2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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 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. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

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. Únder 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. (concept carz) The optional PRE-SAFE Brake system has full 100-percent braking in emergencies, and models fitted with ABC active suspension include crosswind stabilization.

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 Ú.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 PLÚS 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 PLÚS 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 PLÚS 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 PLÚS, 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.'

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

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.

Source - 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. (posted on conceptcarz.com) 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 Ú.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 BITÚRBO' 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? '


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 Ú.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 PLÚS 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 PLÚS 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 PLÚS 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 PLÚS, 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.'

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

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 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.

Source - Mercedes-Benz