Mercedes-Benz Releases First Photos Of Next S-Class Sedan
TORONTO, ON – Mercedes-Benz has just released the first official photographs of the next-generation S-Class – the company's new flagship sedan that debuts this fall in Europe and arrives in Canada early in 2006. The successor to a long line of premium vehicles, the new S-Class emerges with a stronger presence and a significantly evolved design. Sharper angles and cleaner lines frame a sedan that gains about 43 mm of length, almost 20 mm in width, and more than 70 mm in wheelbase over its predecessor.
New-Generation Engines for a New-Generation Car
For the 2007 model year, the S500 is powered by the first of a new-generation V8 engine family featuring increased displacement, four-valve-per-cylinder technology, variable valve timing and a lightweight crank assembly. Both horsepower and torque are up considerably, yet with lower exhaust emissions and noise.
The new S-Class comes with the world's first seven-speed automatic, a smooth-shifting driver-adaptive transmission that maximizes both performance and fuel economy. A small lever on the right side of the steering column serves as an electronic shift lever that's more convenient than ever – lift the stalk up for Reverse, push down for Drive, and push a button on the end for Park.
Once underway, shift buttons on the "back" of the steering wheel provide Touch Shift manual shifting. An electronic parking brake is engaged at the push of a button on the dash, and is released automatically when the driver shifts into gear and touches the accelerator.
More PRE-SAFE® Features
During those valuable seconds just before a possible impact, the front seat belts are automatically tightened, the sunroof closes, and the passenger seats can move to positions that provide better protection – three measures that have been part of the revolutionary S-Class PRE-SAFE® system since its debut in 2002. On the new S-Class, side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags, and special seat cushions can inflate to provide greater lateral support for occupants and help the side air bags provide even better collision protection.
Optional Radar System Can Reduce Rear Collisions by 75 Percent
The well-known Distronic cruise control feature that maintains a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead is replaced by an optional Distronic Plus system. Integrated with PRE-SAFE, the radar-based system operates at nearly all speeds up to 200 km/h and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Distronic Plus works with a new Brake Assist Plus system to monitor traffic conditions, and if a collision is anticipated, ideal brake pressure is applied, even if the driver applies the brake pedal too lightly. In extensive tests using 300 drivers, the new system – another Mercedes-Benz safety first – reduced rear collisions in heavy city traffic by 75 percent!
Distronic Plus also incorporates 24 GHz radar-based Park Assist. This new option utilizes six radar sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers – eliminating the need for the visible "portholes" of the previous ultrasonic-based system. The result is clean, integrated, and invisible with greater range and sensitivity.
Infra-Red Vision Increases Night Visibility
Another innovative technology making its debut on the 2007 S-Class is infra-red night vision, a new option that can extend the driver's "visibility" by more than 150 metres. An industry first, and in contrast to passive systems offered by other auto companies, this active system bathes the road ahead with infra-red light from two projectors mounted in the headlight assemblies
An infra-red camera discreetly mounted in the windshield receives the reflected images and displays them in the high-resolution display in the instrument cluster. The result is akin to a highly detailed black & white video image.
Form Follows Function Inside and Out
High quality materials used throughout the interior of the S500 are punctuated by sweeping lines of exotic wood accented with chrome trim throughout the cabin, forming a practical yet luxurious environment that emphasizes easy access to vehicle features.
The centrerpiece of the dash is 20 cm high-resolution display for an intuitive new COMAND system, now positioned at the same height as the primary instruments and operated by a COMAND Controller located on the lower centre console. Instead of requiring occupants to use the COMAND system exclusively, many vehicle controls are accessible by conventional hard keys, the multifunction steering wheel, and optional voice control as well as via the COMAND system.
Newly developed front seats are electrically adjustable 16 ways and offer several optional choices of ventilation and ergonomic adjustability. The available Drive Dynamic seats feature 11 individual pneumatic chambers to help the driver find a perfect seating position, and 14 more chambers provide four levels of pulsating massage to relieve fatigue and help keep drivers alert.
For almost five decades, the S-Class has embodied the flagship role for the Mercedes-Benz brand. The S-Class is a technological showcase that has pioneered significant safety and comfort features for the entire auto industry.
About Mercedes-Benz Canada
Mercedes-Benz Canada is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of the three brands within the Mercedes Car Group in Canada; Mercedes-Benz, smart, and Maybach. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Mercedes-Benz Canada employs approximately 910 people in 23 locations across Canada. Through a nationwide network of 19 Mercedes-Benz owned retail operations and 39 authorized dealerships, Mercedes-Benz Canada sold 13,259 vehicles during 2004.
The employees at Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc. are proudly celebrating our 50th anniversary in Canada this year. As we have been for the past five decades, Mercedes-Benz Canada will continue to strive, first and foremost, to the satisfaction of our customers - making the ownership experience of a Mercedes-Benz the best in the automotive industry.
For additional information, visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca or contact us at:
JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca
