Press release: Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222

The best or nothing. The claim is clearly defined!
Before I write my own article about the premiere of new S-Class, “the flagship, the Untertürkheim star cruiser, Dr. Zetsches Notboot” and whatever the establishment called the W222, publish the unabridged and incredibly long press release from Mercedes-Benz about the new S-Class in the unchanged wording:

The claim: the best automobile in the world

With the three development focuses “Intelligent Drive”, “Efficient Technology” and “Essence of Luxury”, the new S-Class extends the limits of technology on many levels. The S-Class is not only the technological spearhead of Mercedes-Benz, but the automotive development par excellence.

As with every generation before, customers expect the new S-Class to set standards in every area - and thus to earn the nickname "The best automobile in the world" anew. Dr. Dieter Zetsche,
Chairman of the Board Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars:
“The task was not safety or aesthetics, performance or efficiency, comfort or dynamism. But in every dimension our claim was: the best or nothing. No other car stands for that
Brand promise from Mercedes-Benz like the S-Class. "

Created by perfection down to the last detail "The Essence of Luxury". The pursuit of the best can be experienced in the interior, for example: Whether seats or air conditioning, whether operation or design, whether infotainment or comfort and safety in the rear - new ideas, their meticulous implementation and the highest
Appreciation of value underpins the demands the engineers place on the top model from Mercedes-Benz - and on themselves.

This also applies to safety: What began with PRE-SAFE® ten years ago and was continued with DISTRONIC PLUS today leads to a new dimension in driving: comfort and safety merge. Mercedes-Benz calls this "Intelligent Drive". A large number of new systems make the new S-Class even more comfortable and even safer.

The efficiency with which the S-Class drives sounds almost utopian: within ten years, for example, by implementing "Efficient Technology", Mercedes-Benz has almost halved consumption in the 150 kW power class to 4,4 liters per 100 kilometers . The drag coefficient of the S-Class has again been significantly improved compared to its predecessor and is the new benchmark in its segment with Cd = 0,24.

The S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID will top these values ​​again with further aerodynamic detail optimizations and achieve a best drag coefficient of 0,23. The new model is, for example, the first car in the world in which there are no more light bulbs - only LEDs. That too
shows the way to the future.

The design: Modern status and sensual forms
Every child in the world immediately recognizes: Here comes a Mercedes-Benz. The typical Mercedes face runs like a red thread through the history of the brand. “The modern design of the S-Class has always been an expression of the luxury and automotive grandeur of its era, and our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it embodies sensual clarity in a modern way.

The design bridges the gap between the modern, progressive design language and the classic elegance of our vehicles from the 1930s - intelligence can be experienced emotionally. Create stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless clarity and sovereignty
the S-Class to a true design icon, "says design chief Gorden Wagener.

In order to underline the sovereignty and claim to leadership of the new S-Class, the radiator grille is larger than before, is upright and has a three-dimensional design. With its long bonnet, the flowing, dome-shaped roofline and the slightly sloping rear, the new S-Class has classic saloon proportions. The size and space requirements were specifically implemented in such a way that the new S-Class looks representative and the sweeping roofline also looks like a sporty coupé
Claim is.

A “dropping line” typical of the brand, sloping discreetly from the front to the back, structures the side wall in an elegant way and creates additional dynamism even when the vehicle is stationary. The finely drawn convex-concave movement of the entire flank creates a very powerful and elongated car body that demonstrates tension and serenity at the same time. The pronounced shoulder above the rear wheel emphasizes the athletic character of the vehicle.

The positively spanned surfaces and lines of the side wall of the new S-Class flow into the rear with an exciting pull. The slightly sloping shape not only ensures elegance, but is also aerodynamically advantageous. Horizontal lines, from the boot lid to the bumper, emphasize the width of the vehicle when viewed from the rear. The typical signature of the Mercedes-Benz designer can also be found in the rear window, which cuts into the C-pillar. The disc is rounded at the top, giving it a coupé-like character. The crowning glory are the new type of rear lights: They are completely enclosed by the car body and, thanks to this solitary, integrated design and their lovingly drawn interior, round off the design requirements down to the last detail.

LED technology: The first car without a bulb

Around 100 years after the introduction of electric vehicle lighting, Mercedes-Benz is now converting completely to LED technology: The new S-Class is the first vehicle in the world to have no incandescent bulbs in the interior and exterior as standard. Mercedes-Benz is building its pioneering role in this way
The lighting sector further A world premiere is also represented by the so-called multi-level functionality: with consideration for following road users, the brake light is turned down at night or when waiting at a red traffic light. Almost 500 LEDs illuminate the street, vehicle, interior and trunk.

These are, depending on the equipment, in detail:

• Headlight: Up to 56 LED
• Tail light: per 35 LED (plus 4 for the rear fog light)
• Interior (including ambient lighting): approx. 300 LED.

Two significantly improved assistance systems contribute to better visibility - Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus. Thanks to a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, the S-Class has a 360-degree all-round view and recognizes potential hazards in the
Road traffic better.

The drive:

A leader in efficiency in every performance class With the S 400 HYBRID, S 500, S 350 BlueTEC and S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, there are two hybrids, a gasoline engine and a diesel to choose from in the first year of the new S-Class. All models are leaders in their classes in terms of efficiency - consumption has been reduced by up to 20 percent compared to its predecessor. All engines already meet the limit values ​​of the Euro 6 emissions standard. The S 400 HYBRID and S 350 BlueTEC also meet the strict criteria of efficiency class A, the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is even classified in class A +.

"The new S-Class achieves fuel consumption and emissions that a few years ago seemed utopian even in the middle class," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler Board Member for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "And that is just the beginning of our 'Green Leadership' offensive: the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID will soon be the first S-Class that will have a three in front of the decimal point when it comes to consumption." The S -Class for the first time the complete range of gasoline and diesel models as well as gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrids.
The chassis: the world's first seeing chassis

The new S-Class is the first car in the world to be able to detect bumps in advance. If ROAD SURFACE SCAN detects such unevenness with the help of the stereo camera, MAGIC BODY CONTROL adjusts the chassis to this new situation at lightning speed. This innovative chassis system is available on request for the eight-cylinder models. The new S-Class has the continuously working Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS and the fully load-bearing AIRMATIC air suspension, which has been further developed, as standard.

The interior: optical width and formal calm

With its clear architecture, the interior design of the new S-Class embodies a classic, confident and at the same time ultra-modern sedan. The room is expressed through a uniquely flowing, sensually elegant style. Horizontal elements and lines create an ambience
characterized by optical width and formal calm. high quality

Clarity and functionality:

The S-Class interior concept combines driving, space and operating comfort at the highest level. The perfectly coordinated material and color concept shows an exclusive interior as if cast from a single source. Wood is used extensively, especially in the instrument panel and the center console. A special element of high quality are metallized switch surfaces with pearl-effect paints in three shades to match the interior color. The rear passengers also sit in the front row - the design and exclusivity of the seating system, door linings and all controls are in no way inferior to the front part. The "First Class Rear" equipment offers additional customization of the rear compartment. This business center console combines privacy and convenience (integration of telephone receiver, additional storage compartments, storage table, etc.).

The concept: The best for two worlds

For the first time in the history of the S-Class, the long-wheelbase sedan was the focus of development. Unlike before, the short wheelbase version was derived from this. Because the S-Class is clearly positioned as a representative limousine not only in the major overseas markets such as the USA, China or Japan.

While the owner of an S-Class often sits behind the wheel in Europe and North America, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range in Asia is clearly a chauffeur-driven vehicle. The logical consequence is the number of innovations that specifically relate to comfort and safety at the rear - in the S-Class, the passengers in the rear are without a doubt also in the front row.

