Luxury

It takes a brave carmaker to launch a new sedan variant into the market, given Australia’s obsession with SUVs.Kudos to Audi for expanding its A3 small sedan and hatch line-up with a new grade that sits at the top of the tree, before you get into S3 and RS3 performance car territory.The key difference with this new grade - called the A3 TFSI quattro 150kW S line - is an upgrade from the 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol unit found in the A3 35TFSI, to a punchy 150kW four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.You also get an extra helping of standard gear, different wheel designs and more premium options.The new TFSI 150kW grade is offered in Sportback hatch guise for $62,800, before on-road costs, and the sedan we tested from $65,800.Focusing on the sedan, that price is an $8000 bump from the entry-grade 35TFSI. On the flipside, it represents a $16,000 saving compared with the spicy S3 sedan, and you get a nice dollop of performance with the 150kW engine. More on that later.If you’re considering other small premium sedans, there are really only two - the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe in 220 M Sport guise at $63,400 and the Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic from $75,400. However, Mercedes recently dropped the A-Class sedan from its line-up so you’d be looking at whatever’s left in dealer stock.The Audi is $2400 dearer than the BMW. Their performance figures are similar, although the Audi gets 20Nm more torque and it’s one second quicker to 100km/h. Standard gear wise they line up pretty well.Equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, S line styling, keyless entry and start, heated electric folding, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated front seats, power-adjustable front seats, three-zone air-con, ‘MMI navigation plus’, digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10-speaker audio and a solid list of standard safety gear.Our test car came fitted with a panoramic sunroof ($2000), metallic paint ($1350), black exterior styling package ($1200) and the 'Premium plus package' ($1990) that adds a head-up display, privacy glass and Sonos sound system. That brings the price to $72,340.The current-generation Audi A3 landed in Australia in early 2022 but it benefited from a mid-life facelift in early 2025.Whether you opt for a sedan or hatch will depend on your own preferences and needs. I prefer the hatch design but the sedan tested here is handsome, if a little conservative. The optional black exterior styling package adds a sinister vibe. It’s sleek enough and the current Audi lighting design looks good, but it’s not breaking any rules.The A3’s interior is a mixed bag. The leather-appointed front sports seats look schmick and offer excellent support and comfort, while the three-spoke ‘S’ perforated leather steering wheel looks and feels perfect.I’m not sold on Audi’s current interior design. Angling the multimedia and central controls towards the driver is a good thing, but it creates this pointy centre element to the dash that results in a feeling of being hemmed in as a front passenger. The air vents have an appealing shape but there’s a lack of cohesion to the overall layout.The console design is functional with two cupholders, a small central bin, wireless charger and two USB-C ports, but the electronic park brake lives on a different panel to the gear shifter. BMW’s current set-up of having everything housed in the same section feels more considered.Audi gets a massive tick for keeping physical controls and buttons. The air-conditioning controls are housed conveniently just under the central screen and they are easy to use. Below that are buttons for hazard lights, the 'Drive Select' drive modes, auto parking and the idle stop function. Thank goodness you don’t have to trawl through a series of sub-menus to turn that off.The 10.1-inch multimedia screen looks small by today’s standards, but the system is mostly logical and easy to navigate. When Apple CarPlay is active, the Apple menu is displayed on the right of the screen, next to Audi’s in-house menu. It doesn’t take much to accidentally press the far right screen and end up in the wrong menu.Audi’s 12.3-inch ‘Virtual cockpit’ digital driver display is excellent and has for many years been one of the best in the business.One final gripe from the driver’s seat is the cruise control stalk on the steering column. It feels like an afterthought and it’s hard to see. Surely those controls would fit on the steering wheel?Rear-seat legroom is decent without being generous and there’s more than enough headroom for this 183cm (6.0') tall reviewer. Space across is okay but you wouldn’t want three adults back there.There are two more USB-C ports in the rear plus adjustable lower air vents and two map pockets. A fold-down centre armrest features two cupholders, while only narrow bottles will fit in the rear doors.The boot can swallow 425 litres and that increases when you lower the 40/20/40 split-fold rear seats. The boot is long but has a high floor. There’s a temporary spare wheel hiding under that floor.On the road is where the little Audi sedan shines. For the most part.The new grade is powered by VW Group’s excellent 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivering 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and drives all four wheels via Audi’s 'quattro' all-wheel drive set-up.There’s a lot to like about this powertrain, including the engine note. It sounds pitch perfect when pushed.Turbo lag is evident on take off and sometimes it’s more noticeable than others. But when you accelerate already on the move, it picks up speed rapidly. It’s so responsive.Sure, it’s not as punchy as an S3 or RS3, but for a non-performance grade, this 150kW A3 is plenty quick.Steering response is excellent. The A3 changes direction without hesitation, which is something of an Audi trait.The brakes are strong and the seven-speed transmission changes gears at just the right moment, although if you switch from 'Comfort' to 'Dynamic' mode, the transmission occasionally holds gears a little too long.Dynamic mode also improves response and makes the engine note a little shoutier.The A3 150kW TFSI sedan offers loads of grip which comes in handy in corners. It remains flat in tight bends and feels infinitely chuckable.The payoff is the ride quality which is firm, meaning you feel potholes, road joins and everything in between. It’s not busy, however. And it’s not so sharp that it’s a turnoff. Simply something to be aware of if you value comfort above all else.The grippy but low-profile Nexen 225/40/R18 tyres are partly to blame for this, as is the sportier suspension tune.It’s not the quietest cabin with some exterior noise like coarse chip road surfaces making their presence felt.On the plus side, the advanced driver assist tech is unobtrusive for the most part.My final fuel economy figure according to the trip computer was 7.7 litres per 100km, which is more than the 6.6L/100km official claim. In fairness, I could’ve reduced that figure if the A3 wasn’t so much fun to drive.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed details of a limited run version of its C300 mid-size sedan designed to combine the sporty character of an AMG enhanced model with a high-end luxury specification.The new Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line Plus Edition includes the normally optional ‘Night Package’ (high-gloss black elements on the radiator grille, exterior mirror housings, beltline trim strip and window surrounds), additional AMG styling elements (including an AMG spoiler lip) and unique 19-inch AMG ‘5-twin-spoke’ alloy wheels.Offered in Australia in “limited numbers only”, the edition also includes ‘metal-structure’ trim on the centre console and dashboard.These additions come on top of standard C300 features like an ‘AMG Line Interior’ (electric sports front seats with heating and memory, dual-zone climate control and synthetic leather upholstery).An 11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are joined by wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as well as wireless smartphone charging.There’s also ‘Agility Control’ suspension incorporating dual-chamber dampers to progressively adjust for optimal ride and handling balance.2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class price Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class engine/powertrain and efficiency: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered with five powertrain choices. The C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, mild-hybrid, turbo-petrol engine sending 150kW/300Nm to the rear wheels through a nine-speed auto transmission.The C300 features a 2.0L turbo-petrol four producing 190kW/400Nm, the C350e’s 2.0L plug-in hybrid combination delivers 230kW/550Nm and the AMG C43’s 2.0L turbo four is quoted at 310kW/500Nm with ‘4Matic’ AWD.The flagship Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance winds up the 2.0-litre four to pump out a prodigious 500kW (670hp)/1020Nm, going to all four wheels via nine-speed multi-clutch transmission.Claimed combined cycle fuel use for the C200 is 6.9L/100km rising to 7.3L/100km for the C300 with a 66-litre fuel tank in both models. The C350e’s official figure drops to just 1.5L/100km (although that number’s based on keeping the battery constantly charged) with a 50-litre tank.The Mercedes-AMG C43 is rated at 9.1L/100km and the full-fat Mercedes-AMG C63S E Performance sits at a relatively modest 6.1L/100km, both with a 66L fuel tank.All models require a minimum 95 RON ‘premium’ fuel.Maximum braked trailer towing capacity is 1800kg for the C200, C300, C350e and C43 while the C63S E Performance is a no-tow zone. 