2010 Mercedes Benz S-Class revealed

Mercedes Benz have recently launched the new S-Class with a slight update in the exterior. Two models which have been added to the lineup are the S600 and the S400 Hybrid. All the hi-tech gadgetry has been updated to improve on the already impressive functions it has to offer.

The U.S. line-up includes the S400 HYBRID, the 382 bhp V8-powered S550 and all-wheel-drive S550 4MATIC as well as the high-performance 518 bhp S63 AMG. V12 offerings include the 510 hp S600 and the top-of-the-line 604 bhp S65 AMG.

The new S400 HYBRID is celebrating its debut. As the first series-production Mercedes-Benz passenger car with hybrid drive, this S-Class model is the world’s most economical luxury car with a gasoline engine. Its estimated combined fuel consumption of 29 miles per gallon sets a new worldwide benchmark in this vehicle segment.

The new hybrid model combines a low fuel consumption and a high level of environmental compatibility with superior performance: the internal combustion engine and the hybrid module develop a combined output of 295 bhp, and a combined maximum torque of 284 lb-ft. The electric motor contributes 20 bhp and 118 lb-ft to the powertrain.

The combined fuel economy for the S400 HYBRID is estimated at 29 miles per gallon, a 30-percent increase over the S550. This figure is accompanied by a truly superior performance potential: the modified 3.5-liter gasoline engine develops 275 bhp, while the electric motor generates 20 bhp and a starting torque of 118 lb-ft.

The new Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID is based on a V6 version of the S-Class and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

During braking the electric motor acts as a generator and is able to recover kinetic energy by a process known as recuperation. During this process the electric motor works together seamlessly with the engine brake of the internal combustion engine and the conventional wheel brakes. The recuperated energy is stored by a compact but efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment and retrieved when required. Major advantages over conventional nickel/metal hydride batteries include a higher energy density and greater electrical efficiency combined with more compact dimensions and a low battery weight. Thanks to space-saving installation in the engine compartment, the trunk capacity and generous interior dimensions remain unchanged. The hybrid module also has a convenient start-stop function.

A combination of modern assistance and protection systems is available for the 2010 S-Class. The car is able to “see”, “feel”, respond reflexively and act autonomously to prevent accidents or mitigate their effects. Mercedes-Benz also uses cameras in these systems – these are able to look well ahead, monitor the car’s surroundings and interpret typically critical situations. One example is the optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist. This system recognizes oncoming or leading vehicles and then controls the headlamps to ensure the best possible beam range without dazzling other drivers on the road.

Night View Assist PLUS is equipped with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as the system detects pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted on the display to make it easier for the driver to see them.

Lane Keeping Assist is another system that “looks ahead” for even safer driving. The system’s computer is able to recognize lane markings by evaluating the contrasting images of the road surface and the markings. If the vehicle leaves the lane unintentionally, the driver is warned by short vibrations of the steering wheel. Unlike conventional systems of this kind, the Mercedes-Benz system is able to evaluate the driver’s activities as well and can reliably ascertain whether the car is leaving its lane intentionally or not. Therefore, there is no warning if the driver accelerates before overtaking or merging onto a highway, brakes heavily, or enters a curve.

With the driver drowsiness monitor, ATTENTION ASSIST, the 2010 S-Class has very sensitive monitors for the attention level of its driver and can warn them in time when they becomes drowsy. This innovative technology continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters. Once the high-resolution steering angle sensor recognizes the steering behavior that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness, a warning signal is sounded and “ATTENTION ASSIST. Time for a break!” appears in the instrument cluster.

Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control. Both systems assist the driver during emergency braking. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognize the immediate danger of a rear-end collision, the PRE-SAFE Brake is able to intervene and brake the vehicle independently.

Detailed fine-tuning has also given the 2010 S-Class better driving dynamics and agility. This is in large measure due to the new electro-hydraulic Direct-Steer system, where the ratio varies with the steering angle.

Mercedes-Benz developers have also added a crosswind stabilization function to Active Body Control (ABC) suspension. For this purpose ABC uses the yaw rates and lateral acceleration sensors of the Electronic Stability Program ESP to vary the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts, depending on the direction and intensity of the crosswind. This enables the effects of crosswinds to be compensated, or reduced to a minimum in the case of strong gusts.

The new S-Class is characterized by the more pronounced arrow-shape of the radiator grille, plus a new front bumper with a discreet light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. Exhaust tailpipes of all S-Class variants are visibly integrated into the rear bumper. The headlamps incorporate bi-xenon technology and LED indicators on the lower edge of the headlamp as standard. Eye-catching highlights on the S400 HYBRID are provided by the two round foglamps and daytime driving lights on each side of the front bumper. Their location at the outer edges of the bumper underlines the muscular character of the S400 HYBRID.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be in U.S. showrooms beginning in August 2009.

 

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