Passengers benefit from the moderately increased vehicle size1 of the new S-Class thanks to the improved interior dimensions in all dimensions: 12 millimeters more maximum headroom for the driver, 14 millimeters more shoulder space and 10 millimeters more elbow width at the front. The greater knee room of 14 millimeters in the second row of seats makes traveling even more pleasant for the passengers in the rear. The shoulder space at the back improved by up to nine millimeters. The display and operating concept: Elegant new command center Two high-resolution TFT color displays in 8: 3 format and with a screen diagonal of 30,7 cm (12,3 inches) form the new information center of the S-Class. The left screen takes over the function of the previous instrument cluster and provides all information relevant to the driver. The right screen is used for convenient control of infotainment and convenience functions. The constantly growing demands on the integration of additional functions in the automobile have led to the further development of the entire operating logic for the new S-Class. The focus was on ergonomics, ease of use and safety as well as attractiveness and aesthetics.

The aim when designing the control and display elements was to combine the control elements and display functions in the vehicle with a coherent form and content. In addition to the new displays, the metallized switch surfaces and real aluminum control elements are particularly high-quality. Thanks to the fine structures on the metal surface, every single control element in the vehicle exudes the feel, acoustics and attention to detail that a Mercedes-Benz deserves
makes something very special.

The new operating elements include a touch-sensitive telephone keypad and an expanded favorites concept with twelve freely assignable favorite functions. The main control element remains the central one
Rotary push-button controls and, as usual, jump buttons in the center console for the most important functions and a control bar for the driver assistance systems.

LINGUATRONIC's voice input via the Speech Dialog System enables complete addresses to be spoken in one go (one-shot input). Telephone and audio systems can also be operated with voice control. New is the possibility of text messages (SMS) or emails
to be read out loud.

The air conditioning: Many novelties for a comfortable climate

In the consistent further development of the entire air conditioning system, special attention was paid to the development goals of performance, air quality, control quality, noise level and efficiency. The AIR-BALANCE package is new with the components fragrance, ionization and an even more efficient filtration compared to the basic vehicle. The THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control in the rear offers two additional zones to increase thermal comfort. The electric one is brand new
Armrests heating.

As a world first, the new S-Class sedan receives an “active fragrance” as part of the AIR-BALANCE package. Active means that you can switch the scenting on and off and adjust the intensity yourself. With the scenting, the odor field of the interior is individualized. The interior odor is neither permanently changed, nor are the odor molecules deposited on the textile surfaces of the vehicle or on clothing.

The fragrance impression is subtle, occurs gently and fades away quickly.

The seats: Rolling office and wellness oasis

With numerous world firsts such as the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot stone principle or active seat ventilation with reversing fans, Mercedes-Benz is taking seating and climate comfort in the S-Class to a new level. The seat developers paid special attention to the rear. Five different rear seat variants including an executive seat with a backrest angle of up to 43,5 degrees are available and allow concentrated work or undisturbed relaxation on board.

The ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot stone principle is a world first. The seating experts from Mercedes-Benz have a unique massage with 14 separately controllable air cushions in the backrest and
integrated heating functionality. A total of six massage programs are available, two of which work with heat support. The function is also available for the rear seats. So-called reversing fans are used for the first time in active seat ventilation. First of all, when the ventilation starts, cooler ambient air is sucked onto the seat surface. As a result, the surface temperature of a heated seat can be reduced significantly faster than with previous actively cooling systems. After four minutes, the fans are automatically switched to blowing mode to reduce drafts. Two rear seat variants (static bench or single seats with 37 degree adjustment) are available for the S-Class with a normal wheelbase, and there are even five for the variant with a longer wheelbase. The adjustment kinematics have been changed for the comfort and reclining seat variants. In contrast to the usual drag-back concept, the backrest is adjusted separately, which means that the footwell and seat reference point remain unchanged. With the combined inclination and horizontal adjustment, the seat cushion can be adjusted separately. The maximum backrest angle of the executive seat (reclining seat) on the passenger side in the rear has been increased from 37 to 43,5 degrees and thus offers the greatest backrest angle in the luxury class segment. The reclining seat has a calf support that can be freely adjusted in length and swivel range. In combination with the heel rest of the foldable chauffeur seat at the front and an additional comfort cushion, a lying position can be achieved that sets new standards in the automotive sector in terms of sleeping and resting comfort.

