The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Redefining Luxury and Innovation

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been the gold standard for luxury sedans, and the 2017 model year continued this tradition with a host of enhancements and innovations. This flagship vehicle, a symbol of automotive excellence, offered an unparalleled blend of opulence, cutting-edge technology, and performance. For discerning drivers seeking the ultimate in comfort and sophistication, the 2017 Mercedes Benz S Class remained the definitive choice.

Building upon the foundation of the new-generation S-Class introduced in 2015, the 2017 lineup expanded to include even more refined models and groundbreaking features. From powertrain advancements to connectivity upgrades and luxurious appointments, the 2017 S-Class solidified its position at the pinnacle of the premium automotive sector.

Powertrain and Performance Enhancements

For the 2017 model year, Mercedes-Benz focused on refining the driving experience across the S-Class range. A significant update was the introduction of the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission for the S550 and S550 4MATIC models. This advanced transmission replaced the previous 7G-TRONIC, offering notable improvements in both comfort and efficiency.

The 9G-TRONIC transmission is not only lighter, contributing to overall vehicle agility, but also delivers quicker gear changes and exceptionally smooth shifts. This translates to a more responsive and seamless driving experience, whether navigating city streets or cruising on the motorway. Paired with the optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive system on the S550 4MATIC, the 2017 S-Class ensures confident handling and stability in a wide range of driving conditions, enhancing driver control and passenger comfort.

Mercedes-Benz continued to offer a diverse engine lineup to cater to various performance preferences. The range included potent biturbo V8 and V12 engines, as well as the groundbreaking S550e plug-in hybrid.

S550e Plug-in Hybrid: Leading the charge in electrification, the S550e combined a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine with a 132kW electric motor. This hybrid powertrain delivered a combined output of 436 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving impressive fuel efficiency figures of up to 58 MPGe in Hybrid Mode. As Mercedes-Benz’s first plug-in hybrid, the S550e showcased the brand’s commitment to sustainable luxury without compromising performance.
S550: Powered by a direct-injection 4.6L V8 biturbo engine, the S550 produced 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive provided enhanced traction and handling.
S600: For ultimate power and refinement, the S600 featured a 6.0L V12 biturbo engine generating 523 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes-Maybach S550 4MATIC: Extending the wheelbase for unparalleled rear passenger space, the Maybach S550 4MATIC was equipped with a 4.7L biturbo V8 engine producing 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes-Maybach S600: The flagship of the Maybach range, the S600 boasted a 6.0L biturbo V12 engine with 523 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque, combined with an extended wheelbase for supreme luxury.
S63 AMG 4MATIC: For high-performance enthusiasts, the S63 AMG 4MATIC featured a handbuilt AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine delivering 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, paired with AMG PERFORMANCE 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
S65 AMG: The ultimate expression of AMG performance, the S65 AMG was powered by a handbuilt AMG 6.0L biturbo V12 engine, producing a staggering 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

Innovative Technology and Connectivity

The 2017 Mercedes Benz S Class further solidified its technological leadership with advancements in connectivity and driver assistance systems. Mercedes-Benz upgraded its mbrace Connected Car Services, making the mbrace Connect package standard across all models, complete with five years of complimentary service.

This comprehensive package included a range of features designed to enhance convenience, safety, and entertainment:

Mobile App: Remote access to vehicle functions, including remote start.
Web Services: Online access to vehicle information and services.
Roadside Connection: Direct connection to roadside assistance.
MB Apps (non-streaming): Access to Mercedes-Benz applications.
Vehicle Homepage (EVs): Specific features for electric vehicles.
Diagnostics Data: Vehicle health monitoring.
Remote Update: Over-the-air software updates.

Optional mbrace subscription upgrade packages, such as mbrace Secure, mbrace Concierge, and mbrace Entertain, offered even more advanced features and personalized services. Furthermore, the 2017 S-Class incorporated HD Voice for compatible mobile devices, improving call clarity. Models equipped with COMAND® also included SiriusXM® Traffic & Weather as standard for five years, enhancing navigation and infotainment capabilities.

A notable new option for 2017 was MAGIC SKY CONTROL®. This panoramic roof system allowed occupants to switch between transparent and opaque settings at the touch of a button. Front and rear passengers could independently control their respective roof sections, offering a customizable and unique in-cabin experience.

Unrivaled Interior Comfort and Design

The interior of the 2017 Mercedes Benz S Class remained a sanctuary of luxury and refinement. Meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and advanced technology combined to create an environment of unparalleled comfort and sophistication.

