Mercedes-Benz New S-Class In Depth (Part 1)

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

Superlative in design and technology

 

Generation-change at the pinnacle of automotive technology: Mercedes-Benz presents the new S-Class. In autumn 2005 this luxury car will be appearing at company-owned outlets and dealerships.

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 in driving dynamics with its agile handling, while offering even more driving pleasure thanks to new, more powerful engines. It is replacing a model series which is the world No. 1 in the luxury class, and of which around 485,000 units have been produced since 1998.

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. It is a technological pacemaker with its pioneering innovations for more safety, comfort and practicality, and like its predecessors it will influence the vehicle development of the future. The Saloon already exudes this self-assurance at first sight. Its design emphasises the confident, powerful and elegant character of the new S-Class, which makes every journey an experience.

Achieving even more technological highlights was a challenge for the engineers in Stuttgart and Sindelfingen, for the bar was set very high: the previous S-Class, which had been repeatedly voted the "Best Car in the World" since its presentation in 1998, was a hard act to follow. The progress Mercedes-Benz has made with the new Saloon is based on this already high level. 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 seats with an extended massage function, from night view assist with the latest infra-red technology to the new COMAND system, and from preventive PRE-SAFE® occupant protection with additional functions to Parking Assist.

Safety: Brake Assist with radar and latest-generation PRE-SAFE®

In the field of vehicle safety, Mercedes-Benz is redoubling its commitment to accident prevention with the preventive system Brake Assist PLUS. This system registers vehicles ahead by radar and gives a warning if the gap is too small or the closing speed is too high. If a collision threatens, Brake Assist PLUS calculates the ideal braking assistance in fractions of a second and makes this available immediately - even if the driver applies too little pressure to the brake pedal. This significantly reduces the incidence of rear-end collisions. The adaptive brake light, which warns following traffic by flashing during emergency braking, also makes a major contribution.

Mercedes-Benz combines Brake Assist PLUS with the equally unique occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, which offers even more safety functions on board the new S-Class. PRE-SAFE® recognises potential accident situations as they arise: if braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or a skid is imminent, the system tensions the front seat belts as a precaution and inflates air cushions in the multicontour seats to envelop and support the driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has also integrated the side windows into this preventive protection concept; they are automatically closed when an accident threatens.

This combination of the new Brake Assist PLUS system and PRE-SAFE® is a further enhancement to occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz is the world's first and only automotive brand with a comprehensive safety system of this kind, which already goes into action before an impending accident.

Support systems: DISTRONIC PLUS and the new night view assist

Brake Assist PLUS is available in combination with the likewise improved proximity control system DISTRONIC PLUS. This radar-supported system now operates at all speeds between zero and 200 km/h, and ensures even greater driver comfort. In stop-and-go traffic DISTRONIC PLUS keeps the new S-Class at the right distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the Saloon to a standstill if necessary and accelerates it back to the required speed when the traffic starts moving again. In this way the support system reduces the driver's workload and provides considerable benefits in driver-fitness safety.

The equipment package with Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS also includes a new Parking Assist system which likewise uses radar sensors. These have a longer range than ultrasonic signals, therefore the driver receives earlier warning of an impending collision when reversing into a parking space.

With the innovative night view assist system which is premiered in the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has made a further, major contribution to reducing the risk of accidents during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infra-red light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infra-red headlamps illuminate the road, extending the driver's range of vision to more than 150 metres when on low beam. Night view assist therefore makes pedestrians, cyclists, parked cars and other obstacles visible very much sooner. An infra-red camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen records the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.

Dimensions: larger, more comfortable and even more luxurious

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. The body is also 16 millimetres wider and 29 millimetres higher than before.

These new dimensions create the conditions for an interior concept which provides every single passenger with first-class comfort. Interior parameters such as shoulder-room and elbow-room have increased by up to 39 millimetres, while headroom has again improved by up to five millimetres. Rear seat passengers in the long-wheelbase version benefit from a greater distance between the seats + 10 mm) and more knee-room (+ 11 mm) compared to the preceding series. The capacity of the boot has increased by 60 litres to 560 litres (VDA measuring method).

Luxurious fine wood and chrome trim, attractively contoured controls of aluminium and carefully coordinated colours characterise the atmosphere in the interior, producing an immediate feeling of wellbeing. The dashboard with its sophisticated, sweeping lines is yet another masterpiece by Mercedes designers, for whom form and function are ideals which share equal status. Accordingly the cockpit not only conveys a feeling of safety, but is also extraordinarily well laid-out and practical - from the very first moment, man and vehicle enter into a harmonious relationship in the new S-Class.

Control concept: colour displays, direct shift buttons and COMAND controller

That is also assured by the newly developed and thoroughly tested control concept. This is based on findings from extensive ergonomic and perceptive psychology studies, and also takes into account the results of acceptance tests with Mercedes customers around the world.

The major characteristic of the intelligent operating concept in the new S-Class is rapid access to functions which are used particularly frequently. The system is therefore specifically designed for redundancy: depending on his preferred habits, the driver is able to control functions such as the radio, TV tuner, CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation system either using conventional switches, via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel or with the help of the improved COMAND system. The direct control switches in the centre console are so ergonomically positioned that the driver is able to operate them conveniently and without looking down. It is also possible top operate the standard automatic climate control system in two different ways: via COMAND or using an attractively styled array of switches beneath the air vents.

The steering wheel and instrument cluster are the primary areas in the new operating concept. These integrate all the important information and functions required by the driver. The centrepiece is a colour screen with the latest display technology for a bright, crystal-clear image. The lower edge of the cockpit display has a plain-text array with which up to seven main menus for individual settings, display modes and operating functions can be controlled, depending on the level of equipment. For rapid selection of these functions Mercedes-Benz has developed the controls on the standard multifunction steering wheel further, using circular, illuminated five-way buttons which the driver operates by light thumb pressure.

Another new feature which improves operating convenience and allows a thoroughly up-to-date cockpit design is DIRECT SELECT - electronic control of the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission by nudging an attractively styled lever on the right of the steering column. Thanks to this technology, Mercedes engineers were able to dispense with the usual selector lever in the centre console and redesign the tunnel covering.

The innovative "Cockpit Management and Data System" - COMAND for short - has likewise been redesigned and now offers even more features. In addition to the familiar telematic and audio units, various vehicle functions which previously required individual switches have now been integrated into the system. The central operating unit is the new COMAND controller on the transmission tunnel. It is used to select the main and sub-menus with which the required functions are activated. If a car phone is fitted ex factory, the padded handrest behind the controller can be flipped up to reveal the telephone keypad.

The large COMAND colour display is positioned at the same height as the instrument cluster, and therefore even more favourably within the field of vision of the driver and front passenger. A new operating concept, up-to-date colours and clear, photo-quality graphics also make the menu selection procedure a gratifying visual experience.

The COMAND system in the new S-Class includes a radio, CD/DVD player and a port for computer memory cards (PCMCIA cards) as standard. On request Mercedes-Benz will equip COMAND with a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are now stored on a hard disc. This allows even faster route calculation than before.

Comfort: new seats with a massage function and air suspension as standard

Mercedes customers are able to adapt the newly developed seats in the new S-Class to suit their personal comfort requirements. Electrically adjustable, 16-way front seats with lumbar supports are standard equipment. There is also an optional choice of luxury seats with heating and ventilation, multicontour seats (front and rear) and dynamic multicontour seats (front) whose cushion and backrest contours adapt to the relevant driving situation to provide the best possible lateral support at all times.

The dynamic multicontour seat is also equipped with separate air chambers in the backrest which are successively inflated and deflated at the touch of a button, massaging the back muscles for the wellbeing of its occupant. The intensity and speed of the massage function can be adjusted in four stages by means of the COMAND system.

The suspension with its standard, improved AIRMATIC air suspension system also makes a major contribution to the excellent ride comfort in the new S-Class. At the touch of a button the driver is able to choose between a comfort-oriented or more sporty configuration. Beyond 120 km/h and in Sport mode, the suspension is automatically lowered by up to 20 millimetres to improve the handling dynamics, aerodynamics and fuel consumption even further.

The Active Body Control suspension system (optional, standard equipment in the S 600) is a further milestone in suspension engineering which has been improved even further for the new S-Class.

The newly developed braking system ADAPTIVE BRAKE has additional functions which for instance assist the driver when moving off on gradients and shorten braking distances in the wet. The parking brake is electrically assisted for the first time - the brake is applied merely by pressing a button, and is released automatically when the car moves off.

Performance: over 26 percent more output from the new V8 engine

Three of the four engines available for the new S-Class are new developments by Mercedes-Benz. They generate up to 26 percent more output and up to 15 percent more torque. In addition to the 3.5-litre V6 engine with 200 kW/272 hp, a new eight-cylinder unit developing 285 kW/388 hp and a muscular 530 Newton metres of torque from a mere 2800 rpm will already be available at the time of the market launch in autumn 2005. It accelerates the S 500 from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

From the 1st quarter of 2006 Mercedes-Benz will be extending the range of engines for the S-Class with the new V6 CDI engine, which has a particulate filter as standard. This direct-injection unit has an output of 170 kW/231 hp and generates a maximum torque of 540 Newton metres from 1600 rpm. This means that the new S 320 CDI betters the preceding model by 13 percent in output and eight percent in torque.

The output of the twelve-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-range S 600 (available from the first quarter of 2006) has increased to 380 kW/517 hp, while torque has increased by just under four percent to a remarkable 830 Newton metres from 1900 rpm.

As standard equipment, the V6 and V8 engines in the new S-Class are combined with the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC.

Success: number one in the luxury class

The new S-Class is replacing a successful series which has captured the top end of this market segment in every region of the world. Even in its last year of production the flagship Mercedes-Benz Saloon is the market leader among the world's luxury saloons, with sales of around 17,000 units (as at May 2005).

Accolades achieved by the previous S-Class include around four dozen prizes and awards in international competitions, with numerous titles such as "Best Car", "Most Innovative Saloon", "Highest Design Quality" or "World's Finest Car".

 

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

Control concept

 

Man and vehicle - a harmonious relationship in the new S-Class

• Integrated control systems instead of additional buttons and switches

• Redundancy concept with buttons for instant operation

• Instrument cluster and COMAND display at the same viewing level

• New COMAND controller combined with direct control buttons

Getting in and feeling good – in the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has added another aspect to this conceptual and design aim for its car interiors: getting in, feeling good and mastering the technology at once.

This is made possible by a newly developed control concept as the interface between man and vehicle. It is based on extensive ergonomic and perceptive psychology studies, and takes into account the findings from numerous acceptance tests conducted with Mercedes customers all over the world. In other words, it is not the latest technical advances but male and female drivers that provided the impulses for the control and display systems.

The effort devoted to the development of a new control concept shows how seriously Mercedes-Benz takes this task. And for very good reasons, as new technologies for even more individual comfort, telematics and telecommunications, as well as information and entertainment, require new thinking where automotive control concepts are concerned. Making the numerous functions and their complexity easily accessible for drivers is a task that goes well beyond the usual activities of automotive engineers. During the development of the control system for the new S-Class they therefore worked together closely with the psychologists and behavioural scientists at DaimlerChrysler Research, who conduct research into the human factors involved in driving as well as the technical and functional aspects – the fine interaction between intuitive understanding of the control function and the emotional experience when handling the technology. Both are important prerequisites for safety, wellbeing and driving enjoyment. A major contribution was also made by the designers, who created the various switches, controls and displays and painstakingly blended them into the overall design concept for the Mercedes flagship model. The result is a harmonious combination of ergonomics and aesthetic appeal: every switch, every control and every display signals precision and careful attention to detail.

The most important objectives during the development of the control concept for the new S-Class were adaptation and integration. The aim was the best possible adaptation of the technology to human needs in the interests of greater safety and comfort, as well as the clear and logical grouping or integration of control functions.

Accordingly Mercedes engineers relocated functions for seat and climate control adjustment, which were previously operated by means of separate switches or buttons but tend to be used only rarely in practice, into central control systems. This means that tried-and-trusted control and display elements such as the multifunction steering wheel in combination with the central display in the cockpit, as well as the innovative COMAND system, have been further enhanced and extended. Other functions for which switches, buttons or levers continue to be most suitable have been grouped into control clusters. The principle is always: everything in its place.

Direct selection: buttons for immediate access to important functions

Rapid access to frequently used functions is a major characteristic of the intelligent control concept in the S-Class. This means that the driver is not required to relearn, is able to retain old habits and feels at home immediately. The control system is designed for redundancy: the radio, TV tuner, CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation system can be accessed either via the new COMAND controller and its menu structure, or directly using keys. The relevant control keys are ergonomically located in front of the controller, so that the driver can operate them by feel without having to look down. The "Return" key takes the driver back to the next-higher menu level.

The buttons and controls on both sides of the COMAND controller are just as easily accessible. The buttons on the right switch the system on or off, regulate the sound volume or activate the mute function, while the switch array on the left allows the driver to select the transmission programme and control the rear head restraints. There is also an individually programmable button for specific functions chosen by the driver. It can be programmed to operate the rear window blind, activate the interior surveillance and tow-away protection system or repeat the route recommendations given by the navigation system, for example.

Operation of the standard automatic climate control system is also possible in two ways, i.e. on a redundant basis: using the COMAND controller and menu-based control via the colour display, or by means of an attractively styled switch array beneath the air vents. The COMAND system allows further individual climate adjustments such as air distribution, footwell adjustment and air conditioning for the rear.

Cockpit: colour display with clear menu-controlled functions

The steering wheel and instrument cluster are the primary areas in the newly developed control concept of the S-Class. These integrate all the important information and functions required by the driver. The centrepiece is an eight-inch (16 : 9) high-resolution colour display with the latest TFT (thin film transistor) technology for a bright, crystal-clear image. There is a graphically animated dial speedometer whose needle is partially overlapped to highlight the information presented by the central display.

The graphics computer projects a line of plain text along the lower edge of the TFT display; depending on the level of equipment, this allows up to seven main menus and various sub-menus to be accessed for individual settings, displays and control functions:

Trip: Odometer and trip recorder, trip computer, range, digital speedometer.

Navi: Directional instructions (indicated by arrows) by the navigation system.

Audio: Radio programme, TV programme, title display for CD player, CD changer and video DVD.

Telephone: Number dialled, caller number, telephone directory.

Assistance: Distance display for DISTRONIC, proximity warning, settings for reversing camera.

Service: Tyre pressure control, ASSYST PLUS, messages.

Settings: Daytime driving lights, digital secondary speedometer, SPEEDTRONIC, activation of radar sensors.

Steering wheel: new 5-way buttons for rapid, intuitive operation

For rapid selection of these functions Mercedes-Benz has developed the controls on the standard multifunction steering wheel further, using circular, illuminated five-way buttons which the driver operates by light thumb pressure. The left disc highlights one of the main menus in the central display in a horizontal direction, then accesses the required sub-menu in a vertical direction. The relevant selection or setting is confirmed by pressing the "OK" key at the centre of the disc. A separate "Return" key enables the driver to return to the next-higher menu level immediately.

The five-way button on the right of the multifunction steering wheel is used to regulate the sound volume (vertical) and operate the car phone (horizontal). Below this there is an additional button with which the driver can activate the LINGUATRONIC voice control system (optional). A few verbal commands are then enough to operate the car phone, audio equipment and navigation system.

DIRECT SELECT: automatic selector lever on the steering column

The primary control layout which the driver has directly within his reach and field of vision includes the newly designed lever on the steering column. As before, cruise control, DISTRONIC (optional), the windscreen wipers, indicators, steering wheel heating system (optional) and steering wheel position are controlled from here. In line with the principle of "everything in its place", the control function for setting the desired inter-vehicle distance has been integrated into the DISTRONIC lever, rather than on the centre console as in the preceding model.

Another new feature which improves operating convenience and allows a thoroughly up-to-date cockpit design is DIRECT SELECT – electronic control of the standard 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission by nudging an attractively styled lever on the right of the steering column. Thanks to this technology, Mercedes engineers were able to dispense with the usual shift lever on the centre console and redesign the tunnel covering.

COMAND: screen within the driver’s field of vision and a new controller

With the "Cockpit Management and Data System" - COMAND for short – Mercedes-Benz started a new era in systems operation when the predecessor to the new S-Class was launched in 1998. COMAND is the processing and control centre for a whole range of functions; it is a car radio, CD/DVD player, TV tuner and navigation unit all in one. It also facilitates the operation of the car phone by means of a special keypad and clear displays.

The engineers in Sindelfingen have developed the system further for the new S-Class, while improving its styling. This further development has produced a considerable increase in its capabilities, for in addition to the familiar telematic and audio units, various vehicle functions which previously required individual switches have now been integrated into the system. Two new features are immediately obvious:

• The large, eight-inch 16 : 9 colour display is now positioned at the same height as the instrument cluster, and therefore even more favourably within the field of vision of the driver and front passenger. In addition the display can be electrically pivoted by ten degrees to the left or right.
• The innovative COMAND controller with a padded handrest on the transmission tunnel. This is the central control unit for all COMAND functions. This component of high-grade aluminium is the mechanical and electronic interface between the front occupants and COMAND. The main and sub-menus for the control system are selected by rotating or nudging the controller, which is then pressed to confirm the relevant function. A geared electric motor assists the movements of the controller and provides tactile feedback. The rotary function is automatically locked when the end of a display sequence has been reached, for example. If a car phone is fitted ex factory, the padded handrest can be flipped up to reveal the telephone keypad.

Menu control: clear layout and photo-quality images

A new operating concept, up-to-date colours and clear, photo-quality graphics also make the COMAND menu selection procedure a gratifying visual experience. The screen content is horizontally divided into separate areas which are easily accessed using the controller. As in the central display in the instrument cluster, the system is accessed via a menu bar which contains up to five main functions, depending on the level of equipment in the S-Class:

Navi: Road map, destination input, destination memory

Audio: Radio, CD player or changer, DVD audio, MP3, rear entertainment (optional), auxiliary port

Tel: Telephone, address book, news

Video: TV reception, DVD video, auxiliary connection

Vehicle: Rear blind, exterior mirrors (comfort settings), assisted entry/exit (steering wheel), delayed switch-off, ambient lighting (optional), locator lighting, automatic locking, interior surveillance, tow-away protection, boot lid stop (with optional remote boot lid closing).

When one of the menus is selected, a further menu bar appears at the lower edge of the COMAND display. If for example radio operation has been selected, this allows additional settings such as sound quality, balance/fader, waveband and station list to be chosen. The redesigned radio station display shows radio programmes which the driver or front passenger can select by rotating the controller.

The menu structure follows a simple, easily understood principle: functions or lists in the sub-menus are accessed by pressing the controller, while items within the lists are activated by rotating or nudging the controller up or down, followed by pressing to confirm. Lists are closed merely by moving the controller horizontally or pressing the "Return" key in front of the controller.

Additional functions: seats and air conditioner now also controlled via COMAND

The new functions which are now also controlled via COMAND include individual adjustment of the standard lumbar supports and multicontour seats (optional). The display shows a photo-quality image of the seat with the different air cushions highlighted in colour. These can be individually selected using the controller, then adjusted as required. As before, all other seat adjustments and functions are grouped into clearly arranged control clusters in the doors.

Other systems for which separate switches were previously necessary, e.g. the rear window blind, tow-away protection and interior surveillance, can also be operated via COMAND in the new S-Class.

Technology: radio, CD player and PC card player in one

The COMAND system in the new S-Class combines the latest audio, video and navigation technology. The following functions are included in the standard configuration:

Radio: SW, MW, LW and FM reception. Twin FM tuner with RDS/TMC. Automatic station memory for all receivable radio programmes. 20 station memory presets per waveband.

Amplifier: 4 x 25 watts. Ten loudspeakers.

CD/DVD: Single deck for music CDs and for audio or video DVDs. Also for MP3 formats.

PC cards: Slot for PCMCIA cards below the CD/DVD player.

Auxiliary: Port for external equipment in the glove compartment.

Navigation: all route information on a computer hard disc

Mercedes-Benz will also equip COMAND with a navigation system on request. In addition to a satellite receiver (Global Positioning System) and a yaw rate sensor, this has a hard disc with a memory capacity of 20 Gigabytes and allows particularly fast access to the navigation data, with even faster route calculation compared to a DVD-based system. Route information for Europe, the USA/Canada or several countries in other continents is stored on the hard disc.

A TV tuner is also available as optional equipment for the COMAND system. This is able to receive both terrestrial digital signals (DVB-T) and analogue programmes. For safety reasons the TV image in the COMAND display is blanked out when the car is on the move; TV reception is always possible in the rear if the entertainment system (optional) is specified.

Control clusters: switches grouped according to related functions

Following the principle of "everything in its place", Mercedes engineers and designers have integrated those switches and keys which still remain necessary into functionally related control clusters. These control clusters may be found in the door trim, dashboard and roof lining:

• All the controls for the exterior mirrors, side windows, window blinds, central locking system and seats are grouped in the door trim.
• The control unit for all the lighting functions in the new S-Class is located on the dashboard, to the left of the steering column: low-beam headlamps, parking lights, headlamp switch, fog lamps, rear fog lamp and headlamp cleaning system (optional).
• The overhead control panel contains switches for the interior lighting, sliding sunroof (optional) and the roller blind for the new panoramic sliding roof (optional).

Functions such as "ESP OFF", "PARKTRONIC OFF" and manual level control, which tend to be used infrequently, are operated via a switch array between the instrument cluster and the COMAND display.

Rear: controller and direct control switches on the armrest

Passengers in the rear of the new S-Class are not deprived of the advantages offered by the new controller in combination with direct control switches. If the S-Class is equipped with single multicontour rear seats and the rear-entertainment system (optional), the controller is located on the folding armrest between the single seats. All the functions of the entertainment system can be controlled from here: CD/DVD player, TV tuner, two auxiliary ports for external equipment and the picture and sound adjustments. Direct control switches allow individual adjustment of the multicontour seats (optional) in the rear.

 

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.

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

The history of automobile controls illustrated by the S-Class

 

At the highest level

 

• From the "grease trumpet" to voice control
• From the segmented speedometer to the colour display
• From the slide adjuster to sensor control

Men who were able to drive the Mercedes Simplex 40 hp of 1902 were in very great demand at that time. One of them, Wilhelm Werner, even rose to become chauffeur to the German emperor Wilhelm II. The job was definitely very exclusive, but required a great deal of know-how. To start the Mercedes Simplex, a powerfully built assistant first had to turn the crank below the radiator while the driver used a lever by the steering wheel to adjust the fuel/air mixture and a second lever to adjust the ignition timing. Prior to this, he needed to operate the hand pump for the fuel and lubricant tank on the left side of the dashboard, while monitoring the pressure increase shown by a manometer.

And that was not all: in front of the driver there were no less than eleven glass tubes with plungers, which enabled him to supply the various engine bearings with lubricant - the so-called "grease trumpet". Once he had checked and operated all the instruments, he was able to depress the clutch, engage first gear in the external shift gate and finally drive off.

In order to prepare drivers for this truly complex working environment, the former Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim offered training courses specifically for Mercedes chauffeurs. These courses came close to the training given to mechanics.

This scenario, a nightmare in terms of today’s ergonomic awareness, was the root of a conflict of aims in automobile development. For the increase in technical innovations whose functions needed to be shown, monitored and controlled on the dashboard was accompanied by a commensurate increase in the driver’s workload - and the risk of being distracted from the traffic situation. Designing more uniform and clearly arranged instruments and controls therefore became a safety factor. The Mercedes-Benz 680 Model S of 1927 took a very large step in this direction, as its electric starter and inside gearshift considerably simplified the procedure for starting and moving off. This luxury car also had the benefit of a windscreen wiper, though only for the driver’s side of the windscreen. The driver set the unit in motion by means of a rocker switch on the dashboard to obtain a better view of the road.

1954: Not a trace of ergonomics

The post-war period and the 50s were a time of new departures, and this was also obvious in the interior of Mercedes Saloons. For example, the legendary W 180-series Ponton Mercedes, (the nickname Ponton – German for pontoon – being a reference to the body structure of this, the first car to have a self-supporting or unitary body) entered the lists with a considerably more tidy dashboard in 1954. The science of ergonomics was nonetheless still in its infancy, as witness the location of the pull-switch for the windscreen wipers. It was placed on the upper edge of the dashboard, to the left of the ashtray. This put it firmly within the driver’s field of vision, but out of his reach: he was obliged to take one hand off the wheel and lean forward to switch the wipers on or off.

The heating and ventilation system was just as awkward to operate. The separate sliding controls for the driver and front passenger were located on the outside areas of the dashboard. This meant that the driver was unable to regulate the ventilation for the passenger side of the windscreen.

1959: Segmented speedometer in a vertical position

In 1959 Mercedes-Benz took a major step forward where operating convenience was concerned. The Mercedes-Benz 220 SE (model series W 112) – also known as the "tailfin" because of its striking rear-end design – marked a new departure into modern-day ergonomics. The principle was to accommodate more controls in a smaller area by means of convincing design solutions.

The centrepiece of the cockpit was an instrument cluster directly in front of the steering wheel which was vertically positioned directly in the driver’s field of vision. This combined a segmented speedometer consisting of a rotating, coloured bar, which turned from green to orange and finally red depending on the speed, with telltale lamps for the indicators, a thermometer, fuel gauge, main beam indicator lamp and a white warning lamp for the parking brake. The sliding controls for the heating and ventilation system – including those for the front passenger side – had now been moved to the centre, next to the instrument cluster. The driver still had to operate the main-beam switch and windscreen washer system with his foot, however.

1965: Premiere of the combination switch for the indicators and wipers

The W 108 S-Class series of 1965 started a new era where the control concept was concerned. Instead of by a segmented speedometer with a coloured scale, the driver was now kept informed by clearly arranged dial instruments, and for the first time he was able to operate the indicators, headlamp flasher and windscreen wipers using a single lever mounted on the steering column. A slight nudge was enough to set the wipers in motion, and it was also possible to select two wiper speeds – the beginnings of the combination switch which has since become a typical Mercedes feature.

The heating, ventilation and fan controls were also more easily accessible in the 1960s S-Class than in the preceding series, though the company still clung to the ergonomically unfavourable sliding controls.

1972: Dashboard now with a centre console

The continuous increase in onboard systems for more safety and operating comfort also required new ergonomic solutions, as the S-Class of 1972 showed (model series W 116). The typical Mercedes rotary/pull switch for low beam remained on the left, next to the steering column, but for the first time there was a console for the sliding controls for the heating and ventilation below the dashboard. The radio had also been moved downwards, which made the very generously equipped dashboard look very much more tidy. The combination switch on the steering column for the windscreen wipers, indicators and headlamp flasher was improved further, with a more attractive shape and easier access than in the preceding series.

1979: Rotary controls and pictogram switches for electric seat adjustment

For the W 126-series S-Class of 1979 the designers took the idea of a centre console even further, now including a console on the transmission tunnel between the front seats which provided additional stowage space and room for more switches. In the 280 S, for example, the centre console accommodated various controls for the air conditioning system – rotary controls to select the required temperatures for both the driver and front passenger side, as well as prominent rotary switches for the fan speed and air distribution. The sliding controls which had held sway for several decades were finally killed off.

The S-Class of 1979 also sported an exemplary ergonomic feature in the interior door trim, namely seat adjustment by means of pictogram-like controls depicting a seat cushion and backrest, facilitating individual adjustment of the cushion angle, backrest angle and fore-and-aft position. This control feature has since been used in every Mercedes passenger car equipped with electric seat adjustment.

1991: Even more switches and buttons

The breathtaking advances in microelectronics that revolutionised automotive technology during the 1980s – with more and more control parameters for engine management, ride comfort and safety being registered by sensors and fed into the onboard circuitry without any driver involvement – also made themselves felt in the vehicle interior. Since miniaturisation had also made it easier to display functions, the engineers opted for the greatest possible density of information in the cockpit and on the dashboard. The result was a large number of controls.

In this respect, Mercedes-Benz surpassed itself with the W 140-series S-Class of 1991. Numerous rocker and rotary switches offered the driver a host of control functions – and added to his workload. No less than six adjustment wheels were provided to control the fresh air and heating vents, while the control unit for the automatic climate control system featured a further 13 buttons. Switches for the heated seats, exterior mirror adjustment, rear window blind, power windows, heated rear window, rear head restraints and other functions were crowded onto the centre console and tunnel covering. Six buttons were relocated to an overhead control panel, where the driver and front passenger were able to operate the interior lights and sliding sunroof.

On the other hand, modern microelectronics also made a new form of vehicle operation possible: voice control. The W 140-series S-Class of 1996 was the first car in the world to obey the driver’s every word – at least when operating the car telephone. With the invention of LINGUATRONIC Mercedes-Benz made a further important contribution to road safety, as drivers no longer need to take their hands off the wheel to operate the telephone. Voice-controlled telephone operation merely requires the user to speak the relevant commands and the number to be dialled. Today Mercedes customers have the option of voice control for the audio and navigation systems as well.

1998: New control concept with multifunction steering wheel and COMAND

It was not only the large number of vehicle functions, but also the rapid advances in new information, navigation and entertainment systems that required a rethink where vehicle controls were concerned. The aim of Mercedes engineers during the development of the W 220-series S-Class of 1998 was to lighten the driver’s workload significantly, so that he could concentrate on what was really important: the traffic situation and the driving experience. So that operating convenience and safety ideally complemented each other.

To realise this aim the engineers at Mercedes developed the principle of auto-adaptive ergonomics. This refers to the almost completely intervention-free self-adaptation of technical functions, with the aim of reducing the driver’s workload even further. Accordingly the S-Class of 1998 was the first to offer functions which adapted themselves to the prevailing environmental conditions – for example with the help of sensors which automatically activated the windscreen wipers when it rained, switched on the headlamps when darkness fell or kept the interior temperature constant in any weather conditions.

But the S-Class also set an example for operating comfort in other respects. A new multifunction steering wheel as standard equipment enabled the driver to access numerous systems by thumb pressure. The steering wheel was linked to the radio, car telephone and a display in the centre of the instrument cluster which featured up to eight main menus depending on the level of equipment. In each of these main menus the driver was able to scroll backwards and forwards between various detailed functions, access information and programme settings to adapt the convenience and display functions to his personal requirements. Once stored, these entries always operated in the background and needed no further action or input.

In 1998 a newly developed system also celebrated its premiere in the centre console: COMAND, the "Cockpit Management and Data System". This combined the radio, telephone operation, cassette player, navigation system and TV tuner in a single housing. The visible centrepiece of this multifunctional system was a 12-centimetre LCD colour display showing all the control functions and other information. Its non-visible backup was a 32-bit processor which controlled all these functions. The driver or front passenger were able to select the different systems by pressing buttons above the colour display, with further operation mainly via a combined rotary/push button. Rotating this button highlighted different menu items in the display whose function was then activated by pressing the control button.

With its multifunction steering wheel, central display and COMAND, the S-Class of 1998 set the scene for the future where vehicle controls were concerned. These new systems not only offered new functions and possibilities, but also improved the interaction between man and machine as a major precondition for safety, comfort and driving pleasure.

