How far would you go to make a statement to your competition? Not just to showcase your strong points, but blowing away any chance for someone else to even consider reaching your status. Is it even possible to reach such a status? Mercedes says so. Even if the GLE and GLC SUVs and crossovers make for the bulk of Mercedes Benz’ sales in the US, the newly released S-Class truly is the crown jewel. If this were to be a list of great things that the new S500 boasts, it would be longer than a Thanksgiving shopping list for an extended family. Even cherry-picking would be difficult in this case. Even without trying too hard, it’s impossible to miss on the ton of features offered by the newest S-Class. Let’s have a look at the big guns Mercedes pulled to make the new S-Class a car to remember.
The Underpinnings - Slightly Bigger, Considerably Better
The old S500 has outgrown its clothes, so Mercedes developed the 2022 version on the upgraded MRA2 platform. At a glance, this translates to a 2-inch longer wheelbase and 2.1 inches added to the width. Besides the proportions, the MRA2 now hosts a redesigned rear-steering axle followed by a bigger battery for the PHEV versions of the S-Class.
What About The Exterior?
No, this is not a revolutionary design. Mercedes hasn’t suddenly gone for sharp, UFO-like edges around the grille or 24-inch tires. Instead, the German automaker took an evolutionary approach for the S500 design. In other words, even if the details of each panel is different from the previous iteration, it radiates improvement rather than from-scratch design.
On the front, the grille grew in size, taking the volume left behind by downsized headlights. The new cutting-edge tech in the lighting department doesn’t require as much glass surface as before. The rear end pops out with the triangular tail lights seen on the A-Class sedan.
There’s a clean body style theme flowing through the sides of the S500, with seamlessly integrated door handles. The shoulder line flows almost the full length of the car, complimenting the beautifully blended C-pillar. The trunk is larger than the outgoing model, featuring a tad bit more luggage space as we are about to discuss further on.
The 19-inch wheels come as standard, with optional 20 and 21-inch options available. Overall, the design cues were carefully crafted and refined to display a contemporary look while also not straying too far from the outgoing S-Class model. There is hardly any flaw in the lines of the 2022 S500 and trying to find one just for the sake of it would be nothing more than a waste of time.
Brace Yourself, Tech Tsunami Incoming!
If the outside is made out of simple flowing lines, when it comes to the interior, the 2022 Mercedes S500 calls in the cavalry. In short, once you get inside the car, you are presented with a “no expense spared” type of experience. Here’s why.
First off, the S500 brings screens. A lot of them. Depending on the configuration you choose, the 2022 S-Class provides up to 5 screens, including a more than generous center display and a 12.3-inch gauge cluster. The gauge cluster is boosted with a 3D-effect technology, taking driver integration one step further. For those not yet ready to experience Star Trek like interfaces, the feature can be turned off and regular digital displays will take its place. What still pushes the boundaries of drive assistance is the MBUX augmented reality head up display with dynamic, real-time assistance for the driver.
The 12.8-inch OLED center touchscreen comes with a surprise. There is no rotary dial nor a touchpad to work its magic. Instead, functions such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, voice-activated commands are what makes it stand out in the crowd. As expected, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging come standard.
The standard model comes with a Burmester 3D sound system, but a more advanced Burmeister 4D system is available. The 4D system comes with 31 high-performance loudspeakers and eight exciters with 1,750 watts to provide an all-encompassing sound experience. Our test model was not equipped with the 4D system but it should be exceptional considering even the base 3D system is fantastic.
What about parking? The 2022 S500 packs five cameras, five radars and a dozen ultrasonic sensors, mixing it all up into a spectacular bird’s eye view of the car. Surely, all this tech should come to an expense. Mainly the fact that with so much novelty packed, older owners might need a teenage assistant to guide them through most of the features. Second point of concern is dictated by distractions. How do you not go mad with so many screens, lights and gimmicks? You just don’t - that’s how good the S500 driver integration is. It’s scarily easy to get used to and it all becomes second nature.
Showcasing Craftsmanship & Customizability
In terms of inside looks, every panel, blend and upholstery stitch are held to the S-Class quality standard: the highest. There is a plethora of options to configure when it comes to the interior: from cloth seats to Nappa leather, from milk white interior to naked carbon fiber trims. The seats come standard with multi direction adjustment for both the driver and the passenger side. Furthermore, the absolutely magnificent 19 massage motors will get your body to settle in for the long rides. A special mention goes to what is probably the softest most comfortable headrest pillow on the market right now.
Besides a Bentley or a Rolls Royce, the 2022 Mercedes S500 brings the utmost package for the rear seats. With a king-like amount of room and packed with tech, rear passengers are treated with the signature S-Class limousine experience. To aid the experience, 250 LEDs are planted around the interior, shining out a warm glow - the color palette is yours for choosing and there’s plenty to choose from as well.
It Drives Like An S-Class
If you think the 2022 S-Class is electric, you’re actually thinking about the EQS. Indeed, it relies heavily on electricity for all its inside tech, but there’s a combustion heart making the wheels spin. There’s the option for a 429 hp 3-liter inline six for the S500 or the more potent 496-hp 4-liter twin-turbo V8 on the S580.
Yes, there’s a bit of electricity in the powertrain too. Both engine configurations are aided by a 48V hybrid system called EQ boost. Power goes through the standard 9-speed automatic either to the front wheels or all four wheels in case of 4Matic trims.
Saying it drives like an S-Class is an understatement. In fact, with some luck, the S500 drives itself on the freeway, asking you just to slightly hold on to the steering wheel. It parks itself when close to a parking spot and trial systems such as Stuttgart airport will basically let the S500 valet its way to a parking space on its own.
For those still wanting the hands-on-wheel experience, it must be said that despite its size, the S500 still packs the chassis for either caressing the average driver or delivering amazing levels of grips and responsiveness for the enthusiast. The standard air suspension easily transitions from cobble roads to flat highway tarmac while the big brake kit will quickly bring the limousine to a stop from high triple digit speeds.
Furthermore, the 10-degree rear steering system pushes the sedan around tight corners, making you wonder whether you’ve suddenly teleported into a small-sized hatchback. It simply shouldn’t be this agile, given its size.
Conclusion
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz 500 sedan is beautiful on the outside, stunning on the inside and brings enough technology into the mix to satisfy even the savviest of owners. It gets bonus points in each category, going from passenger comfort, safety and performance, leaving no detail unattended. One could spend days configuring the ideal sedan and still have options to explore. The plethora of choices and a push for sky-high standards is what makes the 2022 S500 a hallmark of executive sedans.
