The aspiration: the best automobile in
the world
With the three engineering priorities "Intelligent
Drive", "Efficient Technology" and "Essence of
Luxury", the new S‑Class extends the boundaries of technology on many
levels.
“Admired for its ability to
glide effortlessly with a power and prestige that commands understated respect,
the revered S-Class has achieved a status in the Middle East bordering on the
legendary. But the S-Class is no mirage. With every new generation of S-Class,
customers across the region expect it to set standards across the board to
retain its accolade as "the best automobile in the world," says Frank
Bernthaler, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars, Middle East
& Levant.
"Rather than being about
safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations
were 'the best or nothing' in every respect. No other car stands for the
Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class," adds Bernthaler.
Perfection to the last detail
results in "The Essence of
Luxury". This pursuit of the best is particularly noticeable in the
interior: whether it is the seats or the air conditioning, the controls or the
design, the infotainment or the comfort and safety in the rear – new ideas,
their painstaking realisation, and highest perceived quality underpin the high
standards that the engineers have set for the Mercedes-Benz flagship model –
and for themselves.
The same applies to safety. What
started with PRE-SAFE® ten years ago and continued with DISTRONIC
PLUS has now resulted in a new dimension of motoring: comfort and safety are
merged into one. Mercedes-Benz refers to this as "Intelligent Drive". A whole host of new systems makes
the new S-Class even more comfortable and even safer.
The S-Class is so efficient that
it almost sounds utopian: within ten years Mercedes-Benz, by realising "Efficient Technology", has
almost halved fuel consumption in the 150 kW output category to 4.4 litres per
100 kilometres, for example, while the drag coefficient of the new S-Class (cd=0.24)
clearly undercuts the previous model's figure and sets a new benchmark in this
segment. Furthermore, the new model is the world's first car to dispense
entirely with light bulbs in favour of LEDs, pointing the way ahead once again.
The Middle East launch date for
the S-Class is the 20th of July 2013, with prices starting for the S
500 GCC specification variant at US$132,300.
Design: a modern sense of status and sensual
shapes
People all over the world can
recognise a Mercedes-Benz straight away. The classic Mercedes face runs like a
golden thread through the brand's history.
"The sophisticated design
of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur
of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic
architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual
clarity. The design draws a line from the sophisticated, progressive design
idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars – intelligence that speaks to
the emotions. Stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless
clarity and effortless superiority make the S-Class a true design icon," says
design chief Gorden Wagener.
To underline the effortless
superiority of the new S-Class, and its ambition to lead, the radiator grille
is now larger, upright and distinctly three-dimensional in design. With its
long bonnet, the flowing, domed roof line and the gently slanting rear end, the
new S-Class has classic saloon proportions. The size and space have been
fashioned in such a way that the S-Class appears prestigious, and the powerful
roof line is also in keeping with the car's sporty coupé-style intentions.
A character line descending
discreetly from front to rear – the brand's hallmark "Dropping Line"
– elegantly structures the side wall and generates additional dynamism even
when the car is at a standstill. The subtly created convex-concave effect of
the entire flank gives rise to an extremely powerful and elongated car body
that demonstrates both excitement and calm. The pronounced shoulder above the
rear wheel adds further emphasis to the car's athletic character.
The positively exaggerated
surfaces and lines of the side wall on the new
S-Class generate excitement as they flow into the rear end. As well as being elegant, the slightly slanting form has aerodynamic advantages. Horizontal lines running from the boot lid to the bumper emphasise the car's width when viewed from the rear. The hallmark signature of the Mercedes-Benz designers can also be seen in the rear windscreen, which cuts into the C-pillars. The upper area of the glass is rounded, lending it a coupé-like character. The real highlights are the new-style tail lights which are completely encased by the car body and, thanks to this solitarily integrated styling and meticulously crafted inner workings, complete the design right down to the last detail.
S-Class generate excitement as they flow into the rear end. As well as being elegant, the slightly slanting form has aerodynamic advantages. Horizontal lines running from the boot lid to the bumper emphasise the car's width when viewed from the rear. The hallmark signature of the Mercedes-Benz designers can also be seen in the rear windscreen, which cuts into the C-pillars. The upper area of the glass is rounded, lending it a coupé-like character. The real highlights are the new-style tail lights which are completely encased by the car body and, thanks to this solitarily integrated styling and meticulously crafted inner workings, complete the design right down to the last detail.
