 seconds
