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Image credits: © Mercedes-Benz.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID news, pictures, and information | ||
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Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID
Mercedes-Benz is launching its first passenger car model equipped wîth a hybrid drive system in summer 2009 - the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury saloon wîth a spark-ignition engine. The NEDC combined fuel consumption is a mere 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres. This makes for the world's lowest CO2 emissions in this vehicle and performance class - just 190 grams per kilometre. These exemplary figures go hand in hand wîth assured performance. The 3.5-litre petrol engine develops an output of 205 kW/279 hp, the electric motor generates 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 Nm. The result is a combined output of 220 kW/299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 385 newton metres. Moreover, the new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is the first series-production model to be equipped wîth a particularly efficient lithium-ion battery specially developed for automotive use. This is another major contribution by Mercedes-Benz to the electrification of the car.The new Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is based on the S350, and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and increases driving enjoyment. This is partly due to the booster effect of the electric motor, as it powerfully backs up the petrol engine wîth a maximum additional torque of 160 newton metres during the high-consumption acceleration phase. The driver benefits from the combined action of these two units in the form of even more impressive torque characteristics and smooth, effortlessly superior acceleration.
The hybrid module also has a comfortable start/stop function, which switches the engine off when the vehicle is at a standstill - for example at traffic lights. When it's time to move off again, the electric motor almost imperceptibly restarts the main power unit. This likewise makes a contribution to fuel economy and environmental protection: because the engine restarts first time, and practically instantly, emissions are also minimised during the starting phase.
When the vehicle is braked the electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover braking energy by a process known as recuperation. Working in finely tuned partnership, the electric motor supplements the braking effect of the petrol engine and the wheel brakes to deliver a smoothly progressive braking action. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and made available when required. This complex system is managed by a high-performance control unit, which is likewise located in the engine compartment.
A milestone on the road to electrification
The centrepiece of the modular, very compact and highly efficient hybrid drive system is the new high-voltage lithium-ion battery, which was specially developed for automotive use and is the first such unit worldwide to be introduced in a series-production vehicle. In this way Mercedes-Benz is making a trailblazing contribution to the electrification of the car, wîth the Mercedes-Benz S-Class once again playing the role of the technological trendsetter.
Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and better electrical efficiency, together wîth more compact dimensions and a lower weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine compartment, where it replaces the conventional starter battery, the generous interior space and boot capacity of the S400 remain unchanged. The lithium-ion battery not only stores energy for the electric motor, but is also connected to the 12-Volt onboard network via the transformer to supply power to other standard consumers such as the headlamps and comfort features. The completely newly designed battery system consists of the cell block wîth its lithium-ion cells and the cell monitoring system, the battery management function, the high-strength housing, the cooling gel, the cooling plate, the coolant feed and the high-voltage connector.
Optimised thermal efficiency lowers the engine's fuel consumption
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine wîth variable valve control has been throughly re-engineered and improved. In the process the development engineers made use of the advantages offered by the Atkinson principle,where the expansion phase is longer than the compression phase. The intake valve is kept open slightly longer between the intake and compression phases, which improves the engine's thermal efficiency while reducing the specific fuel consumption and untreated emissions. A new cylinder head, different pistons and a modified camshaft wîth different camshaft control increase the output by 5 kW/7 hp to 205 kW/279 hp - while reducing fuel consumption at the same time.
Especially on rural journeys and on motorways, the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID achieves a further efficiency improvement by moving the so-called operating point of the petrol engine to produce a lower specific fuel consumption. The extremely high start-off torque made possible by the boost effect of the electric motor gives the driver a particularly exhilarating feeling of powerful acceleration, while fuel consumption and emissions are reduced.
The electric motor improves efficiency
The compact, disc-shaped electric motor, which is space-savingly installed in the torque converter housing between the engine and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, improves efficiency even further. This is a 3-phase AC external rotor magneto motor, which develops a peak output of 15 kW/20 hp and a starting torque of 160 newton metres wîth an operating voltage of 120 Volts.
This compact motor also acts as a starter and generator, adopting the functions of both these conventional ancillary units.