LED technology: the first ever car
without a single light bulb
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 new S-Class is the
first vehicle in the world whose interior and exterior do without a single
light bulb, and sees Mercedes-Benz building on its pioneering role in the
lighting sector. The lighting's multi-level functionality is another world
first: out of consideration for any road users behind, the intensity of the
brake lights is reduced at night or while waiting at traffic lights, for
example. Almost 500 LEDs illuminate the road, the vehicle, the interior and the
boot. Depending on equipment, these include:
·
Headlamps: each with up to 56 LEDs
·
Tail lights: each with up to 35 LEDs (plus 4 for the
rear fog lamp)
·
Interior (including ambient lighting): approx. 300
LEDs
Visibility is
enhanced by two assistance systems that have undergone some key improvements –
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. Thanks to a new
stereo camera and multistage radar sensors, the S-Class has 360-degree
all-round vision and detects potential dangers on the road better.
Drive system: class-leading efficiency in every
output category
In its
first year the new S-Class S 500 models boast class-leading efficiency and up
to 20 percent lower fuel consumption than the outgoing model series. All the
engines already meet the requirements of the Euro-6 emissions standard.
"The
new S-Class achieves consumption and emissions figures that only a few years
ago seemed utopian, even for executive cars," says Prof. Thomas Weber,
member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and
Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "And this is just the start of our
'Green Leadership' initiative: soon to be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID
– the first S-Class with a fuel consumption lower than four litres per 100
kilometres." The S-Class line-up therefore includes the full range from
petrol and diesel models to petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids for the first
time.
Model data
at a glance:
|
Model
|
S 500
|
|
Number of cylinders/arrangement
|
8/V
|
|
Displacement (cc)
|
4663
|
|
Rated output (hp at rpm)
|
455 at 5250
|
|
Rated output of electric motor (kW)
|
-
|
|
Rated torque (Nm at rpm)
|
700 at 1800-3500
|
|
Rated torque of electric motor (Nm)
|
-
|
|
Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)
|
8.6
|
|
Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)
|
199
|
|
Efficiency class
|
D
|
|
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)
|
4.8
|
|
Top speed (km/h)
|
250
|
1
Figures for short/long
wheelbase
Suspension: the world's first
suspension with "eyes"
The new S-Class is the world's
first car to be able to detect bumps on the road ahead. If ROAD SURFACE SCAN
detects such unevenness by means of the stereo camera, MAGIC BODY CONTROL instantaneously
sets up the suspension to deal with the new situation. This innovative
suspension system is available as an option for the eight-cylinder models.
Standard equipment for the new S-Class includes the continuously operating
Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS and an enhanced version of the full air
suspension system AIRMATIC.
Interior: visual breadth and calm solidity
With its clear architecture, the
interior design of the S-Class embodies a classic, superior, cutting-edge
saloon. The interior's expressive character derives from a uniquely fluid,
sensuously elegant style. Horizontal elements and lines create a setting
characterised by visual breadth and calm solidity. High quality and elegance
harmonise with clarity and functionality: the interior design of the S-Class
combines ride comfort, spaciousness and user-friendliness to the very highest
standard.
The perfectly coordinated use of
materials and colours produces an exclusive interior seemingly cast from a
single mould. There is generous use of wood trim, especially in the dashboard
and centre console. Metallised switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes
in three colour shades to suit the interior colour particularly highlight the
outstanding quality.
Passengers in the rear are also
seated in first-class – the design and exclusivity of the seats, door panels
and all controls are to the same, high standard as the front. As an additional
individualisation feature, the "First Class Rear" incorporates a
Business centre console combining personal comfort with practical convenience
(integration of a telephone handset, additional stowage compartments, folding
table, etc.).
Concept: the best for both worlds
For the first time in the
history of the S-Class, the development focus was on the long-wheelbase Saloon.
Unlike before, the short-wheelbase version was derived from this. This is
because the S-Class is not only firmly positioned as a prestige saloon in the
large overseas markets such as the USA, China or Japan. Whereas in Europe and
North America owners of an S-Class are frequently behind the wheel themselves, the
flagship model in the Mercedes-Benz passenger-car portfolio is very definitely
a chauffeur-driven vehicle in Asia.
