Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2018 Review

Benz on the top of its game

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the pinnacle of executive motoring, combining luxury, comfort and technology in a package that's sharply styled enough to stand out, yet sufficiently understated to deliver a classy statement on the driveway.
The luxury marque has recently updated its flagship with new engine options and of course, the obligatory technology enhancements.
This S 350 d is the entry model to the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 7-model range which starts at $195,900 (plus on-road costs) and extends through short-wheel base and long-wheel base models all the way to the range-topping $425,000 S 650 Maybach.

An accomplished drive

Powered by a new 2.9-litre in-line six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, which is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the S 350 d combines solid performance with impressive fuel economy claims.

While claimed numbers are sometimes difficult to achieve, we're pleased to report that the S 350 d got close to the sticker on several occasions. On the ADR Combined cycle, the Mercedes-Benz S 350 d is claimed to achieve fuel economy of 5.4L/100km and during a 70km commute, of predominantly freeway cruising, the hefty S 350 d sat happily on the freeway at 5.2L/100km, numbers only worsening once I hit Melbourne's familiar stop-start traffic.

Not only did the engine impress with its frugal nature but it also proved itself to be an exceptionally quiet unit too. At start-up, there's none of the recognisable clatter of a diesel engine, and when idling, thanks to the cabin refinement there's barely any noise intrusion. It's the same from outside. In fact, you have to be very close to it to realise it is running at all.

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Power to perform

In terms of performance, the S 350 d offers plenty of bite, and while the entry level S-Class may not be the pick of the range for sports driving, its 210kW is hardly sheepish; the available 600Nm offering good pulling power at lower engine speeds.

Stick the toe down and what you lose in fuel economy, you make up for in an accomplished ride and enjoyable drive experience.

As you'd expect from the S-Class, the chassis is supple. The adjustable air suspension absorbs bumps, making the ride comfortable for passengers and in Sport mode, the car fees purposeful without the harsh ride of other more sports-oriented Mercedes-Benz models.

Gear shifts through the nine-cog transmission are seamless and the gearbox settles in nicely into top gear, not hunting like some we could mention.

Steering feel is ideally weighted, giving good feedback in normal driving modes and delivering a more direct response when in sport mode.

The result is a no-stress car which is thoroughly satisfying to drive in a variety of conditions and would be hard to rival on a drive from Melbourne to Sydney.

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Technobabble

Being the entry model, the S 350d misses out on some expected technology including rear screens and AV controls, while tri-zone digital climate control is a noticeable omission. The test vehicle was also supplied with a black leather upholstered interior which is surely practical but doesn't have the same luxury feel of a light cream.

Thankfully, as you would expect from an new luxe limo, there are essential technology updates aimed at promoting the manufacturer's 'leader' credentials but as the S-Class won't be getting an all-new model until 2020 the new bits add extra functionality, but not necessarily extra 'wow.'

The technology trickery starts with new multi-beam LED adaptive headlights which offer truly exceptional vision at night.

On start-up a nifty animation flashes the lights across the horizon making for a cool party trick but the real cleverness is in their action, lighting up dark roads for metres ahead and shifting beams around corners for excellent vision. For night-driving on Australian country roads, they are unbeatable.

Mercedes-Benz is now on board with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the S-Class offers wireless phone charging for compatible devices. A Burmester stereo with 13-speaker sound system and digital TV tuner round-out the entertainment offerings, the latter proving useful when carrying out family chauffeur duties.

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Keep your distance

Of note is Mercedes' decision to move the Distronic cruise control switch from a stalk to the steering wheel. The move may be a little detail but it makes for much easier operation of the adaptive cruise system.

This brings me to the driver assistance technologies... While many car companies are now implementing semi-autonomous technologies such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, not all systems are created equal.

Mercedes' driver assistance technology is integrated into the S-Class in a way that it appears much more elegant and seamless than in other, more affordable vehicles.

Steering inputs are direct and comforting, delivering additional surety during cornering, while new functionality including Active Lane Change Assist is another step towards safer vehicles in traffic.

The S-Class is one of the first cars on sale in Australia to feature active lane change assist, a system which helps identify safe gaps in traffic to overtake.

When adaptive cruise control is activated over 80km/h, and the driver indicates to move to the right, the car will steer into the lane when it is safe to do so, correcting its position into the centre of the lane.

While this tech is probably best suited to the high-speed, heavy traffic environment of the German autobahn, it's just another helpful stepping stone towards safer, more autonomous vehicles.

All for the user

There is one small 'but' for Mercedes' technology aficionados. The S-Class will not be the first vehicle in the range to get the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience infotainment system. That's been reserved for the brand new A-Class that we'll be seeing later this year.

That said, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class does still have enough to warrant the interest of Australia's Captains of Industry, at least until the new model arrives in 2020.

Price as tested: $201,600 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.9-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 210kW/600Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 141g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A