 2007 S 63 AMG | 2007 S600 Guard | 2007 S Class | 2009 S-Class  |
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MSRP: $86,700-194,000
Invoice: $80,630-180,420
2008 Mercedes-Benz S Class news, pictures, and information | ||
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Mercedes-Benz Launches New S-Class 4MATIC Company Celebrates 100 Years of Building All-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
Mercedes-Benz is launching an all-wheel-drive version of its new-generation S-Class sedan. (concept carz) With the addition of the S550 4MATIC, all-wheel drive is now available on all three sedan lines (C-, E-, and S-Class), and wîth its four sport utility families (ML-, R-, G-, and GL-Class), the company now offers 18 different 4MATIC models in the Ú.S. market.A Full Century of AWD Experience
Mercedes-Benz has been building all-wheel-drive commercial vehicles since 1907 – a full 100 years of experience wîth all-wheel-drive systems. The S550 4MATIC is the latest in a long tradition of Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive vehicles that began wîth the 'Dernburg Car' of 1907. Designed by Paul Daimler, the Dernburg was the precursor of every all-wheel-drive vehicle bearing the three-pointed star – from the Únimog range and the G-Class to the first E-Class wîth 4MATIC and the current model range headed up by the new S-Class 4MATIC.The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1985, and Mercedes-Benz launched 4MATIC-equipped passenger cars in the Ú.S. market for the 1989 model year. The full-time 4MATIC system made its debut on the 1998 E-Class sedan and wagon as well as on the M-Class SÚV.
S-Class 4MATIC Features New-Design Fuel-Efficient Drive System
The new-generation 4MATIC featured in the S550 sedan is redesigned and integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The new system fits right into the rear-drive body and utilizes the existing front suspension – gone are the special suspension parts and wider transmission tunnel that were necessary on earlier 4MATIC systems. The extra gears and shafts that drive the front wheels now weigh only 145 pounds more than the rear-wheel-drive model. Beginning from the right side of the transmission tail section, a driveshaft powers a front final drive and differential unit just to the right of the engine oil pan. The axle shaft for the left front wheel passes through a tube that's encapsulated in the engine oil pan.
Fuel efficiency has been improved over earlier 4MATIC systems, due to a number of innovative measures that minimize the energy needed to turn the extra all-wheel-drive shafts and gears.
In particular, only two gears now power the front driveshaft (instead of the previous three), and the direction of rotation is cleverly corrected in the front final drive without additional gears. Recessing the universal joint for the front driveshaft into the transmission output gear also saved space, helping to better fit the entire drive system into the standard body shell.
Even Better Traction wîth Multi-Plate Diff Clutch
The new S550 4MATIC also comes wîth a multi-plate clutch tucked into the center differential that provides the extra traction benefits of a limited-slip diff while complementing the four-wheel traction-control system. Sometimes called a 'breakaway' clutch, the multi-plate unit helps provide power equally to the front and rear wheels when driving straight ahead, but still allows the front wheels to rotate faster in turns. In a sense, the clutch is a proactive traction aid, while four-wheel traction control reacts after wheel slippage is sensed. Developed entirely in-house by Mercedes-Benz engineers, the new S-Class 4MATIC drive layout is expected to find its way into a full range of other models, including diesel-powered vehicles.
Full-Time 'Center-Diff' System Features Four-Wheel Traction Control
The full-time all-wheel-drive system used in Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC cars and all SÚVs features a center differential that can vary front-to-rear torque distribution for great on-road handling, not to mention stellar traction in a wide range of conditions. In addition, the system includes innovative four-wheel electronic traction control that keeps the vehicle going even if only one wheel has traction.
With a full-time mechanical all-wheel-drive system, four-wheel traction control eliminates the need for differential locks. However, in addition to the 4MATIC system, the venerable G-Class is also fitted wîth three differential locks for an extra measure of heavy-duty off-road performance, and the optional Off-Road package for the GL-Class includes two differential locks.