The logical consequence is the
number of new features specifically related to comfort and safety in the rear –
in the S-Class, there is no doubt that passengers in the rear are also seated
in first class.
The occupants of the new S-Class
benefit from the moderate increase in
vehicle size[1] by an improvement in all the interior dimensions: there are
12 millimetres of extra headroom for the driver, as well as 14 millimetres
more shoulder room and 10 millimetres more elbow room in the front. Thanks to the 14-millimetre increase in rear kneeroom, travel becomes even more comfortable for passengers in the rear. Shoulder room in the rear has been improved by up to nine millimetres.
vehicle size[1] by an improvement in all the interior dimensions: there are
12 millimetres of extra headroom for the driver, as well as 14 millimetres
more shoulder room and 10 millimetres more elbow room in the front. Thanks to the 14-millimetre increase in rear kneeroom, travel becomes even more comfortable for passengers in the rear. Shoulder room in the rear has been improved by up to nine millimetres.
Control and display concept: elegant new
command centre
Two high-resolution TFT colour
displays in 8:3 format with a screen diagonal of 30.7 cm (12.3 inches) form the
new information centre in the S-Class. The left-hand display performs the
functions of the previous instrument cluster, providing the driver with all
relevant information. The right-hand display allows the convenient control of
infotainment and comfort functions. For the new S-Class, the constantly increasing
need to integrate additional functions into the vehicle led to a further
development of the entire operating logic. Here ergonomics, operating
convenience and safety along with attractiveness and aesthetics were the main
considerations.
The aim in designing the control
and display features was to group controls and display functions together in a
coherent manner in terms of both design and functionality. Apart from the new
displays, the metallised switch surfaces and solid aluminium controls are visual
highlights of particularly high quality. Thanks to the fine structuring on the
metal surfaces, each individual control has the sound, feel and attention to
detail that makes a Mercedes-Benz so special.
The new
control features include a touch-sensitive telephone keypad and an extended
favourites function with twelve freely selectable memory places. The principal
control element is the 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.
Voice entry using LINGUATRONIC
via the Speech Dialog System allows complete addresses to be spoken in one go,
for example (one-shot input). The telephone and audio systems can also be
voice-controlled. The option of having text messages (SMS) or emails read out
is a new feature.
Climate control: a wealth of new features for a pleasant atmosphere
During the systematic further development of the entire climate control
system, a particular focus was placed on the development goals of performance,
air quality, precise regulation, noise level and efficiency.
As a new feature, the AIR-BALANCE package comprises perfume atomisation, ionisation and even more efficient filtration compared with the standard model. The THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control in the rear has two additional zones to improve thermal comfort. Electric heating of the armrests is a completely new feature.
As a new feature, the AIR-BALANCE package comprises perfume atomisation, ionisation and even more efficient filtration compared with the standard model. The THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control in the rear has two additional zones to improve thermal comfort. Electric heating of the armrests is a completely new feature.
As a world
first, the new S-Class Saloon has an "active
perfuming system" as part of the AIR-BALANCE package. 'Active' means
that the perfuming system is switched on and off manually, with manual
adjustment of the intensity. The perfume atomisation system individualises the
smell of the vehicle interior. It neither changes the interior smell
permanently, nor are perfume molecules deposited on fabric surfaces or
clothing. The fragrance is discreet and mild, and dissipates rapidly.
Seats: mobile office and centre of wellbeing
With numerous world firsts such
as the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle or active
seat ventilation with reversing fans, Mercedes-Benz has raised seating and
climatic comfort in the S-Class to a new level. The seat developers have paid
particular attention to the rear seats. There is a choice of five different rear
seat variants including an Executive seat with a backrest angle adjustable by
up to 43.5 degrees, allowing occupants in the rear to concentrate on work or
relax in comfort.
The ENERGIZING massage function on the hot-stone principle is a world
first. The seat specialists at Mercedes-Benz have developed a unique massage
function with 14 separately actuated air cushions in the backrest, as well as
an integrated warming function. There is a choice of six massage programmes,
two of them using the warming function. The function is also available for the
rear seats.
For the first time, so-called reversing fans are used in the active
seat ventilation system. When the ventilation function starts, cooler
surrounding air is first drawn onto the seat surface. This enables the surface
temperature of a heated-up seat to be reduced much faster than with the
previous active cooling systems. After four minutes the fans are automatically
switched to blower mode to reduce draughts.