With the "First Class Rear" equipment (center console at the rear), the look of the front console continues on the transmission tunnel. It is equipped with a new type of thermocupholder which, with the help of Peltier elements, enables beverages to be cooled or heated over a longer period of time.

If desired, the center console can accommodate two tables, similar to an airplane seat, which can be easily folded in and out with one hand.

The Multimedia Offer: Mobile Concert Hall

A completely new multimedia generation with intuitive operation and a special experience of the functions through visualization and animations makes its debut in the S-Class. Other innovations include the multi-user system, in which the sources of the entertainment system can be accessed independently from each of the seats.

The common feature of all audio systems is the innovative Frontbass system developed by Mercedes-Benz and used for the first time in a sedan in the S-Class: The bass loudspeakers are mounted in the front wall and use the almost 40-liter volume of the transverse and Longitudinal beam as a resonance space. Conventional bass speakers in the doors can be omitted. The mid-range speakers in the doors move upwards. This improves the sound and allows additional storage space in the doors.

As an alternative to the standard sound system with ten loudspeakers, there are two particularly high-quality audio systems to choose from, developed in cooperation with the high-end audio specialist Burmester: the Burmester® surround sound system and the Burmester® high-end
3D surround sound system.

New in the navigation is above all the interactive preparation of the contents.
The new navitainment functions include the animated compass, the "DriveShow" with information for passengers as well as in the aircraft and the display of Google Maps on the head unit and in the rear. Information on the traffic situation is shown with hatched lines (instead of vehicle silhouettes as before). With the new “Live Traffic Information” service, traffic data is transmitted in real time. This means that the navigation system is even better informed about the situation on the roads.

The body: highest stability and best lightweight construction

High crash safety, outstanding rigidity for excellent driving behavior combined with the best noise and vibration comfort - these were the development goals for the bodyshell of the new S-Class. It has the third generation of the aluminum hybrid shell. The lightweight quality - the torsional rigidity in relation to weight and vehicle size - has been improved by 50 percent compared to its predecessor. Since the development of the BR 220 in the 1990s, the hybrid lightweight construction with an optimally coordinated material mix has been further developed into the aluminum hybrid shell. During this time, the aluminum content rose to over 50 percent. For this reason, among other things, the weight of the body has been maintained or even slightly reduced for 20 years, despite significantly increased safety and comfort requirements and additional functions. In addition, structural foams that act selectively in node areas are used in the new series. The entire outer skin of the S-Class including the roof and the front body are made of aluminum. The high proportion of aluminum was made possible by using the entire range of semi-finished products (cast, extruded, sheet metal). The safety passenger cell is characterized by the intensive use of maximum strength
Steels.

This lightweight construction of materials and shapes with a high degree of complexity in the joining technology means that the new S-Class is shifting the benchmark in the demanding segment of luxury sedans upwards - and that without additional weight. With a torsional stiffness of 40,5 kN / degree (predecessor: 27,5 kN / degree), the S-Class achieves a new record in its segment.

Advanced PRE-SAFE® protection: Prevention is better than cure
Ten years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE® in the S-Class, a pioneering safety technology concept that has been continuously developed since then. Now the security pioneer is expanding the protection again.

• The new PRE-SAFE® functions can help avoid pedestrian and rear-end collisions in city traffic, defuse dangerous situations caused by traffic behind, and expand the protective function of the seat belt.
• PRE-SAFE® Brake can also detect pedestrians and avoid collision by autonomous braking up to a speed of 50 km / h.
• PRE-SAFE® PLUS can detect a threatening rear-end collision and warn the follow-up traffic by activating the rear hazard warning lights in high frequency. In the event of a persistent danger of collision, the system can decelerate the stationary vehicle from a rear-end collision and thus minimize the risk of whiplash by reducing the impact-related forward pressure. This can also reduce the risk of secondary accidents. Immediately before the impact, the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection measures, in particular the reversible seat belt pre-tensioners, are triggered.
• In PRE-SAFE® Impuls, the seat belt moves the driver and front passenger in an early crash phase before the increase in the impact-related occupant delay in the direction of impact. This can significantly reduce the risk of injury and the severity of injury during head-on crashes.

