S-Class Line Features More Safety, More Power

The company's flagship sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is viewed in many circles as the finest car in the world. For the 2011 model year, the S-Class line includes two V8-powered models – the S550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft. of torque), which is offered in a choice of rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the high-performance S63 AMG (536 hp, 590 lb.-ft.), powered by a new V8 engine that offers better fuel economy while producing more power. At the top of the line are two V12-powered cars – the S600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.) and the S65 AMG (621 hp, 738 lb.-ft.), which boasts 17 additional horsepower for 2011. The high-performance AMG sedans are contrasted by the innovative S400 HYBRID (295 hp, 284 lb.-ft.).

Innovative New Safety Features

New safety options for the 2011 S-Class line include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist that both incorporate automatic ESP brake intervention. Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.

Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist now incorporate an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.

The 2011 S-Class sedans are also available with an innovative Splitview dual-content viewscreen, which allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs on the same screen at the same time. For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching a movie.

30 Percent Better Fuel Economy with S400 HYBRID

The S400 HYBRID comes with the world's first lithium-ion battery designed specifically for automotive use. The light-weight, high-capacity lithium-ion battery works with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 275-hp V6 gasoline engine to provide hybrid power with impressive fuel economy.

The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine, a magneto-electric motor and sophisticated hybrid electronics to produce 30 percent better fuel economy than a comparable S550 model. Not only does the electric motor make 20 horsepower, but it also produces an impressive starting torque of 118 lb.-ft., while the gasoline engine develops 275 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque.

A powerful computer controls the hybrid system, recalculating the best operating mode 160 times a second. Capable of up to 50 million calculations per second, the system works to maintain an ideal balance between fuel economy and performance.

The 120-volt lithium-ion battery weighs less than most other batteries and takes up less space, but has high energy density for its size. As a result, it can be installed in the engine compartment, so the car's ample trunk capacity and spacious interior are not affected. The lithium-ion battery has high-strength steel housing, a separate cooling circuit, and its cells sit in a special gel that dampens any jolts and vibration.

Characterized as a 'mild hybrid,' the S400 HYBRID's gasoline engine and electric motor work together for responsive performance, and its driveline includes a specially configured seven-speed automatic transmission, a transformer to power the 12-volt vehicle system and intelligent operating electronics. The disc-shaped electric motor is mounted in the torque converter housing, between the engine and transmission.

The hybrid system includes a convenient start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine below nine mph when braking to a stop. When the S400 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational. When the brakes are released, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and works with the electric motor for seamless performance.

During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, recovering kinetic energy and storing it in the lithium-ion battery. Under heavy braking, the vehicle's conventional brakes also come into play. Recovered energy is stored in the battery and re-used whenever the electric motor is running.

No Sacrifice in Convenience or Roominess

The S400 HYBRID has the same interior room, luxury and convenience features as other S-Class vehicles. The hybrid model is differentiated by unique ten-spoke 18-inch wheels and HYBRID logos on the trunk lid and dash as well as BlueEfficency badging on the front fenders. A special hybrid pictogram within the speedometer shows the energy flow, energy recovery and battery charge.

In addition to the new Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist systems, many innovative safety features are available on the S-Class sedan. The optional PRE-SAFE Brake system has full 100-percent braking in emergencies, and models fitted with ABC active suspension include crosswind stabilization.

ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions 'Time For A Rest?'

Standard on all S-Class models except the S400 HYBRID, the ATTENTION ASSIST system can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving.

Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a 'Time for a rest?' message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.

More Safety Systems Assist the Driver

Standard Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a windshield-mounted camera to detect both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be infinitely varied from 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.

Night View Assist PLUS allows a driver to see pedestrians up to 325 feet earlier than before. When the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined frame highlighting each person.

In contrast to passive systems that rely on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights. Extending the driver's ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet, Night View Assist PLUS uses an infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly detailed black & white video images in the instrument cluster.

PRE-SAFE® Brake Can Automatically Apply Full Braking in Emergencies

All cars equipped with the optional radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS system reap the benefit of another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature – PRE-SAFE® Brake. To reduce accident severity, the latest version of PRE-SAFE Brake applies full braking automatically in emergencies.

When PRE-SAFE Brake senses an impending collision with the help of DISTRONIC PLUS, the system sounds three warning tones. About 1.6 seconds before impact is likely, partial braking is automatically initiated, and PRE-SAFE occupant protection measures are activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated about 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and effectively acting as an 'electronic crumple zone.'

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.

