The new Mercedes S-Class sedan has raised the luxury quotient to a surprising level, to the point that it may transcend the class that it helped to define. The production version of the S-Class Coupe has just debuted, and it’s every bit the step up that the sedan is–possibly even more so. Mercedes’ luxury four-place coupe aims for “the ultimate in aesthetic sportiness,” and it appears to have hit its target.
Replacing the CL-Class, the S-Class Coupe has a more dynamic look than the sedan, with a long hood in the classic style and wheel-accenting curved fenders. The greenhouse is dramatically raked, modernizing the classic coupe look, and the grille features a three-dimensional diamond pattern. A panoramic glass roof is standard, and features Mercedes’ “MAGIC SKY CONTROL” variable transparency. The LED headlamps feature Mercedes’ Intelligent Light System, and in the Edition 1 S550, they’re decorated with 47 Swarovski crystals.
That’s the over-the-top nature of the new S-Class at work. Like the sedan, the coupe features the automatic interior perfuming system. The horizontally split dash wraps around the passengers, extending into the doors, using new architecture that repositions the airbags for greater design flexibility. Mercedes’ floating TFT infotainment display dominates the dash, and high-quality materials and trim are used throughout. Striking diamond-pattern leather is available for the individual front and rear seats. A touchpad interface on the leading edge of the armrest enables the sound system to be controlled with finger gestures. A head-up display is also available.
A new innovation is a curve-tilting function on the active suspension. The S-Class Coupe actually leans into corners like a motorcyclist would, helping to counteract the lateral acceleration on the passengers. Mercedes’ Intelligent Drive driver-aid suite is also present, as it is on the sedan, including PRE-SAFE braking with pedestrian detection, brake assist with a cross-traffic assist, the semi-autonomous DISTRONIC PLUS with steering assist, active lane-keeping and collision prevention assist.
For the U.S., the S550 Coupe will arrive this fall, with a 4.7 liter biturbo V8 under the hood and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Output is 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Pricing information and specifications will be released closer to launch.
