Despite big changes to the way that the 2010 model year Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine is equipped, under the skin it’s still pretty much the same car that it was before.
Yes, there are mechanical changes, but they are so subtle in their application that you’d never know they were there. We only got to drive two of the facelifted S-Class models — the impressive 285kW/530Nm V8-powered S500 fitted with optional 19-inch alloys, and the comparatively fuel-miserly 173kW/540Nm S350 CDI BlueEfficiency turbo-diesel fitted with 18-inch rims and low rolling resistance tyres.
Mercedes-Benz has boasted fuel savings of up to 7 per cent across the S-Class range, mainly through the use of a seven-speed automatic gearbox that unlocks the torque converter while stopped and idling in traffic, similar to placing the gearbox in neutral.
It’s a totally seamless system, and you won’t ever notice that it has kicked in — or should that be kicked out?
There’s a focus, too, on suggesting the S-Class has improved its dynamics. Key to that is the fact there is now a separate sports suspension setting mounted high on the centre console, so that you can beef up the air suspension without having to switch modes for the gearbox between comfort, sport and manual. It was a good way of minimising body roll without having to sling the car into sports mode, as at times the S-Class can still handle like the big, heavy car that it is.
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