Benchmark for safety in the rear: innovations in the S-Class

Mercedes-Benz is further expanding the safety system for rear passengers with the seat belt buckle extender, belt bag and cushion bag. The first two developments mentioned are combined in the “PRE-SAFE® rear package”. With the illuminated seatbelt lock extender, an electric motor automatically moves the seatbelt lock up and down. In this way, the slack in the belt in the pelvic and thoracic areas can be reduced, the passengers are better fixed laterally and lengthways. The beltbag is an inflatable belt strap that can reduce the risk of injury to rear passengers in a frontal collision by reducing the strain on the chest. The reclining seat is equipped as standard with a cushionbag under the cushion of the seat. When the seat is in the lying position, it prevents the passenger from slipping under the seat belt in the event of an accident (so-called submarining). For example, Mercedes-Benz was able to design a comfortable reclining seat that, in the event of an accident, offers a higher level of safety than a seat with a drag rest.

Intelligent Drive: Connected with all senses
Avoiding accidents and reducing the consequences of accidents: This is the holistic approach of Mercedes-Benz accident research, which the company summarizes under the term "Real Life Safety". With numerous new assistance systems and significantly expanded functions, Mercedes-Benz is consistently continuing this strategy in the S-Class. Comfort and safety are increased at the same time. Mercedes-Benz calls this "Intelligent Drive". The new functions use the same sensors - a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors.

"Intelligent assistance systems analyze complex situations and, thanks to improved environmental sensors, better recognize potential hazards in road traffic," explains Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler Board Member for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Figuratively speaking: the new S-Class no longer only has eyes in front, but a 360-degree all-round view." The key is the networking of all systems - "sensor fusion" is what the safety experts call this. The goal is all-round protection
not only for the occupants of a Mercedes-Benz model, but also for all other partners in road traffic.

The spectrum of support ranges from relief and thus increased comfort to visual, acoustic and / or haptic warnings and reinforcement of the driver's reaction. Some systems can also take corrective action in an emergency, for example through autonomous braking maneuvers, in order to avoid an accident or to reduce the severity of the accident.

Here is an overview of the new assistance systems and their functions, which have been significantly expanded:

• DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot relieves the driver of lane guidance and masters semi-autonomous driving in traffic jams.
• Thanks to the stereo camera, the Brake Assist BAS PLUS with Intersection Assist can detect an occupied adjacent lane, especially due to oncoming traffic, by marking it with broken lines, and by unilateral braking reduce the risk of the lane being left unintentionally.

• The Active Lane Keeping Assist can detect oncoming traffic and an occupied adjacent lane and reduce the risk of unintentionally leaving the lane by unilateral braking.
• The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus enables glare-free long-distance high beam by hiding other vehicles in the high beam.

•  The Night View Assistant Plus has been further developed and a thermal imaging camera has been added. The Night View Assist Plus can warn of danger from pedestrians or animals in an unlit environment in front of the vehicle by automatically switching from the speedometer display to a brilliant night vision image and marking the sources of danger. Detected pedestrians can also be flashed with a spotlight function. This draws the driver's attention to the danger; at the same time, the person at the edge of the road is warned.

• ATTENTION ASSIST can warn of inattentiveness and drowsiness in an extended speed range, inform the driver about the level of drowsiness and the journey time since the last break, offers an adjustable sensitivity level and, when the warning is triggered in COMAND navigation, indicates service areas.

tl: dr? – Clearly – over 3.000 words for the new model from the Swabians with the star and the statement should actually just be: “Oops – here comes the best car in the world”. By the way, that was the “short” version of the press article – 17 Din A4 pages. 102 more follow for the “long” introduction text - I'll spare us that and will read through each page in peace and then, after I've digested my impressions from a great premiere celebration, I'll write you my opinion on the new S-Class.