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

Ergonomics test bench

 

A "car" with 90 electric motors

 

• The world’s only test unit for interior concepts
• Different body variants selectable at the touch of a button
• Important laboratory work before building vehicle prototypes
• Control and display systems in ergonomic tests with drivers

The ergonomics test bench provides Mercedes engineers with a unique facility for the realistic assessment of the seating position, spaciousness, visibility and control/display systems form new models at an early development stage. The advantage of this computer-controlled system over the cockpit mock-ups previously used to assess interiors is that the interior dimensions of future models can be varied at will – and at the touch of a button. Approximately 90 electric motors keep the structure of aluminium sections and panels in motion. The test bench is used to duplicate the roof, floor and pillars of future models. The self-supporting roof structure is mounted on three pairs of pillars, and the roof lining can be shaped as required by the telescopic upper sections of these pillars. The dashboard, centre console, seats, steering wheel and pedal cluster are mounted on adjustable platforms and can be repositioned precisely to suit requirements.

Using the ergonomics test bench, Mercedes specialists can already answer important questions relating to the concept of future Mercedes models at an early stage: What is the optimal headroom? What is the best position for the armrests? To help answer these questions, the engineers invite male and female drivers of various body sizes to the ergonomics laboratory to give their views. What is more, the test drivers are able to configure their personal "ideal car" at the touch of a button on the test bench. The individual data are stored and subsequently evaluated when developing the vehicle concept.

The ergonomic specialists are particularly interested in the views of drivers concerning the positioning of the controls and displays. These are for instance obtained during extensive test series relating to the accessibility and visibility of the switches and displays. Video projections are used to examine switch operation under realistic conditions: the 200-degree projection screen in front of the ergonomics test bench shows roads and motorways along which the tester drives the imaginary vehicle while performing a number of operating tasks. A sound system simulates both engine and road noises during the "journey", so that the virtual world is perceived as very realistic after just a short time. That is precisely the aim of the scientists. Experience has shown that it is necessary to give testers on the ergonomics test bench the visual and acoustic illusion that they are sitting in a moving vehicle. It is only then that they adopt a typical driving position, which is the precondition for a meaningful ergonomic assessment of the cockpit.

Video analysis: seating test on camera

Video technology also helps to analyse the movements and control sequences used by the testers. Electronic cameras around the test bench record the space available to the drivers after different seat adjustments, whether they are able to reach the controls on the dashboard conveniently and how they carry out specific operating tasks. It is also important to analyse movement patterns when entering and leaving the vehicle, as this provides important information for the design of the entry geometry and the opening angle of the doors.

The ergonomics test bench has been in operation at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center since 2000, and has provided valuable data for the development of Mercedes passenger cars to series production maturity. The new S-Class was likewise tested and optimised with the help of this facility.

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

Virtual Reality Center

 

Test drive on the Power Wall

 

• Design and construction with the help of the latest computer technology
• "Power Wall" and "CAVE" for three-dimensional projections
• Concerted integration of virtual technologies into car development

It is something that never ceases to amaze the onlooker: a complete car suddenly appears in the centre of the room, out of thin air. It is close enough to touch, rotates and presents itself from every angle of vision, shows every detail and even the paintwork changes its reflections. As if it were real. In fact this car is nothing but a projection, and no more real than a mirage in the desert. At least not yet.

For when Mercedes engineers gather round one of these fascinating and realistic projections, they are looking at a car model which is only planned for production in the future. Before the first prototype is ever built, specialists from all disciplines are able to examine the planned model in all its details. Particular attention is paid to problem-solving: do all the components fit where intended, are the switches within easy reach, will the service mechanic have easy access to major assemblies, will the production sequences work as planned?

Mercedes-Benz has created the facilities for studies of this kind at the Virtual Reality Center in Sindelfingen, where three-dimensional images of future models are created with the help of the latest computer technology. This is not only less expensive than identifying any inconsistencies with a hand-crafted model, it also saves time and improves quality. After all, computers allow many more alternatives to be examined within a justifiable time than a physical model.

During the development process for new Mercedes models, the designers are the first to benefit from the astonishing possibilities of the virtual world. They use these to compare different design studies, assess them and modify them at low cost. Creative possibilities can thus also be multiplied with the help of computers.

Naturally the design solutions arrived at in the virtual world are subsequently translated into physical models and then re-examined, for even the best virtual models cannot replace tangible reality.

Virtual insights for design, production and service specialists

The strategic phase in which designers use the Virtual Reality Center to gain the enthusiasm of their colleagues for a new vehicle that is still purely a vision is followed by the technology phase, in which the latest computer technology also provides decisive support for the vehicle’s technical development process.

At this stage specialists from development and production come together and use the detailed computer data to examine precisely whether their ideas harmonise with the planned design, and how design ideas or new technical concepts can best be realised. This reveals any conflicting aims which the specialists need to resolve together.

One of the most important functions of the Virtual Reality Center is therefore to allow cross-hierarchical, functional and departmental cooperation between experts from different disciplines – always with the aim of achieving perfect solutions and the highest quality.

This virtual representation for instance allows automotive designers to examine the positioning of numerous individual components such as bodyshell parts, major units or connections and develop space-saving concepts for them – a three-dimensional puzzle. Virtual reality technology makes this work easier because individual components can be blanked out to reveal perspectives which are not always possible in the real world. The engineers are also able to install or remove components at the click of a mouse button. Areas of the vehicle can also be enlarged as required to examine small details. Accordingly specialists from the production and plant planning departments are involved in the development process for new Mercedes models at a very early stage, and accompany the product creation process in the Virtual Reality Center to define the production and assembly processes together with the development engineers.

At the "digital mock-up" stage it is even possible to carry out a virtual examination of component installation and removal by service technicians. Car developers and service specialists work together to arrange and position components for easy access during repairs and servicing. To identify any weaknesses, the specialists don special goggles and data gloves. These transfer their hand movements to the computer, which in turn transfers them to the virtual model. As a result, designers, production and assembly planners and service experts can realistically assess whether the oil filter, spark plugs or alternator are easily accessible. This assessment was previously carried out using actual vehicle models which had to be built as a time-consuming and costly process.

Hundreds of processors for real-time projections

The sophisticated technology in the Virtual Reality Center at Mercedes-Benz is based on powerful computers which are able to generate complex three-dimensional images of a vehicle from a set of data – in real time. The technical equipment that creates this virtual reality uses the computing power of more than one hundred processors.

These are connected to various graphic systems which create all the virtual models from tiny triangles which are constantly and individually recalculated in terms of their size, position in space and colour. Millions of these come together to form a photo-realistic projection.

These projections can only be perceived as a three-dimensional image with the help of special goggles, however. This is because the computer calculates and projects two superimposed images for each model – one for the right eye and one for the left, which means that the image appears blurred if no special goggles are worn. The goggles modify this, as the computer causes these to reveal the images for the right and left eye alternately – synchronised with the projection – by interposing an LCD layer. The human brain assembles this into a three-dimensional image, creating the astonishing spatial effect.

The amazing clarity is ensured by the rapid image sequence, both in the projection and in the 3D goggles. The computer’s graphic systems project 118 images per second; as humans can only distinguish 40 individual images per second at most, the three-dimensional picture is completely clear and in focus. What is more, the system precisely adapts the images to the relevant position of the viewer. A so-called tracking system with an electronic sensor constantly informs the computer where the viewer with the stereo goggles is located, making the illusion perfect.

The Virtual Reality Center at Mercedes-Benz provides a wide range of projection possibilities. The first design drafts or crash simulations are most effectively viewed on the so-called Power Wall. Several beamers use back-projection to show either 2D or 3D models on this semi-translucent screen, which has an area of more than 17 square metres and is large enough to show a complete vehicle on a 1 : 1 scale.

There are also various other back-projection screens available – basically smaller power walls with a screen area of 2.40 by 1.80 metres. These small-format back-projections are suitable for resolving questions of detail. This is where the developers conduct their installation and removal studies, for example.

Virtual reality in the "CAVE"

In contrast to conventional image projections, the engineers in the so-called "CAVE" or Computer Aided Virtual Environment are not merely external observers, but a part of the virtual environment. The CAVE practically opens the door to another form of reality.

This unit is a cube open on only one side which consists of five semi-translucent projection surfaces with a length of 2.50 metres, onto which five high-performance beamers project a special computer-generated image. As soon as the engineers don stereo goggles, a fascinating 3D image of the object in question appears as if by magic. The designers can then move around the projection space freely and do their work almost completely naturally in the 3D environment with the help of tracking and equipment such as data gloves and virtual tools.

The high-performance computers create such a realistic image of the vehicle in the empty space that designers can view the results of their work from all angles, even gaining the impression that they will leave fingerprints on the shining paint finish when they touch it. Every detail can be recognised in the "CAVE": even the surface of the dashboard or an upholstery fabric is shown so realistically that one is automatically tempted to brush it with one’s fingers to feel the surface structure.

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

World premiere of new support systems for even greater safety and comfort

Mercedes-Benz has developed and improved well-proven safety systems such as Brake Assist, PRE-SAFE® and DISTRONIC even further for the new S-Class. These high-tech innovations make a major contribution to accident prevention, better occupant protection and driver support. In addition, an innovative night view assist system is celebrating its premiere in the new S-Class; it considerably improves the range of visibility in the dark and therefore reduces the risk of accidents. These systems make the new S-Class the model and pacemaker for car development in general. With trailblazing developments in the field of seat technology, the top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz model also sets standards for even greater long-distance comfort.

One of the most important new developments in the field of vehicle safety is the preventive Brake Assist PLUS system. This system registers vehicles ahead by radar and gives a warning if the gap is too small or the closing speed is too high. If a collision threatens, Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS) calculates the ideal braking assistance in fractions of a second and makes this available immediately – even if the driver applies too little pressure to the brake pedal. This significantly reduces the incidence of rear-end collisions. The adaptive brake light, which warns following traffic by flashing during emergency braking, also makes a major contribution.

On request, Mercedes-Benz will combine Brake Assist PLUS with the equally unique PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, which offers even more safety functions on board the new S-Class. PRE-SAFE® recognises potential accident situations as they arise: if braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or a skid is imminent, the system tensions the front seat belts as a precaution and inflates air cushions in the multicontour seats to envelop and support the driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants. For the first time Mercedes-Benz has also integrated the side windows into this preventive protection concept; they are automatically closed when an accident threatens.

This combination of the new Brake Assist PLUS system and PRE-SAFE® is a further enhancement to occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first and only automotive brand with a comprehensive safety system of this kind, which already goes into action before an impending accident.

