The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is as synonymous with state-of-the-art luxury, world class safety features and prestige. Over the years Mercedes has continued to use its flagship saloon to pioneer many modern technologies, such as airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. Yet as the brand’s largest saloon, the S-Class has also offered the most room for rear-seat passengers, making it a favourite of wealthy people and heads of state alike. With the three engineering priorities “Intelligent Drive,” “Efficient Technology” and “Essence of Luxury”, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class extends the boundaries of technology on many levels. The all-new S-Class is not just a technological spearhead for Mercedes-Benz it’s a key contributor to automotive development as a whole. Replacing the outgoing S Class, which was introduced in 2005, is an advanced and remarkable saloon that continues the Mercedes flagship saloon’s 40 year heritage.
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| Mercedes S-Class |
Striking design
At the front of the all-new S-Class the radiator grille is now larger, upright and distinctly three-dimensional in design. Traditional S-Class features such as a long bonnet, flowing curved roof line and the gently slanting rear end are adopted in the new saloon. The surfaces and lines of the side wall on the all-new S-Class uplift the profile’s stance as they flow into the rear end. Horizontal lines running from the boot lid to the bumper emphasise the car’s width when viewed from the rear. The upper area of the glass is rounded, lending the all-new S-Class a coupé-like character. The new-style taillights, which are completely encased by the car body, complete the design right down to the last detail.
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| Traditional long bonnet is retained |
LED adorned
100 years or so after the introduction of electric lighting in motor vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is now making a complete switch to LED technology. The all-new S-Class is the first vehicle in the world with no single light bulb in the interior and exterior. Almost 500 LEDs illuminate the road, the vehicle, the interior and the boot.
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| Full LED headlamps at the front |
Refined performance
Under the long bonnet is a selection of two refined power plants: a fuel efficient V6 (fitted in the S350) and a powerful V8 (fitted in the S500). The V6 diesel power unit in the S350 BlueTEC has a displacement of 3.0-liters, an output of 190kW (258hp) and a torque figure of 620Nm. Its combined fuel consumption of 5.5- or 5.6-litres per 100km (figures for short/long wheelbase versions) makes it the world’s most economical V6 diesel engine. The 4.6-litre V8 biturbo unit in the S500 churns out 335kW (455hp) – making it more powerful than its 320 kW (435hp) predecessor. Its peak torque is 700Nm and needs 8.6-liters of fuel per 100km which is 0.7-litres per 100 km lower than its predecessor. The V8 impressive power output guarantees a limited top speed of 250km/h and a sprint time of 4.8 seconds from 0 to 100km. Mated to both engines is the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever.
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| LED lights at the rear |
‘Magic’ suspension
The all-new S-Class is the world’s first car that can detect bumps on the road ahead. This is possible thanks to the ROAD SURFACE SCAN system which detects unevenness on the road, by means of the stereo camera. MAGIC BODY CONTROL then sets up the suspension in advance to deal with the situation. This innovative suspension system is available on the S500. Standard equipment for the all-new S-Class includes an enhanced version of the full air suspension system AIRMATIC with continuously adaptive damping control.
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| Ponton shape retained 40 years later |
Stopping power
Large brake discs at the front and rear provide the technological basis for safe and reliable deceleration, by using the ADAPTIVE BRAKE electronic brake control system. Depending on the engine installed, the disc diameters are up to 370mm at the front and up to 360mm at the rear.
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| New touch sensitive telephone pad |
Safety guaranteed
Ten years ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a ground-breaking safety concept in the form of the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system, which has been undergoing continuous refinement ever since. The new PRE-SAFE® functions can help to prevent collisions with pedestrians and vehicles in front in city traffic, defuse dangerous situations caused by traffic behind and enhance the protection offered by the seat belts. A host of driver assistance systems other systems make up the S-Class “Intelligent Drive.” “Intelligent Drive “helps the driver to prevent an accident and to reduce its severity. Intelligent assistance systems analyse complex situations and can recognise potential dangers out on the road with the aid sensors. The support functions range from relieving the burden on the driver and therefore increasing comfort, to issuing visual, acoustic and/or tactile warning signals, to boosting the driver’s reactions. Some systems are even able to take corrective action in an emergency, such as autonomous application of the brakes to prevent an accident or lessen its severity. “Intelligent Drive” also warns pedestrians at night of your presence by flashing the S-Class’ headlights.