Two rear seat variants (static
bench seat or individual seats with 37-degree adjustment) are available for the
standard-wheelbase S-Class, and no less than five for the long-wheelbase
version. The adjustment kinematics have been changed in the luxury and
reclining seat variants. Unlike the conventional trailing backrest design, the
backrest is adjusted separately so that the legroom and seat reference point
remain unchanged. The cushion can be separately adjusted for angle and
horizontal position.
The maximum backrest angle of
the Executive seat (reclining seat)
behind the front passenger seat is increased from 37 to 43.5 degrees, giving it
the largest backrest inclination in the luxury segment. The reclining seat
features a calf support which is freely adjustable for length and angle. In
combination with the heel rest on the folding chauffeur seat at the front and
an additional comfort cushion, this allows a reclined position that sets new
standards in the automotive sector with respect to sleeping and resting
comfort.
If the "First Class Rear" is specified
(with rear centre console), the front console on the transmission tunnel is
visually continued to the rear. It is equipped with innovative thermo-cup
holders which use Peltier technology to cool or warm drinks over a longer
period of time. Like an aircraft seat, the centre console is available with two
tables which can be easily folded in or out using one hand.
Multimedia features: mobile
concert hall
A completely
new multimedia generation with intuitive operation and particularly tangible
functions thanks to visualisation and animations celebrates its debut in the
S-Class. Other innovations include the multi-user system, which allows
independent access to the media sources of the entertainment system from any
seat.
The innovative Frontbass system developed by
Mercedes-Benz‑and used for the first time in a saloon car is a feature common
to all the audio systems: the woofers are housed in the firewall, and use the
almost 40-litre space in the cross-member and side member as a resonance
chamber. Conventional woofers in the doors are therefore unnecessary. The
mid-range speakers in the doors are relocated upwards. This improves the
soundscape 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: the Burmester®
Surround Sound system and the Burmester®
High-End 3D‑Surround Sound system.
The
interactive presentation of content is a prominent new feature of the navigation function. The new
navitainment functions include an animated compass, the "Driveshow"
for passenger information as in an aircraft, and the display of Google Maps on
the head unit and in the rear. Information on the traffic situation is shown
with hatched lines (rather than with vehicle silhouettes as before). With the
new Live Traffic Information service, traffic data is transmitted in real time.
As a result, the navigation system is better informed about the situation on
the roads.
Body: maximum stability and high-quality
lightweight design
A high level of crash safety,
outstanding rigidity for excellent handling with extremely low levels of noise
and vibration. These were the aims when developing the bodyshell for the new
S-Class – a third-generation aluminium hybrid bodyshell. The lightweight index
– the torsional stiffness in relation to weight and vehicle size – has been
improved by 50 percent compared to the predecessor model.
Since the 220 model series was
developed in the 1990s, with an optimally coordinated materials mix the hybrid
lightweight construction has been further developed into an aluminium hybrid
bodyshell. During this period the share of aluminium has increased to more than
50 percent. It has therefore been possible to maintain practically the same
body weight for 20 years and even slightly reduce it, despite far more
stringent comfort and safety requirements and additional functions. In addition
to this, structural foams are used at specific points in node areas in the new
model series. The entire outer skin of the S-Class, including the roof and the
front section of the body, consists of aluminium. The high percentage of
aluminium is possible thanks to the use of a complete range of semi-finished
products (casting, extrusion, sheet metal). The safety passenger cell is made
using an extremely high percentage of high-strength steel.
This lightweight design by
material and geometrical optimisation coupled with highly complex joining
technology allows the new S-Class to further raise the bar in the demanding
luxury saloon segment – without adding weight. With a torsional stiffness of
40.5 kN/degree (predecessor: 27.5 kN/degree), the S-Class achieves a new record
in its segment.
Extended PRE-SAFE® protection: prevention is better than cure
Ten years
ago, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a groundbreaking safety concept in the S-Class in
the form of the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system,
which has been undergoing continuous refinement ever since. Now, the safety
pioneer is increasing protection levels once again.
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.
·
The PRE-SAFE® Brake
can also detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking to avoid a
collision at speeds up to 50 km/h.
·
PRE-SAFE® PLUS can recognise an imminent rear-end collision
and warn the following traffic by activating the rear hazard warning lights at
a high frequency. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the
stationary vehicle's brakes and thus minimise the
risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by the impact.