Distronic Plus Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic

The DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system uses radar sensors to help maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead. The latest system can actually brake the car to a full stop and accelerate it again. DISTRONIC PLUS works at speeds up to 125 mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Short-range 24-gigahertz radar sweeps the first 33 yards in a fan-shaped 80-degree pattern, working in tandem with a narrower nine-degree beam of 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.

Parktronic with Parking Guidance utilizes eight ultrasonic sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers. At low speeds, the system scans available parking spaces and displays a 'P' in the dash if the car will fit in the space. When the car's in reverse, Parking Guidance displays a top-view pictogram of the car and provides helpful steering guidance.

Crosswind Stabilization

S-Class models with ABC active suspension come with a crosswind stabilization feature that's part of the ABC system software. If the car is affected by a crosswind, in a split-second, the ABC system uses its servo pistons at each wheel strut to change wheel load distribution and stabilize the car. The ABC crosswind stabilization feature depends on networked signals from the ESP yaw and lateral acceleration sensors.

Torque-Vectoring Brake

Standard on all S-Class models except the S400 HYBRID, a Torque Vectoring feature within the ESP stability control system is specifically designed to sharpen steering response during spirited driving. When sharp, aggressive steering inputs from the driver are sensed, brief braking pulses at the inside rear wheel help pivot the vehicle and improve active handling response.

by Mercedes-Benz

AMG S-Class Sedans Feature More Power and Fuel Efficiency

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG sedan is powered by a new twin-turbo V8 engine that gets better fuel economy while producing more power – an astounding feat, considering that increasing either power or fuel economy usually reduces the other. In addition, the V12-powered S65 AMG boasts 17 additional horsepower for 2011.

New safety options for the 2011 S-Class line include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist that both incorporate automatic ESP brake intervention. If the driver doesn't heed the initial warning, ESP braking at individual wheels automatically helps correct the car's course.

2011 S-Class Lineup Stars Five Diverse Models

The company's flagship sedan, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is viewed in many circles as the finest car in the world. In addition to the high-performance S63 AMG (536 hp, 590 lb.-ft. of torque) and S65 AMG (621 hp, 738 lb.-ft.), the 2011 S-Class line includes the S550 (382 hp, 391 lb.-ft.), the S400 HYBRID (295 hp, 284 lb.-ft.) and the S600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.). The S550 is available in a choice of rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

S63 AMG Gets New Biturbo Engine and MCT Transmission

Replacing the normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 in the high-performance S63 AMG, a new smaller-displacement 5.5-liter V8 features twin turbochargers, direct fuel injection, multi-spark ignition and start-stop technology. The new AMG twin-turbo V8 produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 125 lb.-ft., and yet it gets 25 percent better fuel economy.

In addition to its new biturbo V8 engine, the S63 AMG is now fitted with AMG's award-winning MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission. Featuring an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter, the seven-speed MCT transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car.

Crystals are at the Heart of It

The new AMG bi-turbo V8 features a fuel system that represents the third generation of modern Mercedes-Benz gasoline direct injection systems, and the first to be offered in the U.S. market. In the past, most gasoline engines have used indirect port injection.

The new V8 makes use of industry-leading electronics technology first used on Mercedes-Benz diesels – piezo-electric fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke.

Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt

Working together with the spray-guided direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with its companion direct fuel injection system.

Start-Stop System with Direct-Start

When the driver selects Controlled-Efficiency ('C') transmission mode, the new biturbo engine is automatically turned off to save fuel whenever the vehicle comes to a stop, and on restarting, the engine computer decides which piston is in the best position for first ignition. The direct fuel injection and multi-spark systems work with a starter motor to re-start the engine almost instantly. In the future, this new technology may be used to start direct-injection engines without using a conventional starter motor.

S63 AMG Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out

In addition to its new biturbo V8 engine and MCT transmission, the S63 AMG comes with special body styling, alloy wheels, sports suspension and high-performance brake system – all designed by AMG. A muscular front bumper with large air intakes houses LED daytime running lights trimmed in chrome, and a 'V8 BITURBO' badge enhances each front fender. Contoured side skirts carry the aggressive front bumper lines to the rear, where an AMG rear apron emphasizes the vehicle's width. A pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of the S63 AMG.

Inside the S63 AMG, drivers are greeted by an AMG sport steering wheel with distinctive aluminum shift paddles and AMG multi-contour premium leather sport seats. Completing the interior package is an exclusive analog clock modeled on the design of the 'IWC-Ingenieur' series in the center of the dashboard.

