A model embodying "The best or nothing"

As is widely known, the S-Class is not only Mercedes-Benz's flagship model but has also consistently been the benchmark for luxury cars worldwide. This has remained true since the debut of the first model in 1972, even into the 21st century. Indeed, it is the world's leading mass-produced passenger car, setting the standard for "automobiles" themselves in terms of safety, environmental performance, and even performance and product quality.

While cars superior to the S-Class certainly exist, they are extremely limited models catering to a very select, affluent clientele. The S-Class, on the other hand, occupies the top tier of vehicles that one can, in a sense, purchase with relative ease from a dealer, provided the price is met.


In Japan, as previously reported, the sixth generation, redesigned after an eight-year interval, was announced in August, with deliveries commencing in November. The lineup and prices (including tax) are, from the entry model upwards: S400 Hybrid (10.9 million yen), S400 Hybrid Exclusive (12.7 million yen), S550 Long (15.45 million yen), and the AMG versions from AMG, Mercedes' sporty brand: S63 AMG Long (23.4 million yen) and S63 AMG 4MATIC Long (23.4 million yen), offering five variations.

The S65 AMG, featuring the V12 twin-turbo engine at the top of AMG's range, is also scheduled for announcement soon, with the Tokyo Motor Show set to be the venue for its commemorative world premiere.

While the specifics of the Japanese specifications are detailed in the announcement report and will be omitted here, it is evident that Mercedes-Benz has spared no expense in incorporating technologies currently available for production vehicles. This includes Mercedes' developed safety features, environmental considerations, the interior and exterior quality expected of a prestige car, and its driving performance.

As a flagship model, this S-Class embodies the philosophy of "The best or nothing" by incorporating all the best technologies currently possible. It is truly a model that personifies Mercedes-Benz's corporate philosophy.

A prestige car packed with high-tech features, holding nothing back

The S-Class must always remain at the top. In recent years, rivals like BMW's 7 Series and Audi's A8 have made serious attempts to challenge the S-Class's dominance, but Mercedes-Benz cannot afford to relinquish its position easily.

In terms of global sales volume, Mercedes-Benz trails BMW, and in China, a symbol of emerging markets, Audi leads the luxury segment supported by strong sales of compact cars. While there may be debate about quantity versus quality, being at the top is crucial for luxury car brands where image is paramount. Much like in the world of supercomputers, second place is not an option. Against this backdrop, the S-Class, as the flagship, is a model where failure is absolutely not permitted.



While it remains within the realm of speculation, observing Mercedes-Benz's current situation, one can anticipate that the S-Class, and indeed the upcoming C-Class, will undoubtedly be excellent even before driving them. This is because the path to tackling a crucial, must-win battle is clear and readily understood by anyone.

The preamble has perhaps been a bit lengthy, but the reason why the sixth-generation S-Class has become a prestige car brimming with high-tech features, holding nothing back in terms of safety, environment, comfort, and performance—like a veritable department store of technology—likely lies in this context.



The headlights are now full LED, making the S-Class the world's first car to use no incandescent bulbs at all. It employs a total of approximately 500 LEDs, large and small, to enhance power efficiency. The body lines, while substantial, flow smoothly, meticulously designed with aerodynamics in mind, and feature precise panel gaps on doors and the hood, creating a virtually seamless appearance.

First-class comfort for the rear passengers as well

Opening the substantial doors reveals an interior that speaks to what a luxury car should be. In previous models, one might have noticed parts borrowed from existing vehicles, but that impression is entirely absent here. While borrowed parts might be discoverable upon close inspection, the overall feeling is that everything has been crafted specifically for the S-Class.

Even for luxury car brands, it is common practice to use parts from other models. In this context, the S-Class shows no sign of "cost reduction" as an excuse. While the company undoubtedly makes standard efforts to reduce costs in appropriate areas, its ability to conceal this is truly commendable.



The dashboard features a novel design with two large, 12.3-inch wide LCD screens placed side-by-side. These displays show not only the speedometer and tachometer but also vehicle settings such as navigation, audio, and climate control. The visibility is excellent, and there is virtually no sense of disconnect that might be imagined from simulated, graphic-based meter displays. Various controls can be intuitively operated using the familiar rotary dial controller while viewing this screen.