Sophisticated interaction wîth the internal combustion engine makes numerous additional functions possible that positively influence the emissions and agility of the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID in equal measure. Moreover, this disc-shaped motor effectively dampens torsional vibrations in the drive train, thereby further reducing noise and vibrations in the interior. The result is even more ride comfort for both driver and passengers.
'Boost' effect for even more driving pleasure
The overall system offers extensive benefits: firstly by helping to save fuel, and secondly by increasing driving pleasure wîth the help of the 'boost' effect, where the electric motor gives powerful assistance to the petrol engine wîth its maximum torque of 160 newton metres right from the beginning of the fuel-intensive acceleration phase. This means that the hybrid drive system of the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID moves off powerfully even from very low engine speeds, as the torque curve impressively confirms. The additional torque of the hybrid module also has a consistently positive effect during subsequent acceleration phases. In all driving situations, the driver therefore benefits from the interaction between the two units in the form of powerful responsiveness and muscular torque - but without an increased fuel consumption.
The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h. The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID betters the already very favourable NEDC fuel consumption of the conventionally powered S350 by up to 2.2 litres per 100 kilometres. CO2 emissions are reduced by 21 percent.
The start/stop function already saves fuel when rolling to a stop
 | Vital Stats |
| Engine : 3.5 L., 6-cylinder Power: 279 hp | |
7-speed Automatic | |
Steering and climatic comfort remain unchanged, as both the §teering servo pump and the refrigerant compressor are electrically powered. Both systems therefore continue to operate even when the vehicle is at a standstill wîth the engine automatically switched off. The intelligent control logic is able to detect whether the driver is executing a turning or parking manoeuvre. In this case the automatic start/stop function is temporarily deactivated, so that these manoeuvres can be carried out in comfort.
Every braking action generates electric power for the battery
When the vehicle is braked, the electric motor acts as a generator and uses a process known as recuperation to convert the kinetic energy into electrical energy. This energy is stored in the compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery, and made available when required.
In the process the electric motor assists the engine braking effect of the internal combustion engine in two smooth, seamless stages: In stage one, on the overrun wîth no braking action, the electric motor acts as a generator and begins to recuperate energy. Stage two commences as soon as the driver lightly operates the brake pedal: the generator output is then increased proportionally, and perceived as heavier deceleration by the driver. Only when more brake pedal pressure is applied are the wheel brakes activated in addition to recuperation. In this way more electrical energy can be generated, while saving wear and tear on the hydraulic braking system at the same time. To make the best possible use of this double benefit, Mercedes engineers also developed a new braking system wîth a new brake pedal module for the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID.
Cleverly located control electronics
Dedicated control electronics are required to operate the 3-phase AC electric motor in the 120-Volt high-voltage DC network. The current converter is accommodated in the space formerly occupied by the starter. As the control electronics heat up as a result of electric currents measuring up to 150 amps, the system is equipped wîth its own, additional low-temperature cooling circuit.
Mercedes-Benz engineers have accommodated the transformer in the right front wheel arch, where it facilitates the exchange of energy between the 120-Volt high-voltage network and the 12-Volt onboard network - and also allows the option of emergency starting wîth jump leads if the standard battery should lose its charge. To ensure a consistently high level of electrical efficiency, the transformer is likewise cooled by a low-temperature circuit. The 12-Volt lead/acid battery is installed in the boot, and not only supplies the standard consumers but also the monitoring system for the high-voltage components wîth energy. Thanks to its interaction wîth the lithium-ion battery, it is considerably smaller in size and lighter than usual.
Tried-and-tested automatic transmission wîth a new configuration
Mercedes-Benz developers also adapted the well-proven 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission to suit the hybrid drive, wîth newly programmed software for the transmission management system. A newly developed auxiliary oil pump ensures reliable lubrication of the transmission even during phases when the internal combustion engine is switched off.
This complex system is managed by the modified high-performance engine control unit. This incorporates extensive functions, and distinguishes between operating conditions such as city traffic, rural journeys, motorway driving or slow manoeuvring.