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.

Innovative New Safety Options for 2011 S-Class Models

Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings. Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist now incorporate a brake intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car's course if the driver doesn't heed the initial warning.

An innovative Splitview dual-content viewscreen is optionally available on all 2011 S-Class sedans. Splitview allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs on the same screen at the same time. For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (looking from a different angle) is watching a movie.

ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions 'Time For A Rest? '

More Safety Systems Assist the Driver

PRE-SAFE® Brake Can Automatically Apply Full Braking in Emergencies

PRE-SAFE Brake builds on the original PRE-SAFE system that Mercedes-Benz launched on the S-Class sedan in 2002. Standard on all S-Class models, the 'basic' PRE-SAFE® system 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 closes as well. 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.

Distronic Plus Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic

Crosswind Stabilization

S-Class models with ABC active suspension come with a crosswind stabilization feature that's part of the ABC system software. If the car is affected by a crosswind, in a split-second, the ABC system uses its suspension servo pistons at each wheel strut to change wheel load distribution and stabilize the car. The ABC crosswind stabilization feature depends on networked signals from the ESP yaw and lateral acceleration sensors.

Torque-Vectoring Brake

Standard on all S-Class models (except the S400 HYBRID), a Torque Vectoring feature within the ESP stability control system is specifically designed to sharpen steering response during spirited driving. When sharp, aggressive steering inputs from the driver are sensed, brief braking pulses at the inside rear wheel help pivot the vehicle and improve active handling response.

by 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 with 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 with 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 with regard to comfort in the luxury segment. 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 with 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 with the introduction of new innovations: for example the single-joint swing axle in the 220 'Ponton' model (W 180) with 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 with 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 segments.

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 with an electronic control system and the DIRECT SELECT steering 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 LINGUATRONIC, the voice-operated control system in 1996. COMAND, the control and display system with 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 with systems such as the further-developed adaptive cruise control DISTRONIC PLUS 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 with the S Class. In 2011, for example, the F 125! fascinated with 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 segment offered a heating system with 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 with 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 with an activated charcoal filter and CO/NOX-sensitive sensors. Finally in 1998, the W/V 220 model series offered multi-zone automatic climate control with individual control at each seat depending on the sun's position as well as luxury seats with 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 segment began to set priorities with intelligent interior design at a very early stage – for example with the self-supporting chassis-body structure of the Mercedes Benz 220 'Ponton' (W 180) from 1954 and a version with 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 steering column in the W/V 126 model series (as from 1985) to the dynamic multicontour front seats with 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 with 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 with 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 with overhead inlet valves for superior performance

• A spacious body with comfortable padded seats and top-quality fabric covers

Mercedes-Benz Nürburg, W 08 (1928 to 1933)

• First Mercedes-Benz series passenger car with an eight-cylinder engine

• Luxurious and spacious Pullman body

• High-speed transmission system as special equipment (as from 1931, in conjunction with increased cubic capacity)

Mercedes-Benz 770 'Super Mercedes', W 07, W 150 (1930 to 1943)

• First series production car with 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 with exterior case for luggage as from 1939)

Mercedes-Benz 300, W 186 and W 189 (1951 to 1962)

• Cutting-edge six-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft

• Electrically-operated torsion bar suspension to compensate the height under heavy loads

• Heating system with blower as standard

• Air conditioning system as special equipment (as from 1958)

• Power-assisted steering as special equipment (as from 1958)

Mercedes-Benz 220, W 187 (1951 to 1954)

• Cutting-edge six-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft

• Heating system with 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 with low centre of rotation

• Heating system with 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 steering

• 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 with powerful V8 engine with 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 with zero scrub radius

• Coupled-link axle with anti-squat control (450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9)

• Automatic transmission with 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 steering 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 with 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 steering

• Double-glazed side windows for maximum noise comfort

• Automatic climate control with 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 with 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

• LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as special equipment (as from 1996)

• Xenon headlamps with 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 with electronic control (S 430, S 500, as from 2004)

• AIRMATIC air suspension with 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 with dynamic navigation system as special equipment

• Multi-zone automatic climate control with individual control at each seat depending on the sun's position

• Luxury seats with 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 with 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 with electronic control and DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift

• Active Body Control ABC suspension with crosswind stabilisation as special equipment (standard in the S 600)

• ADAPTIVE BRAKE brake system

• Further development of DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control (with braking to a standstill) as special equipment

• Further developed COMAND system with 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 with new massage function

• Parking brake with electronic assistance

by Mercedes-Benz