However, for those who find rotary controls challenging, individual shortcut switches are provided separately from the central control system, so there should be no concern about operational difficulties. Even without a cockpit drill, Mercedes owners should find it easy to perform the necessary driving operations.

The seats are of high quality, truly embodying luxury. The level of the S-Class can be understood just by looking at these seats alone. They can be adjusted to achieve an appropriate driving position for virtually any driver's physique. These seats also come standard with a massage function incorporating 14 air cushions.



Combined with a leg rest and footrest, this provides true first-class comfort for the VIPs in the rear.

Continued in Part 2

Mercedes-Benz S 400 Hybrid

Body size | Length 5,116 x Width 1,899 x Height 1,493 mm

Wheelbase | 3,035 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,624 / 1,637 mm

Minimum ground clearance | 124 mm

Trunk capacity (VDA value) | 510 liters

Weight | - kg

Engine | 3,497 cc V6 direct-injection DOHC + electric motor

Maximum output | 225 kW (306 ps) / 6,500 rpm

Maximum torque | 370 Nm (37.7 kgm) / 3,500-5,250 rpm

Motor output | 20 kW (27 ps)

Motor torque | 250 Nm (25.5 kgm)

Transmission | 7-speed automatic

Drivetrain | FR

Tires Front/Rear | 245/50R18

0-100 km/h acceleration | 6.8 seconds (manufacturer's data)

Fuel economy (NEDC value) | 6.3 L/100km (approx. 15.9 km/L) (manufacturer's data)

Steering position | Right

Price | 10.9 million yen (Exclusive: 12.7 million yen)



Mercedes-Benz S 550 long

Body size | Length 5,250 x Width 1,900 x Height 1,495 mm

<Length 5,280 x Width 1,915 x Height 1,495 mm>

Wheelbase | 3,165 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,625 / 1,635 mm <1,630 / 1,645 mm>

Minimum ground clearance | 130 mm

Trunk capacity (VDA value) | 530 liters

Weight | 2,180 kg <2,190 kg>

Engine | 4,663 cc V8 direct-injection DOHC twin-turbocharged

Maximum output | 335 kW (455 ps) / 5,250-5,500 rpm

Maximum torque | 700 Nm (71.3 kgm) / 1,800-3,500 rpm

Transmission | 7-speed automatic

Drivetrain | FR

Tires Front/Rear | 245/50R18

0-100 km/h acceleration | 4.8 seconds (manufacturer's data)

Fuel economy (NEDC value) | 8.6 L/100km (approx. 11.6 km/L) (manufacturer's data)

Steering position | Left / Right

Price | 15.45 million yen

* Values in <> are for when the AMG Sport Package is installed



Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG long

Body size | Length 5,287 x Width 1,915 x Height 1,499 mm

Wheelbase | 3,165 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,630 / 1,644 mm

Minimum ground clearance | 141 mm

Trunk capacity (VDA value) | 510 liters

Weight | - kg

Engine | 5,461 cc V8 direct-injection DOHC twin-turbocharged

Maximum output | 430 kW (585 ps) / 5,500 rpm

Maximum torque | 900 Nm (91.7 kgm) / 2,250-3,750 rpm

Transmission | 7-speed automatic

Drivetrain | FR

Tires Front/Rear | 255/45R19 / 285/40R19

0-100 km/h acceleration | 4.4 seconds (manufacturer's data)

Fuel economy (NEDC value) | 10.1 L/100km (approx. 9.9 km/L) (manufacturer's data)

Steering position | Right

Price | 23.4 million yen


Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG 4MATIC long

Body size | Length 5,287 x Width 1,915 x Height 1,499 mm

Wheelbase | 3,165 mm

Tread Front/Rear | 1,643 / 1,644 mm

Minimum ground clearance | 135 mm

Trunk capacity (VDA value) | 510 liters

Weight | - kg

Engine | 5,461 cc V8 direct-injection DOHC twin-turbocharged

Maximum output | 430 kW (585 ps) / 5,500 rpm

Maximum torque | 900 Nm (91.7 kgm) / 2,250-3,750 rpm

Transmission | 7-speed automatic

Drivetrain | 4WD

Tires Front/Rear | 255/45R19 / 285/40R19

0-100 km/h acceleration | 4.0 seconds (manufacturer's data)

Fuel economy (NEDC value) | 10.3 L/100km (approx. 9.7 km/L) (manufacturer's data)

Steering position | Left

Price | 23.4 million yen

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