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class standard features: 18-inch alloy wheelsKeyless entry & startAMG Line Interior11.9-inch multimedia touchscreen12.3-inch digital instrument displayPanoramic sliding sunroofRain-sensing wipersSynthetic leather trim (leather on high grades)Heated front seatsHead up displayPower bootlidCruise controlActive Parking Assist360-degree camera viewLED headlights (with adaptive high-beam)Ambient interior lightingDual-zone climate control air-conditioningLeather-trimmed steering wheelDigital radioReversing camera2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class colours: Standard:Polar WhiteObsidian Black MetallicGraphite Grey MetallicSodalite Blue MetallicHigh-Tech Silver MetallicSpectral Blue MetallicSelenite Grey MetallicOptional: Opalite White bright metallicPatagonia Red bright metallic2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class safety:The Mercedes-Benz C-Class scored a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from assessment in 2022.  Adult occupant protection - 91 per centChild occupant protection - 90 per centVulnerable road user protection - 80 per centSafety assist - 84 per cent2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class warranty and servicing: The C-Class is covered by Mercedes-Benz Australia’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty (with roadside-assist included). Three-, four- and five-year service plans are available for C-Class models. 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class dimensions:Overall length for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 4751mm, width is 1820mm and height is 1437mm with a 2865mm wheelbase. Boot space with rear seat up is 455 litres (C350e PHEV - 315 litres) with the split-folding rear seat able to liberate additional volume.

The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.It confirms that examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42) , X3 (G01) , X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) have been impacted and said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.“If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation,” the notice said. The department added, “A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models are included, although for reference, close to 65,000 vehicles across those BMW model groups were sold in Australia during the recall period.The department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675 or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. 

The all-new plug-in hybrid Audi RS5 is the latest member of the new breed of near-guilt-free performance cars.Available as either a sedan or roomier Avant wagon, the RS5 delivers epic levels of power but blends its supercar-troubling acceleration with zero-emissions on your daily commute, thanks to an EV-only range of more than 80km.Locked in for an Australian debut in the second half of this year, CarsGuide travelled to Munich, on the eve of its global reveal, to discover its secrets and find out if the first-ever Audi RS plug-in hybrid has what it takes to overshadow the likes of the BMW M3 and the fellow electrified Mercedes-AMG C63.It's the ballistic Benz C63 (500kW/1000Nm) that wins the arms race for outright punch, with the Audi RS plug-in producing a lesser 470kW of power and a still-thumping 825Nm torque output, but the RS5 fights back to win enthusiasts' hearts because beneath its bonnet it eschews the C63's four-cylinder engine and gains the Audi-Porsche-developed twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 that, alone, pumps out 375kW.Helping it muster the total power output, the combustion engine is combined with a 130kW electric motor, 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery, plus an eight-speed automatic and Audi Sport's next-generation 'quattro' all-wheel drive.The latter gains a new centre differential, plus a trick rear transaxle that incorporates yet another tiny 8kW e-motor that's used for torque vectoring.Off the line, thanks to all-wheel drive, the Audi RS5 launches from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and, if you tick the box for the optional Audi Sport pack, the sedan and wagon keep accelerating until they top out at 285km/h. The same pack also adds carbon ceramic brakes and larger 21-inch rims.The choice by Audi Sport to develop its first-ever plug-in hybrid powertrain had little to do with emissions, engineers claim, and say the added weight of the battery and e-motors was well worth gaining the trick 400-volt electrics.That said, the mid-size RS5 sedan now tips the scales at a portly 2355kg, while the wagon is a hefty 2370kg – 625kg more than the, admittedly smaller, pair of RS models they replace.We'll have to take their word for it, but thanks to the extra torque vectoring, a new front and rear axle designed by Audi RS, plus retuned steering and trick twin-valve dampers, the German car-maker is confident that when it comes to agility and driving pleasure you'll pick the RS5 over all its rivals.In the metal, we think quite a few owners might plump for the Audi for its styling alone as designers have left little on the table to ensure the new RS5 sedan and wagon look special.Featuring wider front and rear fenders that are 90mm wider than the standard A5, the RS5 features a wider 3D single-frame honeycomb grille and unique front and rear bumpers that incorporate advanced aerodynamics that culminate in a large oversized rear diffuser.So much has changed that just the bonnet, roof and rear tailgate, plus the front doors carry over, with the RS5 gaining muscular, almost cartoonish superhero proportions that guarantee you won't mistake it for the standard car, especially if you add the new 'Carbon Camouflage'. The no-doubt-pricey option throws in exposed forged carbon trim on the side skirts, door mirrors and parts of the front and rear bumpers for some extra Lamborghini-style kerb appeal.Inside, the changes aren't so dramatic, but you'll still be greeted by a pair of heavily bolstered massage sport seats and an RS flat-bottomed Nappa-leather-wrapped steering wheel, combined with lots of synthetic-suede-wrapped surfaces, colour-coordinated seat belts and tonnes of RS logos.Final changes include RS graphics for the digital dash, the 14.5-inch infotainment and 10.9-inch passenger display, that provide keen drivers with access to performance data like G-forces, temps and tyre pressures plus lap times.Of course, even without driving it, we know that the RS5 isn't perfect. Not only does the plug-in hybrid tech add weight, it sacrifices space in the rear boot and the RS4-replacing RS5 Avant can only offer up to 331 litres of space.The new battery, meanwhile, can't be DC fast-charged for some reason, which means an 11kW AC charge for a full refill takes 2.5 hours.Finally, all that tech and enhanced performance will be felt not only behind the wheel but in the pocket.While prices haven't been announced Down Under, in Germany the Audi RS5 sedan has been priced from €106,200 (A$178,100), while the Audi RS5 Avant wagon costs €107,850 (A$180,100). Those figures represent a huge 20 per cent price bump over the models they replace, suggesting similar price rises are inevitable when Audi Australia introduces the plug-in hybrid RS5 in the second half of this year.

The recently launched Lexus NX 450h+ Luxury PHEV is a stylish mid-size prestige SUV, but does it have the right mix of features and performance to keep the popular NX range at the head of the pack?

Audi’s global CEO has reassured employees and fans of the brand that its electric successor to the Audi TT will go ahead.

Mercedes-AMG’s avowed passion for small capacity turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines in some of its most high-profile models appears to have cooled with the arrival of the new GLC53 powered by a stonking ‘twin-charged’ 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder.Highlighting the new engine’s “high-revving character” and “powerful, sonorous sound”, AMG has clearly responded to the lukewarm reception its undoubtedly powerful but relatively low-key 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines have received since the C63S E Performance launched globally in late 2022.Replacing the four-cylinder GLC43 and (for now, the) GLC63S E Performance, the new GLC53 is powered by a revised version of the 3.0-litre in-line six used in the E53 sedan featuring an exhaust gas turbo and an electric auxiliary compressor as well as a switch from full plug-in support to mild-hybrid assistance via a 48V starter-generator in the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.Undoubtedly designed to prioritise the combustion part of the hybrid equation, mods include a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft and a larger volume intake system as well as an upgraded intercooler. As a result, the new five-seat SUV hot rod produces 330kW (442hp) from 5800-6100rpm and 600Nm (640Nm on overboost) from 2200-5200 rpm.For reference, the outgoing GLC43 is rated at 310kW/510Nm with the GLC63 AMG S E-Performance pumping out a staggering 500kW/1020Nm.The GLC53’s integrated starter-generator provides a short-term boost of 17kW/205Nm, at the same time facilitating “recuperation, gliding and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start-stop function”.Drive goes to all four wheels via a “fully variable” AWD system including an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is a rapid 4.2 seconds.The (steel) suspension tune includes a specific spring-damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping via separate valves for rebound and compression. Rims are 21-inch shod with Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber (265/40 fr - 295/35 rr) and braking is by ventilated discs (390 fr - 360 rr) with four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic is currently priced at $147,500, before on-road costs, and Mercedes-Benz Australia told CarsGuide the GLC53 is due to land locally in the fourth quarter of this year.

Ferrari has confirmed the name and some interior design elements of its upcoming electric car, which is due to launch later this year.The 2026 Ferrari Luce, the brand’s first EV and proclaimed “the start of a new chapter” for Ferrari, was designed with help from San Francisco firm LoveFrom, founded by influential Apple designer Jony Ive and prolific Australian industrial designer Marc Newson.The design has, perhaps unsurprisingly, drawn a slew of negative online commentary for its departure from Ferrari’s previous interior design language.Jony Ive’s influence is clear, with flat glass screens, rounded edges and sleek buttons dominating much of what has been revealed, with a ‘retro’ flavour to much of the physical part of the interior.Ferrari says the philosophy behind the design is to organise the elements around control inputs and display outputs, with influence from “classic sports cars and Formula One single-seaters” simplified down to “essential functions”.The steering wheel is perhaps the clearest example of the ‘heritage-inspired’ design, with the tiller a modern interpretation of the classic three-spoke Nardi wheel of mid-20th century.A glass key fob that needs to be inserted into a dock to start the car has also been revealed, as well as a central control panel able to swivel towards either driver or passenger.The main panels shown also include a tablet-style digital driver display, central console with glass shifter, and a ceiling-mounted panel where the start-switch is found.The design influence from the head designers at LoveFrom is clear. Jony Ive was instrumental in the development of the iPhone’s now-iconic style as with many other early Apple designs, and Marc Newson has designed countless products including weapons, cameras, aircraft fittings for Qantas and even his own homes.So far, the key confirmed information on the technical side of the Luce includes its dual-motor setup with an output of more than 736kW, and a 0-100km/h time of less than 2.5sec.An in-house 122kWh battery pack will reportedly allow a range of more than 530km.

Understandably, expectations are elevated in this high-altitude corner of the market, the luxury large SUV category (starting under $220K) in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, with our 10 shortlisted models all suitably impressive vehicles.Four contenders from BMW (iX, X5, X6 and X7), three from Mercedes-Benz (EQE SUV, G-Class and GLS) and a solo entry from Porsche (Cayenne) give this group a distinctly Germanic flavour, with singles from Genesis (GV80) and Range Rover (RR Sport) to leaven the mix.In short, there are no bad options here. But, as with any new vehicle purchase, the fundamentals apply. Value, practicality, safety, cost of ownership and driving performance are all critical considerations for prospective buyers. But maybe, just maybe, the badge on the bonnet counts for a lot, too. Voting calculations came down to an exceptionally fine point following robust and positive COTY ‘War Room’ discussion across the judging panel before three contenders rose to the top. Having landed here in 2021, the pure-electric iX was given a mid-life refresh in late 2025 and several judges highlighted the specific benefits it delivered.Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton called out its “incredible road presence” and Senior Journalist Chris Thompson noted its bigger battery, increased range and faster charging capacity, introduced with a relatively modest price increase.“After the update it picked up more range. It’s not that much more expensive, it looks cool and points go to BMW for saying, ‘let’s try something with this’,” he said.It was a sentiment shared by Deputy News Editor Tom White who noted: “Every time I drive it I’m shocked with how it feels. It’s really special on the inside and it’s got this ethereal driving quality.“It’s ambitious, and forced other manufacturers to respond. And think about the value play. At the entry point for a combustion X5, you can get an electric one for only a few grand more. That’s pretty impressive,” Tom added. BMW was one of the first premium car brands to jump into the global SUV pond, its X5 sending heads spinning on arrival in 1999. And through four generations it’s maintained status as the go-to five-seater for family car buyers wanting extra luxury, performance and safety to go with thoughtful day-to-day practicality.In summing up its universal appeal, Senior Journalist Laura Berry had War Room heads nodding in agreement when she said: “It’s the 3 Series of SUVs. It does the job so well”.A choice of inline six-cylinder plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains as well as a twin-turbo petrol V8 in the powerhouse X5 M illustrates how much the X5 has evolved over time, with pricing and specification consistently fine-tuned to maintain a competitive value proposition.  The line-up also won plaudits from Deputy Editor James Cleary who noted the X5’s quality, safety, space efficiency, updated tech and generous standard spec.And then there was one. A mid-life overhaul in late 2023 for Porsche’s ground-breaking large SUV brought a refined exterior treatment and comprehensive interior makeover which, among other things, added a ‘full-screen’ dash treatment.The current 10-variant (!) line-up offers two body styles (SUV and Coupe) and four engine choices (turbo V6 petrol, V6 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo V8 petrol and V8 PHEV), with prices ranging from under $150K for the entry-level SUV to around $380K for the stonking Turbo GT.News Editor Dominic Tripolone summed up much of the judging group’s feeling for the car when he said: “It does everything a Porsche should but with a family inside”.Chris Thompson chipped in: “Dynamically it’s so impressive. Driving it in anger it’s as if some wizardry has happened. It feels like a sports car.”And Laura Berry also noted Porsche’s ability to make a high-riding SUV behave like a low-slung sports coupe. “It doesn’t feel like it’s made out of separate parts. It feels like it’s one part, so well built it just moulds around you. I love it.”

