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2006 Mercedes-Benz S Class news, pictures, and information | ||
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Stuttgart, Germany, June 20, 2005
Generation-change at the pinnacle of automotive engineering: Mercedes-Benz presents the new S-Class. The new luxury saloon will be appearing in the showrooms of company-owned outlets and authorized dealerships as of fall 2005.
As in the preceding series, the new S-Class will introduce technical innovations which make the flagship Mercedes model an example for others to follow. Pioneering safety features and exemplary comfort continue to be the outstanding attributes of the S-Class. The new saloon also sets standards in driving dynamics wîth its agile handling, while offering even more driving pleasure wîth new, more powerful engines. The new S-Class is replacing a model series which is the world No. 1 in the luxury class, and of which around 485,000 have been produced since 1998.
For more than five decades, the letter 'S' in the model designation of Mercedes cars has signified a special aura, intelligent technology and the highest quality. The new S-Class not only continues this tradition, but lends a new meaning to it. It is a technological pacemaker wîth its pioneering innovations for more safety, comfort and practicality, and like its predecessors it will influence the automotive development of the future. The saloon exudes this poise and assurance even at first glance. Its design emphasizes the confident, powerful and elegant character of the new S-Class, which makes every journey an experience.
Achieving even more technological highlights was a challenge for the engineers in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen, for the bar was set very high: the previous S-Class, which had been repeatedly voted the 'Best Car in the World' since its presentation in 1998, was a hard act to follow. The progress Mercedes-Benz has made wîth the new saloon is based on this already high level. A dozen technical innovations are entering series production for the first time on board the new S-Class – from Brake Assist PLÚS wîth radar sensors to seats wîth an extended massage function, from the night view assist system wîth the latest infra-red technology to the new COMAND system, and from preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection wîth additional functions to Parking Assist.
Safety: Brake Assist wîth radar and latest-generation PRE-SAFE®
In the field of vehicle safety, Mercedes-Benz is redoubling its commitment to accident prevention wîth the preventive system Brake Assist PLÚS. This system registers vehicles ahead by radar and gives a warning if the gap is too small or the closing speed is too high. If a collision threatens, Brake Assist PLÚS calculates the ideal braking assistance in fractions of a second and makes this available immediately – even if the driver applies too little pressure to the brake pedal. This significantly reduces the incidence of rear-end collisions. The adaptive brake light, which warns following traffic by flashing during emergency braking, also makes a major contribution.
Mercedes-Benz combines Brake Assist PLÚS wîth the equally unique occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, which offers even more safety functions on board the new S-Class. PRE-SAFE® recognizes potential accident situations as they arise: if braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or a skid is imminent, the system tensions the front seat belts as a precaution and inflates air cushions in the multicontour seats to envelop and support the driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has also integrated the side windows into this preventive protection system; they are automatically closed when an accident threatens.
This combination of the new Brake Assist PLÚS system and
PRE-SAFE® is a further enhancement to occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz is the world's first and only vehicle brand wîth a comprehensive safety system of this kind, which already goes into action before an impending accident.
Support systems: DISTRONIC PLÚS and the new night view assist
Brake Assist PLÚS is available in combination wîth the likewise improved proximity control system DISTRONIC PLÚS. This radar-supported system now operates at all speeds between zero and
200 km/h, and ensures even greater driver comfort. In stop-and-go traffic DISTRONIC PLÚS keeps the new S-Class at the right distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the saloon to a standstill if necessary and accelerates it back to the required speed when the traffic starts moving again. In this way the support system reduces the driver's workload and provides considerable benefits in driver-fitness safety.
The equipment package wîth Brake Assist PLÚS and DISTRONIC PLÚS also includes a new Parking Assist system which likewise uses radar sensors. These have a longer range than ultrasonic signals; therefore the driver receives earlier warning of an impending collision when reversing into a parking space.
With the innovative night view assist system which is premiered in the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has made a further, major contribution to reducing the risk of accidents during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infra-red light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infra-red headlamps illuminate the road, extending the driver's range of vision to more than 150 meters when on low beam. Night view assist therefore makes pedestrians, cyclists, parked cars and other obstacles visible very much sooner. An infra-red camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen records the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.
Dimensions: larger, more comfortable and even more luxurious
The new flagship model by Mercedes-Benz is larger than its predecessor in every respect. There is a choice of two body lengths - 5076 or 5206 millimeters - which is 33 and 43 millimeters, respectively, more than the previous S-Class. The wheelbase has increased by 70/80 millimeters to 3035 and 3165 millimeters, respectively. The body is also 16 millimeters wider and
29 millimeters higher than before.
