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(from Daimler Press
Release) Four years after the market launch of the W 221
model series, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the 2009 S-Class.
Trailblazing innovations in the areas of comfort and drive
engineering combined with state-of-the-art technology for enhanced
safety consolidate the Mercedes-Benz flagship's position as the
brand's innovation driver and underscore its pioneering role in the
automotive industry as a whole. The technology highlights include
the world's first standard production hybrid drive with a
lithium-ion battery in the S 400 HYBRID, which makes the
top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz model the most economical
petrol-engine luxury saloon. The fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per
100 kilometres corresponds to carbon dioxide emissions of just 186
grams per kilometre.
The engine range further
includes eight modern petrol and diesel engines that require up to
seven per cent less fuel. With an average fuel consumption of 7.6
litres of diesel, the S 350 BlueEFFICIENCY is one of the most
efficient models in the luxury segment. The S-Class's traditionally
exemplary standard of safety is further enhanced by a unique
combination of innovative camera- and radar-based driver assistance
systems which turn the luxury saloon into an "intelligent" partner
on the road. These systems include Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane
Keeping Assist, Speed Limit Assist and the advanced Night View
Assist PLUS facility. Other innovations are the ATTENTION ASSIST
drowsiness detection function and automatic crosswind stabilisation.
With 270,000 units sold
since its market launch in autumn 2005, the W 221-series S-Class is
the world's most successful luxury saloon, and seamlessly continues
the success story of the flagship model in the Mercedes line-up.
Since 1951, when the model 220 began the lineage of the S-Class,
Mercedes-Benz has delivered around 3.3 million passenger cars from
this model series to customers.
S 400 HYBRID: the world's most
economical petrol-engined luxury saloon.
The 2009 S-Class once
again represents the cutting edge of automotive development.
Mercedes-Benz's technology leadership is demonstrated by the new S
400 HYBRID, which is the first production vehicle in the world to
feature a hybrid drive with a lithium-ion battery. "The S 400 HYBRID
is an important milestone on the way to emission-free mobility,"
notes Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz
Cars. "Our first series production hybrid car exemplifies
Mercedes-Benz's long-standing development strategy geared towards
sustainability, with its clearly defined aim of producing economical
and environment-friendly premium cars without compromising on
safety, comfort and superior performance."
The first hybrid drive
in a series production car from Mercedes-Benz makes this S-Class
model the most economical petrol-engined luxury saloon. The fuel
consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres corresponds to carbon
dioxide emissions of just 186 grams per kilometre. This is the
lowest level worldwide in this vehicle segment, confirming the new S
400 HYBRID as the "CO2 champion of the luxury class".
The new S 400 HYBRID is
the first car to be designed on the basis of the highly intelligent
modular concept developed by Mercedes-Benz to give its customers the
best hybrid solution for their requirements. The S 400 HYBRID, which
assumes the role of technological trendsetter within this concept,
offers all the essential features from the word go:
* a compact yet
powerful electric motor
* the appurtenant power electronics
* a modern high-capacity lithium-ion storage battery.
The compact hybrid
module combines the hybrid functions of an automatic start-stop
system and energy recuperation. In all, this means that the S 400
HYBRID sets a new standard in its class, making it the world's most
economical luxury saloon with a petrol engine.
The excellent fuel
consumption and the low CO2 emissions of the S 400 HYBRID are
accompanied by truly superior performance potential: the modified
3.5 litre petrol engine generates 205 kW/279 hp, while the electric
motor produces 15 kW/20 hp and starting torque of 160 Nm.
The Mercedes-Benz S 400
HYBRID is based on the S 350, and features an extensively modified
drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre
V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured
for the hybrid module, the necessary power and control electronics,
the voltage converter and the high-voltage lithium-ion battery.
During braking the
electric motor acts as a generator, and is able to recover kinetic
energy by a process known as recuperation. During this process the
electric motor works together sensitively with the engine brake of
the internal combustion engine and the conventional wheel brakes.
The recuperated energy is stored by a compact but efficient
lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment, and retrieved when
required. Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride
batteries include a higher energy density and greater electrical
efficiency combined with more compact dimensions and a low battery
weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine
compartment, the boot capacity and generous interior dimensions
remain unchanged. The hybrid module also has a convenient start-stop
function.
Efficient diesel and petrol
engines
Apart from the
trailblazing hybrid of the S 400 HYBRID, the range of engines for
the 2009 S-Class comprises eight other powerful units: two diesel
variants and six petrol engines with six, eight and twelve
cylinders. Detailed fine-tuning of these engines has been
supplemented with addition fuel economy measures as part of the
BlueEFFICIENCY package. These include aerodynamic optimisation,
demand-controlled fuel pumps and the fuel-efficient gearshift
programme for the standard 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. These
measures have enabled Mercedes-Benz developers to reduce fuel
consumption and CO2 emissions by up to seven percent compared to the
preceding models. By means of additional well-aimed aerodynamic
measures, the Mercedes-Benz engineers have also managed to reduce
wind noise, thus further enhancing the standard of ride comfort.
With diesel fuel consumption of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres and
CO2 emissions of 199-201 grams per kilometre, the S 350 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY (173 kW/ 235 hp) likewise boasts outstanding figures
for the luxury class. Mercedes-Benz achieves this exemplary
efficiency with a tailor-made BlueEFFICIENCY package, which also
includes closed underbody panelling and decoupling of the 7G‑TRONIC
automatic transmission at standstill.
The 3.0 litre diesel
engine is also used in the S 350 CDI 4MATIC. The second diesel
variant is the eight-cylinder S 450 CDI(235 kW/320 hp) with a
displacement of 4.0 litres. The range of petrol engines comprises
the six-cylinder S 350/ S 350 4MATIC (200 kW/272 hp) with a
displacement of 3.5 litres and the two eight-cylinder units in the S
450/S 450 4MATIC (250 kW/340 hp; displacement 4.7 litres) and S
500/S 500 4MATIC (285 kW/388 hp; displacement 5.5 litres). The
flagship model is still the S 600 with the 380 kW/517 hp
twelve-cylinder biturbo unit (displacement 5.5 litres), which
accelerates the luxury saloon to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The
Mercedes-AMG high-performance contributions to the range are the S
63 AMG with its 386 kW/525 hp V8 engine (displacement 6.2 litres)
and the S 65 AMGwith a 450 kW/612 hp twelve-cylinder engine
(displacement 6.0 litres).
Unique combination of driver
assistance systems
A world-first
combination of state-of-the-art assistance and protection systems is
available for the 2009 S-Class. Many of these systems are also
available in the new E-Class, which has been on the market since the
end of March. The new assistance systems turn the models of the E-
and S-Class into "intelligent" partners for their drivers. The car
is able to "see", "feel", to respond "instinctively" to detected
dangers and to act "on its own initiative" in order to avoid
accidents or to reduce the severity of accidents.
"Similarly to the
established Mercedes inventions ABS, ESP®, Brake Assist and
PRE-SAFE®, the new assistance systems are also geared to the
realities of how accidents occur and what consequences they entail,"
observes Dr. Thomas Weber, member of the board of management at
Daimler AG and responsible for corporate research and the
development of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The aim in developing these
systems was to prevent particularly common and serious collisions.
With this concept, the S-Class not only protects its own occupants
but also plays a key role in enhancing safety for other motorists,"
Dr. Weber adds.
To this end,
Mercedes-Benz also deploys cameras which scan the road far ahead of
the vehicle, monitor the surrounding area and interpret typical
critical situations. Such cameras are employed in the optionally
available Adaptive Highbeam Assist system, for example. This system
detects vehicles with their lights on which are travelling towards
or ahead of the car in which the system is fitted and controls the
headlamps such as to ensure the largest possible range without
dazzling other drivers.
The Sindelfingen-based engineers have also enhanced Night View
Assist, which is now equipped with a special pedestrian detection
function: as soon as the system detects pedestrians ahead of the
car, they are highlighted on the display to make them more readily
noticeable.
Lane Keeping Assist is
another system that "looks ahead" for even safer driving. The
system's computer is able to recognise lane markings by evaluating
the contrasting images of the road surface and the markings. If the
vehicle leaves the lane identified by the Assist function
unintentionally, the driver is warned by short vibrations of the
steering wheel. Unlike conventional systems of this kind, the
Mercedes system is able to evaluate the driver's activities as well,
and can reliably ascertain whether the car is leaving its lane
intentionally or not. There is therefore no warning if the driver
accelerates before overtaking or joining a motorway, brakes heavily
or enters a bend, for example.
The images supplied by
the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optional Speed Limit
Assist system, which identifies speed limit signs in passing and
shows the relevant speed limit in the central display (standard for
S 600).
Drowsiness detection on the basis
of more than 70 parameters
With the drowsiness
detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, the 2009 S-Class has a very
sensitive feel for the attention level of its driver, and warns him
in good time when he becomes drowsy. This innovative technology
continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters. Once the
high-resolution steering angle sensor recognises the steering
behaviour that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness, a
warning signal is sounded and "ATTENTION ASSIST. Break!" appears in
the instrument cluster.
Mercedes-Benz has also
improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist PLUS
and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control. Both systems assist the driver
during emergency braking. If the driver is distracted and fails to
recognise the immediate danger of a rear-end collision, the PRE-SAFE®Brake
is able to intervene and brake the vehicle independently. The new
generation of the system offers even greater safety: if the driver
fails to react even after receiving a visual and acoustic warning,
the PRE - SAFE ® Brake is able to activate the maximum braking
pressure around 0.6 seconds before an accident which is identified
by the system as being unavoidable -- an emergency braking action
that significantly mitigates the severity of the impact. The system
therefore acts as an "electronic crumple zone", as it were.
Detailed fine-tuning has
also given the 2009 S-Class better driving dynamics and agility.
This is in large measure due to the new Direct-Steer system, where
the ratio varies with the steering angle.
New: Active Body Control
(ABC) compensates crosswinds
Mercedes-Benz developers
have also added a crosswind stabilisation function (standard for S
600) to Active Body Control (ABC). For this purpose ABC uses the yaw
rates and lateral acceleration sensors of the Electronic Stability
Program ESP®to vary the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring
struts, depending on the direction and intensity of the crosswind.
This enables the effects of crosswinds to be compensated, or reduced
to a minimum in the case of strong gusts.
The Torque Vectoring
Brake provides the 2009 S-Class with added safety in critical
conditions and even greater agility by specifically braking the
inner rear wheel in bends so as to enable precise cornering by the
saloon without compromising on driving dynamics.
State-of-the-art multimedia
technology
In line with its
self-assured character and its claim to be a technological
trendsetter, the 2009 S-Class also sets standards where onboard
infotainment is concerned. As a world first, on request
Mercedes-Benz will equip its flagship model with the new SPLITVIEW
technology for the COMAND control and display system centrally
located in the centre console. This innovative display concept
allows the driver and front passenger to view different content
simultaneously on one and the same screen. While the driver uses the
map-based navigation system, for example, the front passenger can be
watching the latest film on DVD.
Mercedes-Benz has also
extended the standard control and display system COMAND with
additional functions, for example an SD memory card slot. Other new
features include a modified Bluetooth® interface, which provides for
a wireless link between a mobile phone and the standard onboard
hands-free system, and a USB interface. These enable customers to
export saved data and import them into any other S-Class. It is also
possible to transfer navigation data. As an optional extra
Mercedes-Benz also offers a Media Interface – a universal interface
in the glove compartment for mobile audio devices such as an iPod®
and USB stick (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600).
The optionally available
COMAND APS (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600) is additionally
equipped with a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored
on a 40 GB hard disc. This allows particularly fast route
calculation. The high level of navigating convenience is also aided
by the detailed three-dimensional city map mode.
Musical entertainment is
provided by a radio, a CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer
with speed-dependent volume control and the Music Register with a
7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in
MP3, AAC or WMA format. The system recognises music files played on
CD, DVD or from the Music Register using its stored Gracenote®
database, and shows the title, album and performer in the colour
display. The new Music Search function enables S-Class drivers and
passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for
specific music titles and performers. COMAND APS also includes the
latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which
operates the navigation, telephone and audio devices by whole-word
commands. This has the advantage that the driver no longer has to
spell out his commands.
Mercedes-Benz has also
increased the range of rear-seat entertainment functions in the 2009
S-Class. Passengers in the rear now have a remote control unit which
enables all the audio and telematics functions of COMAND to be
operated, plus access to external devices via the Media Interface.
Mercedes-Benz also offers a rear-seat entertainment package with two
eight-inch displays on the rear surfaces of the front seat head
restraints, two wireless headphones and a separate CD/DVD player
with connections for external audio and video devices.
The "Logic7" surround
sound system developed by Mercedes-Benz together with the audio
specialists harman/kardon® delivers outstanding performance with
three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience
for all passengers.
Design: a muscular, self-assured
presence
The modified design
reflects the effortless superiority and power of the S-Class Saloon.
It is characterised by the more pronounced arrow-shape of the
radiator grille, plus a new front bumper with a discreet
light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air
intakes. In future the exhaust tailpipes of all S‑Class variants
will be visibly integrated into the rear bumper. The headlamps have
bi-xenon technology as standard.
An even more dynamic
look is ensured by the LED Light package with its striking LED
arrays for daytime driving lights, indicators and marker lights
(standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600). These lend an unmistakable
day-and-night design to the front end. The rear end is characterised
by tail lights in an innovative LED design. Here too, a total of 52
LEDs in the form of a double-C form an unmistakable light signature.
Mercedes-Benz also makes
more use of light as a styling element in the interior. In future
customers who specify the optional ambient lighting (standard for S
400 HYBRID and S 600) have a choice between three lighting moods:
solar (amber), neutral (white) and polar (ice-blue).
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be in the showrooms of the
premium manufacturer's own sales outlets and authorised dealers from
June 2009, and can be ordered now.