Test results: accident rate reduced by three quarters with Brake Assist PLUS

Mercedes-Benz has thoroughly tested the effectiveness of the preventive Brake Assist PLUS system. More than 200 male and female drivers took part in practical trials in Europe and the USA, covering a total of more than 450,000 kilometres in 24 test cars. Recording these journeys by means of data storage equipment and video cameras made a precise analysis of the BAS functions possible. This innovative system significantly improves driving safety.

In addition Mercedes-Benz conducted a test programme over a period of several months in the driving simulator operated by the DaimlerChrysler Research department in Berlin. A total of 100 drivers each completed a 40-minute journey with several critical situations on motorways and other extra-urban roads. It was only possible to avoid accidents by hard braking. Thanks to the new Brake Assist PLUS system, the accident rate during this test series fell by three quarters - from 44 to eleven percent. The new technology demonstrated its advantages particularly well when driving in a line of traffic at 80 km/h on a country road: when the vehicle ahead was suddenly braked, the radar-based Brake Assist system prevented an accident in 93 percent of cases – while more than one in two test drives ended in a rear-end collision without the system.

DISTRONIC PLUS: new support system for stop-and-go traffic

Brake Assist PLUS is available in combination with the likewise improved DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system. This radar-supported system now operates at all speeds between zero and 200 km/h, and ensures even greater driver convenience. In stop-and-go traffic DISTRONIC PLUS keeps the new S-Class at the right distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the Saloon to a standstill if necessary and accelerates it back to the required speed when the traffic starts moving again. In this way the support system reduces the driver’s workload and provides considerable benefits in driver-fitness safety.

By combining the previous DISTRONIC radar (77 GHz) with the newly developed close-range radar (24 GHz), which is also used for Brake Assist PLUS, Mercedes engineers have been able to extend the working range of the proximity control system even further, from 0.2 to 150 metres. While the 77 Gigahertz radar monitors the road ahead over a long distance, the signals from the 24 Gigahertz sensors have a range of around 30 metres and monitor the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. The electronic control unit analyses the information received from both radar systems and calculates the engine, automatic transmission and braking parameters required for controlling the distance to the vehicle in front.

The equipment package with Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS also includes a new Parking Assist feature. This system uses the four close-range sensors at the front and two radar sensors in the rear bumper, which have a range of about eleven metres. These provide the driver with an early warning of an impending collision when reversing.

Night view assist: more safety at night with infrared headlamps

With the innovative night view assist system which is premiered in the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has made a further, major contribution to reducing the risk of accidents during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infrared headlamps illuminate the road, significantly extending the driver’s range of vision when on low beam. An infrared camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen records the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.

Night view assist has the same range as high-beam headlamps, but without dazzling oncoming drivers. The system therefore makes pedestrians, cyclists, parked cars and other obstacles visible very much sooner. During tests, drivers were already able to discern test dummies at the roadside dressed in light-coloured clothing at a range of around 210 metres, which is about 41 metres sooner than with low-beam bi-xenon headlamps. The system provides even more safety in the case of pedestrians in dark clothing. In these situations the drivers saw the test dummies at a range of around 164 metres with night view assist, but only at about 72 metres when driving with low-beam bi-xenon headlamps alone. This represents a safety improvement of no less than 125 percent.

Seats: improved multicontour technology and innovative back massage function

Mercedes customers in the new S-Class are able to adapt the seats to their personal comfort requirements, as electrically adjustable 12-way front seats with lumbar supports are standard equipment. High-comfort heated seats with active ventilation, multicontour seats (front and rear) and dynamic multicontour seats (front) are also available as optional equipment.

Mercedes-Benz has improved this multicontour technology even further. The front seats are now equipped with eleven air cushions which enable the seat contours to be individually adjusted. New piezo valves on the air cushions operate much more rapidly than the previous technology, noticeably improving the dynamic response function of the multicontour seat. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and road speed, the piezo valves vary the inflation pressure and volume of the air cushions in the sides of the backrests within fractions of a second, providing the driver and front passenger with even better lateral support.

The dynamic multicontour seat is also equipped with separate air chambers in the backrest which are successively inflated and deflated in a programmed sequence. Passengers in the new S-Class can therefore enjoy a gentle back massage which stimulates the back muscles, assists the blood circulation and therefore helps to prevent premature fatigue. The massage programme lasts for five minutes and can be restarted at any time once the cycle has finished. The intensity and speed of the massage function can be adjusted in four stages using the COMAND system. Multicontour seats with the massage function are also available for the rear of the new Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon on request.

The driver’s seat and rear seat with the multicontour function have received a seal of approval from a German association for the promotion of spinal health.

Dimensions: larger body for outstanding interior comfort

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. The body is also 16 millimetres wider and 29 millimetres higher than before.

These new dimensions create the conditions for an interior concept which provides every single occupant with first-class comfort. Interior parameters such as shoulder-room and elbow-room have increased by up to 39 millimetres, while headroom has again improved by up to five millimetres. Rear seat passengers in the long-wheelbase version benefit from a greater distance between the seats (+ 10 mm) and more knee-room (+ 11 mm) compared to the preceding series. The capacity of the boot has increased by 60 litres to 560 litres (VDA measuring method).

Luxurious fine wood and chrome trim, attractively contoured controls of aluminium and carefully coordinated colours characterise the atmosphere in the interior, producing an immediate feeling of wellbeing. The dashboard with its sophisticated, sweeping lines is yet another masterpiece by Mercedes designers, for whom form and function are ideals which share equal status. Accordingly the cockpit not only conveys a feeling of safety, but is also extraordinarily well laid-out and practical – from the very first moment, man and vehicle enter into a harmonious relationship in the new S-Class.

Control concept: COMAND system with direct shift buttons and the controller

That is also assured by the newly developed and thoroughly tested control concept. This is based on findings from extensive ergonomic and perceptive psychology studies, and also takes into account the results of acceptance tests with Mercedes customers around the world.

The major characteristic of the intelligent operating concept in the new S-Class is rapid access to functions which are used particularly frequently. The system is therefore specifically designed for redundancy: depending on his preferred habits, the driver is able to control functions such as the radio, TV tuner, CD/DVD changer, telephone and navigation system either using conventional switches, via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel or with the help of the improved COMAND system. The direct control switches in the centre console are so ergonomically positioned that the driver is able to operate them conveniently and without looking down. It is also possible to operate the standard automatic climate control system in two different ways: via COMAND or using an attractively styled array of switches beneath the air outlets.

The steering wheel and instrument cluster are the primary areas in the new operating concept. These integrate all the important information and functions required by the driver. The centrepiece is a colour screen with the latest display technology for a bright, crystal-clear image. The lower edge of the cockpit display has a plain-text array with which up to seven main menus for individual settings, display modes and operating functions can be controlled, depending on the level of equipment. For rapid selection of these functions Mercedes-Benz has developed the controls on the standard multifunction steering wheel further, using circular, illuminated five-way buttons which the driver operates by light thumb pressure.

The innovative "Cockpit Management and Data System" - COMAND for short – has likewise been redesigned and now offers even more features. In addition to the familiar telematic and audio units, various vehicle functions which previously required individual switches have now been integrated into the system. The central operating unit is the new COMAND controller on the transmission tunnel. It is used to select the main and sub-menus with which the required functions are activated. If a car phone is fitted ex factory, the padded handrest behind the controller can be flipped up to reveal the telephone keypad.

The large COMAND colour display is positioned at the same height as the instrument cluster, and therefore even more favourably within the field of vision of the driver and front passenger. A new operating concept, up-to-date colours and clear, photo-quality graphics also make the menu selection procedure a gratifying visual experience.

Suspension: newly configured AIRMATIC air suspension as standard

The suspension with its standard, improved AIRMATIC air suspension system also makes a major contribution to the excellent ride comfort in the new S-Class. At the touch of a button the driver is able to choose between a comfort-oriented or more sporty configuration. Beyond 120 km/h and in Sport mode, the suspension is automatically lowered by up to 20 millimetres to improve the handling dynamics, aerodynamics and fuel consumption even further. The Active Body Control suspension system (optional, standard equipment in the S 600) is another milestone in suspension engineering which has been improved even further for the new S-Class.

The newly developed ADAPTIVE BRAKE system has additional functions which for instance assist the driver when moving off on gradients and shorten braking distances in the wet. The parking brake is electrically assisted for the first time – the brake is applied merely by pressing a button, and is released automatically when the car moves off.

Performance: over 26 percent more output from the new V8 engine

Three of the four engines available for the new S-Class are new developments by Mercedes-Benz. They generate up to 26 percent more output and up to 15 percent more torque. In addition to the 3.5-litre V6 engine with 200 kW/272 hp, a new eight-cylinder unit developing 285 kW/388 hp and a muscular 530 Newton metres of torque from a mere 2800 rpm will already be available at the time of the market launch in autumn 2005. It accelerates the S 500 from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds.

From the 1st quarter of 2006 Mercedes-Benz will be extending the range of engines for the S-Class with the new V6 CDI engine, which has a particulate filter as standard. This direct-injection unit has an output of 170 kW/231 hp and generates a maximum torque of 540 Newton metres from 1600 rpm. This means that the new S 320 CDI betters the preceding model by 13 percent in output and eight percent in torque. The output of the twelve-cylinder engine in the top-of-the-range S 600 (available from the first quarter of 2006) has increased to 380 kW/517 hp, while torque has increased by just under four percent to a remarkable 830 Newton metres from 1900 rpm.

As standard equipment, the V6 and V8 engines in the new S-Class are combined with the unique 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission.

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

Brake Assist PLUS

Radar sensors for early accident detection

• Situation-related braking assistance when an accident threatens
• Accident rate reduced from 44 to 11 percent in simulator tests

It was in 1992 that Mercedes engineers conducting tests in the driving simulator found that while the majority of male and female drivers operate the brake pedal rapidly in an emergency situation, they often do not do so with sufficient force. The braking performance is therefore not used to the full, and the braking distance is considerably increased. These findings led to the development of Brake Assist, which first entered series production in 1996 and has been standard equipment in all Mercedes cars since 1997.

The technology interprets a certain speed with which the brake pedal is depressed as an emergency braking situation, and builds up the maximum braking assistance within fractions of a second. This significantly shortens the vehicle’s braking distance – by up to 45 percent at 100 km/h on a dry road surface, for example.

Brake Assist has proven its worth millions of times since its invention. It not only helps to prevent rear-end collisions, but also contributes greatly to pedestrian protection. This was demonstrated by a Mercedes-Benz study in the driving simulator: 55 male and female drivers were asked to drive through a town, and a child suddenly ran into the road. An accident could only be avoided by emergency braking. The result was that drivers with the benefit of Brake Assist had significantly fewer accidents than those without the system. The accident rate was reduced by 26 percentage points with Brake Assist.