Hybrid status is shown in the instrument cluster
The driver is also able to monitor the status of the hybrid drive system visually. The instrument cluster has a separate, centrally positioned, display showing the energy flow during boost and recuperation phases, as well as the battery charge status.
Seven-stage safety concept in addition to the Mercedes-Benz standard
As is usual at Mercedes-Benz, the development engineers gave safety aspects their very special attention. Know-how incorporated into the series-production car included long years of Daimler research experience wîth fuel-cell technology. The challenge lay in not only complying wîth all the worldwide and in-house legal crash test requirements, but also in ensuring the greatest possible safety for the electrical components. This safety system already applies in production, includes workshop personnel during servicing and maintenance, and also takes the emergency services into account when passengers need to be recovered following an accident.
Accordingly the hybrid technology of the Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is equipped wîth an extensive 7-stage safety concept.
• In the first stage all the wiring is colour-coded to eliminate confusion, and marked wîth safety instructions. This prevents assembly errors in production, and makes the regular quality checks easier to carry out.
The second stage comprises comprehensive contact protection for the entire system by means of generous insulation and newly developed, dedicated connectors.
• As part of the third stage, the world's first lithium-ion battery to be used in a series-production model has been given a whole package of carefully coordinated safety measures. This innovative battery is accommodated in a high-strength steel housing, and also secured in place. Bedding the battery cells in a special gel effectively dampens any jolts and knocks. There is also a blow-off vent wîth a rupture disc and a separate cooling circuit. An internal electronic controller continuously monitors the safety requirements and immediately signals any malfunctions.
• The fourth stage of the safety concept includes separation of the battery terminals, individual safety-wiring for all high-voltage components and continuous monitoring by multiple interlock switches. This means that all high-voltage components are connected by an electric loop. In the event of a malfunction the high-voltage system is automatically switched off.
• Active discharging of the high-voltage system as soon as the ignition is switched to 'Off', or in the event of a malfunction, is part of the fifth stage.
• During an accident, the high-voltage system is completely switched off within fractions of a second (stage six).
• As the seventh and last stage, the system is continuously monitored for short circuits.
Thanks to its compact dimensions and modular design, the additional weight of the overall system is only 75 kilograms - including the comprehensive safety systems. The superior driving experience for which a Mercedes is known is therefore ensured by this trailblazing and very versatile technology, which can be used for practically all Mercedes-Benz model series. Moreover, the payload remains unchanged at 595 kilograms.
The intelligent high-performance engine management system responds very sensitively to different driving conditions, and optimally configures the drive system for the relevant application, ensuring that both fuel consumption and emissions are kept to the lowest possible level.
At standstill the petrol engine is usually switched off, and therefore consumes no fuel. (concept carz) The electric drive of the refrigerant compressor and §teering servo pump allows uninterrupted operation of the air conditioning and power §teering. Comfort is in no way compromised, and is at the same high level as in all S-Class models.
Moving off and acceleratingaway gently remains a smooth and comfortable procedure. A driver who kicks down the accelerator for a brisk start benefits from the boost function of the electric motor, which produces considerably more dynamic acceleration.
At constant speedsthe intelligent electronics recognise situations such as relaxed motorway stretches, and automatically adjust the load point of the internal combustion engine to achieve a lower specific fuel consumption, thereby helping to save fuel and reduce emissions.
When rolling to a stopthe recuperation function is activated as soon as the drive is interrupted in any way (foot off the accelerator, engine braking). Once the vehicle speed falls below 15 km/h, the petrol engine is automatically switched off.
If the driver brakes using the brake pedal, the electric motor initially begins to convert the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy. In this case the electric motor acts as a generator, storing the kinetic energy as electrical energy in the lithium-ion battery. This process feels like a stronger engine braking effect to the driver. The conventional disc brakes at the wheels are not yet employed, saving wear and tear. The disc brakes are only activated if the driver applies heavy pressure to the brake pedal, braking the car together wîth the engine brake and recuperation.
Once the driver selects 'R' (reverse) in the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission when manoeuvring, this automatically activates the Manoeuvring mode and prevents the start/stop function from switching off the engine at short, frequent intervals.