4MATIC Cars Get Rear-Biased Torque Distribution
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 5.5 L., 8-cylinder Power: 382 hp Torque: 391 ft-lbs | |
Two-Speed Transfer Case Keeps Mercedes SÚVs Going in the Rough
A dual-range transfer case is standard on the G-Class and optional on the GL-Class sport utility vehicles. A 'high' range of 1.00:1 is used for most conditions, while a powerful low range of 2.93:1 (2.16 on the G-Class) can provide impressive control going up and down steep grades. In low range, a modified transmission shift program and ABS mode are engaged for optimal off-road performance.
AWD – A Trend in the Luxury Car Market
As modern all-wheel-drive systems become even more refined, they are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the luxury car market. With negligible weight and fuel-efficiency tradeoffs, full-time all-wheel-drive systems provide year-round traction and stability benefits on both wet and dry roads. Overall, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 1.2 million full-time 4MATIC cars and sport utilities, and in Europe, the all-wheel-drive §egmènt of the high luxury market has increased 50 percent over the past three years.Source - Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – A Technology Flagship S63 and S550 4MATIC Complete the Lineup
The new-generation 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is being showcased at the North American International Auto Show, open to the public January 13-21 in Detroit's Cobo Center. With the debut of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz product line, the S550 is joined by the new S550 4MATIC along wîth three limited-production models – the V12 S600 and S65 AMG as well as the V8-powered S63 AMG. The successor to a long line of premium luxury vehicles, the new S-Class sedan was launched in early 2006 wîth the S550 model, powered by an all-new 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, also the first of a new V8 engine family featuring four-valve-per-cylinder technology and variable valve timing. The new S550 4MATIC features a totally redesigned all-wheel-drive system that's integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
AMG Racing Success Spawns High-Power Production Engine
One of the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8s ever, the new engine boasts a wealth of exciting features derived from AMG's highly successful racing efforts. The S63 AMG features a 6.3-liter normally aspirated V-8 engine that produces 518 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Built almost completely from a high-strength silicon-aluminum alloy, the high-rpm 6.3-liter features four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, bucket-type cam followers (rather than rocker arms), and a variable intake manifold. Designed exclusively by AMG, the engine shares no parts wîth other Mercedes-Benz V8 engines. A first for a production engine, the cylinder bores feature a twin-wire-arc-sprayed (TWAS) coating, a new process that results in impressively low friction and running surfaces that are twice as hard as conventional cast-iron cylinders.
Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out
Available in mid-2007, the model year 2008 S63 AMG comes wîth special body styling, alloy wheels, sports suspension and high-performance brake system – all designed by AMG specifically for this new model. A muscular front bumper wîth large air intakes houses round fog lights ringed in chrome, and a '6.3 AMG' badge marks each front fender. Contoured side skirts carry the aggressive lines of the front bumper to the rear, where an AMG rear apron emphasizes the width of the vehicle. A pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of the new models.
Inside the S63 AMG, drivers are greeted by an AMG sport §teering wheel wîth distinctive aluminum shift paddles and AMG multi-contour leather sport seats finished in special cross piping. Completing the interior package is an exclusive analog clock modelled on the design of the 'IWC-Ingenieur' series in the center of the dashboard.
Race-Car Suspension and Brakes for the Road
The S63 AMG suspension and brake systems are designed for high-performance driving. AMG makes good use of the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension, tuning it for even flatter cornering and less body movement when accelerating and braking.
A Sport-Comfort-Manual button on the center console allows the driver to choose between three different transmission shift programs that also fine-tune accelerator pedal response and the sport suspension spring-shock settings.
A new twin sliding caliper is used for the front brakes. This new technology combines the performance of a large fixed caliper wîth the distinct advantages of a floating caliper – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and better ride comfort. Large composite brake discs also help ensure short stopping distances even during high-speed driving.