Brake Assist PLUS: two radar systems looking ahead

In the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has expanded Brake Assist into a preventive system which assists the driver even more effectively than before in critical situations. The system is based on radar technology: it registers the distance from vehicles ahead, warns the driver if the gap is too small and calculates the necessary brake force assistance if a rear-end collision threatens. If traffic tails back and the driver is obliged to operate the brake pedal, the new Brake Assist PLUS instantly builds up the braking pressure required to manage the situation.

While reflex-like operation of the brake pedal is necessary with a conventional Brake Assist system, the new system already detects the driver’s braking intention when the pedal is depressed and automatically optimises the brake pressure. This meets one of the major conditions for preventing rear-end collisions, namely the best possible deceleration for the situation in hand.

Preventive Brake Assist PLUS uses two radar systems to monitor the traffic situation ahead of the vehicle: a newly developed close-range radar based on 24-Gigahertz technology works together with the 77-Gigahertz radar of the DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system. These systems complement each other: while the DISTRONIC radar is configured to monitor three lanes of a motorway to a range of up to 150 metres with a spread of nine degrees, the new 24-Gigahertz radar registers the situation immediately ahead of the vehicle with a spread of 80 degrees and a range of 30 metres.

Testing: successful trials with about 300 drivers

Mercedes-Benz has intensively tested the effectiveness of this innovative technology in the driving simulator and in practical trials:

• 100 male and female drivers took part in a series of tests in the driving simulator. They each completed a 40-minute journey with several critical situations on motorways and country roads. It was only possible to avoid accidents by hard braking. Thanks to the new Brake Assist PLUS system, the accident rate during this test series fell by three quarters compared to the average of 44 percent with conventional brake technology.

The new technology demonstrated its advantages particularly well when driving in a line of traffic at 80 km/h on a country road: when the vehicle ahead was suddenly braked, the radar-based Brake Assist system prevented an accident in 93 percent of cases – while more than one in two test drives ended in a rear-end collision without the system. Even in situations where a collision was unavoidable owing to a late response by the driver, the new system helped to reduce the severity of the impact. This was confirmed by the measured impact speed, which was reduced from an average of 47 to 26 km/h thanks to Brake Assist PLUS.

• More than 200 male and female drivers took part in practical trials in Europe and the USA, covering a total of more than 450,000 kilometres in 24 test cars. These journeys were recorded with the help of the latest measuring and video technology. Evaluation of the data and video sequences showed that Brake Assist PLUS also makes a major contribution to safety under real conditions.

Accident research: focus of attention on rear-end collisions

With Brake Assist PLUS Mercedes-Benz has once again confirmed its role as the trendsetter in the field of road safety. As in the case of the airbag, belt tensioner, ESP® and other pioneering safety systems, the development focus for the preventive Brake Assist system was on the real accident situation, or more precisely the high number of rear-end collisions, which account for more than 17 percent of accidents involving fatalities or injuries in Germany.

Statistics compiled by the road safety authority NHTSA in the USA show that around 31 percent of all accidents with fatalities or injuries are rear-end collisions.

The future: from Brake Assist PLUS to the PRE-SAFE® braking system

Brake Assist PLUS has the potential to achieve further milestones in safety technology: on the basis of radar sensors, Mercedes engineers are working on a system which monitors the traffic situation ahead of the car very precisely. If the driver fails to respond even after a warning that an accident is impending, the technology automatically initiates braking action and activates the PRE-SAFE® functions in the interior after a certain level of deceleration. This autonomous braking intervention with a deceleration of up to about 0.4 g prompts the driver to act, i.e. to brake hard or take evasive action. The PRE-SAFE® braking system then assists as the situation requires, with the aim of preventing the imminent collision or reducing the impact energy if a collision is unavoidable.

In the future this innovative technology could also be developed into an autonomous braking system which is automatically activated when danger threatens and initiates emergency braking action – a further step on the way to the "vision of accident-free driving", the long-term goal of safety developers at Mercedes-Benz.

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

PRE-SAFE

World premiere of the second-generation preventive occupant protection system

• BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® as a unique preventive safety system
• New S-Class is a trendsetter for passenger car safety
• Additional preventive occupant protection with inflatable seat cushions

Seven prizes and awards in just three years, together with praise and recognition from every quarter – that is the success story of PRE-SAFE®, the preventive occupant protection system. Mercedes-Benz first presented the system to the public in 2002, and since then PRE-SAFE® has proved its worth in more than 140,000 S-Class saloons.

The system is able to detect critical driving situations in advance and intervenes to prepare both the occupants and the vehicle for an impending collision. If the vehicle enters a skid or if the driver is forced to brake hard in an emergency, PRE-SAFE® tensions the front seat belts as a precaution, adjusts the front passenger seat to a favourable position and automatically closes the sliding sunroof if required. The position of the electrically adjustable, single rear seats is also improved. These preventive measures enable the seat belts and airbags to work more efficiently. If the accident is avoided, the preventive tensioning of the seat belt is automatically relaxed and the occupants are able to return the seats and sunroof to their previous positions. The system is then immediately ready to go into action again.

This early detection of accident-prone situations is based on a hitherto unique synergy of active and passive safety features. PRE-SAFE® is linked to standard handling safety systems such as Brake Assist (BAS) and the Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), whose sensors recognise potentially critical driving manoeuvres. This information is passed to an electronic control unit, which activates the preventive occupant protection system as soon as certain threshold values are exceeded.

Safety system: a combination of radar, Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE®

Three years after the world premiere of this trailblazing development, with which Mercedes-Benz began a new era in car safety, the second-generation PRE-SAFE® system is now entering series production in the S-Class. Mercedes engineers have improved the interaction between active and passive safety systems even further. This means that networking the radar-based Brake Assist PLUS system with PRE-SAFE® enables hazardous situations to be literally recognised in advance for even earlier activation of the preventive occupant protection features.

Accordingly the S-Class opens up new dimensions in car safety. No other automobile offers such a comprehensive safety system, which goes into action even before an impending accident.

While PRE-SAFE® previously responded to emergency or panic braking – i.e. after reflex-like operation of the brake pedal by the driver – the system in the new S-Class can also be activated if Brake Assist PLUS has used its radar system to predict an impending collision and a certain level of deceleration is exceeded when braking. The occupants are prepared for the potential collision by preventive tensioning of the front seat belts and repositioning of the seats (front passenger and rear seats), enabling the seat belts and airbags to give the best possible protection.

These well-proven PRE-SAFE® functions are enhanced with additional preventive measures in the new S-Class. This means that the occupants are even better prepared for an impending accident – always with the aim that the seat belts, belt tensioners and airbags can perform their functions perfectly during a crash:

• A newly developed multicontour seat ensures that the driver, front passenger and rear passengers are seated even more securely, thereby limiting dangerous whiplash movements by the upper body. If the PRE-SAFE® control unit detects a critical handling situation, it immediately activates the air chambers in the seat cushions (front) and backrests (front and rear). These enclose the seat occupants and give them support. Tests at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Center have shown that this new PRE-SAFE® function and preventive belt tensioning increases the distance between the shoulder and the inner door lining by up to 40 millimetres at a lateral acceleration of 0.6 g. This enables the sidebag to fulfil its protective function even more effectively.
• Mercedes engineers have also made a further improvement to the standard windowbags with an additional preventive feature: if the new S-Class threatens to enter a skid with the probability of an accident, PRE-SAFE® automatically closes the side windows. These then support the windowbag as it deploys during a side impact or rollover. In addition, this new PRE-SAFE® function reduces the risk of the occupants being thrown out of the car or objects penetrating into the interior in the event of a crash.

Preview: PRE-SAFE® knee cushion for the front passenger

Mercedes-Benz will continue to develop preventive occupant protection features in the coming years. Future PRE-SAFE® concepts for even better preparation of the occupants when an accident threatens will for example include an automatically extending knee cushion which supports the front passenger and reduces impact loads on the legs during a crash. The knee cushion emerges from the lower section of the instrument panel before an impending collision, however its action is reversible, just like that of the PRE-SAFE® belt tensioners. The knee cushion is retracted once the danger of an accident recedes. On the same principle it might be conceivable to design interior door panels which move towards the occupants before a crash, keeping them away from body areas which might penetrate into the interior when an impact occurs. Extending B-pillar linings could fulfil similar support functions.

When PRE-SAFE® developers consider the future, they also imagine a protective system which is configured for the individual parameters of the car occupants. It might be conceivable for the driver and front passenger to programme the onboard computer with personal data such as their height, weight, gender and age before starting off, for example. This information would then enable the rate of inflation during airbag deployment, the force of the belt tensioners and the operation of the belt force limiters to be individually set. In addition it would be possible for PRE-SAFE® to control such things as the automatic seat positioning before an accident in accordance with the size of the occupant.

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

Adaptive brake light

Effective warning to prevent rear-end collisions

• Standard equipment in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• Braking distance shortened by more than four metres at 80 km/h

In their efforts to reduce the large number of dangerous rear-end collisions, Mercedes engineers have supplemented Brake Assist PLUS with a new development which warns drivers of this risk more effectively than before: flashing brake lights.

Research by Mercedes engineers has shown that driver reaction times are shortened by up to 0.2 seconds if a flashing red warning signal is given instead of the conventional brake light during emergency braking. At a speed of 80 km/h this reduces the stopping distance by about 4.40 metres, and at 100 km/h by no less than 5.50 metres or so. This means that flashing brake lights are an effective and easily implemented way to reduce rear-end collisions. It also makes motoring safer for road users who do not drive a Mercedes-Benz.

Specialists at Mercedes tested various warning light systems during their study. Brake lights which flash four times as quickly as the amber hazard warning lights during emergency braking proved particularly effective in alerting following drivers to the danger of a rear-end collision. The Mercedes study also revealed that switching on the hazard warning system in a dangerous situation has no significant effect on the reaction times of other drivers.

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

DISTRONIC PLUS

More safety and convenience in stop-and-go traffic

• World premiere in the new S-Class
• Wider performance range with two radar systems
• Proximity and speed control between zero and 200 km/h
• Automatic braking in head-to-tail traffic

In 1998 a long-held dream for many drivers was fulfilled in the S-Class with the DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control system: an electronic co-pilot which keeps the car at a set speed and at a set distance from the vehicle ahead – comfortably and stress-free. Mercedes-Benz was the world’s first automobile manufacturer to offer its customers such a system.

