S-Class Makeover

Press Release

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: technological leadership founded on leading-edge innovations

• World premiere of PRE-SAFE - the occupant protection system with foresight
• Superlative active safety and traction in all situations with 4MATIC
• New twelve-cylinder, twin-turbo engine developing 368 kW/500 hp
• Largest engine range in luxury-class segment, featuring seven high-tech power plants
• Six-cylinder models with increased power output and higher torque
• Discreet design modifications at the front and rear
• Exclusive designo couture interior appointments package

Stuttgart - In terms of technology and style, the world's number one luxury-class saloon continues to forge ahead: Mercedes-Benz is to unveil an S-Class featuring a host of modified details which further enhance the car's appeal and add to its innovations. The Stuttgart manufacturer's top-of-the-range model will make its public debut in the autumn of 2002. A range of outstanding technical features enables the S-Class to further underline its status as a role model and trend-setter for passenger car development as a whole. Pride of place among the leading edge, high-tech innovations go to PRE-SAFE, the preventive occupant protection system from Mercedes-Benz, which heralds a new era in automotive safety. PRE-SAFE can detect the threat of a collision in advance and initiate preventive measures to prepare the occupants and vehicle for impact. Further new developments for the S-Class include a twelve-cylinder, twin-turbo engine developing 368 kW/500 hp, 4MATIC permanent four-wheel drive and a dynamic multi-contour seat that can adapt to different road situations with lightening speed. Autumn 2002 will signal the arrival of the successor to the current S 320: the new S 350 with V6 engine developing 180 kW/245 hp. The six-cylinder S 320 CDI diesel power plant now boasts an output of 150 kW/ 204 hp (previously 145 kW/197 hp) and provides 500 Nm of torque, equivalent to an increase of around six percent.