All the details of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class generation, part 1

Here is the benchmark of the greats, the largest flagship of the German brand, which takes up the baton from 8 previous generations and more than 50 years of automotive history. The new S-Class of Mercedes-Benz has arrived.

Preceded by a spectacular event in Hamburg, including a descent by plane, the S-Class was unveiled amid extraordinary anticipation which, despite the constant leaks of recent days, filled the venue to welcome the new S-Class very warmly. And at Highmotor we tell you about it in two posts so you can know every last detail.

Design

This new generation of Mercedes’s largest saloon, whose internal code is W222, has been completely renewed, from the chassis to the multitude of electronic systems. To begin with, the base of the new S-Class has been extended with a slightly larger wheelbase, which allows it to offer even more space for occupants, as well as greater boot capacity. The exterior design has been enhanced, following the basic lines of the brand’s latest models, as shown by its headlights, both front and rear, teardrop-shaped, as well as a much larger grille than its predecessor.
On the sides, the wheel arches are even more pronounced, as are the ribs running along the bodywork from end to end, gaining in muscularity and aggressiveness.

Dynamics and Safety

Driving dynamics are further improved thanks to the new “eyes-on” suspension system, a world first, called Road Surface Scan. This system relies on a stereo camera that allows it to identify possible road irregularities before driving over them, acting on the air springs to achieve the greatest possible comfort.
In addition, the S-Class becomes the first vehicle in the world to dispense entirely with traditional bulbs, fitting a total of 500 LEDs whether for the interior, the front lighting or the rear indicators.

The safety of the German flagship has been reinforced with the arrival of an evolved PRE-SAFE system, which is now capable of predicting the risk of a rear-end collision and acting accordingly before it happens. To do so, it activates the Warning in a first risk phase. If the collision is already unavoidable, it applies the parking brake, pretensions the seatbelts and positions the seats in the ideal position to absorb the impact, minimising injuries to passengers. Furthermore, thanks to a radar system at the front, it detects pedestrians up to 50 km/h, braking autonomously to avoid a possible collision.
It also debuts the PRE-SAFE Impulse system, which, in the event of a frontal-side collision, moves the passengers via the seats and seatbelts to the side opposite the impact.

Interior

The interior has been completely redesigned, recalling those magnificent saloons of the 1930s thanks to its round, chrome air vents and a centre console free of buttons and attachments. The materials used are superb, always using leather, wood, aluminium and chrome of the highest quality. The S-Class dashboard is based on a few flowing lines that run across the full width of the interior, creating a sense of continuity and uniformity. Seats have always been an essential part of any S-Class, and the W222 was no exception. The already familiar pneumatic systems that control the seat bolsters depending on the road, and the massage functions the previous generation already offered, are now joined by an optional system for the rear seat, called “Executive Seats“, which allows the passenger to recline the seat up to 43.5º, turning the rear seat into a kind of chaise longue.
In addition, it debuts a more advanced ventilation system than the current ones, which allows it to cool the seat within minutes, with greater efficiency and acoustic comfort.
Of course, the massage system has also been renewed, now featuring 6 different programmes controlled by 14 pneumatic actuators. A system that imitates a “hot stone” massage is even available, which all occupants of the vehicle, whether in the front or rear seats, can enjoy.

In the next instalment we will tell you about all the driving assistance systems, engines, climate comfort and multimedia.

Source | Mercedes-Benz