The S63 AMG sedan comes wîth 20-inch staggered-width AMG light alloy wheels, 8.5 inches wide in front and 9.5 inches at the rear, wearing low-profile 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tires.
V12 Power for the New-Generation S-Class Turning to the V12-powered half of the new-generation S-Class family, the S600 marks the renaissance of the legendary 600-Class 'Grand Mercedes.' Fitted wîth greater levels of wood and leather trim, the new V12-powered flagship comes wîth virtually all S-Class options as standard equipment, including Distronic Plus wîth Park Assist, infrared Nightview Assist, Keyless Go, rear view monitor, ABC active suspension, 18-inch forged alloy wheels, four heated and multi-contour front and rear seats, four-zone climate control, and an integrated hands-free communication system wîth voice control.
Twin-Turbo V12 Engine
Powered by a twin-turbo V12 engine that generates 510 horsepower and an astonishing 612 lb.-ft. of torque, the new S600 model blends the whisper-smooth performance of the flagship Mercedes-Benz four-door sedan wîth the astonishing power of a twin-turbo V12 engine. At the same time, the bi-turbo V12 comes clothed in luxury, convenience and refinement that define the market §egmènt.
The 60-degree V12 engine provides effortless thrust wîth turbine-like smoothness, featuring a vast torque band wîth peak torque beginning as low as 1,800 rpm. With the high-tech engine, Direct Select five-speed transmission and state-of-the art aerodynamics, the new S600 can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 4.5 seconds, quicker than many sports cars. To handle the torque of the V12 engine, transmission planetary gear sets have been widened, and the input and output shafts adjusted accordingly.
AMG-Developed V12 Powers World's Most Powerful Four-Door
The 60-degree V12 engine provides effortless thrust wîth turbine-like smoothness, featuring a vast torque band wîth peak torque beginning as low as 1,800 rpm. With the high-tech engine, Direct Select five-speed transmission and state-of-the art aerodynamics, the new S600 can reach 60 miles per hour in less than 4.5 seconds, quicker than many sports cars. To handle the torque of the V12 engine, transmission planetary gear sets have been widened, and the input and output shafts adjusted accordingly.
AMG-Developed V12 Powers World's Most Powerful Four-Door
The S65 AMG blends the whisper-smooth performance of the flagship Mercedes-Benz four-door sedan wîth the astonishing power of AMG's six-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. The AMG engine makes 604 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque, for 0-60 mph test track times of about 4.2 seconds, making it the world's quickest four-door sedan. (concept carz) AMG is the renowned high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz that combines its ingenuity and performance tuning expertise wîth the global technology resources and car-building expertise of Mercedes-Benz to take engine, braking and handling performance technology to the highest level.
AMG designers made subtle enhancements to the S65 AMG body while remaining true to the car's fundamental design. First, an AMG front apron wîth large cooling air intakes and integral front clear-lens fog lamps gives the vehicle a distinctive appearance. The dynamic side view of the S65 AMG is emphasized by AMG side skirts, which follow the line of the front apron, and by a chromed 'V12 Biturbo' badge on each front fender. The powerful lines of the AMG rear apron are finished off by two sets of AMG chrome twin tailpipes, and eye-catching 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels complement the car's overall appearance, marking the first use of original-equipment 20-inch wheels and tires on a Mercedes-Benz.
Stopping Power to Match Go Power
To handle the high speed potential of the AMG twin-turbo engine, the front brakes of the AMG V12 model are equipped wîth high-performance dual sliding calipers and compound brake rotors. For the design of the AMG high-performance braking system, engineers drew on their extensive racing experience acquired through more than three decades of motorsports competition. The internally ventilated and perforated front discs measure 15.4 inches in diameter and are fitted wîth dual-sliding fixed calipers.
The S65 AMG front brakes use two-piece rotors and hubs made from cast iron and aluminum. Compared wîth conventional brake systems, this compound technology offers a weight saving of some 20 percent, while the brakes' increased capacity to handle thermal stress measurably increases durability. The rear brakes use 14.4-inch internally ventilated and perforated discs wîth single-piston sliding calipers.