The cabin showcased generous use of exquisite wood trim, available in five distinct types, adorning the dashboard and center console. Metallized switch surfaces, offered in three pearl-effect paint finishes, added a touch of modern elegance.

Two high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT color displays dominated the dashboard, forming the information hub of the S-Class. The left-hand display served as the instrument cluster, providing essential driving information, while the right-hand display controlled infotainment and comfort functions through the COMAND® system. The intuitive COMAND® interface included a central controller with a touchpad, rotary knob, and one-touch keys, ensuring ease of use for all vehicle functions. Enhanced Voice Control further simplified operation, allowing drivers to input addresses, control audio and telephone systems, and even have text messages and emails read aloud.

The seats in the 2017 S-Class continued to set benchmarks for seating comfort. Standard 16-way power-adjustable seats, including cushion length and 4-way power lumbar support, provided personalized comfort for all occupants. Available upgrades, such as the Premium Package, added seat ventilation and the ENERGIZING massage function, based on the hot-stone principle, offering a truly rejuvenating experience. The active seat ventilation system incorporated reversing fans for rapid cooling and reduced drafts.

Rear seat passengers were treated to a choice of four different rear seat configurations. The reclining rear backrest design allowed for independent adjustment without compromising legroom or seat cushion position. The Executive Rear Seat Package offered a maximum backrest angle of 43.5 degrees, the most generous in the luxury segment, along with a calf support and heel rest for ultimate relaxation. Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS added a rear center console with thermo cup holders and folding tables, transforming the rear cabin into a mobile office or entertainment space.

Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Mercedes-Benz has long been at the forefront of automotive safety, and the 2017 S-Class incorporated a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems, collectively known as Intelligent Drive. These systems utilized a stereo camera and multistage radar sensors to provide 360-degree awareness and enhanced hazard detection.

Key safety and assistance features included:

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (standard): Radar-based system that warns of potential collisions and provides automatic emergency braking.
DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance.
Brake Assist system BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist: Detects crossing traffic and pedestrians and enhances braking force.
Active Lane Keeping Assist: Corrective braking to prevent unintentional lane departures.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Automatically adjusts high beams to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Night View Assist® PLUS: Enhanced night vision system with pedestrian and animal detection and spotlight function.
ATTENTION ASSIST®: Monitors driver drowsiness and provides warnings.
PRE-SAFE® Brake: Autonomous braking for pedestrian detection at speeds up to 31 mph.
PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Prepares for rear-end collisions, including applying brakes to minimize whiplash.
PRE-SAFE® Impulse: Controlled seat belt tension release to reduce chest stress in frontal impacts.

The 2017 S-Class also offered innovative rear passenger safety features, including seat belt buckle extenders, beltbags (inflatable seatbelt straps), and cushionbags (under-seat airbags to prevent submarining).

AMG Performance Models

For drivers craving exhilarating performance, the 2017 S-Class AMG models delivered unparalleled power and driving dynamics. The lineup included the S63 AMG 4MATIC and the S65 AMG.

S63 AMG 4MATIC: Powered by a handbuilt AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine producing 577 hp, the S63 AMG 4MATIC combined blistering acceleration with AMG PERFORMANCE 4MATIC all-wheel drive for exceptional handling. AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 7-speed sports transmission, AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension, and AMG high-performance brakes further enhanced the driving experience.
S65 AMG: The pinnacle of AMG performance in the S-Class range, the S65 AMG featured a handbuilt AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo engine generating a massive 621 hp. Rear-wheel drive, AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC sports transmission, AMG Active Sport Suspension (based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL®), and AMG high-performance brakes ensured breathtaking performance and handling. The S65 AMG also incorporated AMG-tuned MAGIC BODY CONTROL® suspension with ROAD SURFACE SCAN for unparalleled ride comfort and agility.

Conclusion: The Undisputed Leader in Luxury

The 2017 Mercedes Benz S Class continued to reign as the undisputed leader in the luxury sedan segment. With its comprehensive range of models, including the groundbreaking S550e plug-in hybrid and the opulent Mercedes-Maybach variants, the S-Class catered to the most discerning clientele. Powertrain enhancements, cutting-edge technology, a lavish interior, and advanced safety systems solidified the 2017 S-Class as the benchmark for automotive excellence, offering an unmatched driving experience and reaffirming its iconic status. For those seeking the ultimate in automotive luxury and innovation, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class remained the definitive choice.