PREMIUM automotive brand, Mercedes-Benz, unveiled its latest models at Auto Shanghai 2017, with a line up featuring the new S-Class, including the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and Mercedes-AMG S 65, as well as the Concept A Sedan. Around 500 guests attended the official world premiere in China, giving global markets a preview of what’s to come.
World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The world premiere of the new S-Class proved to be the undeniable highlight of this year’s Auto Shanghai and has reaffirmed Mercedes-Benz’s leading position in the luxury automotive segment.
The new S-Class comes equipped with a raft of new features, including new engines and innovations like driver assistance systems with substantially expanded functionality. The model is truly an undisputed leader in the premium segment with regard to comfort and wellness, setting new standards in interiors.
Engines for the new S-Class include a new V-8 biturbo petrol engine. In addition, Mercedes-Benz plans a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 50 kilometres.
The top-of-the-range model takes another big step towards autonomous driving and elevates Intelligent Drive to the next level. Through the use of enhanced camera and radar systems, the new S-Class is able to judge the surrounding traffic and react accordingly. Multibeam led headlamps and Ultra range high beam turn night into day. Road Surface Scan, the forward-looking detection of bumps, and the curve-tilting function Curve are further unique features of the S-Class in the segment of luxury sedans.
The interior of the new S-Class model includes pioneering features such as Energizing comfort control - a world-first to enter series production. This optional feature integrates various comfort systems in the vehicle, such as climate control, ambient lighting, massage and fragrancing functions, and allows customers to configure a specific wellness set-up to suit their mood or need. High-quality materials define the interior of the S-Class, including open-pore wood and leather-trimmed doors. Another Mercedes-Benz hallmark is the high-quality look and feel created through meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
“Our flagship S-Class model was the best-selling luxury sedan in the world last year, selling well over 300,000 units, so it is no surprise that the debut of our new S-Class at Auto Shanghai was a showstopper,” said Lennart Mueller-Teut, Head of Marketing & Communications, Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East. “Being a role model means leading the way, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a technological pioneer thanks to its exceptional features and functions. We look forward to welcoming this model to the Middle East region at the end of this year.”
The S-Class will be launched in the Middle East in Q3 2017.
The new Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and Mercedes-AMG S 65
The performance models S 63 4MATIC+ and S 65 from Mercedes-AMG also celebrated their debut at Auto Shanghai.
The S 63 4MATIC+ offers a new engine, new transmission, new all-wheel drive, and new exterior and interior design. Mercedes-AMG has dramatically honed the driving dynamics and looks further. For improved performance with significantly reduced fuel consumption, the AMG 4.0-litre V-8 Biturbo engine with cylinder deactivation replaces the previous 5.5-litre V-8 Biturbo. Despite the smaller displacement, the new engine puts out 450 kW (612 hp) and thus exactly 20 kW (27 hp) more than the preceding model.
With a sprint time of 3.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, the performance luxury sedan is on par with full-blooded sports cars. The AMG Speedshift MCT 9‑speed sports transmission replaces the previous 7-speed gearbox. This has enabled more agile response times to be achieved. The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system provides optimal traction.
The Mercedes-AMG S 65 has extremely high torque, transferred by the proven AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic Plus transmission. It delivers convincing tailor-made dynamics and high variability. Whether automatic or initiated by the driver using the steering wheel paddle shifters, upshifts or downshifts are affected quickly and instantly. The AMG sports suspension based on Magic Body Control focuses on driving dynamics and prepares for bumps before the vehicle runs over them. In addition, the S 65 features the “Curve” driving mode, active in the speed range between 15 km/h and 180 km/h. As a result, the vehicle tilts to the inside of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees, similar to a motorcycle rider - this reduces the perceived lateral forces and increases the ride quality.
The Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and Mercedes-AMG S 65 will be launched in the Middle East in Q4 2017.
Concept A Sedan raises the bar for automotive design
The global premiere of the Concept A Sedan at the show enabled Mercedes-Benz to provide a glimpse of the next generation of its successful range of compact cars. Thanks to its purist, surface-focused design featuring reduced lines and gaps, the show car is hot and cool at the same time.
The Concept A Sedan has been designed with the proportions of a dynamic, coupé-like and simultaneously compact, premium sedan. The muscular wheel arch design featuring a reduced arch dimension emphasize the exclusive 20‑inch wheels. The door handles of the show car are flush with the body, while the outside mirrors, in a contemporary reinterpretation, stand proud of the beltlines.
The striking front expresses self-confidence: this is crucially highlighted by the deep Panamericana grille tilted toward the front. — SG
