Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in India is expected to be offered with powerful and refined petrol and diesel engine options, both incorporating 48V mild-hybrid technology for enhanced efficiency and smoother operation. The petrol variant, such as the S 450 4MATIC, is typically powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine producing around 367 PS of power and 500 Nm of torque, with the mild-hybrid system adding a temporary boost. 

The diesel variant, such as the S 400d 4MATIC, is expected to feature a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged diesel engine producing around 330 PS of power and 700 Nm of torque, with the mild-hybrid system adding a temporary boost. Both engines are paired with a supremely smooth 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. 

The mild-hybrid system improves the start/stop system and aids in coasting. Performance is effortless, smooth, and powerful, befitting a luxury limousine, with seamless acceleration and comfortable high-speed cruising. Real-world fuel efficiency is reasonable for the segment, particularly with the diesel engine and mild-hybrid tech. All-wheel drive (4MATIC) is standard on the expected variants in India.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers an exceptionally comfortable and serene ride quality, setting the benchmark for luxury sedans. It comes standard with AIRMATIC air suspension with Adaptive Damping System Plus, which constantly adjusts to provide a supremely smooth and plush ride, effectively gliding over even the worst road imperfections. 

Optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension further enhances ride comfort and allows for individual wheel control. The cabin is exceptionally well-insulated, minimizing road, wind, and engine noise for a truly tranquil experience.

Handling is safe, predictable, and remarkably agile for a large luxury sedan, especially with the optional rear-axle steering (up to 10 degrees). The steering is light and precise at low speeds, making city maneuvering surprisingly easy, and gains weight at higher speeds for stability. Body roll is minimal thanks to the sophisticated suspension systems.

 The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent grip and stability. The S-Class is designed for effortless cruising and comfortable long-distance travel, providing a refined and composed driving experience.

The interior of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a masterpiece of luxury, technology, and comfort, designed to provide an unparalleled passenger experience. The cabin is crafted with the finest materials, including premium Nappa leather upholstery, exquisite wood or metallic trims, and soft-touch surfaces throughout. The dashboard is dominated by a large, vertically oriented central OLED touchscreen and a separate digital instrument cluster.

Seating comfort is exceptional in all positions, but the rear seat in the LWB version offers limousine-like legroom and comfort, with optional features like reclining seats, massage functions, and individual entertainment screens. Cargo space is practical for a luxury sedan, typically around 550 litres. Storage spaces within the cabin are well-integrated and thoughtful. Features like multi-zone automatic climate control with Air Balance package, extensive ambient lighting, and power-operated sunshades enhance the luxurious and serene ambiance.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is powered by the advanced Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, featuring second-generation MBUX technology. This is displayed on a large, vertically oriented 12.8-inch central OLED touchscreen and a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system is incredibly intuitive, responsive, and features stunning high-resolution graphics, with extensive personalization options.

Control inputs include the touchscreens, a touchpad on the center console, touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, and advanced "Hey Mercedes" voice control that understands natural language. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated navigation with augmented reality view, and a comprehensive suite of Mercedes me connect services. Rear-seat occupants can have their own MBUX displays and controls. A premium sound system, such as the Burmester® 4D surround sound system, is available, providing an immersive audio experience.

The exterior design of the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is elegant, sophisticated, and instantly recognizable as a symbol of luxury. It features a prominent grille with the Mercedes-Benz star, flanked by sleek DIGITAL LIGHT LED headlamps with intricate internal graphics. The design is characterized by smooth surfaces and flowing lines, creating a sense of effortless elegance and aerodynamic efficiency.

From the side, the S-Class showcases its substantial length, particularly the Long Wheelbase (LWB) version which is the standard in India, emphasizing rear-seat space. The roofline flows gracefully towards the rear. The rear features elegant two-piece LED taillights with a distinctive internal design. Key dimensions for the LWB version, standard in India, include a length of around 5289 mm, a width of 1921 mm (excluding mirrors), and a height of 1503 mm. The wheelbase is a generous 3216 mm, directly contributing to the expansive rear cabin.

Safety is a paramount concern for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and it is built on a highly rigid platform designed for the highest levels of occupant protection. 

The current generation S-Class has received excellent safety ratings from international bodies, including a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, and is equipped with groundbreaking safety innovations. While a specific BNCAP or the latest Global NCAP ratings for the 2025 model might be pending, the S-Class's structure and extensive safety features are designed to provide unparalleled protection.

Standard safety equipment is comprehensive and includes multiple airbags (including rear airbags), ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Traction Control.

 A vast array of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is available, potentially including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active steering assist, lane keeping assist, blind-spot assist, front and rear cross-traffic alert, and automated parking assist. Innovative features like PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side (which raises the car body in a side impact) and rear-axle steering enhance safety and maneuverability. Features like a 360-degree camera system are standard.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class competes in the exclusive ultra-luxury sedan segment in India. Its primary rivals include the BMW 7 Series, which offers a blend of luxury, technology, and dynamic capability; and potentially the Audi A8 (if available in 2025 with updates), which offers a blend of technology and comfort. Other high-end luxury vehicles might also be considered by buyers in this segment. 

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class differentiates itself with its unparalleled focus on passenger comfort, groundbreaking technology (especially in the interior and safety features), and its status as the global benchmark for luxury sedans. While the 7 Series offers strong technology and the A8 provides a comfortable experience, the S-Class is widely regarded as the leader in terms of overall luxury, refinement, and innovation. Its pricing is at the very top of the sedan market.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to be the definitive luxury sedan in India, offering an unmatched combination of comfort, technology, and prestige. It successfully blends a majestic exterior presence with a sumptuously appointed and highly advanced interior that prioritizes passenger well-being. The powerful and refined engine options, with mild-hybrid assistance and standard 4MATIC, ensure effortless performance, while the standard AIRMATIC suspension provides an exceptionally comfortable ride.

For buyers in India who demand the absolute best in a luxury sedan – a vehicle that offers unparalleled comfort, cutting-edge technology, and the highest levels of refinement and prestige – the 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (likely the LWB version) is the ultimate choice. Its blend of luxury, innovation, and performance sets it apart. While it faces strong competition, the S-Class's reputation as the benchmark for luxury sedans makes it the top contender in its segment. Both petrol and diesel variants offer capable and refined performance, catering to different preferences.