Staggered-width AMG twin-spoke wheels, 8.5 x 20 inches up front and 9.5 x 20 at the rear, carry high-performance tires – 255 / 35 ZR 20 in front and 275 / 35 ZR 20 at the rear. The new S65 AMG is fitted wîth a specially modified version of the Mercedes-Benz five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
ABC Active Suspension
Mercedes-Benz was the first automaker to develop active-suspension technology for production cars, and both V12-powered S-Class sedans, as well as the V-8 powered S63 AMG, are equipped wîth ABC active suspension. ABC active suspension reduces body roll in cornering, squat under acceleration, and dive during braking.
Mercedes-Benz engineers use its interplay of hydraulic, electronic and mechanical parts to reduce body roll by 68 percent, ensuring that the suspension still provides the driver wîth feedback through the vehicle chassis, and a switch on the console allows the driver to further reduce body roll by 95 percent.
Reworked ESP stability control and ASR traction control systems complement the enhanced chassis setup. As on all Mercedes-Benz models, standard ABS anti-lock brakes help maintain directional stability when braking and turning, while Brake Assist can reduce braking distances in 'panic' stops.
The Industry's First Adaptive Brake Lights
The new-generation S600 and S65 AMG models are equipped wîth adaptive brake lights that can flash rapidly during emergency braking, a feature that's expected to reduce rear collisions. Another first from Mercedes, the rapidly flashing LED brake lights are triggered primarily by the car's Brake Assist system (standard on all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles since 1998), which automatically provides full-power braking assist whenever it senses faster-than-usual brake pedal application.
The adaptive brake lights can also be activated by the car's ESP stability control system (standard on all Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles since 1999) if it senses low-friction surfaces such as snow or ice. The new adaptive brake light system turns on the hazard flashers automatically as soon as the vehicle stops, and the flashers shut off automatically when the vehicle accelerates to six miles per hour.
More PRE-SAFE® Features
Standard equipment on all S-Class models, the revolutionary S-Class PRE-SAFE® system that made its debut in 2002 on the S-Class automatically tightens the front seat belts during those valuable seconds just before a possible impact, and the front passenger seat (and optional power rear seats) move to positions that can provide better protection. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof also closes.
On the new-generation 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 to help the side air bags provide even better collision protection.
New Distronic Plus Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic
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 wîth the latest PRE-SAFE, the latest radar-based system operates at nearly all speeds up to 125 mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Newly developed short-range radar wîth a frequency of 24 gigahertz sweeps the first 33 yards in a fan-shaped 80-degree pattern, working in tandem wîth a narrower nine-degree beam of longer-range 77-gigahertz radar.
The two radar frequencies complement each other to cover a full range of more than 160 yards – more than 1½ football fields. During approval of the new 24-gigahertz radar frequency, government agencies cited its potential to improve traffic safety, reduce injuries and ultimately save lives.
Radar-Based Park Assist
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, wîth greater range and sensitivity.
Brake Assist Now Teams Úp With Distronic Plus
In the early 1990s, Mercedes-Benz engineers conducting simulator tests discovered that many drivers don't push the brake pedal hard enough in emergency braking, a discovery that led to the development of Brake Assist, standard equipment on all Mercedes-Benz vehicles since late 1990s. Brake Assist has proven itself a million times over, and tests show that vehicles equipped wîth Brake Assist are involved in 26 percent fewer accidents!
Making its debut on the new-generation S-Class, an enhanced version of the Mercedes-Benz Brake Assist system not only supplies appropriate braking assist in emergencies as soon as the driver applies the brake pedal, but also measures the distance to the vehicle ahead (thanks to Distronic Plus) and adjusts brake pressure if the driver doesn't brake hard enough. While conventional Brake Assist is only triggered by the driver's reflex reaction on the brake pedal, Brake Assist Plus also considers the closing speed of the vehicle ahead based on radar signals from the Distronic Plus system.