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| Large radiator grille |
Innovative airbags
The driver and front passenger airbags features a two-stage gas generator. The two stages can be activated, depending on the detected rate of vehicle deceleration. It then decides whether to make the airbag harder or softer depending on the sitting position of the front occupants. If the all-new S-Class is equipped with the Executive seat (reclining seat) at the rear, an innovative cushion bag is fitted as standard. The airbag is located under the cushion upholstery, but on top of the plastic seat shell, which is moved when the seat reclines. Hence, the airbag remains in the right position relative to the occupant. The cushion bag works by raising the front section of the seat cushion upholstery. This prevents the occupants from sliding away from the seat belt during a crash. The airbag is only activated if the seat is in the reclined position during a crash. Also included in the all-new S-Class are beltbags. The beltbag is an inflatable seat-belt strap that reduces the load on the ribcage in a head-on collision and is thus able to reduce the risk of injury to passengers in the rear.
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| Cockpit |
Classy interior
Inside the all-new S-Class there generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard and centre console. Metallised switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes highlight the interior’s outstanding quality. Passengers in the rear are also seated in first-class – the design and look of the seats, door panels and all controls are similar to what is visible at the front. All occupants of the all-new S-Class benefit from the moderate increase interior space. Two 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT colour displays form the new information centre in the S-Class. The left-hand display acts as the instrument cluster, providing the driver with all relevant information. The right-hand display allows for convenient control of the infotainment and comfort functions. Also new to the S-class is a touch-sensitive telephone keypad. A rotary pushbutton, with the usual direct access keys in the centre console for the most important functions and a toolbar for the driving assistance systems, is also
retained.
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| Luxurious and exquisite interior |
Pleasant atmosphere
The Mercedes S-Class features an advance climate control system that guarantees air quality, precise regulation, noise level and efficiency. New to the climate control system is the AIR-BALANCE package. The perfuming system consists of two parts: a glass flask with an atomiser head and the fragrance generator in the glove compartment. A high-quality fragrance introduced into an already luxurious interior enhances the sensual impression of the interior. The interior smell is not changed permanently. The fragrance is discreet and mild, and dissipates rapidly. Four interior fragrances (FREESIDE MOOD, NIGHTLIFE MOOD, DOWNTOWN MOOD, SPORTS MOOD) are available in attractive perfume flasks. Another component of the AIR-BALANCE package is filtering of the outside air fed into the vehicle interior by the climate control system. Activated charcoal is used as the filter material that absorbs gaseous pollutants and odours. It is produced from coconut shells. The sophisticated pollen filter technology in the fine dust filter component is particularly useful for allergy sufferers.
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| Maybach inspired interior ambiance |
Innovative entertainment
The all-new S-Class is the first vehicle worldwide to offer a genuine multi-user system with Individual Entertainment System in the rear. This means that there is independent access to the media sources of the entertainment system from any of the four seats – i.e. radio, TV, internet, navigation, DVD player and USB-connected devices. The driver controls function for all the seats and can route any audio or video source to the display and headset of any passenger. At the touch of a button the driver is also able to have one of the audio sources in use played via the onboard loudspeakers. An innovative Frontbass system uses interior spaces in the bodyshell as chambers for the woofers. The mid-range speakers in the doors are relocated upwards. This improves the sound output and allows additional stowage space in the doors. As alternatives to the standard sound system with ten loudspeakers, two very high-quality audio systems are available which were developed together with the high-end audio specialist Burmester: Burmester® Surround Sound system and Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system.
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| Coupe inspired rear design |
Verdict
The all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues that tradition established by its many innovative forbears and remains one of the most desirable choices for a flagship luxury saloon. Besides its wealth of features, opulent interior and bulletproof construction, the S-Class also stands out with an unmatched number of engine and model choices. The all-new Mercedes S-Class remains the most important and innovative car to date.