S-Class W223 [Official] Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223)

[bialkov]

Interesting facts & figures

Sometimes numbers say more than a thousand words.

The turning circle is reduced by up to 2 metres with rear-axle steering compared to a model without it.
The maximum steering angle is 10°.

27 languages are supported by "Hey Mercedes" with Natural Language Understanding (NLU).

31 loudspeakers and eight exciters are included in the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system.

Comfort on the front passenger seat is assisted by up to 19 motors (8 for adjustments, 4 for massage and 5 for ventilation, one for the lumbar support and one to move the monitor on the reverse).

10 different massage programmes are available in the new S-Class.

The plug-in hybrid variant of the S-Class will have an electric range of up to 100 kilometres.

The display area of the augmented reality head-up display corresponds to a monitor with a diagonal of 77 inches.

The boot capacity has increased by 20 litres to up to 550 litres compared to the previous model.

With a Cd figure from 0.22,[1] the S-Class is one of the world's most aerodynamic cars. Its drag coefficient is therefore lower than before, despite a larger frontal area 200 sq. cm.

Compared to the preceding model, elbow-room for the driver has increased by 38 millimetres and by up to 23 millimetres for rear passengers. Headroom in the rear has increased by up to 16 millimetres.

The resolution of DIGITAL LIGHT per vehicle is over 2.6 million pixels.

The computing power of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) has increased by 50 percent compared to the system in the previous model. The memory bandwidth is 41,790 MB/s.

When a side impact threatens, the vehicle body can be raised by up to 8 centimetres by the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension (optional) within a few tenths of a second. This is a new function of PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side:

17 step motors control the temperature and air distribution in the Thermotronic system. The 4-zone climate control Thermotronic Rear even has 20 step motors. These electric motors operate the air flaps.

In the Active Ambience Lighting system, there is an LED in an optical fibre every 1.6 centimetres. There are around 250 in all.

The new OLED central display measures 239.06 mm x 218.8 mm, and has an active screen diagonal of 12.8 inches. The screen area is 64 percent larger than in the preceding model. The driver display measures 291.6 mm x 109.4 mm and has a diagonal of 12.3 inches.

The tubular structure of the innovative rear airbag is around 16 litres, while the total volume of the deployed bag is up to 70 litres.

The control units of E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL analyse the driving situation and adjust the suspension 1000 times per second.

The designation "S-Class" was officially introduced with the 116 series in 1972.

More than 98 kg of components made from resource-conserving materials are used in the S-Class. The number of components containing recyclates is now 120 – more than twice as many as in the preceding model. Another 40 kg or so are made from renewable raw materials.

223 is the internal designation of the new model series.

The new tool used to micro-perforate the seats operates with 16,000 needles.

The loyalty rate for the S-Class is especially high. Some 80 percent of S-Class customers in Western Europe go on to choose another vehicle from Mercedes-Benz. In the US, more than 70 percent do so.

More than one third of all saloons of the last generation of the S-Class (model series 222; début 2013) went to China. S-Class customers in China are the youngest with an average age of 40 years. Around the world the S-Class Saloon is predominantly sold in the long wheelbase version: around 9 out of 10 customers opt for the long version of the S-Class Saloon. All in all, since the launch of the generation that is now in its runout phase, more than
500,000 S-Class Saloons have been sold.

[1] Best performance in SPORT+ driving mode

 

[bialkov]

"The S-Class is an innovation driver and guarantee of success"
"The S-Class is the world's best-selling luxury saloon. With the latest generation we want to offer our customers innovation, safety, comfort and quality as never before. The future of Daimler will continue to be fascinating, sustainably climate-neutral and not least sustainably profitable. We concentrate on producing the most desirable cars in the world. This is what we promise, and it is the best way towards more profitable growth."
Ola Källenius, Chairman of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG

"For our customers, the S-Class has always stood for the ultimate in automotive luxury. This also encompasses innovations that make their life easier and safer, while also saving time. It is precisely in these areas where the new S-Class sets standards: for safety and comfort. We are confident that our customers will be excited by the intelligent beauty, the exceptional standards of safety and the intuitive operation and handling of the new S-Class. For there is one thing that our customers in the new S-Class will experience: the feeling of coming home."
Britta Seeger, member of the Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG Boards of Management for Sales

"The new S-Class underpins our claim to produce the best automobile in the world." This is where covetable luxury meets the best possible safety and highest level of comfort. Safety for vehicle occupants and all other road users has always been one of our core values – and this is exactly what the S-Class embodies like no other vehicle in the world. This includes the latest generation of driving assistance systems, which help to avoid accidents and lessen the consequences of an accident. Our new head-up display with augmented reality also helps out. It makes driving even more safe in line with the motto 'hands on the steering wheel, eyes on the road'. And I personally love the impressive graphics in the head-up display."
Markus Schäfer, member of the Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG Boards of Management for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO

"Our overriding aim is to offer our customers maximum comfort, personalisation and convenience. MBUX goes into even more detail in the S-Class, and is even more intelligent and individual than ever before. The advantage for our customers: Thanks to further improved user-friendliness, they save time and receive a high added value. This is about much more than just displays and voice control. It makes MBUX the mainstay or even the mastermind of the vehicle."
Sajjad Khan, member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG, CASE

"The S-Class is the centrepiece of our brand, and shows what modern luxury means for Mercedes-Benz: The combination of timeless design and intelligent automotive innovations that make the lives of our customers safer and easier, and also give them more peace and time to concern themselves with the things they consider really important. Our mission is to make the luxury segment in the automobile industry tangible well beyond the individual product features."
Bettina Fetzer, Head of Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG

“The essence of luxury is our aesthetic soul „Sensual Purity“. A long this Philosophy we created an S-Class that combined the desire for beauty and the extraordinary. With our new S-Class, we created the most progressive S-Class ever since, the luxury icon of the 20s.”
Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer of Daimler Group

"The new S-Class does full justice to its innovative tradition. The new generation will once again set the pace in the automotive industry: The S-Class offers trailblazing innovations in all areas, from safety and comfort to efficiency. One common theme is systematic digitalisation, both during the development process and in the vehicle itself. Intelligent networking of different systems gives our customers tangible added value."
Prof. Dr. Uwe Ernstberger, Head of S-Class and C-Class model series product group

"With the new S-Class, we are proudly presenting the frontal airbag for passengers in the rear. The rear airbag with an innovative, tubular structure is unique. And as a result it deploys extremely gently. Naturally the passengers should continue to fasten their seat belts. Fastening the seat belt becomes even more intuitive thanks to the new, illuminated belt buckles."
Dr. Thomas W. Hellmuth, Head of Body and Safety

"The rear-axle steering makes the S-Class as manoeuvrable as a compact car. Even for the S-Class with a long wheelbase, the turning circle is reduced to under 11 metres. And thanks to Active Parking Assist with 360° camera, the vehicle can slip into tight parking spaces while recognising whether anybody is moving within that space. And when leaving a parking space, the S-Class keeps an eye out for crossing traffic."
Jürgen Weissinger, Chief Engineer S-Class

"With the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is taking another major step on the way to autonomous driving: With the DRIVE PILOT, the luxury saloon will be able to drive in conditionally automated mode at up to 60 km/h where traffic density is high or in tailbacks on suitable motorway sections. This relieves driver workload and allows secondary activities such as the in-car office. This Level 3 system will be introduced first in Germany."
Dr. Michael Hafner, Head of Automated Driving

"Our S-Class customers are highly discerning. With the new S-Class, we invite them to a completely new luxury experience. It is underpinned by our design philosophy 'Sensual Purity' and by our absolute commitment to quality and attention to detail. The result is a revolutionary experience in the interior as a combination of digital and analogue luxury."
Hartmut Sinkwitz, Head of Interior Design

"Tradition meets progression – for example, with regard to what many would regard as unexpectedly large wood surfaces. Special highlights include the trim elements in open-pore walnut wood: Their yacht design is characterised by form-following inlays of real aluminium. Exquisite materials and craftsmanship are also hallmarks of the new seat generation."
Belinda Günther, Head of Colour & Trim

"Luxury today is defined by comprehensive refinement. A luxurious driving experience depends on a host of factors and must appeal to all the senses. Traditionally, this also includes almost silent travel. However, this also includes making life easier for the customer, for example because intuitive operation and comprehensive connectivity save a great deal of time."
Dirk Fetzer, Head of S-Class product management

 

[Rolf]

 

[Rolf]

 

[bialkov]

"Hey Mercedes, is everything ok back home?"

The homes of many people are increasingly intelligent. Under the generic term "smart home", WLAN and sensors make the home capable of communication: temperature and lighting, roller blinds and electrical appliances can be remotely monitored and controlled. Motion detectors and window contacts inform the user of welcome or unwelcome visitors. With the MBUX Smart Home function, the S-Class now also becomes a control centre for the home: mobile intelligence ensures maximum operating convenience from afar.

"Hey Mercedes, is there anybody in my home right now?" "I've had a look. The last movement detected was in the kitchen one hour ago." This is how future dialogues between the driver or passenger and the user's smart home might proceed using the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) voice assistant. On market launch the MBUX Smart Home function will support numerous devices offered by important smart home suppliers. Right from the start, Hey Mercedes understands queries and commands in four languages (German, Chinese, American and British English). These can be made for lamps, sockets, thermostats, shutters and blinds, motion detectors and door or window contacts, as well as temperature sensors. So the system can also answer this question: "Did I remember to turn the heating down?" Depending on the response and the thermostats installed in the home, it is possible to change the setting: "Set the temperature all around the house to 18 degrees!"

Smart Home integration into MBUX can therefore help to reduce energy consumption. It also makes for comfort, because the heating can also be remotely turned up again in good time. Security and the sense of safety are increased because the motion detector can be directly interrogated. And the convenience of being able to turn off the lights after a hasty departure is not without its advantages either.

Smart Home accounts are linked to the customer's individual Mercedes me profile. Linking smart home appliances to MBUX is easy, and is initiated using a QR code in the central display of the S-Class. The QR code is scanned with a smartphone. Alternatively it can be done with the Mercedes me App. The sophisticated authentication mechanisms of the new S-Class ensure that only authorised customers obtain access to Smart Home appliances. Appliances by different providers can be connected and interrogated at the same time. A concerned "Hey Mercedes, is everything ok at home?" therefore causes all the installed equipment to be interrogated, prioritised by movement, windows/doors open, lights and heating. The answer might be: "All the windows are closed, and the light is still on in the bedroom."

Though light can of course be very desirable: "Hey Mercedes, please switch the light on in the garage. I'll be home in ten minutes." "Will do, I'm switching the light on in the garage."

 

[Rolf]

Wow what a car. cant get enough of how stunning the new S-class looks

 

[LaArtist]

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What a damn car wow!

also the rear light graphics are so sleek at night it looks sublime.
Bring on the amg , configurator, designo interiors and the damn brabus.

I want it all

 

[Pagani]

I am perplexed at the non-sport steering wheel on sport-pack equipped models.

 

[bialkov]

The next steps on the way to accident-free driving

In the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz comes another big step closer to its vision of accident-free driving. The driver is supported by numerous new or extended driving assistance systems. He/she thereby has a reduced workload in day-to-day situations, and is able to drive comfortably and safely. When danger threatens, the assistance systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the situation demands. The assistants are also ready to help when parking – see chapter "The parking assistants". The operating principle of the systems is made visible by a new display concept in the driver display.

In day-to-day driving, assistance systems relieve driver stress as the situation requires, by adapting the vehicle speed, controlling distance, steering and lane-changing. This enables the driver to stay alert for longer, and reach the destination more safely and comfortably. When danger threatens, i.e. if there is a risk of an accident owing to driver inattention or distraction, driving assistance systems can respond according to the situation and mitigate the severity of possible collisions, or even avoid them.

The S-Class has a new generation of steering wheels with capacitive hands-off recognition. There is a two-zone sensor pad in the steering wheel rim. The sensors on the front and reverse sides of the rim register whether the driver's hands are on the wheel. No steering movement is now necessary to inform the driving assistance systems that the driver has control.

The new assistance display in the driver display clearly shows the operating principle of the driving assistance systems as a full-screen view. This is where the driver of an S-Class can see an abstract view of the car, driving lanes, lane markings and other road users such as cars, trucks and bikes. The system status and operation of the assistants are visualised in this depiction of the surroundings. The new, animated assistance display is based on a 3D scene generated in real time. This dynamic, high-quality representation makes the operation of the driving assistance systems transparent as a tangible augmented reality experience.

The vehicle needs eyes and ears to perform all these tasks – its sensors. The following are on board the new S-Class with the standard Driving Assistance package:

• Front multi-mode radar: 2 radar sensors with an aperture angle of 130°
• Front long-range radar: 1 radar sensor with an aperture angle of 90° and 9°
• Front stereo multi-purpose camera: 1 camera with an aperture angle of 70°
• Rear multi-mode radar: 2 radar sensors with an aperture angle of 130°
• 360° camera (close range): 4 cameras with aperture angle of 180°
• Ultrasonic (close range): 12 sensors with an aperture angle of 120°

The basic functions of the systems in the Driving Assistance package can be found here. The following are the key new features of the systems in the S-Class:

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC

On all types of roads – motorways, country roads or in town – this intelligent system can automatically maintain a preset distance from vehicles ahead. New features:

• collision-preventing response to stationary road users at up to 130 km/h (previously 60 km/h)
• selection of DISTRONIC dynamics in MBUX, independently of DYNAMIC SELECT

Active Steering Assist

This helps the driver to follow the driving lane at speeds up to 210 km/h. New features:

• additional lane recognition by a 360° camera
• significantly improved availability and performance on bends on country roads
• improved lane centering on motorways
• situation-specific off-centred driving (e.g. forming an emergency lane, but also following the road edge on country roads with no centre marking)

Traffic Sign Assist

In addition to conventionally signposted speed limits, this recognises overhead gantries and signs at roadworks. New features:

• stop sign warning function – warning when about to pass a stop sign
• red traffic light warning function - warning when about to cross a red traffic light.

Active Lane Keeping Assist

In a speed range of 60 to 250 km/h, Active Lane Keeping Assist uses a camera to detect when road markings or road edges are crossed, helping the driver to avoid leaving the driving lane unintentionally. The system also intervenes if there is a danger of collision with recognised road users in the adjacent lane, e.g. with overtaking or oncoming vehicles. New features:

• reaction to road edges, e.g. a patch of turf
• particularly intuitive steering intervention
• adjustment of sensitivity via a menu (early, medium, late)
• the danger warning is reinforced by the active ambient lighting and the augmented reality head-up display

Active Lane Changing Assist

Active Lane Changing Assist cooperatively assists the driver of the new S-Class when moving to an adjacent lane. A lane-change to the right or left is only assisted if the sensors detect that the adjacent lane is separated from the present lane by an interrupted lane marking, and no other vehicles are recognised in the relevant danger zone. New features:

• the longer search phase (15 s instead of 10 s, depending on country) in which the lane-change can take place, and
• higher lateral dynamics (depending on country)

Active Emergency Stop Assist

Active Emergency Stop Assist brakes the vehicle to a standstill in its own lane if it recognises that the driver is no longer responding to the traffic situation for a longer period. In the new S-Class this still works if Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Steering Assist is not switched on. Other new features:

• belt tensioning and braking impulse as a final signal of impending braking action
• optional single lane change (at 80 km/h, no obstacles in adjacent lane)

ATTENTION ASSIST

This system included as standard is able to recognise typical signs of drowsiness and driver inattention, and displays a warning message prompting him/her to take a break. The additional microsleep warning is a new feature. This is based on monitoring of the driver's eyelid movements by a camera in the driver display (only in conjunction with certain optional equipment). The microsleep warning function is already active from a speed of 20 km/h.

Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function

Active Brake Assist uses the onboard sensors to register whether there is a risk of collision with vehicles travelling ahead, crossing or oncoming. The system can give the driver a visual and acoustic warning if a collision appears imminent. If the driver's braking response is too weak, the system can also assist by increasing the brake pressure as the situation demands, and also initiate autonomous emergency braking if the driver fails to respond. New features:

• the cornering function (e.g. crossing pedestrians when turning off)
• extension of the cross-traffic function to long-distance routes (up to 120 km/h instead of 72 km/h)
• warning and braking if there is oncoming traffic

Active Blind Spot Assist and exit warning function

Active Blind Spot Assist can give a visual warning - and if the indicators are operated also an audible warning - of potential lateral collisions in a speed range from around 10 to 200 km/h. If the driver ignores the warnings and still initiates a lane-change, the system can take corrective action by one-sided braking intervention at the last moment if the speed exceeds 30 km/h. When the vehicle is stationary, the exit warning function can warn against exiting because a vehicle (also bicycles) is passing within the critical area. This function is available when the vehicle is stationary and for up to 3 minutes after the ignition has been switched off. New features:

• reinforcement of the warning by the active ambient lighting (also the exit warning)
• thanks to the cameras of MBUX Interior Assist, a danger warning can already be given if the driver or front passenger merely move a hand towards the door handle.

Evasive Steering Assist

Evasive Steering Assist can assist the driver when seeking to avoid another road user recognised by the system in a critical situation. In the new S-Class, the system not only recognises stationary and crossing pedestrians, but also pedestrians and vehicles, including cyclists, travelling longitudinally. The speed range has been increased to 108 km/h (instead of 72 km/h), and assistance is also given on long-distance routes.

PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side

Together with the familiar PRE-SAFE® protection concepts for frontal and rear collisions, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side forms a kind of virtual crumple zone that extends all around the vehicle.

As only a limited crumple zone is available in the case of a side impact, and even before the crash, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side can move the affected driver or front passenger away from the acute danger zone as soon as the system detects that a side collision is immediately imminent. For this purpose, air chambers in the side bolsters of the front seat backrest are inflated in fractions of a second. In addition, when a side impact with another vehicle threatens, the vehicle body can be raised by the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension (optional) within a few tenths of a second. This directs the impact forces towards particularly resistant structures in the lower area of the vehicle

 

[LaArtist]

I am perplexed at the non-sport steering wheel on sport-pack equipped models.

If you go for a wood steering wheel
It deletes the amg one even if you got amg package.

 

[bialkov]

Easy entry into confined parking spaces and narrow entrances

Thanks to improved environmental sensors, the parking systems give the driver even better support when manoeuvring at low speed. Operation is faster and more intuitive thanks to integration into MBUX. The optional rear-axle steering is integrated into the parking assistants, with the calculation of trajectories adapted accordingly. Emergency braking functions primarily serve to protect other road users. The driver can park and unpark the car via smartphone with remote parking assist. Operation has been simplified considerably. If specified with preinstallation for the INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT, the S-Class is prepared for Automated Valet Parking (AVP, SAE Level 4). In conjunction with the necessary optional equipment and the corresponding Connect service (depending on country), the new S-Class has the onboard technology to enter and leave multi-storey car parks equipped with an AVP infrastructure in highly automated mode and without a driver, provided that national legislation permits such operation.

As standard, the S-Class is equipped with Active Parking Assist with a reversing camera, and on request this can be combined with a 360° camera. In the S-Class, all the information from all sensors and cameras is fusioned. This enables more parking spaces to be recognised and offered. Parking spaces defined by lines (not by vehicles) can also be used for automated parking for the first time.

Here are the differences between the two parking packages in detail:

	Active Parking Assist in the …
	… Parking package with reversing camera (standard)	... Parking package with 360° camera (optional equipment)
Sensors	· 12 ultrasonic sensors at the front and rear · Reversing camera in the handle of the boot lid
	Three further cameras (in the exterior mirrors and at the front)
Parking and unparking[1]	· Forwards and backwards in end-on parking spaces · Reverse parking and forward unparking in parallel parking spaces · At the left and right side of the road · Recognition of spaces defined by lines (and not by fixed obstacles) · Automatic control of acceleration, steering, braking, gear changes, indicators · Drive Away Assist: speed limitation if there is a risk of collision after gear-changing
Collision protection (audible and visual warnings, poss. braking intervention)	· Passive side protection · Rear Cross Traffic Alert · AEB Rear (Autonomous Emergency Braking) – braking for pedestrians when reversing · All-round protection for pedestrians (if Active Parking Assist is active)
Visualisation in the driver display	· Active search for parking spaces and · indication of recognised parking spaces (small arrow on the P symbol)
Visualisation in the central display	· Recognised parking spaces in the immediate vicinity · Quick-Park function: Driving past and pressing an MBUX key is enough to start the parking procedure · Parking options (selection by touch control) · Side protection · New 3D display · Full-HD camera image · Live image with dynamic guidelines · During slow manoeuvring, the camera pivots to the direction of travel
	· The four individual camera images are combined into a three-dimensional image of the vehicle's surroundings. · Seven different views and zooming are possible · Automatic camera (changes the perspective according to situation) · Model vehicle is rendered in real time o Shows status such as indicating or braking o Visualises obstructions in the field of vision, e.g. open doors

Parking package with remote parking functions: use a smartphone to park and unpark conveniently

Remote Parking Assist allows the driver to control a parking procedure by smartphone and the Remote Parking app in Mercedes me connect, while remaining outside but in close proximity to the vehicle. This is more comfortable when entering and exiting the vehicle in tight parking spaces, and avoids damage when opening the doors. To use the system, the S-Class must feature "Preinstallation for Remote Parking Assist" and the service must be activated in Mercedes me.

Remote Parking Assist parks the vehicle on request if the driver has selected a corresponding parking scenario via the central display in the S-Class or using the app on the smartphone. The S-Class is also able to park and unpark itself in a straight line for the last few metres, e.g. in garage entrances or end-on spaces. The driver-monitored parking procedure continues automated as long as the driver presses the touch surface on the smartphone while tilting it by 90°. If the control surface is no longer pressed or the smartphone is no longer tilted, the vehicle is automatically braked to a stop.

It is not only this which has considerably simplified operation compared to the previous Remote Parking generation. Compatibility with different phones has also been increased. While the vehicle and smartphone previously communicated via Bluetooth, a WiFi connection in the 2.4 GHz band is now also available. Initially linking the vehicle and smartphone has also been improved. A QR code can now be used for faster, more convenient authorisation.

When remote parking, the driver continues to have full responsibility for the vehicle and its control during the entire parking procedure. He/she can interrupt or cancel the parking procedure with the smartphone or the vehicle key at any time, and take back control.

INTELLIGENT PARKING PILOT: highly automated driverless parking in suitable multi-storey car parks

Mercedes-Benz goes another step further when it comes to parking: If specified with preinstallation for the INTELLIGENT PARKING PILOT, the S-Class is prepared for highly automated driverless parking (Automated Valet Parking, AVP, SAE Level 4). In conjunction with the necessary optional equipment and the corresponding Connect service (depending on country), the new S-Class has the onboard technology to enter and leave multi-storey car parks equipped with an AVP infrastructure in highly automated mode and without a driver, provided that national legislation permits such operation.

