Mercedes-Benz's S-Class, true to its origin "Sonderklasse (special class)," is the brand's top-tier model and the benchmark for full-size luxury sedans. Since Korea opened its market to imports in 1987, it has been steadily chosen by leading entrepreneurs, beginning with the late Shin Chun-ho of Nongshim, and as a presidential protocol car, cementing its status as the quintessential "chairman's car." Cumulative sales in Korea exceed 100,000 units.
This S-Class was released on the 18th as the "The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class" in a mid-cycle update. It strengthens the signature comfortable ride and driving stability, and completes a smart package by equipping the integrated operating system "MB.OS." Among roughly 2,500 preorders, the most-chosen flagship trim, the "S500 4MATIC Long," was test-driven on the 19th over about 156 kilometers from Hoengseong, Gangwon, to Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol.
◇ Comfort perfected by air suspension and seats
The moment I got into the S500 4MATIC Long, I could feel S-Class-level comfort. The supple leather seats gently wrapped every contact point from thigh to back. Even over potholes or speed bumps, all I felt was a cradle-like, gentle tremor. Credit goes to the AIRMATIC air suspension, which minimizes vibrations by adjusting each wheel's damper to match road conditions.
The all-wheel-drive system and rear-axle steering of up to 10 degrees help the body stay composed even when passing through winding sections at considerable speed. Even during hard braking at high speed, body dive was limited. It maintained its heading even when stopping before the wheels were fully straightened.
Thanks to sound-absorbing materials applied throughout the car and double-laminated acoustic glass, the cabin remains quiet enough at high speeds that only airflow from the vents is audible. With little vibration and noise, it was hard to sense speed without looking at the instrument cluster or head-up display.
As the byword for a "chauffeur-driven" car, the rear-seat ride is unmatched. Reclining the backrest up to 133.5 degrees and moving the first row forward up to 37 millimeters allows a semi-reclined posture.
Air vents are installed not only behind the console box but also on the B-pillar (the pillar between the front and rear seats). The seat's heated massage and ventilation functions also perform at a top-tier level. Two separate MBUX remotes control everything from monitor content and seat settings to the sunroof and curtains. You can also aim the interior lighting as desired.
Fifteen 710W speakers finished in chrome pleased the ears. However, the plastic material of the rear door's upper grab handle somewhat undercut the sense of luxury. The extensive use of black high-gloss finishes on displays and other surfaces that easily show fingerprints was also a drawback.
◇ Quicker 0-to-62 than the predecessor, with enhanced driving performance
The 2,999cc gasoline inline-six delivers a maximum 449 horsepower and 61.2 kgf·m of torque for ample thrust. While the new S500 4MATIC Long's peak output by rpm (engine revolutions per minute) is lower than its predecessor after engine refinements, its zero-to-100 kph time has dropped by 0.2 seconds. In other words, initial acceleration is quicker.
As a result, even a modestly deeper press of the accelerator in Sport mode produced impressive acceleration. Despite a curb weight of 2.1 tons, the model powered up winding 10-degree inclines without strain. However, under hard acceleration, the suspension pressed down the rear slightly, giving a bobbing sensation.
On-site, some noted that, unlike the smoother predecessor, the new model's acceleration feels more punchy. A Mercedes-Benz Korea official said, "Many S500 4MATIC owners drive themselves," adding, "It is designed so you can enjoy both a comfortable ride and performance."
◇ Prepared for Autonomous Driving with MB.OS, but ADAS is still lacking
The new S-Class is the first to feature Mercedes-Benz's integrated operating system MB.OS, developed in 2023. MB.OS provides infotainment, driving assistance, and body and convenience functions, and supports over-the-air software updates (OTA). In the future, Level 2-plus Autonomous Driving on highways—where the driver need not hold the steering wheel—is expected to be enabled via OTA.
The S500 4MATIC Long also features an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) powered by 27 sensors, including 10 cameras, five radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. It worked smoothly in most scenarios, such as abrupt merges on highway on- and off-ramps. However, on winding stretches it intermittently crossed the center line. This is an area that should be improved through future updates.
◇ As many as 124 three-pointed stars, emphasizing S-Class presence
The exterior design of the S500 4MATIC Long showcases Mercedes-Benz's three-pointed star throughout. The large front grille incorporates 112 small chrome three-pointed stars, and the headlamps and taillamps each include two and three three-pointed star-shaped LED lamps. A total of 124 three-pointed stars on the exterior alone emphasize its presence.
The body measures 5,305 millimeters long, 1,920 millimeters wide, and 1,505 millimeters tall. The wheelbase (distance between axles) is 3,216 millimeters. Only the length has grown, by 15 millimeters, compared with the predecessor. Versus the domestic full-size sedan Genesis G90, it is only 10 millimeters narrower, while overall length (30 millimeters), height (15 millimeters), and wheelbase (36 millimeters) are all more generous. Trunk capacity is 550 liters, and according to Mercedes-Benz Korea, it can hold three golf bags.
Kim Eun-jung, executive vice president overseeing product and sales at Mercedes-Benz Korea, said, "What stands out most in this mid-cycle update is that it isn't overdesigned yet creates a clear distinction from before," adding, "The exterior was created so you can tell it is a Mercedes-Benz S-Class from any angle."
The new Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC Long is priced at 220 million won. Depending on color, it is sold for up to 230.78 million won.