Autonomous intelligent cruise control – this term revealed the nature of this innovative system, namely a logical further development of the cruise control system which had long proved its worth as a convenience function on less busy roads by keeping the vehicle to a speed preset by the driver. Once traffic becomes more dense, with a constant reduction in the gap between vehicles, the driver is however obliged to intervene personally, change the preset speed or switch the cruise control function off altogether.

It was for such traffic situations that Mercedes-Benz developed DISTRONIC. This combines the cruise control function with a radar sensor in the radiator grille which monitors the traffic situation ahead of the S-Class up to a range of 150 metres. For this purpose the system uses one of the fastest and most powerful micro-computers ever developed for automotive applications. This processes the signals from the radar sensor, which are reflected by vehicles ahead and change their frequency. The control unit uses this change in frequency to calculate the relative speeds of the two vehicles, and determines the distance on the basis of the time taken for the signals to reflect.

If the gap between the vehicles decreases, the proximity control system automatically decelerates or operates the brakes if necessary. If the vehicle ahead increases the distance or changes lane, DISTRONIC operates as a conventional cruise control system and keeps the speed to the preset level.

Further development: two radar systems for long and short range

Mercedes-Benz has developed this highly efficient support system even further for the new S-Class, hence the name DISTRONIC PLUS.

By combining the previous DISTRONIC radar (77 GHz) with the newly developed close-range radar (24 GHz), which is also used for Brake Assist PLUS, Mercedes engineers have been able to extend the working range of the proximity control system even further, from 0.2 to 150 metres. While the 77-Gigahertz radar monitors the road ahead over a long distance, the signals from the 24-Gigahertz sensors have a range of around 30 metres and monitor the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. The electronic control unit analyses the information received from both radar systems and calculates the engine, automatic transmission and braking parameters required for proximity control.

In addition, the speed range for this control function has been increased from the previous 30 - 180 km/h to zero - 200 km/h. This means that when the traffic tails back, DISTRONIC PLUS automatically brakes the S-Class to a standstill and accelerates back to the set speed as soon as the traffic situation allows. To move off automatically, the driver only needs to operate the DISTRONIC stalk on the steering column or briefly depress the accelerator.

As before, the required distance can be set according to the traffic flow and density: using a control function on the DISTRONIC stalk, the driver is able to variably adjust the time lapse between one and two seconds if required by the traffic situation. The medium setting corresponds to a time lapse of 1.5 seconds, representing a gap of around 42 metres at a speed of 100 km/h. The target and actual distances between the S-Class and the vehicle ahead are shown in the central display of the instrument cluster.

Head-to-tail traffic: automatic braking to a standstill

As more dynamic proximity control intervention is often required at lower speeds, i.e. in stop-and-go traffic with frequent starting and braking, the acceleration and deceleration values of the system have been reconfigured. Depending on the speed, automatic deceleration of up to four m/s² (previously two m/s²) is now possible. If DISTRONIC PLUS detects that heavier braking is required, a warning light appears in the instrument cluster. This is accompanied by an acoustic warning which tells the driver to watch the traffic situation and apply the brakes himself if necessary.

The electronic proximity control system can be activated independently of DISTRONIC PLUS. In this case too, the system continuously monitors the distance from the vehicles ahead and gives the driver an acoustic warning if he is approaching another vehicle too rapidly at a speed of more than 30 km//h, and lights up a warning lamp if the gap is too small.

The DISTRONIC PLUS equipment package also includes the preventive Brake Assist PLUS and the new Parking Assist.

Practical trials: DISTRONIC as a contribution to greater safety and reduced stress

Mercedes-Benz examined the positive effects of DISTRONIC on driving and driver-fitness safety during long-distance trials in the USA and Germany. More than 140 male and female drivers took part, covering a total of almost 200,000 kilometres. The results:

• At 70 to 110 km/h the safety gap increased by an average of 29 percent when the test drivers had activated DISTRONIC. In the USA this support system increased the gap by a mean of 13 to 25 percent.
• When DISTRONIC was switched on, the style of driving was smoother and therefore more relaxed than without the system. This was shown by the measured acceleration and deceleration times.
• When the proximity control system was activated, the mean heart rate of the test drivers only increased by an average of 1.8 beats per minute compared to the normal pulse. When driving without DISTRONIC the heart rate increased by 3.2 beats per minute, which indicates more stress on the drivers.

Mercedes-Benz also subjected DISTRONIC PLUS to exhaustive practical trials. These involved more than 200 male and female drivers in Europe and the USA, who thought very highly of this improved support system. This was illustrated by frequent use of DISTRONIC PLUS during the long-distance journeys: while the conventional DISTRONIC system was "only" switched on for around one third of the routes in Germany, DISTRONIC PLUS was in action for more than half of all journeys. In the USA the drivers switched on the new system for as much as two thirds of the routes, while the rate of use for the previous proximity control system was around 42 percent.

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

Night view assist

Infrared headlamps for improved long-range visibility

• New technology for the prevention of accidents at night
• Significantly better visibility than with conventional low-beam headlamps
• No dazzling of oncoming traffic
• Great safety potential confirmed in practical trials

The risk of serious injury in road traffic is much greater in twilight and in the dark than during daylight hours. Although average traffic density is reduced to only around 15 percent at night, more than one in three fatal traffic accidents occur at this time.

Accordingly Mercedes-Benz has for many years been devoting great research efforts to making driving safer at night. New developments such as xenon low-beam headlamps (1995), bi-xenon headlamps (1999), the Active Light System (2003) and the cornering light function (2004) have made important contributions.

Night view assist, which is celebrating its European premiere in the new S-Class, is a further milestone in this area of passenger car technology. It is optionally available in conjunction with bi-xenon headlamps and the Active Light System. This means that the new Mercedes flagship model has a unique package consisting of the best and most effective lighting technology currently available.

In the dark, the newly developed night view assist system provides the driver with a much greater range of vision than conventional low-beam headlamps, enabling the course of the road, pedestrians, cyclists and obstacles to be recognised much sooner. At the same time the system relieves driver stress during tiring journeys at night, keeping the driver fit enough to respond rapidly and appropriately in critical situations.

Accident statistics: high risk for car drivers and pedestrians at night

This innovative system was developed on the basis of accident research:

• In 2003 there were 2630 fatalities in road accidents in twilight and darkness in Germany – this corresponds to almost 40 percent of all road traffic deaths in that year.
• In the USA there were 18,731 fatalities in twilight and darkness, almost 50 percent of all fatal accidents in the year 2003.

Accident researchers have concluded that problems of visual perception play a part in every second accident at night. This is why they consider visibility from the vehicle and the early detection of other road users to have further potential for improving road safety in the hours of darkness. The night view assist system in the new S-Class is able to make a major contribution to this, as accident analyses by Mercedes-Benz have confirmed: on the basis of data obtained from a joint accident research project conducted by German automobile manufacturers and the German road transport authority, Mercedes-Benz specialists have analysed the accident pattern at night and identified a high safety potential for night view assist.

During collisions at night there is a preponderance of cases where drivers lose control of their vehicle – often because they are unable to recognise the course of the road in time and do not adjust their speed. Around 54 percent of these vehicles leave the road, and more than one quarter of these (26 percent) collide with oncoming traffic.

The new night view assist system can also help to improve the safety of pedestrians, as German accident statistics indicate that more than 55 percent of fatal accidents involving pedestrians occur in twilight or darkness.

Technology: infrared beams in the headlamps, camera on the windscreen

The night view assist system for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class mainly consists of six components:

• The driver activates the system by means of a switch to the left of the rotary light switch. It must be dark outside and the low-beam beam headlamps must be switched on.
• Two special searchlights in the headlamp housings illuminate the road ahead with invisible infrared light. When night view assist is active, these are automatically switched on when a speed of 15 km/h is reached, and remain on when braking down to about 10 km/h. Night view assist is not operational when reversing.
• An infrared-sensitive camera on the inside of the windscreen records the scene ahead of the vehicle. A diffused-light panel protects the camera against extraneous light reflections.
• An electronic control unit processes the image from the infrared camera and transfers it to the display in the instrument cluster as a clear greyscale image.

As soon as night view assist is activated, the display in the centre of the instrument cluster is switched over to show the camera image. The large eight-inch display is directly in the driver’s field of vision, and he can use it like the speedometer and cockpit instruments to glance down regularly, monitor the situation ahead of the S-Class as shown by the infrared image and adjust his driving accordingly.

When the system is switched on, the speed indication changes from a dial instrument to a horizontal, bar-type display at the lower edge of the camera image.

Practical trials: significantly more safety in critical situations

Night view assist has the same range as main-beam headlamps, but without dazzling oncoming drivers.

Mercedes engineers examined the capabilities of this technology in a series of trials. During comparative test drives with low-beam bi-xenon headlamps and the new night view assist system, the male and female test drivers recognised obstacles in the road much sooner when assisted by the infrared light system. During tests, drivers were already able to discern test dummies at the roadside dressed in light-coloured clothing at a range of around 210 metres, which is about 41 metres sooner than with low-beam bi-xenon headlamps. The system proves even more effective in the case of pedestrians in dark clothing. In these situations the night view assist system already enabled the drivers to identify the test dummies at a range of around 164 metres, but only at about 72 metres when driving with low-beam bi-xenon headlamps alone. This represents a safety improvement of no less than 125 percent.

Even when the headlamps of oncoming vehicles dazzle the driver and heavily obscure the view, visibility is much better with this support system: a test dummy in light-coloured clothing standing at the road edge 50 metres behind an oncoming vehicle was detected from an average distance of 140 metres with the help of night view assist – around 53 metres sooner than with low-beam bi-xenon headlamps.

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

Parking Assist

Parking and reversing by radar

• Four close-range sensors at the front, two in the rear bumper
• Wide detection area and a range of up to eleven metres
• Collision warning when reversing at 7 km/h or more

Mercedes-Benz also uses the latest radar technology for the new Parking Assist in the S-Class, which is available in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS and Brake Assist PLUS. This system uses the four close-range sensors at the front and two radar sensors in the rear bumper to assist the driver when parking or warn him of obstacles when reversing.

The newly developed system operates with a much greater range and coverage than PARKTRONIC, which is based on ultrasound technology. The radar sensors of Parking Assist operate up to a distance of eleven metres and have a spread of 40 degrees, which means that the driver is warned of an impending collision much sooner. This is an advantage which becomes particularly obvious when reversing over a longer distance. In this case the system is active from a speed of seven km/h, and warns the driver with an acoustic signal if a collision threatens. This allows enough time to prevent the collision with firm operation of the brake pedal.

