- Reason #1: ‘Some driver assist options have questionable value’
- Reason #2: ‘The ride borders on too soft in its Comfort setting’
- Reason #3: ‘Panic-stopping distance is a little long with all-season tires’
- How much is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
There’s not much to complain about with the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Of course, it still doesn’t come standard with a chauffeur, but its semi-autonomous driving tech is something to behold. Regardless, no car is faultless. Even the flagship Benz has issues, albeit minor ones.
Edmunds recently took the 2023 S-Class for a spin. They give three reasons why they don’t like various characteristics of the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz.
Reason #1: ‘Some driver assist options have questionable value’
The S-Class is known as the innovation introduction point for Mercedes-Benz. Most advancements in safety technology may seem a bit over the top at first. However, Edmunds believes some of the safety tech in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class may not be worth the money.
For instance, in the event of an unavoidable collision, the S-Class’ PRESAFE Suite will protect the occupants’ ears. Yes, you heard that right. Called “pink noise,” an interference signal deploys an 80-decibel sound that will cause a reflex in the ear. Mercedes-Benz says this will protect the eardrum, reducing the damage loud noises produced by the crash can cause to hearing.
The feature of the $1,700 Mercedes-Benz Driver Assistance package may be a bit over the top. However, one could have said the same when they rolled out seat belt pre-tensioners in 1981.
Reason #2: ‘The ride borders on too soft in its Comfort setting’
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can be had with a 429-horsepower 3.0-liter turbo-six or a 496-horsepower twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. Despite the powerful engines, the S-Class isn’t an aggressive sports sedan. The AMG variants provide that. While the S-Class is optimized for comfort, reviewers have claimed that ride is a bit too soft in the “Comfort” setting.
Every S-Class rides on air suspension, but potential buyers can shore up the surplus of softness with the optional E-Active Body Control. The system has a “curve function,” which delicately leans the car into corners. Moreover, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can also be equipped with an all-wheel steering feature, making the big-bodied Benz surprisingly easy to maneuver.
Reason #3: ‘Panic-stopping distance is a little long with all-season tires’
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can assist drivers in keeping a certain amount of car lengths between them and the vehicle ahead. As traffic slows or stops, the Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC will slow down and speed up the S-Class. However, reviewers have found an issue with the feature that has nothing to do with the system at all.
Edmunds asserts the all-season tires on the S-Class make the stopping distance longer than is comfortable. While the second set of hands in the car is a nice feature, they don’t necessarily work with that particular style of tire.
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Martin Kalter via Unsplash
Related
How much is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The standard Mercedes-Benz S 500 begins at a fairly respectable $114,500. For $9,500 more, shoppers can have the S 580. Either car is the zenith of contemporary automotive luxury, with a well-stocked power reserve and more comfort than a five-star hotel suite.
Mercedes-Benz also has a new 3D technology feature integrating augmented reality in the head-up display. It can even track the driver’s eye movement to ensure they pay attention to the road. Although the function is $3,000, it’s definitely cheaper than hiring a butler to do the same.
Keyword: 3 Reasons Why Edmunds Doesn’t Like the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class