|  As in the preceding series, the new S-Class will introduce technical innovations which make the flagship Mercedes model an example for others to follow. Pioneering safety features and exemplary comfort are once again the outstanding attributes of the S-Class. The new S-Class also sets standards with its agile handling, while offering an even more effortless driving experience thanks to new, more powerful engines. It is replacing a model series which is the world No. 1 in the luxury class, with around 500,000 units sold. For more than five decades, the letter "S" in the model designation of Mercedes cars has signified a special aura, intelligent technology and the highest quality. The new S-Class not only continues this tradition, but lends a new meaning to it. A dozen technical innovations are entering series production for the first time on board the new S-Class – from Brake Assist PLUS with radar sensors to dynamic multicontour seats with an extended massage function, from night view assist with the latest infra-red technology to the new COMAND system, and from anticipatory PRE-SAFE® occupant protection to the Active Body Control suspension system. The new flagship model by Mercedes-Benz is larger than its predecessor in every respect. There is a choice of two body lengths - 5076 or 5206 millimetres – which is 33 and 43 millimetres more, respectively, than the previous S-Class. The wheelbase has increased by 70/80 millimetres to 3035/3165 millimetres. In addition, the body is now 16 mm wider and 29 mm higher than previously. These new dimensions create the basis for an interior space concept which offers all the passengers first-class comfort. Suspension: AIRMATIC and ABC for even greater comfort with agile handling. The running gear with its standard, improved air suspension system AIRMATIC likewise makes a major contribution to the high level of ride comfort in the new S-Class. Mercedes-Benz combines this with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS), which continuously regulates the shock absorber characteristics and takes the road conditions, driving style and vehicle load into account. The system adapts the damping forces for each individual wheel to the current situation within just 50 milliseconds. | The Adaptive Damping System was further improved by means of degressive shock absorber characteristics. This provides a greater ratio between the compression and rebound damping forces, thereby contributing greatly to the agile handling characteristics of the saloon. Thanks to an improved calculation process, the system also detects the road surface conditions more precisely, and these are taken into account for adaptive control of the shock absorbers. The "S/C/M" key in the centre console is another special feature of the new S-Class. This enables the driver to alter the characteristics of the saloon from "comfortable" to "sporty", and to adjust the suspension, vehicle level and transmission mode individually. From 120 km/h and in the Sport mode, the suspension is automatically lowered by up to 20 millimeters to further improve the handling, aerodynamics and fuel consumption. |
| The Active Body Control active suspension system (standard on the S 600) is widely regarded as a milestone in automotive engineering. For installation in the new S-Class it has been further improved. Body movements under hard driving are reduced by 60 percent compared with the previous model. As a result, the S-Class combines new dimensions in sporty handling with equally noticeable gains in comfort.
Performance: over 26 percent more output from the new V8 engine. The engines for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class are new or further developments which offer up to 26 percent more output and up to 15 percent more torque compared to the preceding series. Fuel consumption has been reduced by up to nine percent. Together with the luxury saloon, a new 5.5-litre eight-cylinder will be premiered in autumn 2005 which generates 285 kW/388 hp and is among the most powerful engines in its displacement class. Maximum torque is also significantly improved compared with the previous V8 engine; it has increased to 530 Newton metres, and is available within a wide engine speed range between 2800 and 4800 rpm. As a result the eight-cylinder powerplant offers driving pleasure more typical of a sports car. The new S 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds). Despite the 26 percent increase in output, the NEDC (combined) fuel consumption of 11.7 to 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres remains at the same, favourable level as the preceding series. The two six-cylinder engines for the new S-Class are likewise new developments. The S 350 is powered by the 200 kW/272 hp V6 engine, which delivers around eleven percent more output while saving one litre of fuel per 100 kilometres. The combined NEDC fuel consumption is 10.1 to 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The new S 350 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and is therefore 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. From the first quarter of 2006 the new 173 kW/235 hp V6 diesel engine will be added to the range available for the S-Class. This supersedes the previous in-line six-cylinder unit of the S 320 CDI, improving output by 15 percent. Maximum torque is increased from 500 to 540 Newton metres, which is available from 1600 rpm for outstanding flexibility. This up-to-date direct-injection diesel unit consumes 8.3 to 8.5 litres of fuel per 100 km (combined consumption) and is equipped with a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard. The new top-of-the-line model in the S-Class will also be available from the first quarter of 2006. Thanks to an improved bi-turbo engine, the twelve-cylinder S 600 Saloon develops an output of 380 kW/517 hp – 12 kW/17 hp more than previously. Maximum torque has increased from 800 to 830 Newton metres, while fuel consumpption has decreased by 0.5 to 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres. The V12 engine accelerates the S-Class from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
The V6 and V8 models in the new S-Class are equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission, which is unique worldwide. A further innovation is DIRECT SELECT, an attractively styled steering-column selector lever which can be gently judged to operate the 7G-TRONIC. |
