All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is one of the defining symbols of Mercedes-Benz and the brands most recognizable luxury sedan. In its new generation, Mercedes-Benz aims to offer customers innovation, safety, comfort and quality at a level that once seemed unreachable. With the latest S-Class, we want to offer our customers innovation, safety, comfort and quality on a previously unattained level, - emphasized Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. The new S-Class gives us even more reason to say that we have built the best car in the world, - added Markus Schäfer, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG responsible for research and development. In this automobile, seductive luxury is combined with maximum safety, exceptional comfort and deep technological sophistication.

Inside the S-Class, modern luxury has been raised to a new level. The designers created an atmosphere reminiscent of a first-class lounge: calm, refined, elegant and filled with a sense of lightness. One of the most important elements is the new architecture of the instrument panel, with modern surfaces and ergonomically positioned displays. The idea of well-being on the road has been developed more deeply here: high ride comfort, acoustic serenity, ENERGIZING COMFORT programs and the efficient ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL filtration system work together so that passengers feel not merely comfortable, but genuinely rested.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become more intelligent in almost every respect. The driving and travel experience is elevated by digital innovations, including the second generation of MBUX, as well as new systems that make the car both more enjoyable and safer. Among them are rear-axle steering with a large steering angle, the rear frontal airbag and the active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension. As part of PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, this suspension can raise the body just before a side impact, directing part of the impact load into stronger structural areas. Continuously refined driving and parking assistance systems represent another step toward automated driving. Thanks to improved sensors, the parking systems support the driver more effectively, while integration with MBUX makes visualization and control significantly clearer.

More than 100 years: the luxury class as the embodiment of Mercedes-Benz

The S-Class is not simply a model, but a foundation of the Mercedes-Benz brand. In it, legendary engineering, traditions of hand-finished craftsmanship and modern digital innovation meet in a single automobile. Artificial intelligence is combined with decades of experience in building vehicles of the highest class. Around 70 years ago, Mercedes-Benz laid the foundation for this segment with the Type 220, introduced in 1951. Since then, more than four million sedans of this class have been delivered to customers around the world. The name S-Class was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116 generation. In recent decades, the S-Class sedan has been especially popular in China, the United States, South Korea and Germany.

Customer loyalty to the model is exceptionally high. In Western Europe, a significant share of S-Class owners choose Mercedes-Benz again when buying their next vehicle, while repeat loyalty in the United States also remains strong. Globally, the long-wheelbase version is particularly popular: it is the choice of most buyers of the flagship sedan.

MBUX: a new level of personalization and interaction

In recent years, no technology has changed the way Mercedes-Benz vehicles are operated as significantly as MBUX — Mercedes-Benz User Experience. The new S-Class introduces the second generation of this learning-capable system, first presented in 2018. The interior has become even more digital and intelligent, with both hardware and software taking a major step forward. Crystal-clear images on large displays, up to five in total, including screens with OLED technology, make vehicle and comfort functions easier to understand and operate.

The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have been significantly expanded for both the driver and rear passengers. The new 3D driver display allows the driver, for the first time, to perceive images with a sense of depth without wearing special 3D glasses. The system uses eye-tracking to create a real three-dimensional effect that can be activated at the touch of a button.

Two different head-up displays are available as options. The larger version works with augmented reality. For example, during navigation, animated virtual turn arrows are visually overlaid onto the driving lane. Information from assistance systems, including Active Distance Assist, can also be integrated into the projection. The image appears virtually about 10 metres ahead, and its display area is comparable to a 77-inch screen.

The voice assistant “Hey Mercedes” has become more communicative and more capable of learning thanks to online services and integration with Mercedes me. Certain actions can now be performed without saying the activation phrase — for example, answering a phone call. The assistant can explain vehicle functions and answer general knowledge questions. In the S-Class, rear-seat passengers can also use voice control.

MBUX Interior Assistant uses cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms to recognize the intentions of the driver and passengers. The system analyzes head direction, hand movements and body language, then responds by activating the appropriate vehicle functions. This improves convenience and also supports safety. For example, if the camera recognizes a child seat on the front passenger seat and the seat belt is not fastened, the assistant alerts the driver before the journey begins.

With the Smart Home function, the vehicle can become a remote control centre for home systems. Through MBUX, compatible smart-home elements can be monitored and adjusted, including lighting, temperature, shutters, electrical devices and sensors. As homes become increasingly connected, the S-Class becomes not only a means of transportation, but also a mobile extension of the owner’s digital ecosystem.

Spatial concept and interior design: a lounge-like atmosphere

The S-Class has always made it possible to travel comfortably and, when necessary, work on the road. In the new generation, the cabin fully becomes a third living space for the owner — a place between home and office where one can rest, concentrate or spend time in quiet. Almost all key comfort dimensions have been improved for both front and rear passengers, especially in the long-wheelbase version. The result is an even stronger feeling of spaciousness.

The revolutionary interior design is the result of a search for balance between digital and analogue luxury. It contains references to interior architecture and yacht design. The combination of instrument panel, centre console and armrests creates a sculptural form that appears to float above the spacious cabin landscape. The reduction of physical controls emphasizes the minimalist modern character of the interior. An elegant transition between the upper part of the dashboard and the large trim element structures the space and strengthens the horizontal impression of width.

Among the main visual highlights are up to five displays, large decorative elements on the instrument panel and in the rear cabin, and the further development of the brand’s enveloping interior concept. Especially expressive is the natural open-pore wood veneer with fine inserts of real aluminium. A new design element is the set of four flat central air vents with horizontal controls. Narrow vertical vents at the sides complete the architecture of the instrument panel.