These new dimensions create the conditions for an interior concept which provides every single passenger wîth first-class comfort. Interior parameters such as shoulder-room and elbow-room have increased by up to 39 millimeters, while headroom has again improved by up to five millimeters. Rear seat passengers in the long-wheelbase version benefit from a greater distance between the seats (+ 10 mm) and more knee-room (+ 11 mm) compared to the preceding series. The capacity of the boot has increased by 60 liters to 560 liters (VDA measuring method).
Luxurious exotic wood and chrome trim, attractively contoured controls in aluminum and carefully coordinated colors characterize the atmosphere in the interior, producing an immediate feeling of wellbeing. The dashboard wîth its sophisticated, sweeping lines is yet another masterpiece by Mercedes designers, for whom form and function are ideals which share equal status. Accordingly the cockpit not only conveys a feeling of safety, but is also extraordinarily well laid-out and practical – from the very first moment, man and vehicle enter into a harmonious relationship in the new S-Class.
Operating concept: color displays, direct-selection switches and COMAND controller
That is also assured by the newly developed and thoroughly tested operating concept. This is based on findings from extensive ergonomic and perceptive psychology studies, and also takes into account the results of acceptance tests wîth Mercedes customers around the world.
The major characteristic of the intelligent operating concept in the new S-Class is rapid access to functions which are used particularly frequently. The system is therefore specifically designed for redundancy: depending on his preferred habits, the driver is able to control functions such as the radio, TV-receiver, CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation system either using conventional switches, via buttons on the multifunction §teering wheel or wîth the help of the improved COMAND system. The direct-selection switches in the centre console are so ergonomically positioned that the driver is able to operate them conveniently and without lòòking down. It is also possible to operate the standard automatic climate control system in two different ways: via COMAND or using an attractively styled array of switches beneath the air vents.
The §teering wheel and instrument cluster are the primary areas in the new operating concept. These integrate all the important information and functions required by the driver. The centerpiece is
a color screen wîth the latest display technology for a bright, crystal-clear image. The lower edge of the cockpit display has a plain-text array wîth which up to seven main menus for individual settings, display modes and operating functions can be controlled, depending on the level of equipment. For rapid selection of these functions Mercedes-Benz has developed the controls on the standard multifunction §teering wheel further, using circular, illuminated five-way buttons which the driver operates by light thumb pressure.
Another new feature which improves operating convenience and allows a modern cockpit design is DIRECT SELECT – electronic control of the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission by nudging an attractively styled lever on the right of the §teering column. Thanks to this technology, Mercedes engineers were able to dispense wîth the usual selector lever on the centre console and redesign the tunnel covering.
The innovative 'Cockpit Management and Data System' -- COMAND for short – has likewise been redesigned and now offers even more features. In addition to the familiar telematics and audio units, various vehicle functions which previously required individual switches have now been integrated into the system. The central operating unit is the new COMAND controller on the transmission tunnel. It is used to select the main and sub-menus wîth which the required functions are activated. If a car phone is fitted ex factory, the padded handrest behind the controller can be flipped up to reveal the telephone keypad.
The large COMAND color display is positioned at the same height as the instrument cluster, and therefore even more favorably within the field of vision of the driver and front passenger. A new operating concept, up-to-date colors and clear, photo-quality graphics also make the menu selection procedure a gratifying visual experience.
The COMAND system in the new S-Class includes a radio, CD/DVD player and a port for computer memory cards (PCMCIA cards) as standard. On request Mercedes-Benz will equip COMAND wîth a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are now stored on a hard drive. This allows even faster route calculation than before.
Comfort: new seats wîth a massage function and air suspension as standard
Mercedes customers are able to adapt the newly developed seats in the new S-Class to suit their personal comfort requirements. Electrically adjustable, 16-way front seats wîth lumbar supports are standard equipment. There is also an optional choice of luxury seats wîth heating and ventilation, multicontour seats (front and rear) and dynamic multicontour seats (front) whose squab and backrest contours adapt to the relevant driving situation to provide the best possible lateral support at all times.
The dynamic multicontour seat is also equipped wîth separate air chambers in the backrest which are successively inflated and deflated at the touch of a button, massaging the back muscles for the wellbeing of its occupant. The intensity and speed of the massage function can be adjusted in four stages by means of the COMAND system.