The vision: The driver securely parks the vehicle in a designated drop-off area of the multi-storey car park, and after all passengers have left he starts the parking procedure using the smartphone app. The sensor system in the car park checks whether a suitable space is available. If so, the AVP infrastructure confirms the handover of the vehicle for the driver in the app, and he/she can leave the S-Class and depart. The vehicle is then started automatically, and automatically drives to its parking space with the help of the infrastructure installed in the car park. On returning, the driver can let the S-Class drive to a designated pick-up area by smartphone command.

[1] Assisted unparking only if assisted parking was previously used

 

[bialkov]

Conditionally automated driving: the S-Class leads the field

The home office will soon be mobile – including for people behind the wheel. At least if they drive a vehicle bearing the three-pointed star: for Mercedes-Benz is determined to enable, in technical terms, the safe operation of an S-Class driving in conditionally automated mode and to meet the exacting legal requirements for what is known as a Level 3 system[1]. It is expected that from the second half of 2021 the S-Class will be able to drive in conditionally automated mode with the new DRIVE PILOT, in situations where traffic density is high or in tailbacks, on suitable motorway sections in Germany. By taking pressure off the driver, this allows them to undertake secondary activities[2] such as browsing on the internet or dealing with emails in the In-Car Office, and so win extra time. Mercedes-Benz goes another step further when it comes to parking: with the appropriate pre-installation for the INTELLIGENT PARKING PILOT, the S-Class is ready for driverless highly automated parking (Automated Valet Parking; Level 4[3]). For more details see the corresponding chapter. This plan sees Mercedes-Benz taking the crucial step towards conditionally and highly automated driving (SAE Level 3 and Level 4), thereby for the first time offering its customers the possibility in a series production vehicle of handing over the task of driving to the vehicle.

In August 2013, Mercedes-Benz already impressively demonstrated that autonomous or automated driving is not some Utopia, but fundamentally technically possible. At that time, the Mercedes-Benz S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE based on the previous S-Class and equipped with near-series technology covered the historic, approx. 100-kilometre Bertha Benz route from Mannheim to Pforzheim completely autonomously. With the DRIVE PILOT, conditionally automated driving at Mercedes-Benz is expected to enter series production from the second half of 2021.

On suitable motorway sections and where traffic density is high, the DRIVE PILOT can offer to take over the driving, initially up to the legally permitted speed of 60 km/h. The controls needed for this are located in the steering wheel rim, on the left and right above the thumb recesses. When the driver activates the DRIVE PILOT, the system controls the speed and distance, and serenely guides the vehicle within its lane. The route profile, events occurring on the route and traffic signs are all assessed and taken into consideration accordingly. The DRIVE PILOT can also recognise unexpected traffic situations, and deal with them autonomously by evasive action within its lane or braking action.

Paradigm change: the vehicle takes control

For the first time, the vehicle takes control while the DRIVE PILOT is active in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. This is a paradigm change. It is Mercedes-Benz's view that the safe operation of a system of this nature can only be realised with the help of an extended sensor set. This also includes LiDAR ("Light Detection and Ranging": optical measurement of distance and speed), highly precise positioning and an HD map (digital map in high-definition quality). This ensures that the system can confidently hand over safely to the driver even in difficult situations.

While using the DRIVE PILOT, the driver can turn away from what is happening on the road and turn to certain secondary activities, be that communicating with colleagues via In-Car Office, browsing on the internet, or enjoying a relaxing seat massage. This is because in DRIVE PILOT mode, functions can be enabled that are otherwise blocked when driving. However, the driver must always be ready to retake control and immediately resume driving as necessary when the system prompts them to do so, or if it is obvious that the conditions for correct use of the DRIVE PILOT no longer apply.

Conditionally automated driving on suitable motorway sections where traffic density is high

When the vehicle approaches the end of a route section that is suitable for the DRIVE PILOT, for example a tunnel, or if other conditions change, perhaps the weather or the traffic situation (for example when a tailback begins to flow freely), the driver is prompted in good time to retake control. Fundamentally the driver must remain ready to take control and be able to continue driving the vehicle manually within ten seconds – sleeping, looking to the rear for extended periods or even leaving the driver's seat are therefore not possible. To ensure that the driver is able to take control, the cameras of the driver display and MBUX Interior Assist monitor movements of the head and eyelids.

If the driver fails to take back control even after increasingly urgent prompting, e.g. owing to a severe health problem, the DRIVE PILOT brakes the vehicle to a standstill in a controlled manner and with suitable deceleration. At the same time the hazard warning system and, once the vehicle has come to a standstill, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system are activated and the doors and windows are unlocked, to make access to the interior easier for any first responders. Naturally the driver can also deactivate the DRIVE PILOT at any time without any prompting by the system. This is done via the steering wheel buttons, or by manually intervening in the vehicle's control functions.

With a LiDAR sensor and redundant systems

The DRIVE PILOT is based on the environmental sensors of the Driving Assistance package, and has additional sensors which Mercedes-Benz considers essential for safe conditionally automated driving. These include LiDAR, an additional camera in the rear windscreen and microphones, which are particularly useful for recognising the flashing blue lights and special signals of emergency vehicles. As well as the sensor data, the DRIVE PILOT receives information about the road geometry, route profile, traffic signs and unusual traffic events (e.g. accidents or roadworks) from a digital HD map. This is made available by a back-end connection. The vehicle's location is determined using a highly precise positioning system that goes well beyond the usual GPS systems. The S-Class with the optional DRIVE PILOT also has redundant steering and braking systems and a redundant onboard electrical system, so that it remains manoeuvrable even if one of these systems fails and the safe handover to the driver can be ensured.

A powerful central control unit provides the necessary sophisticated software functions for conditionally automated driving.The image processing, for example, uses future-oriented technologies from the world of artificial intelligence. As part of the sophisticated safety architecture, all algorithms are calculated twice.

The system is constantly improving

The top speed of a system with conditional automation in Germany is restricted by law to 60 km/h. However, the DRIVE PILOT is ready to permit higher speeds or other use cases via over-the-air updates once the legislative framework provides for this. The general introduction of the DRIVE PILOT in other European countries, in the USA and China will follow gradually as the legal situation in each country provides for a surrendering of the driving task.

Legal framework in Germany

In order to be able to allow the customer for the first time to carry out secondary activities during the journey, it is necessary for the Europe-wide harmonised technical approval requirements to be met. However, it also requires national road traffic regulations that allow the driver to use the SAE Level 3 system as intended, including by relinquishing the task of driving. The DRIVE PILOT will initially be offered in Germany because, by opening up its road traffic legislation to Level 3 systems in 2017, Germany was one of the first countries to provide a legal basis for their use. The approval procedure for Europe, which is also necessary for use of the DRIVE PILOT in Germany, is scheduled to be completed towards the middle of next year.

The different levels of automated driving

Following the SAE J3016 standard, the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) defines six different levels of automated driving.

• Level 0: no automation. The driver performs all driving tasks.
• Level 1: assisted - driving with assistance systems. The driver always has full control of the vehicle, but can call on support from driving assistance systems for longitudinal or lateral guidance, e.g. from an adaptive cruise control system.
• Level 2: semi-automated. The driver always has full control of the vehicle, but can call on support from driving assistance systems for longitudinal and lateral guidance or when parking.
• Level 3: conditionally automated. The driving system with conditional automation takes over dynamic driving tasks when certain parameters apply. A driver who is ready to take control at any time is however still necessary. The driver must take control (with a delay of a few seconds) at all times when prompted to do so by the system.
• Level 4: highly automated. Under certain circumstances (e.g. selected roads, not in any weather) the vehicle can manage all traffic situations by itself. Depending on the use case, a driver is no longer required (e.g. automated valet parking, people shuttle)
• Level 5: driverless. The vehicle can perform all driving functions by itself in all circumstances.

[1] SAE Level 3: the automated driving function takes over certain driving tasks. However, a driver is still required. The driver must be ready to take control of the vehicle at all times when prompted to intervene by the vehicle.

[2] The legally permissible secondary activities of the driver depend on the relevant national traffic regulations.

[3] SAE Level 4: Under certain circumstances (e.g. selected roads, not in any weather) the vehicle can manage all traffic situations by itself. No driver is required to be in the vehicle.

 

[bialkov]

Light and comfortable travel

Innovative suspension systems ensure an impressive travel experience in the new S-Class. Rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10° improves manoeuvrability in urban areas. The optional, fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension on a 48 V basis offers a unique synthesis of comfort and agility, plus additional protection in the event of a lateral collision. The AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard equipment. Close networking between all the suspension and control systems ensures maximum stability and safety. Redundant steering and braking systems are ready for conditionally automated driving acc. to SAE Level 3.


The aim of the developers was to exceed the high level of suspension and ride comfort of the preceding series, while achieving a very high level of vehicle dynamics. E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (see separate chapter) replaces the previous MAGIC BODY CONTROL.


At the front the new S-Class has the well-proven four-link suspension. With the exception of the wheel bearings, all the wheel location components are of forged aluminium. The multi-link independent rear suspension has been completely redeveloped to accommodate rear-axle steering. To this end, the kinematics and elastokinematics were adapted, and the track rod at the lower steering arm level was moved from the front to the rear. The rear axle carrier is of welded sheet aluminium, and weighs no more than before thanks to computer-assisted structural improvements and despite greater strength. A newly developed metal/plastic hybrid cross-bar is bolted into this open-fronted section, and has significant weight advantages over the cast aluminium cross-bar of the preceding model. The suspension subframe carriers and the elastomer bearings of the rear axle struts were redeveloped in extensive simulations and driving trials, so as to improve them with respect to NVH and handling characteristics.


Constant level


The standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension responds particularly sensitively. It combines air suspension bellows with adaptive ADS+ dampers whose characteristics can be fully automatically varied at each individual wheel, in both the compression and rebound stages. While driving, a sophisticated sensor system and algorithms set the dampers according to the quality of the road to ensure that, for example, driving over a bump with just one wheel is not transmitted to the entire axle and the interior. At the front axle the springs and dampers are housed in one suspension strut. This level control is part of AIRMATIC. It keeps the ground clearance constant irrespective of the vehicle load, but also makes changes. By way of example, in COMFORT mode the vehicle body is lowered by 10 mm at high speeds above 120 km/h and another 10 mm at over 160 km/h to reduce aerodynamic drag and increase driving stability. In SPORT driving mode the body is always 10 mm lower, and in SPORT+ 17 mm. At up to 60 km/h, the body can be raised by 30 mm at the touch of a button.


As manoeuvrable as a compact car: both axles can do the steering


The aim of the engineers at Mercedes-Benz was to make the new S-Class as manoeuvrable as a compact car. The impressive driving function has been realised using rear-axle steering that allows large steering angles of up to 10° and is integrated into the dynamic control systems of the steering, brakes and suspension (more about the rear-axle steering in the next chapter). The S-Class has an electro-mechanical direct steering system at the front. The suspension settings of the DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes allow individual adaptation of the assistance characteristics. Whatever the vehicle weight, tyre size and friction, an innovative control concept ensures consistent and comfortable steering feedback. The steering is also the central actuator for implementing the movement trajectory from numerous driving assistance functions and handling safety systems. In models equipped with the optional rear-axle steering, the front axle has a steering variant with an approx. 15% more direct steering ratio which requires considerably less steering movement in conjunction with the rear-axle steering.


DYNAMIC SELECT: The S-Class drives as the driver wants it to


The driver can individually modify the characteristics of the powertrain, ESP®, suspension and steering. The selection is made using a control at the lower end of the central display. The default setting is COMFORT mode. Different characteristics are firmly assigned to each system. The driver has the choice of selecting fixed driving modes or individually combining sub-modes. The selection is acknowledged by acoustic and visual feedback. The desired driving mode is shown as the status and depicted in the central display.


The individual modes:

Programme	Character
ECO	particularly fuel-efficient driving
COMFORT	comfortable and fuel-efficient driving
SPORT	sporty driving
SPORT+	very sporty driving
INDIVIDUAL	individual settings

The CURVE mode is also available in combination with E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. Plug-in hybrid models have the BATTERY LEVEL and ELECTRIC driving modes.


Electronic assistance: ESP® dynamic cornering assistance and Steering Assist

 

[bialkov]

More manoeuvrable and dynamic thanks to steerable rear wheels

Thanks to rear-axle steering (optional), the S-Class feels as manoeuvrable as a compact car in the city. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to ten degrees. The turning circle is reduced by up to two metres.

The interaction between the front-axle and rear-axle steering is configured to ensure agile responsiveness in urban and country traffic together with a very high level of stability. This results in e.g. small side-slip angles and a high level of yaw suppression. At high speeds the focus is more on stability, though without compromising precision and responsiveness. This added value is achieved by integrated actuation of the steering and brakes (ESP®), and considerably improves handling safety as a result.

Customers have a choice of two variants of the optional rear-axle steering: 4.5° and 10° rear-axle steering. In the 10° variant the wheel size is limited to 255/40 R 20, allowing a larger wheel angle. These are the other differences:

	Without rear-axle steering	With rear-axle steering
Max. steering angle at the rear axle (°)	0	4.5	10
Turning circle (m) S-Class with short wheelbase (W 223)	Rear-wheel drive	12.2	11.4	10.5
4MATIC	12.5	11.6	10.7
Turning circle (m) S-Class with long wheelbase (V 223)	Rear-wheel drive	12.5	11.7	10.8
4MATIC	12.8	11.9	10.9

S-Class models with rear-axle steering have an approx. 15 percent more direct steering ratio at the front axle. This means that the driver needs to turn the steering wheel by much less. The respective rear-axle angles and trajectories are shown in the driving mode menu in the central display.

The operating principle of rear-axle steering in detail: An electric motor drives a spindle at the rear axle via a drive belt. This makes axial adjustments to the spindle. Depending on the speed and the steering angle, the rear wheels are turned in the same or the opposite direction as the front wheels (same-direction or counter-direction steering). In simplified terms, this produces more agility and a smaller turning circle by counter-steering and more stability with same-direction steering. In the S-Class, the full steering angle of ten degrees is especially used during parking manoeuvres. The environmental data of the vehicle sensors (radar, camera, ultrasonic) are used to adapt the maximum angle to the relevant situation. The system switches from counter-direction to same-direction steering at more than 60 km/h.

 

[bialkov]

Only floating is better

Even better ride comfort and agility, as well as innovative functions such as raising the vehicle body in a lateral crash, are provided by the new developed E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL active suspension, which is combined with the standard AIRMATIC air suspension. This regulates the damping and spring forces individually at each wheel, and not only counters body roll, but also pitch and lift. Together with ROAD SURFACE SCAN and the CURVE function, E‑ACTIVE BODY CONTROL allows an extraordinarily high level of comfort and underpins the claim of Mercedes-Benz to produce the world's most intelligent suspension.

