The flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class is now more intelligent and luxurious than ever, with newly introduced features that make driving safer and even more enjoyable.
Thanks to active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side now raises the vehicle body just before a side impact occurs.
The S-Class also boasts a rear airbag and rear-axle steering with a large steering angle, as well as driving assistance systems that bring the industry one step closer to autonomous driving.
Improved environmental sensors allow the parking systems to support the driver even more effectively when manoeuvring at low speed, while MBUX integrated advanced visualization capabilities improve the driving experience.
Can a long-wheelbase luxury sedan be almost as manoeuvrable and agile as a compact car around town?
Can a flagship sedan known for comfort and safety advance with more safety innovations in its interior? Can be tried and tested driving assistance systems to be improved even further? With the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the answer is a resounding and confident yes.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan benefits from a suite of groundbreaking technologies that set new standards in safety, comfort, and intelligent drive functions.
In the case of a severe frontal collision, the S-Class will deploy an innovative rear airbag from the front seat backrests that extend protective systems for the two passengers on the outer rear seats.
The new S-Class features a revised E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension that not only improves comfort but also safety. In addition to the well-proven PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side system, the new S-Class is able to raise the entire vehicle body immediately before an impending side collision – a feature that prioritizes the safety of all occupants.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a significant step towards the goal of accident-free driving.
Drivers are assisted in controlling the vehicle by numerous new and extended driving assistance systems. S-Class drivers, therefore, have a reduced workload in day-to-day driving situations and are able to drive comfortably and safely.
When danger is impending, the assistance systems are able to help drivers respond to oncoming collisions as the situation demands, and ideally prevent them.
Active Parking Assist and the 360° camera with a new 3D view assist the driver more easily and conveniently than ever before when parking or when navigating tight spaces.
With five multi-core processors, more than 20 sensors and the use of the stereo camera, the optional E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension (available in MY22 for Canada) responds predictively to different driving situations:
Thanks to the optional rear-axle steering, the S-Class is as manoeuvrable as a compact car.
The steering angle at the rear axle is up to ten degrees, allowing impressive manoeuvrability and agility in urban areas. At the same time, the handling benefits from a virtual extension of the wheelbase at higher speeds:
E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL: Adds semi-supporting hydro pneumatics to the air suspension.
The air springs bear the base load of the vehicle body and gradually regulate the level. The
hydropneumatics generate dynamic forces that overlay the air suspension forces, and actively support and dampen the vehicle body.
At each wheel, a damper is installed within the axle whose two working chambers have an adjustable damping valve and a hydraulic pressure reservoir.
Rear airbag: Cylindrical, tubular structures are inflated with compressed gas and deploy a wing-shaped structure. A large, tent-like airbag deploys between the two wings, and this is inflated by the surrounding air via specially patented valves in the skin.
These valves are designed so that the air cannot escape when the rear passenger is immersed in the airbag. The comparatively small volume of the tubes allows rapid deployment of a relatively large airbag volume.
This takes place with comparatively low force and a low risk of injury, as the tubular wings give way to obstacles. The airbag enhances the restraining effect of the belt system and can support the head and neck to decrease the loads on them significantly.
In combination with a belt-bag and the inflatable seat belt, the S-Class sets new standards for rear-seat occupant safety.
Rear-axle steering: An electric motor drives a spindle at the rear axle via a drive belt. This makes axial adjustments to the spindle.
Depending on the speed and the steering angle, the rear wheels are turned in the same or the opposite direction as the front wheels (same-direction or counter-direction steering).
In simplified terms, this produces more agility and a smaller turning circle by counter-steering and more stability with same-direction steering.
In the S-Class, the full steering angle of ten degrees is especially used during parking manoeuvres.
PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side: In addition to the familiar functions, the body of the new S-Class can be slightly raised just before the collision when a side impact threatens.
The side-mounted radar sensors are able to recognise and track a potential side crash at an early stage. The actuator is the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension.