The textbook and pinnacle of sedans: Mercedes-Benz S-Class [Star Drive Review]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Star One-Line Review

Son Byung-ho's game is over: The one and only car for those seeking the ultimate sedan

Good

- The finest example of a car that embodies the symbols of authority and majesty

- A car that can be described at length, yet requires little explanation

Bad

- A car that makes you look down on others

- What exactly is Corner Mode?

Competitor

- BMW 7 Series: Larger and more luxurious, with far superior rear-seat convenience features

- Genesis G90: A car that S-Class drivers surprisingly tend to choose afterward

Among the brilliant achievements of Mercedes-Benz, the S-Class has established itself as a timeless icon with unparalleled symbolic significance. There are clearly domains where one entity possesses an overwhelming presence that no one else can challenge: Ferrari in sports cars, Tesla in electric vehicles, practical Kia, and Rolex as a symbol of wealth. In the automotive world, the best sedan has undoubtedly been the S-Class across eras. Even without stating the specific reasons for choosing this car, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is such a symbolic sedan that one can easily guess who is driving it.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580 tested this time is the facelifted model launched by Mercedes-Benz Korea in September last year. The car focuses on providing a new digital experience based on the latest MBUX, which runs on Mercedes-Benz's new vehicle operating system, MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System). The combination of entirely different species serves as a foundation for further developing existing dominant species. While the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the most conservative automobile, it has made the most progressive choice regarding digital experience. And its pinnacle remains tailored to second-row passengers. Additionally, it reduces burden for front-row occupants by applying the latest driver assistance system, MB.DRIVE ASSIST.

As a facelift, changes to the exterior design are not significantly different from before. Changes were largely concentrated on the front, featuring the first illuminated grille in model history, digital light with a twin-star design, and new signature star taillights. While some may argue that the densely packed three-pointed stars are excessive, its inherent dignity and presence remain intact.

The interior is overall calm, but the MBUX Superscreen and Active Ambient Light, smoothly integrated under a single glass surface, are very luxurious, creating a contrast. Here, sound visualized with digital technology, along with smooth and warm materials in each part, proved that this car's direction is not just an ordinary compromise but aims for the best.

When it comes to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the rear seats are undoubtedly the most important. The comfort and luxury felt immediately upon sitting down provide an experience clearly on a different level from other cars. Using the Chauffeur Package elevates convenience to the highest level, making it feel like a moving office. It seemed impossible to explain the value of Germany's top-tier sedan, which best embodies luxury and heritage, without referring to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The test car is the Mercedes-Benz S 580 4MATIC Long. With a body length of 5,305 mm and a wheelbase of 3,216 mm, it belongs to the larger side among large sedans. However, many people who see this car say, "It doesn't look that big." The reason for this appearance lies in the car's proportions. If the hood is too long or the trunk lead is long relative to the driver's seat, it makes the car feel longer to observers, but this car does not have prominent proportions in each part, and its long history since the 1950s has made it familiar to the eye over time.

The S-Class with code name V223 (Verlängert 223) has changed so much compared to before the facelift that it is close to a generational change. The 8-cylinder gasoline engine producing 537 horsepower remains the same, but E-Active Body Control, which individually controls the damping force of each wheel and the vehicle height, has been applied, and rear axle steering up to 10 degrees is provided as standard. Thanks to this, ride comfort, driving stability, and maneuverability have been improved compared to before. This is something that can be noticed immediately after starting the test drive.

Acceleration is outstanding. Braking power is also excellent. Cornering is so precise that it feels like cutting into the road. The power of the 8th-cylinder engine was not deliberately displayed, but it concealed terrifying strength, and pedal response is immediate. The transmission's power transfer speed is so fast that its presence is hard to notice, and there is no feeling of output loss at all. On the road, it feels like standing side by side with an absolute ruler. It is a superb sensory richness that cannot be exhibited unless it is a large sedan with a long history.

The Mercedes-Benz S 580 is equipped with as many as 27 sensors. It is unclear if this much is necessary to recognize the surrounding situation, but while driving, there are many elements where the car acts on its own, making one wonder if cars were originally this easy and convenient. For example, the rear-wheel steering function receives information through sensors to determine the steering angle. That was why cornering was easy and comfortable. In this way, this car proactively addresses in advance various factors that drivers would otherwise have to consider and deal with. Whether it is software or hardware, the Mercedes-Benz S 580 possessed overwhelming capability.

True to its German sedan heritage, it did not miss out on the fun of driving. There is considerable pleasure in mastering a large sedan over 5,300 mm long. The sound of the 8th-cylinder gasoline engine was tuned to a pleasant level, and reading and responding to the road was meticulous. It is clearly a chauffeur-driven car, but it was also good to drive. While test driving this car, I felt that the status of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class would remain unchanged thereafter. This is because this car not only functions as a means of transportation but also contains more value.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original