REVIEW | The Mercedes-Benz S350d L is the best pick outside a Maybach

For 51 years Mercedes-Benz has been churning out its impressive S-Class, and for decades it’s been an imperious leader.

Ultra-luxury carmakers are on a mission towards discreet ostentation and the new S-Class embodies this new direction with less showy chrome and cleaner surfaces.

It’s even more cautious in regular trim, but our test unit’s AMG body-pack styling, a free option, and R28,000 worth of black 20-inch AMG M alloy wheels create a more villainous look. Approach the S-Class with its key fob nearby and its flush door handle surrounds light up. It takes a fleeting touch across the capacitive surfaces to pop out, then you pull to open.

It doesn’t have electrically operated doors like its EQS electric cousin and perennial foe the BMW 7 Series, which is a pity. These would serve as an apt precursor to the R112,700 worth of Machiatto, cream leather upholstery with a diamond pattern that was also applied to the steering wheel in our car. The seats are super comfy, heated and electrically operated, with neck pillows in which small masseuses live. 

On long journeys, the driver's seat adjusts in small degrees to give a much-needed flex to body posture. This forms part of the passenger wellness pursuits of the brand. The rear seats also recline and are separated by a tunnel that integrates a digital pad and wireless charger. Active ambient lighting transforms the cabin into Dubai after sunset.

Most innovative features are hidden inside digital menus. The most visible advancements are sensors that quickly notice intersections and beam video images of all directions onto the main screen and navigation with an augmented-reality view — all of this for R65,000. 

Quality and reliability are paramount in the S-Class and it was a pleasure to come across capacitive buttons that work, all the time. You can also use voice-activated commands to summon your S-Class’ artificial-intelligence butler. As customers shift into the world of SUV ownership and electrification, one wonders where this leaves the three-box luxury colossus, especially the diesel-powered S350d L. 

The limo commands respect from observers, and the silence and silkiness of the 2.9l six-cylinder diesel motor with 210kW on tap is exemplary. A smooth-operating nine-speed transmission and the availability of all its 600Nm at the 3,200rpm mark makes it hugely tractable. It's all about luxury progression, the brute force of the motor making it rapid. It's not hard to believe Mercedes' claims of a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds and a 250km/h top speed. 

The S350d L is a driver's car too, and I indulged in this unexpected performance envelope. It's nimble enough and the air-sprung suspension squats low for keener cornering. There's a small hint of body roll inside corners and there's not much that can be done to mask its heft, but work has been done to make it handle as well as smaller Benzes. 

There are too many safety systems to list here, but ground-breaking highlights include inflatable seat belt straps, optional rear-passenger airbags and standard Pre-Safe, which primes the vehicle for impact by closing any open windows and tightens the belts. This latest model sees suspension lift by 7.2cm to protect passengers in a side-impact crash. 

In South Africa, the S-Class is available in long wheelbase only. Other markets can opt for a short version. The former makes sense for self-driving or enjoying being chauffeured.

It's not a wide segment, but there are compelling alternatives. The S350d L starts at R2.435m, but our vehicle with its selected luxuries costs R2,842,893. The equivalent BMW is the 740d xDrive and for similar prices you can also consider the Porsche Panamera 4 E-hybrid Executive or the Maserati Quattroporte GT. 

I'd happily live with the S350d L. It's just as classy and presidential as the petrol range and the 7.5l/100km fuel consumption it returned during the test period means less frequent visits to filling stations. It's my star pick.

Tech Specs

ENGINE

Type: Six-cylinder diesel

Capacity: 2.9l

Power: 210kW

Torque: 600Nm

TRANSMISSION

Type: Nine-speed auto

DRIVE TRAIN

Type: Rear-wheel drive

PERFORMANCE 

Top speed: 250km/h

0-100km/h: 6.4 seconds (claimed)

Fuel consumption: 6.6l/00km (claimed); 7.5l/100km (as tested)

Emissions: 172g/km

STANDARD FEATURES

Seven airbags, ABS brakes, electronic stability control, tyre-pressure monitor, MBUX infotainment system, USB charging ports, climate control, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, electric front seats, active lane-keeping assist, climatised front seats, panoramic sliding sunroof, head-up display, ambient lighting, adaptive high-beam assist, power closing doors, Keyless-Go with flush-fitting door handles, wireless front phone charger, integrated starter generator, 360° parking camera, active parking assist

Warranty: Two years/unlimited distance

Maintenance plan: Five years/100,000km

Price: R2,435,939

Lease*: R53,668 per month

* at 11.5% interest over 60 months, no deposit

COMPETITION

BMW 740d xDrive M Sport Pro, 220kW/650Nm — R2,280,000

Porsche Panamera 4 E-hybrid Executive, 340kW/700Nm — R2,495,000 

Maserati Quattroporte GT, 257kW/500Nm — R2,850,000

Mercedes-Benz S350 L 

WE LIKE: Refinement, luxury, fuel consumption

WE DISLIKE: Nothing at all

VERDICT: Probably the best pick outside a Maybach 

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