When parking the vehicle, the system supports the driver within a speed range from zero to 16 km/h. When moving forward, the colour display in the instrument cluster shows two segments which indicate the distance from an obstacle within the range of the radar sensors on the left and right sides, thereby allowing the vehicle to be parked with absolute precision. When the first red segment lights up an intermittent warning is also sounded. A constant warning note is sounded when the second red segment is reached, informing the driver that the minimum distance has been reached. When reversing, a display in the rear roof lining is switched on and indicates the distance from any obstacles – once again for each side of the vehicle and with an acoustic warning over the last few centimetres.

The system is as easy to operate as PARKTRONIC: Parking Assist is automatically activated as soon as the driver has started the engine and released the parking lock.

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

Seat technology

First-class comfort made to measure

• New multicontour seat with individual five-zone adjustment
• Luxury head restraints with crash-responsive NECK-PRO technology
• Effective back massage function with seven air chambers
• All comfort innovations now also for passengers in the rear

Relaxed and fatigue-free driving was one of the principal goals during the development of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The seats in the luxury saloon make a major contribution to this. A team of engineers paid detailed attention to all aspects of seating comfort and used long years of experience to realise concepts with which this flagship model by Mercedes sets new standards. In addition, specialists from the DaimlerChrysler Research department conducted a series of studies to analyse the requirements and wishes of Mercedes customers with respect to seating comfort. Several months of practical trials in various climatic zones around the world, static tests and reports by orthopaedic specialists, sports physicians and physiotherapists rounded off this sophisticated development programme.

A new 12-way seat already offers the driver and front passenger outstanding comfort even in the standard version. The fore-aft-aft position, backrest and cushion angle, seat height, head restraint and seat cushion depth are electrically adjustable – independently and variably, so that each occupant is able to choose the best individual seating position. This also applies to comfort and support for the lower back, as pneumatic two-way lumbar supports are also standard equipment for the front seats. These enable the driver and front passenger to adapt the backrest contours to their own anatomy, relieving the back muscles.

To ensure that the chosen seating position does not need to be readopted after every change of driver or front passenger, the S 500 is equipped with a memory function as standard. Both front seats are able to store up to three memory positions. Pressing one of the memory keys in the door panel causes the driver’s seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors to move to the stored positions automatically. Things are even more convenient with the key memory function: the microchips in the electronic ignition key and the magnetic cards of the inductive KEYLESS-GO system also have two memory positions for seat adjustment. This means that the seats automatically move to the chosen positions as soon as the doors are unlocked.

As a new feature, the electric seat adjustment can be switched over so that the driver can also operate the front passenger seat if required.

Not only the numerous personal seat adjustments are outstanding, but also the wide adjustment ranges. This ensures that occupants of very different sizes will find the new S-Class extremely comfortable. Details:

• Fore-and-aft adjustment: 290 millimetres
• Seat height: 85 millimetres
• Seat cushion length: 65 millimetres
• Head restraint height: 85 millimetres
• Seat cushion angle: +/- four degrees
• Backrest angle: 51 degrees

Operation: now also with the COMAND system

As has been usual at Mercedes-Benz for many years, the switches for the individual seat adjustments in the new S-Class are designed as unmistakable pictograms. These represent the seat backrest, cushion and head restraint and are located within easy reach in the interior door panels. As a new feature, the lumbar supports and multicontour functions can now be individually adjusted using COMAND. Rapid access to the seat adjustment menu in this control system is provided by pressing the direct selection button in front of the COMAND controller. This causes a photo-quality image of the seat to appear in the colour display, with a colour-coded representation of the different air cushions. These can be individually selected and adjusted as required using the controller.

Upholstery: combination of a spring core and foam material

The technical structure of the newly developed seats for the S-Class reflects the traditionally high quality standards of the Mercedes-Benz brand. This means a steel spring core with a layer of breathable Pullmaflex padding, rubberised natural fibre hair matting and additional elements of open-pored polyurethane foam. The seat covering is also lined with non-woven material. This combination has performed outstandingly in the preceding model and during numerous exhaustive tests. This technology produces particularly good results in terms of climatic comfort and long-term durability.

The seat covers likewise meet the highest standards. In addition to high-quality fabrics there is a choice of two different leather upholsteries whose lower pre-tensioning and resulting folds immediately make the seats appear comfortable and inviting – a pleasant visual impression which is confirmed by touching the soft surface of the new, fine PASSION leather.

The seats are anchored according to a new concept: the front seats are not mounted on conventional frames bolted to the floor, but have carrier rails along the sides which are attached to the sills and the transmission tunnel. This leaves the centre areas beneath the seats available as extended footwells for the rear passengers.

Head restraints: crash-responsive with movable side bolsters

Softly padded luxury head restraints with manually adjustable side bolsters are optionally available for the front and outer rear seats of the S-Class. These enable passengers to rest their heads comfortably, and with good support from the newly developed head restraint. The luxury head restraint also incorporates intelligent NECK-PRO technology: in the event of a rear-end collision, the head restraint is immediately moved 44 millimetres forwards and 30 millimetres upwards by a pretensioned spring to give early support to the head of the seat occupant. This reduces the risk of whiplash injuries. After activation of NECK-PRO the head restraints can be unlocked using a supplied tool and manually returned to their original position.

Ventilation: six fans in the seat padding

The seat development specialists at Mercedes are not only concerned with classic comfort characteristics such as the springs and padding, but also with the all-round wellbeing of the car’s occupants. The materials and structure of a Mercedes seat must ensure comfort in all weather and temperature conditions. This is ensured by breathable materials and the high-quality fabric or leather upholstery used for S-Class seats. Even more climatic comfort is provided by actively ventilated luxury seats, which celebrated their world premiere in the outgoing S-Class: miniature fans in the seat cushion and backrest take in cool air at floor level and evenly distribute this via a woven ventilation pad under the surface of the seat. This gentle airflow ensures that the occupants remain cool and comfortable even at high outside temperatures.

Specialists have now improved this technology even further. The heated, actively ventilated luxury seats (optional) in the new S-Class are equipped with even more efficient fan controls which regulate likewise improved mini-fans in the seat cushion (4) and backrest (2) of each front seat. The upholstery materials have also been modified to improve the efficiency of the heating and ventilation functions even further. The heating elements are now located directly beneath the seat covers.

Active seat ventilation is also available for the rear if the S-Class is equipped with leather upholstery and electrically adjustable outer rear seats.

Multicontour seat: eleven air chambers for individual seating comfort

Like active seat ventilation, the multicontour seat is a very successful Mercedes invention which greatly contributes to the high level of long-distance comfort in cars bearing the Mercedes star. Multicontour means that the occupants are able to adapt the contours of the seat to their individual anatomical or comfort requirements. This is made possible by air chambers within the seat padding.

A new-generation multicontour seat is celebrating its premiere in the new S-Class. This has even more functions -- and therefore provides even greater comfort. While the previous multicontour seat featured six air chambers, the driver and front passenger are now able to adjust five zones in their seats with the help of eleven air chambers. These are...

• the two side bolsters of the seat cushion;
• the thigh support which adjusts the leg position;
• the lumbar support, which is also height-adjustable;
• the two side bolsters of the seat backrest;
• the shoulder support.

The firmness of the seats can also be adjusted to vary the spring and damping characteristics individually. Three stages are available which inflate the air chambers in the seat cushion to varying degrees. The firmness of the seats is likewise programmed using the COMAND controller and the colour display for the control system.

Pneumatics: fit for PRE-SAFE® with fast piezo valves

Thanks to new piezo valves, the pneumatics of the multicontour system operate even more quietly and precisely than before. Moreover, the valves are now in a decentralised configuration and therefore respond more rapidly, which means that for the first time, the multicontour seats can also be integrated into the PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system: if PRE-SAFE® detects an impending collision, it not only tensions the front seat belts but also inflates the air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat cushions and backrests as a precaution. These bolsters enclose and support the occupants, also increasing the distance to the interior door panels during an impact and enabling the sidebag to fulfil its protective function more effectively.

The air chambers also feature new technology, which makes it possible to control the movement of the chambers more precisely and rapidly for better adjustment of the seat contours.

Multicontour technology with the PRE-SAFE® function is now also available as an option for the rear seat unit with electrically adjustable outer seats. The driver’s seat and rear seat with the multicontour function have received a seal of approval from a German association for the promotion of spinal health.

Dynamic multicontour seat: lateral support to suit the driving situation

S-Class customers can treat themselves to the ultimate in seating comfort by opting for the dynamic variant of the multicontour seat, which also features a unique massage function. The new, decentralised piezo valves on the air chambers tangibly improve the dynamic functions of the multicontour seat, as they respond to steering movements more rapidly. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and vehicle speed, they vary the inflation pressure and volume of the side air chambers in the backrests within fractions of a second, providing the driver and front passenger with even better lateral support. This happens according to the driving situation. The system inflates the air chambers on the right side of the backrest more strongly when negotiating a left-hand bend, for example, while inflating the air chambers on the left when a right-hand bend is taken. This dynamic multicontour function, which is adjustable in two stages, relieves muscular stress and heightens the feeling of wellbeing.

The massage function for the dynamic multicontour seat is also a completely new development by Mercedes specialists. This no longer makes use of the air chambers with which the seat contours are adjusted, but rather a separate package of air chambers which is directly integrated into the seat padding. This means that the massage is independent of the seat contour position, maintaining the individual comfort settings.

A micro-computer controls the seven separate massage air chambers. This inflates and empties the air chambers according to a fixed programme, which passengers in the new S-Class perceive as a pleasant, pulsing motion across the entire back. This stimulates the muscles, improves the circulation and helps to prevent early fatigue. The massage programme lasts for five minutes and can be restarted at any time once the cycle has finished. The intensity and speed of the massage function can also be individually adjusted, from "slow and gentle" to "fast and powerful".

Rear seats: large range of options for tailor-made comfort

Multicontour seats with the massage function are also available for the rear seats of the new Mercedes saloon on request. This requires the rear seat unit with electrically adjustable outer seats, which is standard equipment in models with the long wheelbase. There is a choice of two massage programmes.

This means that passengers in the rear now also benefit from all the seating innovations in the new S-Class, with a lasting effect on comfort and wellbeing. The optional range of seating features for the rear of the S-Class at a glance:

• Seat unit with electrically adjustable outer seats and PRE-SAFE® positioning function
• Single-seat look
• Memory function
• Luxury seats with heating and active ventilation
• Multicontour seats with massage function
• Luxury head restraints for the outer seats
• Folding table integrated into the backrest of the driver’s and/or front passenger seat
• Refrigerator compartment (with its own cooling compressor) in the backrest of the centre seat, with space for up to four bottles of sparkling wine.