"The past shapes the future. The standards we have upheld for a long time become the driving force for a new future."
The newly launched Mercedes-Benz S-Class in South Korea is built on the heritage accumulated over the past 140 years. Tradition and innovation, sophistication and simplicity, calmness and grandeur—these seemingly opposing values are seamlessly integrated into a single vehicle.
On August 19, the Mercedes-Benz S500 4MATIC Long, encountered at the 'The Hanok Heritage' in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province, embodied this sentiment.
Despite being a refreshed model after five years, the S-Class largely retains its original direction. The prominent three-pointed star logo is showcased on a larger illuminated radiator grille, enhancing its grandeur. The design focuses on refining its identity, making it instantly recognizable as an S-Class from a distance.
Driving approximately 160 kilometers round trip from Yeongwol to the San Ilio Cafe in Hoengseong, I experienced the vehicle's performance. Upon opening the door, the luxurious and comfortable driver's seat immediately caught my eye. The overall interior design is clean, with various displays arranged to create a spacious impression.
Pressing the microphone button on the display and requesting, "Turn on the air conditioning," or "Activate the ventilated seats," elicited immediate responses. This responsiveness is attributed to the integration of AI and search technologies like ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing into the MBUX virtual assistant, creating an almost conversational experience with the car.
On the road, the S-Class's hallmark smoothness was even more pronounced. Rather than showcasing rapid acceleration, it feels designed to deliver power naturally as desired by the driver. The 48V mild hybrid system ensures a seamless increase in speed during starts and acceleration. The lightweight advantages of the aluminum hybrid body introduced with the seventh generation in 2021 are also maintained.
As I navigated the winding roads from Gyechun-ri to the Sonagijae in Yeongwol, the vehicle handled curves smoothly without any sense of instability. The side bolsters of the seats provided support, reducing lateral movement and enhancing comfort and stability expected from a luxury sedan.
The new S-Class features rear axle steering of up to 4.5 or 10 degrees across the lineup, improving ride comfort, driving stability, and maneuverability. The E-active body control system, which individually manages the damping force and ride height of each wheel, maximizes stability.
The advantages of the S-Class become even more apparent in the rear seats. High-quality materials and meticulous finishes blend seamlessly with digital technology. The second row features executive seats, often referred to as 'CEO seats,' allowing for comfortable reclining and massage functions to enhance long-distance travel comfort.
Individual displays offer access to various content, including live TV+, Millie's Library, Melon, and Wavve, ensuring that passengers can enjoy uninterrupted content during their journey.
The changes in the new S-Class do not showcase something entirely new. In a car market flooded with annual design and technology updates, the focus is on what to retain rather than what to add. By preserving its 140-year heritage while incorporating necessary changes, the new S-Class reveals its unique calm presence even in a space filled with traditional Hanok architecture.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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