The 2014 Mercedes-benz S-class marked the dawn of a new era for luxury sedans, debuting with groundbreaking technology and unparalleled opulence. As the flagship model for Mercedes-Benz, the 2014 S-Class immediately set a new benchmark, showcasing innovations that would eventually permeate throughout the entire automotive industry. This model year was not just an update; it was a revolution in automotive design, safety, and the very essence of luxury driving.
Bernie Glaser, Vice President of Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA, aptly stated upon its release, “The new S-Class represents the best of the Mercedes-Benz brand.” This statement encapsulates the spirit behind the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: a commitment to pushing boundaries and pioneering advancements in every aspect of automotive engineering. For over 127 years, Mercedes-Benz has consistently strived for innovation, and the S-Class is the embodiment of this philosophy. Many technologies we see as commonplace in vehicles today owe their origins to Mercedes-Benz’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence, a tradition powerfully continued by the 2014 S-Class.
The launch of the 2014 S-Class was accompanied by a compelling marketing campaign, anchored by the tagline “The Best or Nothing.” This campaign, brought to life by Merkley+Partners, featured two impactful broadcast advertisements. The first, a 60-second spot titled “Four Words,” delved into the historical roots of this iconic tagline. Viewers were taken on a journey through Mercedes-Benz’s rich 127-year history, from Gottlieb Daimler’s original workshop to the cutting-edge design centers and test facilities of today. The advertisement powerfully conveyed how these four simple words have driven Mercedes-Benz to constantly innovate and lead, culminating in the 2014 S-Class as the modern embodiment of this enduring philosophy.
The companion 30-second advertisement, “Control,” focused on the innovative driving experience offered by the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Set against a backdrop of stunning nighttime cityscapes, the ad highlighted the vehicle’s unique luxury features. From the indulgent hot stone massage seats to the customizable ambient lighting with seven color options and an integrated cabin fragrance system, these features emphasized the S-Class as the ultimate expression of Mercedes-Benz luxury and innovation. These advertisements were strategically placed across national television, including prime-time talk shows and popular programs, ensuring wide visibility and capturing the attention of the target luxury car audience.
The marketing efforts extended beyond television with a complementary print campaign centered around the theme “It is our entire automotive philosophy set in motion.” This campaign featured prominently in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and prestigious magazines like Tennis Magazine, Condé Nast Traveler, and Architectural Digest, further reinforcing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class‘s position at the pinnacle of luxury. A targeted digital component also ensured comprehensive outreach to potential customers online.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class itself was engineered to appeal to all senses, redefining in-cabin luxury. The interior was meticulously crafted with premium materials and advanced features designed for ultimate passenger comfort. Heated armrests, an AIR BALANCE PACKAGE providing ionized air purification, and optional First Class rear-seat luxury transformed the cabin into a sanctuary of well-being. The available Burmester sound system delivered an immersive audio experience, completing the sensory indulgence. Complementing the opulent interior, the exterior design was both sophisticated and modern. Beneath the elegant skin lay the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system, an intelligent technology that scanned the road ahead and proactively adjusted the suspension for an incredibly smooth and controlled ride.
Safety was paramount in the design of the 2014 S-Class. Mercedes-Benz took a significant step towards its vision of accident-free driving with the introduction of Intelligent Drive, a suite of over 30 standard and optional active and passive safety technologies. The Driver Assistance Package, available for both the 2014 S-Class and E-Class models, included groundbreaking features such as:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: An advanced radar-based cruise control system capable of semi-autonomous steering inputs, functional from 0 to 124 mph depending on road conditions.
- PRE-SAFE Brake: Autonomous braking technology capable of initiating full emergency braking at speeds up to 31 mph, and accident mitigation up to 45 mph.
- PRE-SAFE PLUS: Rear-facing radar to detect potential rear-end collisions and prepare the vehicle for secondary impacts, particularly at intersections.
- BAS PLUS with Cross Traffic Assist: Utilizing stereoscopic cameras to monitor cross-traffic and provide brake assistance to prevent accidents at intersections.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Protection: Employing one-sided braking to correct lane drifting and prevent collisions with vehicles in blind spots.
Further enhancing safety, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class included Attention Assist to combat driver fatigue and Night View Assist Plus with pedestrian and animal detection, improving visibility in low-light conditions. Despite these significant advancements in technology, luxury, and safety, the 2014 S-Class remained competitively priced, starting at $92,900 (excluding destination and delivery charges), comparable to the outgoing model and even lower on an MSRP basis. The model was also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive (S550 4MATIC) and in a high-performance AMG variant (S63 AMG 4MATIC), catering to a wide range of preferences and performance needs. Impressively, the 2014 S550 also achieved improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, with EPA ratings of 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway.
Mercedes-Benz announced further expansion of the S-Class lineup throughout 2014, promising additional powertrain options and body styles. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was not just a car; it was a statement – a declaration of Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to “the best or nothing,” setting a new, elevated standard for the luxury automotive segment and influencing vehicle design and technology for years to come.