The advantages of the hybrid drive system really come into their own in city traffic, wîth frequent stops at red traffic lights. Already switching off the petrol engine as the car frequently coasts to a stop significantly lowers the fuel consumption and emissions, while the long recuperation phases increase the battery charge. The electric motor ensures particularly comfortable and rapid restarting when the start/stop function is active.
On rural roadsthere are frequent changes between boost, constant speed and recuperation phases. Depending on the nature of the route, large quantities of recuperation energy are available to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The more braking and acceleration phases there are, the better: uphill and downhill gradients, as well as winding, dynamic stretches, make for the largest savings.
The hybrid effect is inherently less important on motorways, however thanks to specific modifications to the V6 petrol engine and the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the driver is also able to achieve significant fuel savings and correspondingly lower emissions on fast road stretches like these.
The Mercedes-Benz S400 BlueHYBRID is produced at the Sindelfingenplant, together wîth the other S-Class models. The petrol engine, 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission and electric motor are first put together to form a hybrid module, then delivered to the production line as a unit. The market launch in western Europe is planned for June 2009; China is expected to follow in August 2009 and the ÚSA in September 2009.
Modular technologies for the environmentally friendly future of the premium car
The new S400 BlueHYBRID exemplifies the strategy of Mercedes-Benz, whose declared aim is to offer the brand's customers economical and environmentally compatible premium cars - without compromising in terms of typical brand attributes such as safety, comfort and a superior driving experience.
Major areas of development focus include modular drive technologies, which are used on a stand-alone basis or in combination depending on the vehicle class, operating profile and customer requirements - Mercedes-Benz has already described how this applies to the product portfolio in its 'Road to the Future'. In this context Mercedes-Benz also provides an outlook on the future of the internal combustion engine, wîth the innovative DIESOTTO engine in the Mercedes-Benz F700 research car.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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 | Today Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the 2014 Panamera at Auto Shanghai, the Asian market's leading auto show. The centerpiece of the show for Porsche is the appearance of the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid offering from the German automaker. Also making their debut are two luxurious Executive versions for the Panamera 4S and Panamera Turbo, which feature an extended wheelbase and a completely new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. With this launch, the Panamera l...[Read more...] |
| Porsche Debuts Plug-In Panamera At Auto Shanghai | |
 | Today Porsche is celebrating the world premiere of the 2014 Panamera at Auto Shanghai, the Asian market's leading auto show. The centerpiece of the show for Porsche is the appearance of the new Panamera S E-Hybrid, the first plug-in hybrid offering from the German automaker. Also making their debut are two luxurious Executive versions for the Panamera S and Panamera 4S, which feature an extended wheelbase and a completely new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. With this launch, the Panamera line-up...[Read more...] |
| BMW I3 CONCEPT COUPE: EUROPEAN PREMIERE PLUS INTELLIGENT RANGE-ENHANCING SOLUTIONS | |
 | The BMW i3 Concept Coupe celebrates its European premiere in Geneva, while the BMW i8 Concept Spyder also makes an appearance. These two concept models reflect the current status of the ongoing development process and illustrate the potential breadth of an extended BMW i portfolio. At the same time they show how high-performance, zero-emission mobility is also able to deliver when it comes to emotional excitement and sheer appeal. Both models are built around BMW eDrive technology, which will pr...[Read more...] |
| Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid wins EBUS Award | |
 | • Award for the advanced hybrid technology from Mercedes-Benz • Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid impresses with synergies from the passenger car segment • Judges praise the 'seriousness' of development efforts In the fuel cell bus category, the Citaro FuelCELL Hybrid won the EBUS Award, the environmental award for public local transport. Roman Biondi, brand spokesman for Mercedes-Benz buses and EvoBus, and Ulrich Piotrowski, the Market Launch Manager for Mercedes-Benz hybrid and electric buses, a...[Read more...] |
2010| Similar Automakers | |
| Audi | BMW |
| Infiniti | Jaguar |
| Land Rover | Lexus |
| Mercedes-Benz: 2000-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Other models by Mercedes-Benz |
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| 2009 S-Class | 2011 S-Class |
