Driving the new Mercedes-Benz S 560 feels like floating on a cloud. One of the most elegant luxury sedans on the market this year, it aims to make the user experience as comfortable as possible, and succeeds in doing just that.
Passengers are pampered in bespoke musical themes and massage functions, all thanks to the new and improved energising comfort control system that takes physical comfort to a whole other level. Meanwhile, its ‘curve’ comfort enhancement is a new (and much awaited) curve-tilting function that slants seats’ bodies to the inside by up to 2.65 degrees at turns, in order to reduce drivers’ forced movement.
Amid the open-pore wood and leather-trimmed doors and dashboard, passengers have a choice of six modes that focus on muscle relaxation, activation and balance, each with a duration of 10 minutes and across multiple platforms including lighting, massage and music. LED lights in over 60 colours can be set in four zones across the vehicle. Mercedes claims the light reflects positive effects on users’ well-being, surrounding them with a relaxing ambience. Options include Glacier Blue, Red Moon and Dawn Blue.
Comfort goes beyond the interior options and onto the steering wheel, where the touch controls respond similarly to the swiping motions on a smartphone, succeeding in making the user experience as effortless as possible. Drivers are able to access the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel, not that we wanted to take our hands off the smooth and ever classic S-class.
Under the hood, the Mercedes-Benz S 560 does not disappoint either. The German car, for which the official partner in the UAE is family-owned Gargash Enterprises, features a new V8 engine that boasts 469 hp and 700 Nm. The impressive part is that it remains economical in terms of fuel, consuming about 10 percent less than its predecessor. It’s a remarkable feat, even for an A-list brand such as Mercedes. Then again, you wouldn’t expect one of the world’s foremost motor houses to not move with the times. Intelligent Drive, its autonomous driving and driver assistance system, has also received a noticeable upgrade. Its Pre-Safe Sound option triggers a warning signal ahead of any crashes expected to produce a loud noise, in order to protect the eardrum from high audio pressures. The suspension control is also enhanced, with the stereo camera now scanning the roads in dusk and at speeds of up to 180 kmph.
Everything is designed with both drivers and passengers in mind, from wireless charging to more text messaging options including voice-to-text dictation.
The fully-digital cockpit allows drivers to choose from three different display styles including Classic, Sporty and Progressive.
The model’s exterior is just as striking, boasting elegant crystal-look tail lamps, a sharp new radiator grille and multibeam LED headlights that produce the maximum light intensity permitted by law.
This makes the Mercedes-Benz S 560 a worthy contender in the ever aggressive luxury car market. Indeed, the graceful motorcar is as smooth – and as powerful – as it gets in the world of classic sedans.