It has been known forever that Mercedes-Benz flagship sedans and coupes are the benchmarks for the rest of the automotive industry, representing engineering excellence, opulent luxury and state-of-the-art features that often not only trickle down to cheaper Mercedes models, but to other brands as well. This absolutely applies on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a car that beams with everything special and potentially groundbreaking as its glamourous predecessors.
After the all-new generation debuted last year, 2016 is more of a family-members return. The V12-powered S600 and S65 AMG models rejoin the S-Class lineup after a year off, with the former boasting a bigger and more powerful engine than the previous generation’s version. Most notably, though, the S-Class coupe name makes its return after nearly two decades. Like the CL-Class it replaces, the new S-Class coupe provides the same opulent interior quality and driving experience as the S-Class sedan, but with sleeker, two-door styling .
These new additions position the S-Class’ status as one of the finest cars on the road. The latest-generation sedan feels like a step above traditional, compared with cheaper competitors like the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series in its design, quality, technology and overall luxury ambience. On the contrary, it seems far closer to an upper-class brand more like Bentley Continental GT. No matter what you compare them to, however, the 2016 S-Class sedan and coupe can definitely be considered benchmarks.
Usually, the interior of most flagship luxury cars is a fancier version of the “lower” model. However, this does not apply on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There is a clear differentiation between it and other Mercedes models, indicating that this is a special car that exists above the rest. Even things like the seat control buttons are bespoke to the S-Class.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes as a full-size sedan and coupe available in a number of variants, which correspond to engine. Both body styles are available as an S550, S63 AMG and S65 AMG, while the sedan adds an additional S600 and S550 Plug-In Hybrid (available early 2015).
This 2015 Benz S550 is powered by a turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 engine good for 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard on the sedan. 4Matic all-wheel drive is optional on the sedan and standard on the S550 coupe. The coupe is rated at 19 mpg combined (16 city/24 highway). The way the S550 gets up to speed is also, well, effortless. Acceleration from the turbo V8 is ferocious, yet its noises are reduced to a whisper inside the cocoon-like cabin.
We are expected to see the S550 in the first part of this year. Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2016 price in the United Arab Emirates will be around 600,000 AED.
