Mercedes-Benz Releases First Photos of Next S-Class Sedan

New S-Class Emphasizes Dramatic Design and Advanced Technology

Montvale, NJ – 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 the U.S. 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 1.7 inches of length, almost an inch in width, and more than three inches in wheelbase over its predecessor.

New-Generation Engines for a New-Generation Car

For the 2007 model year, the S600 is powered by a V12 engine with more than 500 hp. The 382-hp 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 125 mph 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” to nearly 500 feet. 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 centerpiece of the dash is an eight-inch 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 center 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 USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the sales, marketing and service of all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. In 2004, MBUSA achieved an all-time sales record of 221,610 new vehicles, setting the highest sales volume ever in its history and achieving 11 consecutive years of sales growth. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found on the Internet at www.mbusa.com and www.maybachusa.com.