Mercedes S-Class: Truly technological masterstroke

Mercedes has been building premium cars for years and it seems, it is getting it perfectly right with the new S500, unquestionably the best car in the class, and arguably the most complete road car in history.

Presently sold in the Nigerian market,  it is the perfect riposte to the bleak news that has pursued Daimler Chrysler throughout 2005. The S-500 represents what Mercedes can do at its best and it does it well. Building big saloon cars to a standard that will leave rival manufacturers contemplating whether they shall ever catch-up

The modern design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur since entry into the global market and the S 500 also continues this tradition.

Since the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz S-500 under the auspices of Weststar Associates Ltd two years ago, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Nigeria, it has continued much positive reaction from those premium car freaks and other members of the motoring public that have been keeping tab with developments within the automotive industry.

From the outside, the highly-charged feature line, three dimensional radiator grille, and the innovative head and tail lamps with the cutting edge LED technology are all characteristics of the high tech nature of the S-Class and this help to underline its position as one of the world’s leading saloon cars in the market.

Prospective new car shoppers can appreciate its exterior design, which is a union of stylish poise with sporty elegance and can comfortably pass for a suitable premium vehicle that is perfect for both relaxing and work. The interior fulfils this trailblazing role with its clear architecture which establishes a new vision of a superior, classic yet advanced sedan.

With its harmoniously-matched materials and colour schemes, the exclusive-looking interior presents itself as one beautifully-moulded whole. The clear craftsmanship even as the noble looking finish captivates the eye.

One of the first features that fascinate the eye is the wood trim running all round the interior, in conjunction with the modernistic design that conveys a feeling of expanse and peace. High-quality controls made from aluminum, together with metallised switch surfaces in pearl-effect finishes, are a clear outward sign of Mercedes-Benz quality.

The interior is informed by a uniquely flowing, sensuously elegant style. Horizontal elements and lines create a setting characterised by visual breadth and calm solidity.Living up to its reputation of possessing “Efficient Technology”, the S-500 gives an output of 10kW at 4.4 liters for every 100 kilometer distance covered, thereby almost halving fuel consumption.

It sets benchmarks in the futuristic areas of infotainment and multimedia, too. First-class sound and entertainment systems and navigation features with a high-resolution display will provide you with an emotional experience and unbridled driving pleasure, all the while keeping your destination in sight.

With 13 high performance speakers and 9 DSP amplifiers and total power output of 590 watts, the system calibrated to the S-Class ensures first-class Burmester “feel-good sound”. The model was voted best car in the luxury category, which were results from the latest reader survey by the specialist automotive publication “auto, motor und sport”.

The readers were asked to name the best car of the year, in which the Mercedes-Benz is continuing to earn its place as the reader’s favourite. This acknowledgement consolidates the reputation of the S-Class as a technological trendsetter and the epitome of luxurious travel.

The S 500 is the first vehicle worldwide to feature suspension technology that is even able to react in advance to road unevenness. It therefore offers an unprecedented level of ride comfort. It comes with real innovations in the area of comfort, safety, assistance systems and high-value appeal.

For the Nigerian market, according to Mirko Plath, the managing director of Weststar, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has lead the high-end luxury market with more than 75 per cent of the market share in Nigeria and the model will continue to defend this title.

This technological masterstroke from the stable of the Stuttgart-based leading luxury automaker is available at any of Weststar’s dealerships: M-B Automobile Services, Sunny Motors, Skymit Motors and Barbedos Cars.

MIKE OCHONMA