In this article, we find out which Mercedes Benz class is the best? What are the drivetrain options available in it? And should you buy it?

Which Mercedes Benz class is the best?

The best class in the Mercedes Benz line-up is undoubtedly the S class model series W223. The first S class was launched in 1972 with the models series W116 and it represents the best Mercedes Benz can offer in a full-sized premium sedan.

Since then S class has always been the flagship model and with every generation S class pushed the boundaries in automotive safety and innovation. For example, the S class was the first production vehicle with airbags for occupants other than the driver and a seat belt pre-tensioning device to take up the slack in the seat belt just before the crash and protect the driver.

When the first generation of the S class was launched it was marketed with the slogan ‘engineered like no other car’. Mercedes Benz had no cost cap when it came to research and development of the S class and this was reflected in the quality and reliability of the model. Even today S class models series W220, W221 are used every day by customers. 

Currently, the S class is in its 7 generation, Model series W223 will be unveiled in September 2020 with production starting in Stuttgart, Germany and later in Pune, India. The majority of the production of the class takes place in Germany to ensure high levels of built quality. The factory in India also uses knockdown kits to assemble the latest generation of S class.

What makes the S class the best class in Mercedes Benz?

Mercedes Benz S Class focuses on comfort and luxury. There are inline 6 and v8 petrol engines making around 600 horsepower. The S class is currently in its seventh generation and has the most advanced driver assistance systems on board.

The driver assistance systems are capable of driving the s class without any inputs from the driver. S class also sets a benchmark in safety by featuring a first-in-class rear passenger airbag located on the backside of the front seats. 

S class uses AIRMATIC suspension with sports and comfort modes, the suspension has active body control systems and can vary the damping rates based on the mode selected. This gives more versatility to the handling characteristics of the S class.

The S class also uses a 9-speed automatic gearbox and The transfer case used in the S class is capable of 100 % torque distribution to any wheel. The Mercedes Benz S class also has best-in-class active and passive safety systems. 

Mercedes Benz offers 3 years standard warranty with unlimited mileage and extended warranty programs like Advance assurance can benefit fleet customers. There are plenty of service packages to choose from, Star ease service package can lock the service cost at the time of buying the vehicle and save time and money for the customer in the long run.

The  Mercedes Benz  S class special order, also known as the Designo Manufaktur program. It allows the customer to select different exterior paint of the vehicle from the designo catalogue. Customers can also customise the interior colour and select the material of seats.

What are the drivetrain options available in the S class?

The S class has Petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid petrol and diesel internal combustion engines. A fully electric EQS model was also launched recently. Petrol and diesel engines are also available in mild hybrid systems to improve fuel efficiency.

In the petrol engines S class uses M256, M177 and M178 engines. 

•  3.0 litres inline 6 cylinders (S450,S480,S500)

The M256 engine is turbocharged and produces power from 362 bhp to 430 bhp depending on the S class variant. 21bho of additional power is provided from the 48V hybrid EcoBoost. The M 256 is an inline 6 cylinder petrol engine with an integrated starter-alternator. It is truly a beltless engine as all the ancillary components like a coolant water pump. Airconditioning compressor and alternator. The starter-alternator is used to power a 48V high voltage battery.

• 4.0 litres V 8 cylinders engines(S580)

The Mercedes Benz Maybach uses the 4.0 litres M176 petrol engine with a cylinder shut off function. M176 is based on the M177 Mercedes AMG engine. It is a Biturbo V8 cylinder engine with both turbochargers located inside the V of the engine. M176, like M177, is used in different states of tune and produces 500bhp 700NM of torque. The 48V starter-alternator gives an additional boost of 20bhp. 

• 6.0 litres V12 engine (S680)

The latest Mercedes Benz V12 engine is M279, it is only available in the Mercedes Benz Maybach S680 4MATIC. The M279 is the successor of the M275 V12 engine which was used from 2000 to 2010. The M279 was developed with the main goal to reduce fuel consumption and emissions and finding a way to increase engine performance. 

The M279 AMG is heavily modified by the Mercedes AMG division so that it can meet current emission regulations and still produce the same amount of power. The M279 currently produces 603 bhp and up to 900 NM of torque.

• 3.0 litres inline 6 cylinder diesel engine (S350d, S400d)

The S Class is available in Diesel engine, its most powerful OM656 with AdBlue injection system for exhaust after-treatment producing a maximum power output of 330bhp and 700nm torque.

 OM 656 is available in different states of tune in the S350d & S400d. Diesel engines are equipped with low and high-pressure exhaust gas recirculation to reduce NOX emissions. AdBlue injection with selective catalytic reduction can be also found in the latest models. These exhaust gasses after treatments are present to fulfil emission regulations.

All engines available in the S class have NANOSLIDE coating on the cylinder walls. This is an extremely thin coating applied to the inner surface of the cylinder to reduce friction between the piston. Twin-wire arc spraying (TWAS) is used to spray an extremely thin coat of iron-carbon alloy on the cylinder walls.  The friction between the piston and piston rings is reduced by almost 50 per cent.

• EQS (Fully electric drivetrain)

The Mercedes EQS is also the first full electrical premium offering from Mercedes Benz. The overall dimension and wheelbase are similar to that of an S class. EQS has a very low coefficient of drag of 0.20. A low coefficient of drag and high voltage battery allows EQS an overall range of 770km (WLTP).

The Mercedes AMG EQS 53 4MATIC is the most recently launched model in December 2021. All models are fully electric with power output right from 210kW to 470kW and torque is 568 to 855 NM.

Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in

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What are the Mercedes Benz V12 engines?

Why is Mercedes Benz so dominant in formula 1?

Conclusion

The latest generation of the S class carries forward the S class name and sets new benchmarks in passenger cars’ safety and comfort. It is also the only class in the Mercedes Benz which has a V12 engine option. Therefore, anyone looking for the best luxury and comfort should buy the new S class.

FAQs: Which Mercedes Benz class is the best?

Which is the lowest-priced model in Mercedes-Benz?

The lowest-priced Mercedes Benz model is the A-class. The A class is a new generation car with a hatchback body style and front-wheel drive.

Which is the highest-priced model in Mercedes-Benz?

The highest-priced Mercedes Benz model is the S class, it is also the flagship model in the Mercedes Benz product range.