Intelligent light heralds new S-Class at Abuja fair

Weststar Associates Limited stole the show at the just concluded 15th edition of Abuja motor fair with its unprecedented display of 2014 models of some Mercedes Benz and its other vehicles.

The stand of the auto firm was also the cynosure of all eyes as visitors to the Eagle Square venue of the five-day event (October 22 – 26) were attracted by the specially-decorated pavilion and an array of future cars.

One of the luxury vehicles, the new S-Class, got special attention on the opening day as it was unveiled by Vice-President Namadi Sambo.

Interestingly, the redesigned 2014 version of the Mercedes-Benz flagship S-Class sedan went on sale in the United States less than two weeks ago, backed by a marketing blitz.

The unveiling of the new S-Class in Abuja also came about two months after the vehicle was introduced to the motoring world at this year’s Frankfort Auto Show in Germany.

Auto experts say the impressive new S-Class came with luxury and safety features that have never been offered before.

An online auto publication, autoblog describes it as a technological marvel.

Weststar says the vehicle extends the boundaries of technology on many levels. “It is not just a technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz, but also for automotive development as a whole and certainly the global benchmark for luxury motoring,” it states, adding that its numerous innovative comfort and safety features will provide an all-new driving experience.

It quotes the Chairman, Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, as saying, “No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class.

“Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were ‘the best or nothing’ in every respect.”

Engine

The new S 500 is available in a 4.7-litre V-8 engine with an output of 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.

This is said to be the best-performing model in the lineup, as it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with a top speed limited to 155 mph.

According to Weststar, a whole host of new systems makes the new S 500 even safer, more comfortable and efficient.

Interior

The interior design presents a view of a classic, superior and cutting-edge saloon. It has a generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard and centre console, as in the Exclusive Package.

There is plenty of comfort for the passengers in the rear as they are also seated in the first-class – the design and exclusivity of the seats, door panels and all controls are the same, high standard with the front seats.

The “first-class rear suite” incorporates a business centre console combining personal comfort with practical convenience (integration of a telephone handset, additional cooling box/stowage compartments in the arm rest of rare seats, folding table.

The occupants of the new S 500 benefit from the moderate increase in vehicle size by an improvement in all the interior dimensions, says the firm.

Safety and other features

The S-Class should be a standout for its safety, especially in the light of its newest technology.

The car came standard with dual front, front side and rear side airbags; curtain airbags; inflatable rear seat belts; anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control; active head restraints; adaptive brake lights; and pre-safe, which prepares the car when an accident is imminent, by locking doors and tightening seatbelts, and preparing the brakes for full application.

Its other safety features listed in a report by thecarconnection.com are blind-spot monitors; lane keeping assist; adaptive cruise control with following and steering capability in traffic; forward-collision alerts and prevention with braking; and wipers with embedded fluid jets on both sides of the blades.

“There’s also an available surround-view camera, improved night vision that can throw a spotlight on a pedestrian ahead, to warn them of oncoming traffic; and Active Parking Assist, which can guide the S-Class into either a parallel or perpendicular parking spot,” it states.

It notes that the list of safety features is exhaustive, adding that the S-Class’ air suspension is programmed to compensate for heavy crosswinds by adjusting suspension stiffness; it factors in torque-vector braking, which applies braking to the inside rear wheel to tighten cornering.

Two very high-quality audio systems are available which were developed together with the high-end audio specialist Burmester: the Burmester Surround Sound system and the Burmester High-End 3D Surround Sound system, while the multi-user system such as DVD Changer 6, allows independent access to the sources of media entertainment from any seat- both front and rare i.e. TV Tuner. This is evident in the Rare Seat Entertainment Package.

The new S-Class is the first vehicle in the world whose interior and exterior come without a single light bulb.