Thanks to improved environmental sensors, the parking systems give the driver even better support when maneuvering at low speed (supplied picture).
HE Sheikh Faleh bin Nawaf al-Thani led the unveiling of the S-Class
Sheikh Faleh said: “This special event marks the journey of success for both NBK Automobiles and Mercedes-Benz in Qatar. Our incredible partnership goes back to more than six decades. We are proud to be among the first dealers in the region to launch this new model – that is sure to meet the customers' expectations and enhance Qatar's position as one the leading markets for luxury cars."
El-Feky described the S-Class as the world's best-selling luxury sedan that represents innovation, safety, comfort, and quality with the latest generation as never before. The second generation of the learn-capable Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system debuts in the new S-Class.
The vehicle interior is even more digital and intelligent. Both the hardware and software have made great strides: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology. The new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time, without having to wear 3D glasses.
Two different head-up displays (HUDs) are available on request. The larger HUD provides augmented reality (AR) content. When navigating, for example, animated turn-off arrows ("fishbones") are virtually and precisely projected onto the road lane.
For the assistance functions, information from e.g. Active Distance Assist is shown. The image appears virtually at a distance of 10m. The display area corresponds to a monitor with a 77-inch diagonal.
The voice assistant "Hey Mercedes" is even more learn- and dialogue-capable by activation of online services in the Mercedes me App. Certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword "Hey Mercedes". These include accepting a telephone call. The voice assistant can also be controlled from the rear.
Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, MBUX Interior Assist recognises and interprets head direction, hand movements and body language, and responds with corresponding vehicle functions. Even before the journey begins, it notifies the driver if the camera has detected a child seat on the front passenger seat, but seat belt is not fastened, for example.
With the MBUX Smart Home function, the S-Class now also becomes a control centre for the home. WLAN and sensors make the home capable of communication: temperature and lighting, roller blinds and electrical appliances can be remotely monitored and controlled. Up to 19 motors in the front seats make for comfortable seating. All the seats available for the S-Class carry the seal of approval by the Healthy Seating campaign. Ten different massage programmes are available. These use the vibration motors and can enhance the effect of a relaxing massage with warmth on the hot-stone principle. The seat heating is combined with the inflatable air chambers in the active multicontour seats.
Five different rear seat variants make it possible to configure the rear of the S-Class as a working or rest area. One new feature is the heated additional cushion for the head restraint, available for the two electrically adjustable rear seats. The adjustment range and angle of the front passenger seat in the chauffeur configuration and the reclining seat behind it have been improved as well.
Innovations such as a massage based on vibrating motors in the seat cushion and resonance transmission by the Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system are integrated. This makes bass tones feelable. Direct reproduction of the sound resonance in the seats adds another level to the three-dimensional listening experience – 4D sound inspired by the acoustic massage. The perceived intensity of the sound can be individually adjusted for each seat. Two exciters are integrated into the backrest of each seat for this purpose.
In the new S-Class, the driver is supported by numerous new or extended driving assistance systems. The optional, fully active E-Active Body Control suspension on a 48 V basis offers a unique synthesis of comfort and agility, plus additional protection in the event of a lateral collision. The Airmatic air suspension with continuously adjustable damping ADS+ is standard equipment.
Mercedes-Benz has now added a new function of Pre-Safe Impulse Side to its measures in the pre-accident phase: When a side impact threatens, the vehicle body can be raised by up to 80mm by the E-Active Body Control suspension within a few tenths of a second.
This reduces the loads on the door structures, as the door sill can absorb more of the energy thanks to its higher position. As a result, deformation of the passenger cell and the loads acting on the occupants can be reduced. Radar sensors are used to recognise a potential side crash. The optional Digital Light system enters series production for the first time at Mercedes-Benz. This makes completely new assistance functions possible: Warning of recognised roadworks by projecting an excavator symbol onto the road surface; aiming a spotlight at pedestrians detected at the roadside as a warning; traffic lights, stop signs or no-entry signs are pointed out by projecting a warning symbol onto the road surface.Assistance on narrow road lanes (roadworks) by projecting guidelines onto the road surface.
With a Cd figure from 0.22, the S-Class is one of the world's most aerodynamic cars, and especially so in the luxury sedan segment. Six-cylinder in-line petrol engines in various output classes are the first engine variants for the new S-Class. A V8 engine with an integrated starter-generator and 48-volt onboard electrical system will be available soon after.
Intelligent bodyshell design and innovations in restraint systems confirm the leading role of the S-Class when it comes to passive safety. The new aluminium hybrid bodyshell with an aluminium content exceeding 50% meets numerous requirements:
The frontal airbag for the rear seat deploys particularly gently thanks to its innovative construction using a tubular structure. During severe frontal collisions, the rear airbag can considerably reduce the loads acting on the heads and necks of seat belt wearing occupants on the outer rear seats.
During a severe side impact, depending on the direction of impact, impact severity and front seat occupancy, the new centre airbag positions itself between the driver and front passenger seat, reducing the risk of their heads making contact. It is integrated into the driver's seatback in the middle of the vehicle. More than 98kg of components made from resource-conserving materials are used in the S-Class. The number of components containing recyclates is now 120 – more than twice as many as in the preceding model. Another 40kg or so are made from renewable raw materials.