Mercedes flagship re-tooled for '03

Mercedes-Benz has just released a facelifted version of its flagship S-Class model range in Australia.

Together with a plethora of new engines and features, it appears as though the German marque is well and truly on top of its prestige game.

While the S-Class is Merc's top-shelf vehicle, there's still the Maybach, which sits another rung above this.

Interestingly, many are still questioning why Mercedes didn't just introduce a super-Benz, or an L-Class. Why did it create a whole new brand, when Mercedes has what is arguably the top name in prestige motoring circles?

At the end of the day, however, why the decision-makers make these decisions is one thing - but so long as they keep churning out solid vehicles and pioneering new technology, we're not going to argue. Much.

Speaking of gadgets, the new S-Class comes with plenty: Heading the list of high-tech innovations is the 'Pre-Safe' pre-crash occupant protection system, with which Mercedes-Benz is again pioneering a new era in automotive safety.

Simply put, 'Pre-Safe' can detect an impending collision in advance and puts the occupants and the vehicle on standby before an impact occurs.

It works by constantly monitoring the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist systems, whose job is to recognise critical situations at an early stage.

If such a scenario arises, for example, where all four wheels are skidding and the car isn't traveling forward, 'Pre-Safe' instantly kicks in to pre-tension seat belts and change seating positions so that the airbags offer the best protection.

This new safety system is based on the findings of the Mercedes-Benz accident researchers, which show that in approximately two thirds of all accidents, there is a relatively long time lapse between recognition of an impending collision and the collision itself.

As such, the marque is now using this "window" for advance activation of protection systems in order to further reduce the risk of injury to the vehicle's occupants.

If the Benz spin merchants are to be believed, the system is the result of some six years' intensive development work by Mercedes engineers.

In a further measure to enhance occupant safety in the S-Class, Mercedes uses "up-front sensors", which not surprisingly reside at the front of the car's body.

These sensors are able to ascertain the severity of an accident at an early stage, so that the two-stage front passenger airbag can respond even more appropriately.

The up-front sensors are also able to activate the belt-tensioners even earlier, thus keeping the occupants optimally secured during an impact.

Also new: the weight of the front passenger is automatically classified with the aid of a special membrane in the seat upholstery.

The system then decides whether to trigger one or both passenger airbag stages on the basis not just of accident severity but also of occupant weight.

As a further attraction, Mercedes-Benz has made 'ParkTronic' and TV standard across the entire range with the model-year 2003 S-Class.

The 'Comand' APS display/operating system, which is a standard feature on all S-Class models features a 16:9, 6.5" colour display that is now larger and therefore even easier to scan at a glance.

The new S-Class range can be fitted (at cost) with what can only be described as super-seats: As an option, S-Class customers can now also select the ultimate in state-of-the-art seat technology, in the form of the innovative dynamic multicontour seat.

The new seat is equipped with a number of air chambers which are automatically inflated or deflated to provide superb lateral support on corners for the driver and front passenger.

These operations are controlled electro-pneumatically by a microprocessor inside the seat which, with split-second speed, processes data such as steering angle, lateral acceleration and road speed, then varies the inflation pressure and volume of the air cushions accordingly.

For example, on a left-hand bend, the system automatically pumps up the air cushions on the right-hand side of the backrest to provide more lateral support.

The 2003 S-Class has also been gifted with a bit of a face-lift, though to the casual eye, the cosmetic surgery would probably go unnoticed.

Subtle modifications are the general theme of the model-year 2003 S-Class, which are aimed at helping to accentuate its "lithe and elegant character".

For instace, the front bumper with its newly-restyled lower air intake gives the body a wider, more powerful appearance. The radiator grille has been redesigned too, and is now taller and steeper than before.

The most important change however concerns the stylish headlamps, whose state-of-the-art clear lenses and high-brilliance reflectors (aka xenon globes) add further zest to the appearance of the S-Class. The exterior mirror casings and the rear lights, too, have been touched up for a fresher look.

The S-Class is also on the receiving end of a few new and re-jigged engines in 2003, not least of which is the 368kW turbocharged V12.

Starting with the entry-level S 350 however, displacement has been increased to 3.7-litres, from the 3.2-litres of the S 320 it replaces. Some markets even get an S 280, but it's no great shame it's been omitted from the range.

The larger six-cylinder engine has 3 valves per-cylinder, with 3724cc of displacement, creating 180kW @ 5700rpm and a maximum 350Nm of torque sustained between 3000rpm - 4500rpm. Mercedes claims a 0-100km/h dash (from rest) in 7.6 seconds, which isn't too bad considering it weighs a tubby 1810kg dry and makes use of a five-speed auto.

A long-wheelbased model has also been included with the entry-level 3.7-litre V6, which adds an electric rear window roller blind, power rear seats, front passenger seat electrically adjustable from the rear and of course a longer wheelbase, yielding 12cm more rear legroom.

The other engines on offer carry over from previous models, including two V8s, plus the new forced induction 5.5-litre V12.

The S 430 ships with a 4.3-litre V8, again with 3 valves per-cylinder and a five-speed automatic transmission. Carried over from last year, the smooth eight-cylinder mill has only 25kW more than the S 350 -- 205kW @ 5750rpm -- yet torque is boosted by 50Nm for the figures of 400Nm @ 3000rpm.

The more expensive S 430's 0-100km/h time is only marginally quicker than its smaller sibling's at 7.3 seconds, while the S 500's 5.0-litre V8 makes the same dash in 6.5 seconds.

Not unlike GM's 5.7-litre V8 seen in many a Commodore, albeit smaller, the 4966cc eight-cylinder mill makes a comparative 225kW @ 5600rpm and 460Nm @ 2700rpm - 4250rpm.

The range-topping S 600 weighs in at 2135kg dry - that's without driver, passengers, luggage or fuel - yet manages to hit 100km/h from rest in 4.8 seconds. It could have something to do with the 368kW @ 5000rpm and 800Nm @ 1800rpm - 3500rpm, combined with Mercedes' patented Active Body Control.

The ABC electronically controls the hydraulics, suppressing unwanted body movements due to road surface, braking and/or cornering. The S 600 also gets an anti-theft alarm system with tow-away protection and interior motion sensor, exclusive Nappa leather upholstery, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, heated rear seats and power closing aid for doors.

There is also the S 55 AMG model, which gets the supercharged 5.5-litre V8, complete with AMG everything, including suspension, wheels, brakes and bodystyling, but most buyers of the S-Class Mercedes don't place as much importance on the 0-100km/h times, stiff suspension and sheer grunt as they do on pure refinement and features.

The No. 1 choice for executives across the globe, the new S-Class is still the top dog in its class. BMW's 7-series, Audi's A8 and others may offer features not seen in the Merc, such as AWD or umbrella holders, but Mercedes still has the formula down to a tee.

In fact, Mercedes offers '4Matic' versions on some 2003 S-Class models in Europe, the marque's AWD moniker, which could see the light of day here in a few years - but with or without AWD, its flagship vehicle is still undeniably desirable.

With the introduction of the 2003 S-Class, Lexus, BMW, Jaguar and Audi are going to find it even harder to make inroads into the top end of the prestige/executive market. With a slew of improved engines, the new 'Pre-Safe' systems and tweeked styling, the updated S-Class builds on an already solid platform, and is still the luxury sedan to beat.