This additionally can reduce the risk of secondary accidents.
Immediately before impact, the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant
protection measures, especially the reversible belt tensioners, are deployed.
·
With PRE-SAFE® Impulse,
the driver and front passenger are pulled away from the direction of impact by
their seat belts at an early phase of the crash before the resulting occupant
deceleration sets in. This can substantially reduce the risk and severity of
injuries in a frontal collision.
Setting the standard for safety in the rear:
new features in the S-Class
Mercedes-Benz has extended the
safety system for rear seat passengers further with the seat belt buckle
extender, the beltbag and the cushionbag. The first two of these developments
are included in the "PRE-SAFE® rear package". With the
illuminated seat belt buckle extender,
an electric motor extends and retracts the belt buckle automatically. In this
way, any belt slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax can be reduced so that
passengers are secured more firmly in both the sideways and the lengthways
direction.
The beltbag is an inflatable seat-belt strap that is able to reduce the
risk of injury to passengers in the rear in a head-on collision by lessening
the strain placed on the ribcage. The reclining seat is equipped with a cushionbag under the seat cushion upholstery as standard. When the seat is reclined, it prevents the
occupant from sliding beneath the seat belt (so-called submarining) in an
accident. This has enabled Mercedes-Benz to design a comfortable
reclining seat which provides a higher level of accident safety than a seat
with a trailing backrest.
Intelligent Drive: networked with all senses
Avoid
accidents and mitigate their consequences – this is the integrated approach
adopted by Mercedes-Benz Accident Research under the heading "Real Life
Safety". Mercedes-Benz is systematically pursuing this strategy in the
S-Class with numerous new assistance systems and greatly enhanced functions.
Comfort and safety are enhanced at the same time. Mercedes-Benz calls this
"Intelligent Drive". The new functions all rely on the same sensor
system, comprising a new stereo camera together with multistage radar sensors.
"Intelligent assistance
systems analyse complex situations and better recognise potential dangers out
on the road with the aid of improved environment sensor systems," explains
Prof. Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for
Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Figuratively
speaking, the new S-Class doesn't just have eyes at the front, it has
360-degree all-round vision."
A key factor is the
networking of all systems, which safety experts call
"sensor fusion". The aim is to ensure comprehensive protection, not just for the occupants of a Mercedes-Benz, but for all other road users, too.
"sensor fusion". The aim is to ensure comprehensive protection, not just for the occupants of a Mercedes-Benz, but for all other road users, too.
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. Here is a summary of the new assistance systems and
those with notably enhanced functionality:
·
DISTRONIC
PLUS with Steering
Assist and Stop&Go Pilot takes the burden off the driver when it comes
to lane guidance and is also able to follow vehicles in traffic jams
automatically.
·
For the first time, thanks to the stereo camera
the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with
Cross-Traffic Assist is able to detect crossing traffic and pedestrians
too, and to boost the braking power applied by the driver accordingly.
·
If the lane markings are broken lines, Active Lane Keeping Assist can detect when the adjacent lane is occupied,
especially by oncoming traffic, and reduce the risk of the vehicle leaving its
lane unintentionally by applying the brakes on one side.
·
Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the high-beam
headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out
other vehicles in the beams' cone of light.
·
Night View Assist Plus was further improved and
supplemented by a thermal imaging camera. Night View Assist Plus can alert the
driver to the potential danger posed by pedestrians or animals in unlit areas
in front of the vehicle by automatically switching from the speedometer to a
crystal-sharp night view image and highlighting the sources of danger. A
spotlight function is furthermore able to flash any pedestrians detected ahead.
This attracts the driver's attention to the source of the danger at the same
time as warning the person on the side of the road.
·
ATTENTION ASSIST can warn of inattentiveness
and drowsiness in an extended speed range and notify the driver of their
current state of fatigue and the driving time since the last break, offers an
adjustable sensitivity setting and, if a warning is emitted, indicates nearby
service areas in the COMAND navigation system.
[1] Length/width/height short-wheelbase
version: 5116/1899/1483, wheelbase 3035 mm
Length/width/height long-wheelbase version: 5246/1899/1483, wheelbase 3165 mm
Length/width/height long-wheelbase version: 5246/1899/1483, wheelbase 3165 mm
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