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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review: Half-Measure?

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Mercedes-Benz last put the world’s luxury-car peddlers on notice with its new-for-2014-model-year, W222-generation S-Class. It featured automated parking, Magic Body Control air suspension with Road Surface Scan, six programmable seat massages, and automatic perfume dispensing. BMW was first to parry with its new-for-2015 G11/12-generation 7 Series, which failed to unseat the mighty Merc in a 2016 Head-2-Head. Recently, Audi let us drive its spanking-new A8, dubbed MLB64. It goes on sale soon in Europe, but U.S. sales start next fall. Can the 6,500 part revisions made to this midcycle S-Class refresh keep the competition at bay? (Note: the engines count as one part each!) Very possibly.

The S-Class powertrain overhaul appears to be more thorough than what we’ve been told to date about the Audi’s powertrain revamp. Only the boffo 621-hp/738-lb-ft biturbo V-12 and seven-speed transmission from the AMG S65 carry over largely unchanged. A V-6 returns to power the entry-level S for the first time since the S400 Hybrid variant died with the previous generation. (A hybrid is expected to rejoin this generation of S-Class within a year or two.) It’s basically the engine from the GLS450. The twin-turbo V-6 produces 362 hp and 369 lb-ft. Paired with a nine-speed automatic, it motivates this limo just as easily as it does the GLS450, which finished second in a six-way jumbo SUV Big Test in 2015.

Stepping up to the S560 buys you a detuned AMG four.0-liter biturbo V-eight precise for 463 hp and 516 lb-toes. That?S 14 more horses than the preceding S500?S four.7-liter with equal torque. With the 9-velocity and cylinder deactivation, it additionally gets superior gasoline economic system: 17/27/21 mpg town/highway/blended as opposed to the S550?S sixteen/25/20 (evaluating 4Matic models?The RWD S560?S 2018 certification will now not be finalized until in the direction of its late-2017 release). The AMG S63?S new hot-vee 4.0-liter biturbo V-eight?Additionally with cylinder deactivation?Huffs up 603 hp and 664 lb-ft?A considerable power bump from the 2017 five.5-liter V-8?S 577 hp at equal torque, and it also benefits from the introduced leverage of two extra transmission ratios (for 9 here as well). This helps boost gas financial system by way of 10 percentage (to 17/26/20 from 15/23/18 mpg). S63s also get the Race Start function from the E63, which allows you to preselect a release rpm to healthy avenue situations then do a brake-torque release (sorry hoonigans, there's no float mode right here). The 4Matic Plus machine adds the capability to differ the front/rear torque in region of the former constant 33/67 the front/rear break up. By contrast, Audi has only launched data on its base turbo V-6 and twin-faster V-eight variants, which produce 335 hp/369 lb-ft and 453-hp/487-lb-feet, respectively. Both spin through an 8-speed transmission to standard Quattro all-wheel power. S and in all likelihood RS editions could observe from Audi, however Benz appears to have the mainstream A8s blanketed, and producer claims provide the Benz an aspect. Actual performance should defy appearances, but, because the Audis weigh kind of 200 pounds much less, and they advantage from 48-volt mild-hybridization.

Mercedes-Benz set a standard in 2014 with its “Magic Body Control” system that used forward-looking cameras to instruct the dampers when to soften up for bumps, but Audi is trumping that feature with its AI active suspension, which will be able to use its cameras to measure bumps and dips and then direct electromechanical arms to push a tire down into a hole and pull it back out again (or vice versa for bumps). We understand Mercedes will introduce rival technology on its next GLS-Class SUV (using electro-hydraulic rams to manipulate the wheel corners under orders from the forward-looking cameras). You can count on that system appearing on the next S-Class. Note that the V-12 AMG S65 also offers curve compensation that pumps up the outside suspension corners to maintain a more level ride in hard cornering (which the Audi AI suspension pretty much does, too, on any A8 so equipped). A8s can be had with active rear-wheel steering that tightens the turn circle and improves dynamic stability. The Audis with normal air suspensions ride just as plushly as the air-suspended S-Classes, and we didn’t get an objective test drive of the AI predictive setup, so this category remains a push with an anticipated Audi edge until the next all-new S-Class arrives.

It?S not going any manufacturer will beat Audi to the introduction of a Level three autonomy device (although exactly while and where Audi?S low-velocity site visitors jam device becomes to be had isn't but known), but Mercedes argues that its broader pace-range Level 2 Active Distance Assist Distronic with Active Steer Assist will show greater beneficial to greater people more of the time. Upgrades for 2018 encompass broadening the speed range at which each the cruise and steerage help features function, Active Lane Change Assist (signal and it checks your blind spots, then adjustments lanes), Active Speed Limit Assist (which will vary your velocity to suit the restriction, but no, it can not be set to hold a fixed increment above the restriction), and Route-Based Speed Adaptation (this can slow the car as wanted for drawing close tighter radius turns or navigation-recommended exits and so forth). Audi will nevertheless win this one if Traffic Jam Pilot arrives here before the S-Class receives absolutely redesigned and probable receives some thing comparable.