Brake Assist Plus Can Reduce Rear Collisions by 75 Percent
In extensive tests conducted by Mercedes researchers using 300 drivers, the new integrated system reduced rear collisions in heavy city traffic by 75 percent. During testing, data recorders and video cameras documented more than 250,000 real-world miles covered by 200 drivers in the Ú.S. and Europe, while 100 drivers participated in months of intense testing on the DaimlerChrysler driving simulator in Berlin.
Infra-Red Night View Assist
Another innovative technology making its debut on the 2007 S-Class is Night View Assist, a new option that can extend the driver's ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet. In contrast to passive systems that rely only on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead wîth invisible infra-red light from two projector beams mounted in the headlights. An infra-red camera discreetly mounted in the windshield receives the reflected images and displays them in a high-resolution display in the instrument cluster. The result is akin to a highly detailed black & white video image.
Among the advanced features of the car is a slot in the dash that accepts a PCMCIA card. Such cards never need to be charged, and some versions can hold up to 1500 digital songs. Its data be displayed on the screen of the COMAND system, and titles can be selected through the multifunction §teering wheel controls.
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.Source - Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes Benz S Class: automobile comfort of the highest standard
• S Class: the epitome of automobile comfort• Every generation of vehicles provides ground-breaking solutions to the expectations of customers wîth regard to comfort
The history of the Mercedes Benz S Class shows that automobile comfort is far more than just a luxurious ambiance, size and performance. In fact it is far more the intelligent support of the driver and passengers through innovative technical solutions providing answers to current questions and requirements which contribute to the holistic comfort of a vehicle. Added to that is the highest quality of material, design and production. The sum of these factors provides for a perfect mobile location.
The Mercedes Benz S Class and its predecessor model series have always stood for precisely this to a particularly high degree. Even the Mercedes Simplex 60 hp from 1903 documents this high standard of comfort. Emil Jellinek, successful businessman and father of the Mercedes brand's eponym had a long-distance saloon mounted on the chassis of the new top model of the Stuttgart brand for his own personal use. The comfort of the vehicle is not only reflected in the engine output of 60 hp (44 kW) which at the time was a superior achievement, but also in the spacious passenger compartment in which the occupants sat on comfortable seats upholstered wîth the very finest brocade.
The S Class' complete ancestral line begins after the Second World War. Initially it was the two Mercedes Benz models 220 (W 187) and 300 (W 186), both presented in 1951, that again set standards wîth regard to comfort in the luxury §egmènt. At the same time the S Class continued the tradition of luxurious vehicles from the Mercedes Benz brand and its predecessor brands. This continuity illustrates how well the engineers of each period have recognised and fulfilled the comfort requirements of customers.But what is it exactly that makes an automobile particularly comfortable? As important the feeling of comfort is to the driver and passengers, it is still difficult to measure and express in an absolute, measurable value.
An examination of the definition of comfort
The human perception of comfort is made up of various factors such as a feeling of safety, good driving characteristics, sufficient performance, a high degree of ergonomics, and an impression of excellent quality. Furthermore, reduced fatigue, the interior climate, and clarity wîth regard to the operation of increasingly complex vehicle systems influence the perception of comfort. Ride comfort, that is the harmony between the moving automobile and the road, is a particularly strong constant in Mercedes Benz vehicles.
The human perception of comfort is made up of various factors such as a feeling of safety, good driving characteristics, sufficient performance, a high degree of ergonomics, and an impression of excellent quality. Furthermore, reduced fatigue, the interior climate, and clarity wîth regard to the operation of increasingly complex vehicle systems influence the perception of comfort. Ride comfort, that is the harmony between the moving automobile and the road, is a particularly strong constant in Mercedes Benz vehicles.