Active suspension systems have a long tradition at Mercedes-Benz. More than 40 years ago, research was already being conducted on spring and damper systems that would allow the power at each wheel to be individually controlled. The objective: to improve both ride comfort and vehicle dynamics. In 1999 ABC (Active Body Control) first entered series production in the S-Class Coupé. In subsequent years ABC was continuously developed further, with the ROAD SURFACE SCAN function added in 2013 to produce the first predictive suspension that already responds to surface undulations before they are reached.

E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL continues this tradition in a unique way. Developed by Mercedes-Benz, it operates on 48 volts and is available in the S-Class as an optional extra. The system is based on the full AIRMATIC air suspension system, and therefore offers all-round level control which keeps the vehicle level constant irrespective of the load. The level can also be raised or lowered as required, to increase ground clearance.

Furthermore, the air suspension with active hydraulic damping generates dynamic forces that overlay the air suspension forces and actively support and dampen the vehicle body, e.g. during linear and lateral acceleration or when driving on uneven roads. The body no longer squats or pitches during braking and acceleration, and on poor road surfaces the system is even able to recuperate energy, roughly halving the energy requirement compared with the preceding system in the S-Class.

The active suspension also allows a very wide spread of handling characteristics that can be set with the driving mode – from the comfort of a luxury saloon to the agility of a sports car. It is also closely networked with the rear-axle steering and the other suspension and control systems, and achieves a new level of stability and safety as a result. With five multi-core processors, more than 20 sensors and use of the stereo camera, E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL responds predictively to any driving situation and ensures a completely new driving experience. The control units analyse the driving situation 1000 times per second, and adapt the suspension accordingly. ROAD SURFACE SCAN is a unique function: The stereo multi-purpose camera continuously registers the road surface ahead. The suspension struts are then activated so as to substantially reduce the body movements when driving over surface undulations, as the suspension responds even before the uneven stretch is reached.

The curve inclination function likewise improves ride comfort: in CURVE driving mode, the vehicle actively leans into bends by up to 3° in three stages, like a motorcycle. This reduces the lateral forces acting on the occupants. Cornering is therefore made much more pleasant, especially for the front and rear passengers.

The control function of E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL depends upon:

• the driving style, e.g. dynamic
• the road surface, e.g. surface undulations
• the vehicle load
• the selected driving mode: sporty (SPORT), comfortable (COMFORT), comfortable with dynamic curve inclination function (CURVE) or comfortable and particularly energy-efficient (ECO).

How it works: How E-ACTIVE Body Control works

E-ACTIVE Body Control adds semi-supporting hydraulics to the air suspension. The air springs bear the base load of the vehicle body and gradually regulate the level. The hydraulics generate dynamic forces that overlay the air spring forces, and actively support and dampen the vehicle body. They achieve up to 6 kN at the front wheels and 5 kN at the rear wheels. The actuating force is up to 20 kN/s, which also allows raising of the vehicle body when an impending side impact is recognised. More about this extension to PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side in the chapter "Protective measures in a side crash".

At each wheel, a damper is installed within the axle with two working chambers that have an adjustable damping valve and a hydraulic pressure reservoir. The damper is connected to an intelligent motor/pump unit in the 48 V network by hydraulic lines. Actuation of the motor/pump unit enables the hydraulic fluid to be displaced to create a difference in pressure within the damper, allowing an active force to be generated.

The motor/pump units at all four wheels are coordinated by a central control unit which also actuates the valves and the compressor for the air springs, and therefore always controls the entire suspension system.

The transition from a belt-driven hydraulic pump to an electric 48-volt pump also takes into account the increasing electrification of the powertrain: the combustion engine is idle increasingly often – or not used at all.

 

[bialkov]

Much ado for a low drag coefficient

With a cd figure from 0.22,[1] the S-Class is one of the world's most aerodynamic cars, and especially so in the luxury saloon segment. Aerodynamic measures affecting the body, underbody and detachable parts allow a good showing in the wind tunnel and in real operation. Extensive airflow simulations were already carried out using high-performance computer clusters during an early development phase. A great deal of fine-tuning also went into the aeroacoustics. The previous generation of the S-Class already excelled with a very high level of interior noise comfort. The new model is even quieter.

Although the frontal area (A) of the new S-Class has increased slightly to 2.5 sq. m., the drag coefficient has been reduced even further compared to the preceding model. The product of cd and A is 0.56 sq. m., which is 200 sq. cm less than for the previous model after its last facelift.

One major focus of the aerodynamic measures was on the airflow in and around the front bumper. The space between the front wheel arch and the bumper is used as an air chamber. There are slits in the side walls of the recesses in the outer area of the bumper. These force air into the chambers and avoid interruption of the airflow ahead of the front wheels. At the same time some of the hot exhaust air from the engine compartment is directed into the air chamber. This is assisted by more effective sealing between the engine compartment and wheel arches. Each of the inlets ahead of the front wheels has a large exhaust air aperture preceded by a 3D suction spoiler. The mixture of cold and warm air is fed through these exhaust air apertures and ventilation slits to the insides of the front wheel arches. The resulting airflow ensures the best possible airflow along the underside of the vehicle and along the sides of the front wheel arches, and this also benefits thermal management in the engine compartment. In addition, the engine compartment panelling between the front wheels has been widened to reinforce this effect. Thanks to this improved thermal management, it has become possible to extend the rear engine compartment panelling even further and further reduce aerodynamic drag in comparison with a preceding model with a comparable engine.

Detailed improvements to the underbody and mounted parts such as the exterior mirrors and wheels also contribute to the very good aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

• The new S-Class has two-section rear light clusters. Owing to their lower height compared to the single-section version, it was necessary to dispense with spoiler lips in the lenses. This meant that particular attention was given to e.g. improving the airflow to the rear diffuser.
• S-Class models with the panoramic glass sunroof have diagonal rear struts in the underbody to rigidify the bodyshell. To improve aerodynamic drag, these have been removed from the diffuser airflow and relocated above the exhaust system.
• The position and airflow angles of the aerodynamically shaped cladding on the rear spring control arms and the fuel tank guard were reconfigured with further CFD-DOE improvements (see next section) and individual calculations, and later fine-tuned in the wind tunnel.
• The exterior mirrors feature so-called aerostripes. These fine edges on the insides of the mirrors create turbulence and improve the airflow. The aerostripes also benefit the aeroacoustics.
• Other measures include aero-wheels in almost every size, a cooling airflow control system behind the radiator grille and in the bumper, and improved sealing of the cooling airflow.

The three-dimensional airflow pattern around the vehicle was already calculated in high-performance simulation clusters using CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) in an early development phase. Shortly after this project started, during the dimensional drawing phase, several extensive DOE (Design of Experiments) studies were carried out on the basis of the preceding model, with up to 250 calculations per body area. In this process the aerodynamic engineers specify the parameters for certain components, e.g. the possible height of the boot lid.

Several hundred simulations were carried out over several days, fully covering the scope of the prescribed parameters. These simulations can be used to calculate a global or local optimum or, far more importantly in this phase, establish the influence of the individual parameters on the drag coefficient. Using the DOE method, specific aerodynamic requirements were reported to and discussed with personnel working on the dimensional concept and design in a very early phase.

In recent years such automated calculation processes including DOE have been intensively developed further by Mercedes-Benz aerodynamic engineers. As a result, digital development with DOE not only saves time, but is also cost-efficient: unlike for the preceding model, which required up to six hardware models, the new S-Class required only two 1:1 design models for wind tunnel improvements thanks to digital frontloading, i.e. advance selection of variants.

Aeroacoustics and NVH: even quieter interior than the previous model

The aim of sound insulation was to further improve the discreet noise level in the interior. The high rigidity of the bodyshell provides the basis for outstanding noise and vibration comfort, and this is enhanced with fine-tuning. For example, the apertures for the cable grommets in the firewall have double seals. To achieve an engine sound that is perceived as refined and unobtrusive in the interior, the firewall insulation has been extended into the side areas of the A-pillars and the floor area.

Mercedes-Benz is also using acoustic foam in certain bodyshell sections for the first time in series production. In this process a special foam is packed into the bodyshell while these areas are still accessible. These foam sections then expand in the oven during cathodic dip painting (CDP). This process has considerably improved sound insulation in the body structure – e.g. sound transmission through the C-pillar.

The S-Class was developed in the in-house aeroacoustic wind tunnel, which went into operation in 2013. To reduce wind noise, the bodyshell and sealing concept were improved as well as optimising the vehicle shape. Some of the aeroacoustic measures in detail:

• The exterior mirrors feature so-called aerostripes. These fine edges on the insides of the mirrors create turbulence and ensure that the airflow is better able to follow the mirror contours, while reducing cutoff noise. The interior features were also fine-tuned: during the development phase, computer tomography was used for the mirror triangle. In this way the installed position of rails and multi-foam seals was verified.
• The new, flush-fitted door handles (optional) are better sealed on the inside than conventional designs.

• The seals in the window areas were improved, and the gap reduced.

• Extensive airflow measures for the panoramic sliding sunroof ensure a high level of noise comfort.

The S-Class has green-tinted thermal insulation glass as standard. The windscreen is made of laminated safety glass with an integral acoustic membrane, while the side windows and rear window are of single-pane safety glass. Laminated safety glass all-round is available as an option. This insulates against heat and noise, and reflects infrared radiation.

[1] Best performance in SPORT+ driving mode

 

[LaArtist]

It has serious W126 vibes

 

[Rolf]

Old vs new dimensions. The W223 is a much bigger car than W222 in length, width and wheelbase. with increase in rear space and boot space.

Mercedes S-Class dimensions old / new

S-Class with ...	... short wheelbase	predecessor	Diff.	... long wheelbase	predecessor	Diff.
Outside dimensions (mm)
length	5.179	5.125	+54	5.289	5.255	+34
width	1.954 / 1.9211	1,899	+ 55 / + 221	1.954 / 1.9211	1,899	+ 55 / + 221
Width including exterior mirrors	2.109	2.130	-21	2.109	2.130	-21
height	1.503	1.493	+10	1.503	1.491	+12
wheelbase	3.106	3.035	+71	3.216	3.165	+51
Front track	1.660	1.624	+36	1.660	1.624	+36
Back track	1.688	1.637	+51	1.688	1.637	+51
Inside dimensions (mm)
Max. Headroom at the front	1.070	1.069	+1	1.070	1.069	+1
Rear headroom 2	974 / 1.003	958/995	+ 16 / + 8	974 / 1.003	958/995	+ 16 / + 8
Front leg room	1.051	1.051	0	1.051	1.051	0
Rear leg room	1.004	963	+41	1.115	1.091	+24
Elbow width in front	1,592	1.554	+38	1,592	1.554	+38
Elbow width at the back	1,583	1,560	+23	1,572	1.561	+11
Shoulder width in front	1.516	1.516	0	1.516	1.516	0
Shoulder width at the back	1.469	1,499	-30	1.469	1.501	-32
Trunk volume3 VDA (L)	550	530	+20	550	530	+20

S-Class with ...	... short wheelbase	predecessor	Diff.	... long wheelbase	predecessor	Diff.
Outside dimensions (mm)
length	5.179	5.125	+54	5.289	5.255	+34
width	1.954 / 1.9211	1,899	+ 55 / + 221	1.954 / 1.9211	1,899	+ 55 / + 221
Width including exterior mirrors	2.109	2.130	-21	2.109	2.130	-21
height	1.503	1.493	+10	1.503	1.491	+12
wheelbase	3.106	3.035	+71	3.216	3.165	+51
Front track	1.660	1.624	+36	1.660	1.624	+36
Back track	1.688	1.637	+51	1.688	1.637	+51
Inside dimensions (mm)
Max. Headroom at the front	1.070	1.069	+1	1.070	1.069	+1
Rear headroom 2	974 / 1.003	958/995	+ 16 / + 8	974 / 1.003	958/995	+ 16 / + 8
Front leg room	1.051	1.051	0	1.051	1.051	0
Rear leg room	1.004	963	+41	1.115	1.091	+24
Elbow width in front	1,592	1.554	+38	1,592	1.554	+38
Elbow width at the back	1,583	1,560	+23	1,572	1.561	+11
Shoulder width in front	1.516	1.516	0	1.516	1.516	0
Shoulder width at the back	1.469	1,499	-30	1.469	1.501	-32
Trunk volume3 VDA (L)	550	530	+20

Engine specs and performance. They didnt mention the weight of the car, not sure if its increased over W222.

New Mercedes S-Class - Technical data

		S 450 4-Matic	S 500 4-Matic	S 350 d	S 350 d 4-Matic	S 400 d 4-Matic
transmission	automatically	9G-Tronic
Motor (series, arrangement, cylinder)	M 256, R6	OM 656, R6
Displacement	cm³	2,999	2,999	2,925	2,925	2,925
power	kW / PS	270/367	320/435	210/286	210/286	243/330
at	1 / min	5,500 - 6,100	5,900 - 6,100	3,400 - 4,600	3,400 - 4,600	3,600 - 4,200
Add. Performance EQ Boost	kW / PS	16/22	16/22	-	-	-
Max. Torque	Nm	500	520	600	600	700
at	1 / min	1,600 - 4,500	1,800 - 5,500	1,200 - 3,200	1,200 - 3,200	1,200 - 3,200
Add. Torque EQ Boost	Nm	250	250	-	-	-
Combined fuel consumption NEDC	l / 100 km	8.4-7.8 (8.3-7.8)	8.4-7.8 (8.4-7.8)	6.7-6.2 (6.7-6.2)	6.9-6.4 (6.8-6.3)	7.0-6.5 6.9-6.4)
Combined CO2 emissions NEDC	g / km	191-178 (191-178)	192-179 (192-178)	176-163 (176-163)	183-168 (180-166)	186-171 (183-169)
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	s	5.1	4.9	6.4	6.2	5.4
Top speed	km / h	250	250	250	250	250
Consumption values according to WLTP23		S 450 4-Matic	S 500 4-Matic	S 350 d	S 350 d 4-Matic	S 400 d 4-Matic
Combined fuel consumption WLTP	l / 100 km	9.5-7.8 (9.4-7.8)	9.5-8.0 (9.4-8.0)	7.7-6.4 (7.7-6.4)	8.0-6.6 (7.9-6.5)	8.0-6.7 (7.9-6.7)
Figures in brackets apply to the S-Class with a short wheelbase

