Mercedes Benz Malaysia has just announced the arrival of the latest S-Class, which is set to arrive early next year. Since its inception back in 1972, over 4 million S-Class has since been delivered globally. In Malaysia specifically, more than 18,000 S-Class were sold since it was first launched in the late 70’s. As with the previous S-Class, this new successor, in its S 580 e form will also be locally assembled.
5.2 sec / 510ps 750nm total / 367ps 500nm 3L Turbo 6 inline + 150ps electric motor / 9 speed automatic / 250kmh / 2,400kg / Price TBC
Power
The S 580 e will be powered by a 362hp turbocharged 3L 6 inline, with a 147ps electric motor boosting total performance figures to 510ps and 750nm at full throttle. There’s a 28,6 kWh lithium-ion battery on board that is said to be more than twice the capacity of the previous S 560 e and will now enable the new S 580 e to travel on pure electric alone at up to 140kmh for about 100km.
Charging wise, it’ll take between 2 to 2.5hrs to get the battery replenished to an 80% state via the S 580 e’s own 11kW charger with a 3 phase AC supply. There won’t be any fast charging feature offered here unfortunately.
Body
There are improvements to the new, lighter aluminum hybrid body shell. For starters, air flows around it better now with a Cd figure of 0.22, which it claims to to be one of the most aerodynamic luxury sedan in the world. It is also quieter inside with better aeroacoustics in place. More so, the body of the new S-Class has been further fortified for higher rigidity which further improves handling, noise and vibration comfort. Attention has been paid to the intricate areas such as even the holes for cables to pass through the firewall have been double sealed to keep noise out. Also, there are more insulation in the firewall vicinity, which extend to the A-pillars as well. Acoustic foam have been applied to areas within the body shell.
Inside
It’s all about luxurious lounge ambiance in the new S 580 e. As expected, there are plenty of premium details to admire with the new interior and a next gen, sculpted dashboard, with a massive ergonomic display taking center stage, flanked by other accompanying large screens. There are less buttons now, which matches its overall minimalist look of the interior. The new extra wide landscape is made more apparent with its flat, 4 square center air con vents, matched with 2 vertical side vents on either ends of the dashboard. Sounds wise, the S 580 e gets Burmester’s 3D surround system, which features its signature speaker covers. This new S-Class also has world’s first rear passenger airbags, which are housed into the backrest of the front seats.
MBUX
Or Mercedes-Benz User Experience, now in its 2nd generation and learn-capable, makes first appearance on the new S-Class. Part hardware, part software, it is what powers the digital intelligence of the S 580e, the 5 screens, vehicle functions and comfort controls. The MBUX also support biometrics, with an integrated fingerprint scanner located just below the central display. This security feature allows driver to access MBUX with a colour illuminated button.
It’s voice assistant, “hey Mercedes” is always learning when the Mercedes Me online app is activated. Now, drivers and occupants need not utter “hey Mercedes” before any command or question. Yes, the S-Class can also answer general knowledge questions other than vehicle function questions. Rear occupants can also control voice assistant in the new S-Class.
There are cameras integrated into the overhead control panel, which with learning algorithms, enables MBUX to recognize and anticipate occupant intention and wants. It can decipher head direction, hand movements and body language, then reacts with appropriate vehicle functions. It can even tell if a child seat is on the front passenger seat and if its seat belt isn’t fastened, will notify the driver before beginning a journey.
Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, “The S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury limousine and we are also pleased that the new S 580 e will be a locally-assembled variant as its predecessor. This is a testament of our commitment to reinforce our local commitment to expand our local foothold in the country. The vehicle underpins our claim to produce the best automobile in the world. This is where covetable luxury meets the greatest possible safety and highest level of comfort.”
Specs: Mercedes-Benz S 580 e Plug-In Hybrid
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