The 220 (W 187) and 300 (W 186) models, presented in 1951, were praised in contemporary driving tests for their extremely comfortable driving characteristics. In the generations of the S Class that followed, the engineers continued to increase this high level of comfort wîth the introduction of new innovations: for example the single-joint swing axle in the 220 'Ponton' model (W 180) wîth self-supporting chassis-body structure, presented in 1954, offered a previously unknown degree of driving comfort and at the same time increased driving safety. Furthermore, the so-called subframe which carries the engine and front wheels was decoupled from the body by generously designed rubber bushes which further reduced vibration in the vehicle interior.In the years that followed, innovations such as air suspension (incorporated in the 'fintail' model series W 112 as from 1963), a hydropneumatic suspension wîth a self-levelling system (in the 450 SEL 6.9 of the W 116 as from 1975), the Adaptive Damping System ADS (W/V 140) and Active Body Control (standard in the S 600 of the W/V 220 model series) contributed to a higher standard of driving comfort. Many of the solutions first premiered as standard or special equipment in the S Class before finding their way into the other vehicle §egmènts.
The automobile: the driver's partner
Driving comfort also means that the automobile plays a partner-like assisting role for the driver. The relevant functions range from automatic transmission to modern support systems as inherent elements of the integrated safety provided by Mercedes Benz.
From this perspective, the evolution phases of the S Class include for example the hydraulic automatic 'Hydrak' clutch (W 180, as from 1957), the electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission (W/V 140, as from 1995) and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission wîth an electronic control system and the DIRECT SELECT §teering wheel gearshift (W/V 221, as from 2005). Cruise control has been available as an option since its introduction in 1975 in the S Class of the W 116 model series. In 1995, PARKTRONIC, the electronic parking aid, and the Auto Pilot System (APS) for navigation premiered in the W/V 140 model series followed by LINGÚATRONIC, the voice-operated control system in 1996. COMAND, the control and display system wîth a dynamic navigation system and KEYLESS-GO an access and drive authorisation system without keys were launched in the W/V 220 model series in 1998.
New interfaces
The S Class of the W/V 221 model series wîth systems such as the further-developed adaptive cruise control DISTRONIC PLÚS which brakes the vehicle to a standstill in critical situations illustrates how innovative technology is increasing the importance of the car in its role as a partner for the driver. The SPLITVIEW display (as from 2009) offers a new optical interface for the interactive services provided by COMAND Online, which simultaneously displays different contents on the screen for the driver and passengers. As a result, the driver can use the navigation system whilst the front passenger uses the Internet.
Daimler AG regularly shows the future of comfortable vehicle operation in visionary research vehicles whose functions are often launched in standard production together wîth the S Class. In 2011, for example, the F 125! fascinated wîth the '@yourCOMAND' telematics system which is controlled by gestures and voice.
Climate and ergonomicsPersonal wellbeing is an emotion which particularly contributes to the perception of comfort. That is why engineers have always worked at improving the standard of climate and ergonomics in every generation of the S Class. As a result the Mercedes Benz models in the luxury §egmènt offered a heating system wîth a blower as early as 1951 – which at the time was far from being the rule. This comfort equipment was even standard in the 300 model – the 'Adenauer-Mercedes' (W 186) – and was available as an option for the smaller 220 (W 187) model. In the 220 (W 180) 'Ponton' model wîth self-supporting chassis-body structure presented in 1954 it was possible to individually regulate the driver's and front passenger's heating. As of 1958 customers who purchased the 300 (W 189) model could order an air conditioning system – then known as a 'cooling system' if required. By the time, the new generation of S Class was launched in 1991 (W/V 140), technology had further developed and included automatic climate control wîth an activated charcoal filter and CO/NOX-sensitive sensors. Finally in 1998, the W/V 220 model series offered multi-zone automatic climate control wîth individual control at each seat depending on the sun's position as well as luxury seats wîth ventilation and dynamic multicontour backrest – as an optional extra.