The suspension wîth its standard, improved AIRMATIC air suspension system also makes a major contribution to the excellent ride comfort in the new S-Class. At the touch of a button the driver is able to choose between a comfort-oriented or more sporty configuration. Beyond 120 km/h and in Sport mode, the suspension is automatically lowered by up to 20 millimeters to improve the handling dynamics, aerodynamics and fuel consumption even further.
The Active Body Control suspension system (optional, standard equipment in the S 600) is a further milestone in suspension engineering which has been improved even further for the new
S-Class.
The newly developed braking system ADAPTIVE BRAKE has additional functions which for example assist the driver when moving off on gradients and shorten braking distances in the wet. The parking brake is electrically assisted for the first time – the brake is applied merely by pressing a button, and is released automatically when the car moves off.
Performance: over 26 percent more output from the new V8 engine
Three of the four engines available for the new S-Class are new developments by Mercedes-Benz. They generate up to 26 percent more output and up to 15 percent more torque. In addition to the
3.5-litre V6 engine wîth 200 kW/272 hp, a new eight-cylinder unit developing 285 kW/388 hp and a muscular 530 Newton meters of torque from a mere 2800 rpm upwards will already be available at the time of the market launch in autumn 2005. It accelerates the S 500 from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
From the first quarter of 2006 Mercedes-Benz will be extending the range of engines for the S-Class wîth the new V6 CDI engine, which has a particulate filter as standard in certain countries. This direct-injection unit has an output of 170 kW/231 hp and generates a maximum torque of 540 Newton meters from 1600 rpm. This means that the new S 320 CDI betters the preceding model by 13 percent in output and eight percent in torque.
The output of the twelve-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-range
S 600 (available from the first quarter of 2006) has increased to
380 kW/517 hp, while torque has increased by just under four percent to a remarkable 830 Newton meters from 1900 rpm.
As standard equipment, the V6 and V8 engines for the new S-Class are combined wîth the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC.
Success: number one in the luxury class
The new S-Class is replacing a successful series which has captured the top end of this market §egmènt in every region of the world. Even in its last year of production the flagship saloon by Mercedes-Benz is the worldwide market leader among the world's luxury saloons, wîth around 17,000 units sold (as of May 2005).
Accolades achieved by the previous S-Class include around four dozen prizes and awards in international competitions, wîth numerous titles such as 'Best Car', 'Most Innovative Saloon', 'Highest Design Quality' or 'World's Finest Car'.Source - DaimlerChrysler
Generation-change at the pinnacle of automotive engineering: Mercedes-Benz presents the new S-Class. The new luxury saloon will be appearing in the showrooms of company-owned outlets and authorized dealerships as of fall 2005.
As in the preceding series, the new S-Class will introduce technical innovations which make the flagship Mercedes model an example for others to follow. Pioneering safety features and exemplary comfort continue to be the outstanding attributes of the S-Class. The new saloon also sets standards in driving dynamics wîth its agile handling, while offering even more driving pleasure wîth new, more powerful engines. The new S-Class is replacing a model series which is the world No. 1 in the luxury class, and of which around 485,000 have been produced since 1998.
For more than five decades, the letter 'S' in the model designation of Mercedes cars has signified a special aura, intelligent technology and the highest quality. The new S-Class not only continues this tradition, but lends a new meaning to it. It is a technological pacemaker wîth its pioneering innovations for more safety, comfort and practicality, and like its predecessors it will influence the automotive development of the future. The saloon exudes this poise and assurance even at first glance. Its design emphasizes the confident, powerful and elegant character of the new S-Class, which makes every journey an experience.
Achieving even more technological highlights was a challenge for the engineers in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen, for the bar was set very high: the previous S-Class, which had been repeatedly voted the 'Best Car in the World' since its presentation in 1998, was a hard act to follow. The progress Mercedes-Benz has made wîth the new saloon is based on this already high level. A dozen technical innovations are entering series production for the first time on board the new S-Class – from Brake Assist PLÚS wîth radar sensors to seats wîth an extended massage function, from the night view assist system wîth the latest infra-red technology to the new COMAND system, and from preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection wîth additional functions to Parking Assist.
Safety: Brake Assist wîth radar and latest-generation PRE-SAFE®
In the field of vehicle safety, Mercedes-Benz is redoubling its commitment to accident prevention wîth the preventive system Brake Assist PLÚS. This system registers vehicles ahead by radar and gives a warning if the gap is too small or the closing speed is too high. If a collision threatens, Brake Assist PLÚS calculates the ideal braking assistance in fractions of a second and makes this available immediately – even if the driver applies too little pressure to the brake pedal. This significantly reduces the incidence of rear-end collisions. The adaptive brake light, which warns following traffic by flashing during emergency braking, also makes a major contribution.