The driver display and central display create a coherent and aesthetically refined interaction experience. The graphics can be personalized using four display styles — Discreet, Sporty, Exclusive and Classic — and three modes: Navigation, Assistance and Service.

Seats: high technology for maximum long-distance comfort

The seats of the S-Class literally invite occupants to settle in and relax. A three-dimensional, multi-layered design with soft forms gives them visual lightness, while different upholstery options create different cabin personalities. The flowing longitudinal pattern of Lugano leather looks elegant and avant-garde, while the diamond quilting of Nappa and Exclusive Nappa leather creates a more classical and expressive impression.

Up to 19 electric motors contribute to the comfort of the front seats — a figure that reveals the technical sophistication of their construction. But comfort is only one side of the story. The seats also play an important role in safety and in the overall sense of luxury. All available S-Class seats carry the AGR quality seal as part of an initiative devoted to healthy seating posture.

The new S-Class offers ten massage programs. Vibration motors can intensify the effect of a warm, relaxing massage reminiscent of hot stone therapy. To achieve this, seat heating is combined with inflatable air chambers in the active multicontour seats. The chambers are positioned closer to the surface, making their effect more precise and more noticeable.

Five different rear-seat configurations allow the rear cabin to be tailored more clearly either as a workspace or as a relaxation zone. A new feature is an additional heated cushion on the head restraint, available for the electrically adjustable rear seats. The adjustment range and reclining angle of the front passenger seat in the chauffeur configuration, as well as the reclining seat behind it, have also been significantly improved.

ENERGIZING COMFORT: travelling comfortably while maintaining well-being

ENERGIZING COMFORT takes a holistic approach to alertness and well-being. With the press of a button or a voice command, different programs can activate multiple comfort functions in a coordinated atmosphere. Some programs help refresh occupants on monotonous stretches of road; others help them relax under stress. ENERGIZING COACH recommends a suitable program based on vehicle data and driving conditions. If the driver has a compatible wearable device, the algorithm can also take sleep quality and stress level into account.

In the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has substantially enhanced ENERGIZING comfort control. The system integrates innovations such as massage using vibration motors in the seat cushion and sound transmission through elements of the cabin structure via the Burmester High-End 4D surround sound system. Low frequencies become not only audible, but physically perceptible. This adds another dimension to surround sound — 4D audio inspired by the idea of acoustic massage. The intensity of the sensation can be individually adjusted for each seat. For this purpose, two exciters are integrated into the backrest of each seat.

Automated driving and assistance systems: even more support for the driver

Mercedes-Benz sees the S-Class as a technological platform for the future of automated driving. For this purpose, the model received DRIVE PILOT, designed for conditionally automated Level 3 driving in countries and on roads where legislation permits it. Under certain conditions, such as dense traffic or traffic jams on suitable motorway sections, the system can take over driving, allowing the driver to temporarily turn attention to other permitted tasks.

The new S-Class has moved another step closer to the idea of accident-free driving. The driver is supported by numerous new and enhanced assistance systems. In everyday situations, they reduce workload and make driving calmer; in dangerous situations, they help respond to a potential collision according to the specific circumstances. The operation of the systems is clearly illustrated on the driver display through a new display concept.

Parking assistance systems have become more effective thanks to more advanced environmental sensors. Integration with MBUX makes operation faster and more intuitive. Optional rear-axle steering is taken into account when calculating parking trajectories, while emergency braking functions help protect other road users.

The remote parking system allows the driver to park the vehicle and move it out of a parking space using a smartphone. With INTELLIGENT PARK PILOT preparation, the vehicle is technically ready for SAE Level 4 Automated Valet Parking, provided the necessary infrastructure, Connect service and local legal approval are available. In that case, the S-Class gains the technical ability to enter and leave a parking space fully automatically, without a driver at the wheel.

Suspension systems: greater agility and dynamics thanks to rear-axle steering

Innovative suspension systems give the new S-Class an impressive combination of comfort, agility and stability. Optional rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to 10 degrees improves the manoeuvrability of the flagship sedan in the city to almost compact-car levels. For example, in the long-wheelbase S-Class with all-wheel drive, the turning circle is reduced by 1.9 metres thanks to this system, to around 10.9 metres.

The optional fully active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, based on a 48-volt architecture, offers a unique combination of comfort and agility, as well as additional protection in the event of a side impact. AIRMATIC air suspension with continuously adjustable ADS+ damping is standard. Networked integration of suspension and vehicle dynamics systems provides a high level of stability and safety.

The new PRE-SAFE Impulse Side function strengthens protective measures immediately before a possible side impact. If radar sensors detect the threat of a lateral collision, the body can be raised by up to 80 mm within a few tenths of a second using E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL. In the raised position, the side sill can absorb a greater share of the impact load, potentially reducing deformation of the passenger cell and the forces acting on occupants.

Exterior design: ideal proportions for a classic sedan

A short front overhang, long wheelbase and balanced rear overhang give the S-Class the classical proportions of a flagship sedan. The wide track and wheels positioned flush with the body’s outer edges create a confident and athletic stance. On the sides, the number of so-called character lines has been significantly reduced; instead, large sculptural surfaces create a subtle play of light and shadow. The front end makes a strong impression with a radiator grille that emphasizes the status of the car and its owner.

The face of the S-Class is defined by its headlights. With the three-point daytime-running-light signature typical of the model, they appear flatter and more compact. Optional flush-fitting door handles have been completely redesigned: they extend electrically when the driver approaches the car or brushes a hand across the handle. Keyless access is provided via KEYLESS-GO.

The dynamic exterior impression continues at the rear. The taillights, with highly detailed design and partially animated light functions, underline the vehicle’s quality of execution. As a result, the new S-Class remains unmistakable both by day and by night: a car that does not need to shout about status, because it defines it.