You’ll be hard pressed to find another model series in the full-size premium segment that has left such an impact in the industry as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and that’s a legacy that the Germans want to continue with the new generation of the car that has just arrived in the United Kingdom. According to Mercedes, the new S-Class “promises to continue to raise the benchmark in efficiency, in comfort, refinement and personalization”.

In the UK, the new 2014 S-Class is available to order now with first customer deliveries in October. There’s a three engine lineup, beginning with the S 350 BlueTEC powered by a 254hp (258PS) 3.0-liter diesel and priced from £62,650 OTR, which accounts for a two percent increase over the previous model. The long-wheelbase version of the same model costs £65,650 OTR.

Next up is the S 400 Hybrid L SE Line featuring a 3.5-liter V6 hybrid with 302hp (306PS) and an electric boost of 20 kW (27 hp) priced at £69,650 OTR, while the S 500 L AMG Line with a 449hp (455PS) 4.7-liter V8 starts at £88,130 OTR.

The new range offers buyers standard and long wheelbase options, as well as two trim grades, the SE Line and AMG Line, and a choice of three different rear seat packages ranging from three seats, to two individual seats complete with the ability seats to recline to an angle of 43.5 degrees and the option to simulate a hot stone massage (sic).

Understandably, the new S-Class’ standard and options lists are as big as the car itself, but we will mention that improved levels of standard equipment over the outgoing model include the addition of a reversing camera, COMAND Online NTG 5, full LED Intelligent Light System, DAB digital radio and Keyless Start. Available features include the Magic Body Control suspension system priced at £4,340 on the S500.

PHOTO GALLERY

Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Montage der neuen S-Klasse im Mercedes-Benz Werk Sindelfingen.Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec ( W222) 2012Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse, S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec ( W222) 2012Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse, S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec ( W222) 2012Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec ( W222) 2012Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 400 HYBRID (W 222) 2013Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTec ( W222) 2012