		S 450 4-Matic	S 500 4-Matic	S 350 d	S 350 d 4-Matic	S 400 d 4-Matic
transmission	automatically	9G-Tronic
Motor (series, arrangement, cylinder)	M 256, R6	OM 656, R6
Displacement	cm³	2,999	2,999	2,925	2,925	2,925
power	kW / PS	270/367	320/435	210/286	210/286	243/330
at	1 / min	5,500 - 6,100	5,900 - 6,100	3,400 - 4,600	3,400 - 4,600	3,600 - 4,200
Add. Performance EQ Boost	kW / PS	16/22	16/22	-	-	-
Max. Torque	Nm	500	520	600	600	700
at	1 / min	1,600 - 4,500	1,800 - 5,500	1,200 - 3,200	1,200 - 3,200	1,200 - 3,200
Add. Torque EQ Boost	Nm	250	250	-	-	-
Combined fuel consumption NEDC	l / 100 km	8.4-7.8 (8.3-7.8)	8.4-7.8 (8.4-7.8)	6.7-6.2 (6.7-6.2)	6.9-6.4 (6.8-6.3)	7.0-6.5 6.9-6.4)
Combined CO2 emissions NEDC	g / km	191-178 (191-178)	192-179 (192-178)	176-163 (176-163)	183-168 (180-166)	186-171 (183-169)
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	s	5.1	4.9	6.4	6.2	5.4
Top speed	km / h	250	250	250	250	250
Consumption values according to WLTP23		S 450 4-Matic	S 500 4-Matic	S 350 d	S 350 d 4-Matic	S 400 d 4-Matic
Combined fuel consumption WLTP	l / 100 km	9.5-7.8 (9.4-7.8)	9.5-8.0 (9.4-8.0)	7.7-6.4 (7.7-6.4)	8.0-6.6 (7.9-6.5)	8.0-6.7 (7.9-6.7)
Figures in brackets apply to the S-Class with a short wheelbase

 

[bialkov]

Digital-analogue revolution in the interior

Modern luxury attains the next level in the interior of the S-Class. The designers have created a feel-good ambience with lounge character marked by elegance, high quality and lightness. The dashboard with its new architecture, modern surface design and ergonomic display arrangement is a particular highlight. The aim and ambition of the Mercedes-Benz interior designers was to harmonise digital and analogue luxury in the vehicle interior.

The S-Class has always been a place for comfortable travel and relaxed working. With the new generation, the interior has fully evolved into a "third place", a refuge between home and workplace. Nearly all comfort-related dimensions of both variants, the S-Class with short and long wheelbase, have been improved in the front as well as on the rear seats. The sense of space is accordingly generous.

The desired harmony between digital and analogue luxury results in a revolutionary interior design, including associations with interior architecture and yacht design elements. The sculptured look of the dashboard, centre console and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape. The systematic reduction in the number of controls underscores the minimalist appearance of the interior. A fine divide between the upper section of the dashboard and the large trim element structures the area and creates horizontal breadth. This interface is also where the active ambient lighting (see separate chapter) is located.

In addition to the up to five screens, highlights include the large trim elements in the dashboard and in the rear (with the First Class rear suite). These flow around the passengers and are a systematic further development of the wrap-around effect. One particularly attractive version of the trim is an open-pored wood veneer shot through with inlays of real aluminium that follow the contours. The "Novum" trim variant consists of a mixed metallic weave which accentuates the elegant, sporty styling.

New design elements include the flat, four-square centre vents with horizontal nacelles. Two slim, vertical side vents on each side round off the ends of the dashboard. The air volume is controlled by keys with LED displays. The avantgarde geometry of the vents and their decorative nature accentuate the modern look.

The seats (see separate chapter for features and configuration) invite the occupants to sit down and relax. The flowing, three-dimensional layer design theme gives an impression of lightness. Different finishes give the seats different characters. For example, the flowing longitudinal piping of Lugano leather lends them a noble, avantgarde look, while the progressive diamond pattern of nappa leather and Exclusive nappa leather is more classical and expressive.

Mercedes-Benz introduced electric seat adjustment in 1980. Since then, many vehicle generations have featured the brand's hallmark seat adjustment switch in the form of a stylised seat in the door. This control has been completely redesigned for the new S-Class. Visible joints have been reduced by combining the trim with the seat controls. The geometry and surround lighting of the control panel make the seat adjustment control appear to float in the door panel.

The newly developed pressure sensors for seat adjustment open up new design possibilities. Thanks to the practically fixed control buttons, minimal gaps between the individual controls can be realised. This also means that very small apertures in the black panel trim are possible. This allows a slim, filigree, floating design of the control buttons. The pressure sensors also allow a continuous coupling of operating pressure and speed.

Choice of four display styles and three modes

The driver display and media display offer a comprehensive aesthetic experience The appearance of the screens can be individualised with a choice of four display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Exclusive, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service) Examples of new features:

• In "Discreet", seven different colour schemes are available for the instrumentation, and the 64 colours of the ambient lighting are grouped accordingly.
• "Sporty" is dominated by the colour red, with dynamic presentation of the central rev counter.
• The new display scheme "Exclusive" in an attractive white mother-of-pearl look is reserved for the S-Class. In night mode and when passing through tunnels, the system automatically switches to a darker display.
• In "Assistance" mode, important events, the infrastructure and other road users (cars, motorcycles, trucks) are shown.
• The augmented reality head-up display (see separate chapter) is absolutely new, and projects important information into the real environment.

 

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High-tech for maximum comfort

Up to 19 motors in the front seats make for comfortable seating – a number that indicates the complexity of the technology installed in the seats. However, the seats not only play a major part for comfort, but also where safety is concerned. And of course when it comes to luxurious wellbeing: all the seats available for the S-Class carry the seal of approval by the Healthy Seating campaign[1].


The wealth of technology is accommodated in a new design whose weight has not increased despite the new content. The backrest is now isolated from the seat surface, which has advantages in terms of transmitted vibrations and crash behaviour. The seat cushion takes the form of a steel-sprung half shell of sheet steel with foam upholstery and a seat cover. The mouldings for attachment to the seat adjustment system are integrated into the half shells. The springs are pretensioned when the seat depth is enlarged. Seat adjustment therefore adapts the spring characteristics for larger and heavier occupants. An innovative microsandwich material is used in the seatback lining. More information: "Under the microscope: resource-conserving materials".


ENERGIZING seat kinetics is available in the S-Class for the first time. Small changes in the angles of the seat surface and backrest tension and relax the muscles, benefiting the circulation. The list of drive motors and actuators in each seat for the following functions gives an impression of the complexity of the seat as a high-tech component:

• Longitudinal adjustment
• Height adjustment
• Inclination adjustment
• Seat cushion depth adjustment
• Backrest angle
• Head restraint height adjustment
• Head restraint angle
• Heel support (only front passenger seat)
• Rear Seat Entertainment/displays for passengers in the rear. On the front passenger side, the inclination is automatically adjusted to the angle of the backrest to keep the same angle of vision. Naturally the rear passengers can also adjust the monitors individually. At the driver's seat the monitor is always adjusted by hand.
• 4 vibration motors for massage
• 5 fan motors
• a motor for the lumbar support pump in the basic seats. The pump for the inflatable side bolsters of the multicontour seat is centrally installed in the boot.

But that's not all: the seats also play an increasingly major part where safety is concerned. Up to four airbags (sidebag as a combined thorax-pelvis bag, the new rear airbag and, in the driver's seat, also the centre airbag and the air chamber of PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side) have to be accommodated. More about this in the chapters "The rear airbag" and "Protective measures in a side crash".


Other new features in the seat if the Burmester® high-end 4D surround sound system is installed are two so-called exciters (resonance transmitters) in the backrests. These convert bass tones into vibrations, making music an even more intensive experience. Ear-level speakers integrated into the head restraints improve communication. For example, the driver can hear instructions from the navigation system without disturbing the other occupants. More about this in the chapter "The sound systems"


Ten different massage programmes are available in the new S-Class. Two new programmes specially designed for the
S-Class use vibration motors. The effect of the relaxing massage along the lines of a hot stone massage is increased thanks to the warmth. To this end, the seat heating is combined with the inflatable air chambers in the active multicontour seats. The air chambers are now closer to the seat surface, and are therefore even easier to control and feel. The massage programmes take between eight and eighteen minutes. Their intensity can be chosen in two stages.

• Hot Relaxing back massage
• Hot Relaxing shoulder massage
• Activating massage
• Classic massage
• Mobilizing massage
• Wave massage
• Active Workout backrest
• Active Workout cushion
• Depth massage
• Depth workout