Mercedes-Benz combines Brake Assist PLÚS wîth the equally unique occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, which offers even more safety functions on board the new S-Class. PRE-SAFE® recognizes potential accident situations as they arise: if braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or a skid is imminent, the system tensions the front seat belts as a precaution and inflates air cushions in the multicontour seats to envelop and support the driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has also integrated the side windows into this preventive protection system; they are automatically closed when an accident threatens.
This combination of the new Brake Assist PLÚS system and
PRE-SAFE® is a further enhancement to occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz is the world's first and only vehicle brand wîth a comprehensive safety system of this kind, which already goes into action before an impending accident.
Support systems: DISTRONIC PLÚS and the new night view assist
Brake Assist PLÚS is available in combination wîth the likewise improved proximity control system DISTRONIC PLÚS. This radar-supported system now operates at all speeds between zero and
200 km/h, and ensures even greater driver comfort. In stop-and-go traffic DISTRONIC PLÚS keeps the new S-Class at the right distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the saloon to a standstill if necessary and accelerates it back to the required speed when the traffic starts moving again. In this way the support system reduces the driver's workload and provides considerable benefits in driver-fitness safety.
The equipment package wîth Brake Assist PLÚS and DISTRONIC PLÚS also includes a new Parking Assist system which likewise uses radar sensors. These have a longer range than ultrasonic signals; therefore the driver receives earlier warning of an impending collision when reversing into a parking space.
With the innovative night view assist system which is premiered in the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has made a further, major contribution to reducing the risk of accidents during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infra-red light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infra-red headlamps illuminate the road, extending the driver's range of vision to more than 150 meters when on low beam. Night view assist therefore makes pedestrians, cyclists, parked cars and other obstacles visible very much sooner. An infra-red camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen records the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.
Dimensions: larger, more comfortable and even more luxurious
The new flagship model by Mercedes-Benz is larger than its predecessor in every respect. There is a choice of two body lengths - 5076 or 5206 millimeters - which is 33 and 43 millimeters, respectively, more than the previous S-Class. The wheelbase has increased by 70/80 millimeters to 3035 and 3165 millimeters, respectively. The body is also 16 millimeters wider and
29 millimeters higher than before.
These new dimensions create the conditions for an interior concept which provides every single passenger wîth first-class comfort. Interior parameters such as shoulder-room and elbow-room have increased by up to 39 millimeters, while headroom has again improved by up to five millimeters. Rear seat passengers in the long-wheelbase version benefit from a greater distance between the seats (+ 10 mm) and more knee-room (+ 11 mm) compared to the preceding series. The capacity of the boot has increased by 60 liters to 560 liters (VDA measuring method).
Luxurious exotic wood and chrome trim, attractively contoured controls in aluminum and carefully coordinated colors characterize the atmosphere in the interior, producing an immediate feeling of wellbeing. The dashboard wîth its sophisticated, sweeping lines is yet another masterpiece by Mercedes designers, for whom form and function are ideals which share equal status. Accordingly the cockpit not only conveys a feeling of safety, but is also extraordinarily well laid-out and practical – from the very first moment, man and vehicle enter into a harmonious relationship in the new S-Class.
Operating concept: color displays, direct-selection switches and COMAND controller
That is also assured by the newly developed and thoroughly tested operating concept. This is based on findings from extensive ergonomic and perceptive psychology studies, and also takes into account the results of acceptance tests wîth Mercedes customers around the world.
The major characteristic of the intelligent operating concept in the new S-Class is rapid access to functions which are used particularly frequently. The system is therefore specifically designed for redundancy: depending on his preferred habits, the driver is able to control functions such as the radio, TV-receiver, CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation system either using conventional switches, via buttons on the multifunction §teering wheel or wîth the help of the improved COMAND system. The direct-selection switches in the centre console are so ergonomically positioned that the driver is able to operate them conveniently and without lòòking down. It is also possible to operate the standard automatic climate control system in two different ways: via COMAND or using an attractively styled array of switches beneath the air vents.
The §teering wheel and instrument cluster are the primary areas in the new operating concept. These integrate all the important information and functions required by the driver. The centerpiece is
a color screen wîth the latest display technology for a bright, crystal-clear image. The lower edge of the cockpit display has a plain-text array wîth which up to seven main menus for individual settings, display modes and operating functions can be controlled, depending on the level of equipment. For rapid selection of these functions Mercedes-Benz has developed the controls on the standard multifunction §teering wheel further, using circular, illuminated five-way buttons which the driver operates by light thumb pressure.