More than fifty years after the model designation was first formally applied to Mercedes-Benz’s top-tier sedan, the German maker has unveiled a substantially upgraded version of its S-Class flagship.Claimed to consist of 50 per cent newly developed components and scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year, the update also corresponds with the three-pointed star’s celebration of 140 years since Carl Benz patented his ground-breaking motorwagen in 1886.Mercedes-Benz Australia told CarsGuide the local model line-up is yet to be confirmed, but there are no fewer than seven variants on offer for European markets (S350d, S450, S450d, S450e, S500, S580 & S580e) with standard and long versions available, the latter adding 110mm to the wheelbase and overall length.Engine options range across a 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder, turbo-petrol producing up to 330kW/600Nm, a 3.0L twin-turbo diesel delivering 230kW/650Nm and a 4.0L twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 pumping out 395kW/750Nm.Revised plug-in hybrid powertrain options combine the six-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor for up to 430kW (+55kW) and 750Nm of combined torque. A 22kW battery delivers an electric-only driving range of 93-103km.On the outside, luxury car-spotters should look out for a larger (illuminated) grille with the option of an illuminated star on the bonnet.Digital micro-LED headlights are new, as are tail-lights featuring chrome-framed stars. A fresh 20-inch wheel design incorporates 50 cross-spokes. Striking, or a detailing nightmare?Inside, the Mercedes-Benz ‘MBUX’ multimedia interface consists of a central 14.4-inch screen and a 12.3- inch passenger display combined under a continuous glass surface.Larger 13.1-inch displays are offered in the optional ‘MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System’. Speaking of entertainment, an optional Burmester ‘High-End 4D-Surround-Sound’ system includes ‘tactile transducers’ in the seats to “vibrate and pulse in time with the music” as well as 39 speakers, four exciters, 1750-watt output and Dolby Atmos.A fourth-gen ‘MB.OS supercomputer’ enables an expanded app portfolio including streaming platforms like Disney+ as well over-the-air updates and AI from ChatGPT4, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini combined in one system to power up the car’s ‘Hey Mercedes' virtual assistant.Other tech highlights include upgraded park-assist functionality, the option of integrated video conferencing and heated seat belts “with a soothing warmth of up to 44°C”.Air suspension is standard across the line-up with ‘E‑Active’ body control an option.Also available to order is the new S680 Guard 4Matic special-protection vehicle combining an in-house developed ‘Integrated Protection System’ comprising an aluminium outer skin to achieve VR10 20, which Mercedes-Benz said is the highest civilian protection level.Pricing and final specification will be confirmed closer to the car’s local launch but in Germany the entry-level S350d 4Matic starts at €121,356.20 (including 19 per cent VAT) which, on a direct currency exchange translates to just under $206,000. For reference, the current (non-Maybach) Mercedes-Benz S-Class range starts with the S450 4Matic at $244,700, before on-road costs, rising to $335,100, BOC, for the S580L 4Matic.