Mercedes complements Active Brake Assist with move-visitors alerts and provides Evasive Steering Assist. Think of that one like Brake Assist for steerage, in that, whilst a collision is approaching, if the driver initiates any sort of evasive maneuver, the auto will make an professional motive force of her or him by guidance itself clean of chance and then countersteering itself returned into the lane or out of hazard of spinning. The lively blind spot and lane keeping help capabilities also both operate at a much broader range of speeds now. Audi additionally uses the guidance to keep away from injuries and adds some new ideas of its own, including Pre Sense 360, which makes use of the AI active suspension to raise one side of the body in defense of an drawing close side effect collision, and Exit Warning, which delays establishing a door from the inner if an approaching car, bicycle, or other item threatens to hit it. Let?S face it, your odds of fending off or surviving any sort of automotive calamity are great in an S-Class or A8, and permit?S wish no apparent winner ever emerges on this category.

This is a mighty subjective category, and these two players repeatedly set benchmarks in interior comfort and design. For 2018, Mercedes integrates both of the large 12.3-inch  high-def instrument panel an infotainment screens under a single plane of glass and fits an all new steering wheel that features small touch-sensitive pads that you brush your thumb or finger across to scan or scroll and press to select. The cruise control functions finally abandon the stalk they’ve occupied for decades in favor of steering wheel buttons, and pressing the resume button twice activates the aforementioned speed-limit-adherent function. Both models now offer fragrance dispensers, with the Audi boasting a choice of two onboard scents time, while Mercedes integrates its scent into one of six Energizing Comfort programs that blend scent dispensing with preloaded music, ambient lighting, climate control settings and, in many cases, seat-massage programming plus seat heating or ventilation over a 10-minute program designed to promote freshness, warmth, vitality, joy, or comfort. There’s also a “training” setting that recommends muscle movements you can do while seated. We found the whole thing a bit gimmicky and quickly abandoned these programs for the much-longer-lasting massage-only programs. Audi also offers a foot-massaging unit fitted to the front passenger seatback for use by the rear-seat occupant. That one sounds pretty enticing, but we haven’t tried it. Aesthetically we give the nod to the sleeker, sparer Audi, but note that Mercedes offers a vastly broader array of interior comfort options, including long and extra-long wheelbases (Mercedes-Maybach models are 7.9 inches longer), executive packages, a dizzying array of materials choices including Designo options (the Mercedes is shown in the first four photos below, and the Audi below that).

Both are pretty chic, truth be instructed, however maybe that?S just because every will tirelessly massage the driving force?S lower back all through any ride. The base V-6 and V-eight variations each excel at being pushed in a serene and stately manner befitting their elegance. Auto stop/begin shutdowns were a bit extra important within the S450 than they were inside the S560 or A8s. The V-8s both shave approximately a second off the V-6 fashions? 0-60 times, and each makes a sweeter sound, but all engine noise is so muffled in both that they barely register. The Mercedes-AMG variants are some other story, with the S63 staged because the terrible boy miscreant of the lineup?All crackling, snorting, and popping exhaust in Sport mode. Nobody buys a luxobarge like this for tune days, however the S63 will thankfully oblige those who do, even boasting a telemetry app that connects on your phone to offer you lap instances, section instances, and many others. Its Race Start characteristic and variable-torque 4Matic power make it the 0-60 champ at three.4 seconds. Meanwhile the S65 wafts off the line a piece much less aggressively, coming into its own whilst you want to roll onto the accelerator and boost up from one hundred to one hundred fifty mph (or from a hundred and fifty to 186, the constrained pinnacle velocity). Ironically, its chic engine smoothness is at odds with the lumpy transferring nature of its older, rock-crusher seven-speed transmission. We by no means noticed the 9-speeds (or the Audi 8-speeds) going approximately their enterprise.

The S-Classes could advantage from Audi?S capacitive steering wheel, which is aware of whilst you?Re touching it rather than inferring touch by means of steering enter (three instances exceptional S-Classes told me to position my fingers at the wheel while one or both palms had been firmly gripping it). The speed restrict assist is useful if you stay in a strict jurisdiction, but be aware that if you want to nook at the velocity limit whenever viable, you need to both set the Dynamic power mode to Sport or setup your ?Individual? Putting with ESP and steerage set to Sport but the suspension set to Comfort for a smoother journey.

So is it worth waiting another year for the A8 (or three for the completely new S-Class)? Tech geeks who’ve been waiting for a truly predictive active suspension since before that old Infiniti Q45a will definitely want to sit on their wallets. Those who want their lux-sedan to breath fire, step right up to the AMG counter now (unless you insist on the S65, which hits the market in late 2017). Everyone else, study the galleries of Mercedes and Audi photos (both are featured in the gallery below), and pick the one that makes your knees go wobbliest. You can’t really go wrong either way.

4.0L/463-hp/516-lb-toes dual-faster DOHC 32-valve V-eight;

4.0-L/603-hp/664-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8; 6.0L 621-hp/738-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 48-valve V-12 3.0L/335-hp/369-lb-ft turbocharged DOHC 24-valve V-6; 4.0L/453-hp/487-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8 TRANSMISSIONS 7- or 8-speed automatic 8-speed automatic CURB WEIGHT 4,550-5,300 lb (mfr) 4,300-4,500 lb (est) WHEELBASE 124.6-132.5 in 123.1 in LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT 206.9-215.0 x 74.8-75.8 x 58.8-59.0 in 208.7 x 76.6 x 58.6 in 0-60 MPH 3.4-5.0 sec (mfr est) 4.0-5.7 sec (mfr est) EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON 13-19/21-28/16-22 mpg Not yet rated ENERGY CONSUMPTION, CITY/HWY 177-259/120-160 kW-hrs/100 miles – CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB 0.87-1.24 lb/mile – ON SALE IN U.S. Currently (S560 RWD, S65 late 2017) Fall 2018

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