Another new feature which improves operating convenience and allows a modern cockpit design is DIRECT SELECT – electronic control of the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission by nudging an attractively styled lever on the right of the §teering column. Thanks to this technology, Mercedes engineers were able to dispense wîth the usual selector lever on the centre console and redesign the tunnel covering.
The innovative 'Cockpit Management and Data System' -- COMAND for short – has likewise been redesigned and now offers even more features. In addition to the familiar telematics and audio units, various vehicle functions which previously required individual switches have now been integrated into the system. The central operating unit is the new COMAND controller on the transmission tunnel. It is used to select the main and sub-menus wîth which the required functions are activated. If a car phone is fitted ex factory, the padded handrest behind the controller can be flipped up to reveal the telephone keypad.
The large COMAND color display is positioned at the same height as the instrument cluster, and therefore even more favorably within the field of vision of the driver and front passenger. A new operating concept, up-to-date colors and clear, photo-quality graphics also make the menu selection procedure a gratifying visual experience.
The COMAND system in the new S-Class includes a radio, CD/DVD player and a port for computer memory cards (PCMCIA cards) as standard. On request Mercedes-Benz will equip COMAND wîth a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are now stored on a hard drive. This allows even faster route calculation than before.
Comfort: new seats wîth a massage function and air suspension as standard
Mercedes customers are able to adapt the newly developed seats in the new S-Class to suit their personal comfort requirements. Electrically adjustable, 16-way front seats wîth lumbar supports are standard equipment. There is also an optional choice of luxury seats wîth heating and ventilation, multicontour seats (front and rear) and dynamic multicontour seats (front) whose squab and backrest contours adapt to the relevant driving situation to provide the best possible lateral support at all times.
The dynamic multicontour seat is also equipped wîth separate air chambers in the backrest which are successively inflated and deflated at the touch of a button, massaging the back muscles for the wellbeing of its occupant. The intensity and speed of the massage function can be adjusted in four stages by means of the COMAND system.
The suspension wîth its standard, improved AIRMATIC air suspension system also makes a major contribution to the excellent ride comfort in the new S-Class. At the touch of a button the driver is able to choose between a comfort-oriented or more sporty configuration. Beyond 120 km/h and in Sport mode, the suspension is automatically lowered by up to 20 millimeters to improve the handling dynamics, aerodynamics and fuel consumption even further.
The Active Body Control suspension system (optional, standard equipment in the S 600) is a further milestone in suspension engineering which has been improved even further for the new
S-Class.
The newly developed braking system ADAPTIVE BRAKE has additional functions which for example assist the driver when moving off on gradients and shorten braking distances in the wet. The parking brake is electrically assisted for the first time – the brake is applied merely by pressing a button, and is released automatically when the car moves off.
Performance: over 26 percent more output from the new V8 engine
Three of the four engines available for the new S-Class are new developments by Mercedes-Benz. They generate up to 26 percent more output and up to 15 percent more torque. In addition to the
3.5-litre V6 engine wîth 200 kW/272 hp, a new eight-cylinder unit developing 285 kW/388 hp and a muscular 530 Newton meters of torque from a mere 2800 rpm upwards will already be available at the time of the market launch in autumn 2005. It accelerates the S 500 from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.
From the first quarter of 2006 Mercedes-Benz will be extending the range of engines for the S-Class wîth the new V6 CDI engine, which has a particulate filter as standard in certain countries. This direct-injection unit has an output of 170 kW/231 hp and generates a maximum torque of 540 Newton meters from 1600 rpm. This means that the new S 320 CDI betters the preceding model by 13 percent in output and eight percent in torque.
The output of the twelve-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-range
S 600 (available from the first quarter of 2006) has increased to
380 kW/517 hp, while torque has increased by just under four percent to a remarkable 830 Newton meters from 1900 rpm.
As standard equipment, the V6 and V8 engines for the new S-Class are combined wîth the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC.
Success: number one in the luxury class
The new S-Class is replacing a successful series which has captured the top end of this market §egmènt in every region of the world. Even in its last year of production the flagship saloon by Mercedes-Benz is the worldwide market leader among the world's luxury saloons, wîth around 17,000 units sold (as of May 2005).
Accolades achieved by the previous S-Class include around four dozen prizes and awards in international competitions, wîth numerous titles such as 'Best Car', 'Most Innovative Saloon', 'Highest Design Quality' or 'World's Finest Car'.Source - DaimlerChrysler
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 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 ergonomics
Personal 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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| 2005 S-Class | 2005 S-Class | 2005 S50 S3 |
