Press Release
Page  1 - Overview
Page  2 - Control concept
Page  3 - Design
Page  4 - History of S-Class controls
Page  5 - Ergonomics test bench
Page  6 - Virtual Reality Center
Page  7 - Support Systems
Page  8 - Brake Assist PLUS
Page  9 - PRE-SAFE
Page 10 - Adaptive brake light
Page 11 - DISTRONIC PLUS
Page 12 - Night View Assist
Page 13 - Parking Assist
Page 14 - Seat Technology
Design
Technology and aesthetics in harmony
- Highly sophisticated control concept
- Elegantly designed switches in a combination of black and silver
- Displays with clear, high-quality graphics
The newly developed control concept in the S-Class also reflects the self-assured character of this luxury saloon in styling terms. It combines high-quality materials and an elegant atmosphere with an attractive, clear layout and exemplary practicality. The engineers and designers have worked together closely to bring visual appeal and technology into harmony.
The eye is immediately drawn to the sophisticated switches and controls, which are all uniformly styled. All switches, buttons and rotary controls are made of aluminium or are metallised, with a fine surface structure. The visual effect is one of "belonging together". The highly polished, black surfaces of the displays form an attractive contrast to the metallic, silver-coloured switches. They are backlit and bear symbols to indicate the relevant control function.
Apart from this decidedly elegant design, the high quality of the switches and controls is noticeable whenever they are operated: each of them has a specific pressure point and responds with a discreet click. In this way every single control element in the new S-Class also meets the highest standards in terms of sound and feel – once again reflecting the legendary attention to detail shown by Mercedes designers.
The designers and engineers had the common aim of reducing the number of switches and controls in the new S-Class, despite the much greater variety of functions. All the important functions continue to be directly accessible to the driver, while less frequently used systems can be conveniently controlled via COMAND. To achieve this aim, related functions are also grouped together in design terms – e.g. the switches for seat adjustment, the power windows or the air conditioning and ventilation controls. Many of the function groups feature fine chrome surrounds which accentuate the luxurious character of the new Mercedes flagship model. It is these carefully designed details that make operation of the new S-Class such a satisfying experience.
This is also enhanced by the new COMAND controller and the padded handrest located above this central control unit. The keypad for the car telephone is snugly concealed beneath its flip-up cover.
Crystal-clear displays with photo-quality images and graphics
The centre of the dashboard is dominated by two large colour displays behind dark-tinted glass. One is devoted to the speedometer and numerous items of information which the driver needs in his direct field of vision, while the other is located to its right – at the same level as the instrument cluster – as the display screen for COMAND. The design of these displays was likewise a task to which the specialists at Mercedes devoted particular attention. The lettering, graphics and layout are in a uniform style, and to visualise the different display functions of the COMAND system the Mercedes designers have developed photo-quality images which clearly illustrate the relevant control function. For the COMAND display a simple and intuitively operated menu system was developed, great emphasis being placed on large, easily read lettering and a clear structure, for maximum precision and speed of operation.
These features are made possible by the latest display technology, which is also used to dim or highlight different display functions. For example, the scale and needle of the speedometer are projected onto the display, but if the driver selects a particular function using the control buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, the speedometer needle is dimmed and the central display content is made more prominent.
