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Four Wheels: Mercedes-Benz Introduces
Next Generation S-Class
Mercedes-Benz has just released
the first official photographs of the next-generation S-Class
- the company's new flagship sedan that debuts this fall in Europe
and arrives in the U.S. early in 2006. The successor to a long
line of premium vehicles, the new S-Class emerges with a stronger
presence and a significantly evolved design. Sharper angles and
cleaner lines frame a sedan that gains about 1.7 inches of length,
almost an inch in width, and more than three inches in wheelbase
over its predecessor.
For the 2007 model year, the S600 is powered by a V12 engine
with more than 500 hp. The 382-hp S500 is powered by the first
of a new-generation V8 engine family featuring increased displacement,
four-valve-per-cylinder technology, variable valve timing and
a lightweight crank assembly. Both horsepower and torque are
up considerably, yet with lower exhaust emissions and noise.
The new S-Class comes with the world's first seven-speed automatic,
a smooth-shifting driver-adaptive transmission that maximizes
both performance and fuel economy. A small lever on the right
side of the steering column serves as an electronic shift lever
that's more convenient than ever - lift the stalk up for Reverse,
push down for Drive, and push a button on the end for Park.
Once underway, shift buttons on the "back" of the steering
wheel provide Touch Shift manual shifting. An electronic parking
brake is engaged at the push of a button on the dash, and is
released automatically when the driver shifts into gear and touches
the accelerator.
More PRE-SAFE Features
During those valuable seconds just before a possible impact,
the front seat belts are automatically tightened, the sunroof
closes, and the passenger seats can move to positions that provide
better protection - three measures that have been part of the
revolutionary S-Class PRE-SAFE system since its debut in 2002.
On the new S-Class, side windows also close to provide better
support for the window curtain air bags, and special seat cushions
can inflate to provide greater lateral support for occupants
and help the side air bags provide even better collision protection.
Optional Radar System Can Reduce Rear Collisions by 75 Percent
The well-known Distronic cruise control feature that maintains
a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead is replaced
by an optional Distronic Plus system. Integrated with PRE-SAFE,
the radar-based system operates at nearly all speeds up to 125
mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Distronic
Plus works with a new Brake Assist Plus system to monitor traffic
conditions, and if a collision is anticipated, ideal brake pressure
is applied, even if the driver applies the brake pedal too lightly.
In extensive tests using 300 drivers, the new system - another
Mercedes-Benz safety first - reduced rear collisions in heavy
city traffic by 75 percent.
Distronic Plus also incorporates 24 GHz radar-based Park Assist.
This new option utilizes six radar sensors mounted behind the
front and rear bumpers - eliminating the need for the visible
"portholes" of the previous ultrasonic- based system.
The result is clean, integrated, and invisible with greater range
and sensitivity.
Infra-Red Vision Increases Night Visibility
Another innovative technology making its debut on the 2007 S-Class
is infra-red night vision, a new option that can extend the driver's
"visibility" to nearly 500 feet. An industry first,
and in contrast to passive systems offered by other auto companies,
this active system bathes the road ahead with infra-red light
from two projectors mounted in the headlight assemblies
An infra-red camera discreetly mounted in the windshield receives
the reflected images and displays them in the high-resolution
display in the instrument cluster. The result is akin to a highly
detailed black & white video image.
Form Follows Function Inside and Out
High quality materials used throughout the interior of the S500
are punctuated by sweeping lines of exotic wood accented with
chrome trim throughout the cabin, forming a practical yet luxurious
environment that emphasizes easy access to vehicle features.
The centerpiece of the dash is an eight-inch high-resolution
display for an intuitive new COMAND system, now positioned at
the same height as the primary instruments and operated by a
COMAND Controller located on the lower center console. Instead
of requiring occupants to use the COMAND system exclusively,
many vehicle controls are accessible by conventional hard keys,
the multifunction steering wheel, and optional voice control
as well as via the COMAND system.
Newly developed front seats are electrically adjustable 16 ways
and offer several optional choices of ventilation and ergonomic
adjustability. The available Drive Dynamic seats feature 11 individual
pneumatic chambers to help the driver find a perfect seating
position, and 14 more chambers provide four levels of pulsating
massage to relieve fatigue and help keep drivers alert.
For almost five decades, the S-Class has embodied the flagship
role for the Mercedes-Benz brand. The S-Class is a technological
showcase that has pioneered significant safety and comfort features
for the entire auto industry.
For more information, please go to www.mbusa.com.
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