A high degree of ergonomics is a further key to comfort. Here, the Mercedes Benz models in the high-end and luxury §egmènt began to set priorities wîth intelligent interior design at a very early stage – for example wîth the self-supporting chassis-body structure of the Mercedes Benz 220 'Ponton' (W 180) from 1954 and a version wîth a longer wheelbase, first implemented in 1963 in the 'fintail' Mercedes 300 SE from the W 112 model series. Innovations ranging from the electrically adjustable §teering column in the W/V 126 model series (as from 1985) to the dynamic multicontour front seats wîth extended massage function in the W/V 221 (as from 2005) mark the path of development as the car is adapted to perfectly match the driver's requirements.
Travelling wîth the greatest degree of comfort – that is the leitmotif throughout the history of the S Class since the very beginnings of this extraordinary family of models from Mercedes Benz. And the technically excellent future of the S Class continues to build on this legacy wîth new innovations.
Comfort highlights in the S Class and its predecessor model series The Mercedes Benz S Class and its predecessor model series have always been pioneers of innovative automobile technology. Repeatedly they have brought improvements onto the market which have then found acceptance throughout. The following is a short overview of the comfort-relevant features in the individual model series.
Mercedes Simplex 60 hp (1903 to 1905)
• Cutting-edge high-performance engine: large-displacement four-cylinder engine wîth overhead inlet valves for superior performance
• A spacious body wîth comfortable padded seats and top-quality fabric covers
Mercedes-Benz Nürburg, W 08 (1928 to 1933)
• First Mercedes-Benz series passenger car wîth an eight-cylinder engine
• Luxurious and spacious Pullman body
• High-speed transmission system as special equipment (as from 1931, in conjunction wîth increased cubic capacity)
Mercedes-Benz 770 'Super Mercedes', W 07, W 150 (1930 to 1943)
• First series production car wîth an eight-cylinder supercharged engine
• High-speed transmission system (five-speed manual transmission as from 1938)
• De Dion rear axle (as from 1938)
Mercedes-Benz 320, W 142 (1937 to 1942)
• All-synchromesh four-speed transmission (with remote action gear as from 1939)
• Pullman Saloon (series production wîth exterior case for luggage as from 1939)
Mercedes-Benz 300, W 186 and W 189 (1951 to 1962)
• Cutting-edge six-cylinder engine wîth overhead camshaft
• Electrically-operated torsion bar suspension to compensate the height under heavy loads
• Heating system wîth blower as standard
• Air conditioning system as special equipment (as from 1958)
• Power-assisted §teering as special equipment (as from 1958)
Mercedes-Benz 220, W 187 (1951 to 1954)
• Cutting-edge six-cylinder engine wîth overhead camshaft
• Heating system wîth blower as an option
Mercedes-Benz 220 /220 S/220 SE, W 180/W 128 (1954 to 1959)
• Increased spatial comfort due to modern Ponton shape
• Front suspension subframe
• Single-joint swing axle wîth low centre of rotation
• Heating system wîth blower as standard, individually regulated for driver and front passenger
• Hydraulic automatic 'Hydrak' clutch as special equipment (as from 1957)
Mercedes-Benz 220 to 300 SE long, W 111/W 112 (1959 to 1965)
• Four-speed automatic transmission (as from 1961)
• Air suspension (300 SE, as from 1961)
• Long version available (300 SE, as from 1963)
• Central locking as special equipment (300 SE long)
Mercedes-Benz 600, W 100 (1963 to 1981)
• Powerful, large-displacement V8 engine
• Four-speed automatic transmission
• Air suspension
• Power-assisted §teering
• Convenience hydraulic system for seat adjustment, opening and closing doors, windows and the boot
• Electronically controlled heating and ventilation system
Mercedes-Benz 250 S to 300 SEL 6.3, W 108/W 109 (1965 to 1972)
• Hydropneumatic compensating spring on rear axle
• Air suspension (300 SEL, 300 SEL 6.3, 300 SEL 3.5)
• Top-of-the-range 300 SEL 6.3 wîth powerful V8 engine wîth an output of 250 hp (184 kW), and sports car performance (as from 1968)
Mercedes-Benz S Class W 116 model series (1972 from 1980)
• Dirt-deflecting tail lights, dirt-deflecting side windows
• Cruise control as special equipment (as from 1975)
• Double wishbone front axle wîth zero scrub radius
• Coupled-link axle wîth anti-squat control (450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9)
• Automatic transmission wîth torque converter as special equipment (standard on 450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9)
• Self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension (450 SEL 6.9, as from 1975)
Mercedes-Benz S Class W/V 126 model (1979 to 1991)
• Electrically adjustable §teering column as special equipment (as from 1985)
• Automatic limited-slip differential as special equipment for the six-cylinder models (as from 1985)
• Acceleration skid control system ASR as special equipment for V8 models (as from 1985)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W/V 140 model series (1991 to 1998)
• First Mercedes Benz standard production passenger car wîth a twelve-cylinder engine; then the brand's most powerful passenger car engine ever (600 SE, 600 SEL)
• Electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission (standard for V8 and V12 models, as from 1995)
• Speed-sensitive power §teering
• Double-glazed side windows for maximum noise comfort
• Automatic climate control wîth activated charcoal filter and CO/NOX-sensitive sensors as standard (S 600) or as optional equipment
• Electrically folding exterior mirrors
• Power closing for doors and boot lid as special equipment
• Seat belts wîth automatic height adjustment
• Adaptive Damping System ADS as special equipment
• PARKTRONIC electronic parking aid as standard equipment (S 600, as from 1995) or as special equipment (as from 1995)
• Auto Pilot System APS navigation system as special equipment (as from 1995)
• TELE-AID emergency call system (as from 1997) as special equipment
• LINGÚATRONIC voice-operated control system as special equipment (as from 1996)
• Xenon headlamps wîth dynamic headlamp range adjustment as special equipment (as from 1996)
Mercedes-Benz S Class W/V 220 model series (1998 to 2005)
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission wîth electronic control (S 430, S 500, as from 2004)
• AIRMATIC air suspension wîth electronically controlled Adaptive Damping System
• Active Body Control suspension as special equipment (standard in the S 600)
• Automatic headlamp mode
• COMAND control and display system wîth dynamic navigation system as special equipment
• Multi-zone automatic climate control wîth individual control at each seat depending on the sun's position
• Luxury seats wîth ventilation and dynamic multicontour backrest as special equipment
• DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control as special equipment
• KEYLESS GO access and drive authorisation system as special equipment
• Bi-xenon headlamps wîth dynamic headlamp range adjustment as special equipment (as from 2002, standard in the S 600)
• 4MATIC all-wheel drive as special equipment (S 430, S 500, as from 2002)
Mercedes-Benz S Class W/V 221 model series (2005 to 2013)
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission wîth electronic control and DIRECT SELECT §teering wheel gearshift
• Active Body Control ABC suspension wîth crosswind stabilisation as special equipment (standard in the S 600)
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE brake system
• Further development of DISTRONIC PLÚS adaptive cruise control (with braking to a standstill) as special equipment
• Further developed COMAND system wîth controller on the transmission tunnel
• SPLITVIEW display as special equipment (as from 2009)
• Parking Assist as special equipment
• Active Night View Assist as special equipment
• Adaptive Full Beam Assist as special equipment (as from 2009)
• Speed Limit Assist as special equipment (as from 2009)
• Dynamic multicontour seats wîth new massage function
• Parking brake wîth electronic assistanceSource - Mercedes-Benz
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2008| Similar Automakers | |
| Audi | BMW |
| Infiniti | Jaguar |
| Land Rover | Lexus |
| Mercedes-Benz: 2001-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Mercedes-Benz |
| Manufacturer Website |
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| 2007 S 63 AMG | 2007 S600 Guard | 2007 S Class | 2009 S-Class |
