Seventh Gen S-Class Sets The Bar For Mercedes

Boasting level 4 autonomous driving capability when or where legislation permits, the new S-Class is loaded with advanced infotainment, safety and comfort features, including innovative levels of active cabin environment control and connectivity. Extensive safety and dynamic features notably include a 48V powered active suspension to provide fine-tuned individual wheel control, and even the ability to predict an impact and raise the body in anticipation.

Renowned for being a trendsetter in its class and a car with high loyalty and repeat custom levels, the S-Class has always walked a fine line between high tech features and conservative design and character, and the new model seems no different in that respect. Flowing and subtly sculpted with a classic rear-drive luxury profile, the new S-Class is at the same time understated and discrete, yet projects a powerfully elegant and stately presence.

With slimmer than expected headlights perhaps, the S-Class will be offered with a choice of two versions of the same turbocharged 3-litre in-line 6-cylinder engine, with electrified and more high performance versions to follow. However, and until a test drive can be made available to provide a more thorough impression, it is perhaps the S-Class’s rear-wheel-steering which most seems to impress with its maximum 10° angle that reduces its turning circle by 1.9-meters to make it as agile and maneuverable as a much smaller car.

– Press Release –

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Automotive luxury experienced in a completely new way

2 September 2020, Dubai, UAE – The S-Class stands for the fascination of Mercedes-Benz: legendary and traditional engineering expertise which defines the luxury segment in the automobile industry. The new S-Class can be experienced with all the senses – seeing, feeling, hearing and smelling – while offering numerous innovations in the areas of driver assistance, protection and interaction. Mercedes-Benz is shaping the next generation of individual mobility with innovations that place the focus on people. The new S-Class uses digitisation for a car that responds empathetically to the needs and wishes of its driver and passengers.

“The S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury sedan. With the latest generation we want to offer our customers innovation, safety, comfort and quality as never before,” says Ola Källenius, Chairman of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “The new S-Class underpins our claim to produce the best automobile in the world”, states Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO. “This is where covetable luxury meets the greatest possible safety and highest level of comfort.” The market launch in the Middle East will commence in January 2021.

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. But the feel-good aspect goes even deeper: with high ride quality and low noise levels as well as an extensive range of ENERGIZING Comfort programmes, the S-Class looks after the well-being of its passengers. They also stay fit thanks to the effective air filtering system, which signals its newly gained capability with the new name ENERGIZING Air Control.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become more intelligent in many areas, and the driving experience is at the next level. Digital innovations such as in MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) are joined by innovations that increase driving enjoyment while making driving even safer: among them are rear-axle steering with a large steering angle and safety innovations such as the rear airbag. As a new function of PRE-SAFE^® Impulse Side, the active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension can raise the vehicle body (on both sides) just before an impending side impact. Following systematic further development, the driving assistance systems are a further step towards autonomous driving. Thanks to improved environmental sensors, for example, the parking systems give the driver even better support when manoeuvring at low speed. The integration into MBUX means that the level of visualisation has now entered a whole new dimension.

Interesting facts & figures: sometimes numbers say more than a thousand words

• The turning circle is reduced by up to 1.9 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).
• 30 loudspeakers and eight exciters are included in the Burmester^® high-end 4D surround sound system.
• 10 different massage programmes are available in the new S-Class.
• The display area of the augmented reality head-up display corresponds to a monitor with a diagonal of 77 inches.
• With a C_d figure from 0.22, 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.
• 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 (optional) even has 20 step motors. These electric motors operate the air flaps.
• In the Active Ambience Lighting system (optional) 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.
• The S-Class is the centrepiece of the brand: legendary engineering expertise and a heritage of craftsmanship meet progressive digital innovation. The S-Class combines artificial intelligence with the experience gained from 135 years of automobile engineering. Around 70 years ago, Mercedes-Benz laid the foundations for this model series with the model 220. Since its market launch in 1951, more than 4 million S-Class Sedans have been delivered to customers around the world. The designation “S-Class” was officially introduced with the 116 series in 1972. In the last 10 years the S-Class Sedan has been particularly popular in China, the USA, South Korea and Germany. All in all, since the launch of the generation that is now in its runout phase, more than 500,000 S-Class Sedans have been sold.
• The loyalty rate for this model series is especially high. For example, in the region, more than 80% of customers who previously drove an S-Class once again opted for a Mercedes-Benz model. Around the world the S-Class Sedan is predominantly sold in the long wheelbase version: Around 9 out of 10 customers opt for the long version of the S-Class Sedan, which is standard in the region.

MBUX: a new dimension in personalisation and interaction

No other innovation in recent years has so radically changed the operation of a Mercedes-Benz as MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The second generation of this learn-capable system now debuts in the new S-Class. The vehicle interior is even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The possibilities for personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more extensive. This certainly applies in the rear, but also to the driver: For example, the new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time. A real three-dimensional effect is achieved without having to wear 3D glasses.

Two different head-up displays (HUDs) are available on request. The larger HUD provides augmented reality (AR) content. When navigating, for example, animated turn-off arrows (“fishbones”) are virtually and precisely projected onto the road lane. For the assistance functions, information from e.g. Active Distance Assist is shown. The image appears virtually at a distance of 10 metres. The display area corresponds to a monitor with a 77-inch diagonal.

The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” is even more learn- and dialogue-capable by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword “Hey Mercedes”. These include accepting a telephone call. “Hey Mercedes” now also explains vehicle functions and answers general knowledge questions. In the S-Class the voice assistant can also be controlled from the rear.

Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, MBUX Interior Assist recognises and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting head direction, hand movements and body language, and responds with corresponding vehicle functions. As well as enhancing operating convenience, MBUX Interior Assist improves safety. Even before the journey begins, it notifies the driver if the camera has detected a child seat on the front passenger seat but seat belt is not fastened, for example.

With the MBUX Smart Home function, the S-Class now also becomes a control centre for the home, because the homes of many people are increasingly intelligent: mobile intelligence ensures maximum operating convenience from afar. 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.

Dimensional concept and interior design: generous ambience with a lounge-like nature

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 the 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.

Here are the most important dimensions:

S-Class with …	… long wheelbase	Preceding model	Diff.
Exterior dimensions (mm)
Length	5289	5255	+34
Width	1954/19211	1899	+55/+221
Width incl. exterior mirrors	2109	2130	-21
Height	1503	1491	+12
Wheelbase	3216	3165	+51
Track, front	1660	1624	+36
Track, rear	1688	1637	+51
Interior dimensions (mm)
Max. headroom, front	1070	1069	+1
Headroom, rear	974/1.003	958/995	+16/+8
Legroom, front	1051	1051	0
Legroom, rear	1115	1091	+24
Elbow room, front	1592	1554	+38
Elbow room, rear	1572	1561	+11
Shoulder room, front	1516	1516	0
Shoulder room, rear	1469	1501	-32
Boot capacity VDA (l)	550	530	+20

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.

Alongside up to five screens, the highlights include the large areas of trim in the dashboard and in the rear (in the Comfort Seat variant). 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. 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 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).

Seats: Plenty of high-tech for outstanding long-distance comfort

The seats literally 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.

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. Yet comfort is not enough: the seats also play a major part 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.

Ten different massage programmes are available in the new S-Class. These use the vibration motors and can enhance the effect of a relaxing massage with warmth on the hot-stone principle. 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.

Five different rear seat variants make it possible to configure the rear of the S-Class as a working or rest area. One new feature is the heated additional cushion for the head restraint, which is available for the two electrically adjustable rear seats. The adjustment range and angle of the front passenger seat in the chauffeur configuration and the reclining seat behind it have been improved as well.

The ENERGIZING Comfort programmes: Comfortable travel while staying fit

At the touch of a button or by voice command, the holistic “Fit & Healthy” approach of ENERGIZING Comfort provides a tangible experience of the different comfort systems in the S-Class, and features programmes that bundle them into worlds of experience. At the same time, the system creates a suitable atmosphere in the interior – for example, invigorating in case of monotonous stretches of road or relaxing in case of an elevated stress level. The ENERGIZING COACH even suggests an appropriate vitalisation or wellness programme based on vehicle and trip data. It also factors the information about sleep quality and stress level into its intelligent algorithm if the driver has a suitable wearable.

Mercedes-Benz has fundamentally improved ENERGIZING comfort control in the new S-Class. Innovations such as a massage based on vibrating motors in the seat cushion and resonance transmission by the Burmester high-end
4D surround sound system are integrated. This makes bass tones feelable. Direct reproduction of the sound resonance in the seats adds another level to the three-dimensional listening experience – 4D sound inspired by the acoustic massage. The perceived intensity of the sound can be individually adjusted for each seat. The music becomes even more emotional thanks to this feelable component. Two exciters are integrated into the backrest of each seat for this purpose.

Automated driving and driving assistance systems: even more support for the driver

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 operating principle of the systems is made visible by a new display concept in the driver display.

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 serve to protect other road users, too.

Suspension systems: more manoeuvrable and dynamic with rear axle steering

Innovative suspension systems ensure an impressive travel experience in the new S-Class. Rear-axle steering (optional) with a steering angle of up to 10° improves manoeuvrability in urban areas to the level of a compact car. Even for the S-Class with a long wheelbase and all-wheel drive, the turning circle is reduced by 1.9 metres to less than 10.9 metres.

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. Mercedes-Benz has now added a new function of PRE-SAFE^® Impulse Side to its measures in the pre-accident phase: When a side impact threatens, the vehicle body can be raised by up to 80 millimetres by the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension within a few tenths of a second. This reduces the loads on the door structures, as the door sill can absorb more of the energy thanks to its higher position. As a result, deformation of the passenger cell and the loads acting on the occupants can be reduced. Radar sensors are used to recognise a potential side crash.

Exterior design: perfect proportions for a classical appearance

With a short front overhang, a long wheelbase and a balanced rear overhang, the S-Class is designed as a classical sedan with perfect proportions. The wide track and flush-mounted wheels with modern designs give the vehicle a muscular look. The so-called character lines have been greatly reduced along the sides. Cleverly contoured surfaces with a sculptured look create special light effects. The front section impresses with its high-status radiator grille.

The headlamps characterise the front aspect of the car. They have the three-point daytime driving light signature that is typical of the S-Class, but this is flatter and somewhat smaller overall. The flush-mounted door handles are a completely new development. They are electrically extended when the driver approaches, or the outer surface of the door handle is stroked. Keyless access is provided by KEYLESS-GO.

The dynamic appearance of the car is continued at the rear. Thanks to precisely designed, highly detailed interior features and certain animated functions, the rear lights contribute to the impression of high quality. They make the new S-Class unmistakable in both their day and night design.

The lights: with innovative digital technology both inside and out

The optional DIGITAL LIGHT system enters series production for the first time at Mercedes-Benz. This makes completely new assistance functions possible:

• Warning of recognised roadworks by projecting an excavator symbol onto the road surface
• Aiming a spotlight at pedestrians detected at the roadside as a warning
• Traffic lights, stop signs or no-entry signs are pointed out by projecting a warning symbol onto the road surface
• Assistance on narrow road lanes (roadworks) by projecting guidelines onto the road surface.

In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle. This allows highly precise light distribution. It makes Highbeam Assist over 100 times more precise then 84-pixel light when excluding oncoming traffic or road signs from the light beam. Light/shadow graduations and the light distribution of all the other adaptive light functions are also realised with considerably more precision, optimising illumination by e.g. fog light, motorway light or city light.

Thanks to LED technology, the new S-Class has also taken a leap forward in its interior lighting: Mercedes-Benz has now realised interactive interior lighting for the first time. The active ambient lighting (optional) is now integrated into the driving assistance systems, and is able to reinforce alerts visually. This also makes corresponding feedback possible for the comfort systems. This applies to the climate control system or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant.

Aerodynamics: extensive airflow simulations in the early development phase

With a C_d figure from 0.22, the S-Class is one of the world’s most aerodynamic cars, and especially so in the luxury sedan segment. 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 C_d and A is 0.56 sq. m., which is 200 sq. cm less than for the previous model after its last facelift. 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.

The S-Class has also achieved further improvements in aeroacoustics. The previous generation already excelled with a very high level of interior noise comfort. The new model is even quieter. 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.

Powertrain: more electrification, more efficiency

Six-cylinder in-line petrol engines in various output classes are the first engine variants for the new S-Class. A V8 engine with an integrated starter-generator (ISG) and 48-volt onboard electrical system will be available soon after.

The model range at the launch of the S-Class:

		S 450 4MATIC	S 500 4MATIC
Transmission	automatic	9G-TRONIC
Engine (series, no. of cylinders, arrangement)		M 256, 6 in-line
Displacement	cc	2999	2999
Output	kW/hp	270/367	320/435
at	rpm	5500-6100	5900-6100
Add. output with EQ Boost	kW/hp	16/22	16/22
Peak torque	Nm	500	520
at	rpm	1600-4500	1800-5.500
Add. torque with 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)
Combined CO2 emissions1 NEDC	g/km	191-178 (191-178)	192-179 (192-178)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	s	5.1	4.9
Top speed	km/h	250	250

 

Vehicle body and accident protection: new frontal airbags for rear passengers

Intelligent bodyshell design and innovations in restraint systems confirm the leading role of the S-Class when it comes to passive safety. The new aluminium hybrid bodyshell with an aluminium content exceeding 50 percent meets numerous requirements: A high level of crash safety, lower weight and a highly rigid bodyshell ensure outstanding handling characteristics accompanied by excellent noise and vibration comfort.

In 2019, in the Experimental Safety Vehicle ESF 2019, Mercedes-Benz presented the ideas the company’s safety specialists are working on. Among the more than 20 innovations were near-series developments such as the rear airbag, which now becomes available as optional equipment in the S-Class. The frontal airbag for the rear seat deploys particularly gently thanks to its innovative construction using a tubular structure. During severe frontal collisions, the rear airbag can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seat belt wearing occupants on the outer rear seats.

During a severe side impact, depending on the direction of impact, impact severity and front seat occupancy, the new centre airbag positions itself between the driver and front passenger seat, reducing the risk of their heads making contact. It is integrated into the driver’s seatback in the middle of the vehicle.

Sustainability: environmentally compatible development

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. The process of environmentally compatible development with specific targets is firmly embedded in the overall development process. Environmental aspects are already taken into account in the conceptual phase.

A new, recycled thread is now used for the floor coverings. This thread – brandname Econyl^® – consists of regenerated Nylon. It is manufactured by recovering Nylon waste destined for the landfill, for example old fish nets and fabric remnants from mills and carpets. These are collected and transformed into a new thread having the same properties as nylon from new raw materials. The recycling process used to produce the thread saves CO₂ in comparison with new production. It also enables Mercedes-Benz to keep materials in circulation.

History: setting the standard for the luxury class for many decades

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class follows a long tradition that extends back to the beginnings of the Mercedes brand in the early 20th Century. Each model has decisively influenced the automotive engineering of its era. Well before the official designation S-Class, the models in the executive and luxury class were the mainstay of the Stuttgart-based company’s portfolio and have always stood for luxury, comfort, safety and lifestyle. The continuous ancestry of the S-Class begins with the model 220 (W 187) of 1951. The designation “S-Class” was officially introduced with the 116 series in 1972.