Introducing The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
by Brian Douglas
Every five years or so, Mercedes-Benz launches
a totally new S-Class that turns the entire luxury car marketplace
on its ear. As in the preceding series, the new S-Class will
introduce technical innovations that make the flagship Mercedes
model an
example for others to follow. Pioneering safety
features and exemplary comfort are once again the outstanding
attributes of the S-Class. The new S-Class also sets standards
with its agile handling, while offering an even more effortless
driving experience thanks to new, more powerful engines. It is
replacing a model series that is the world’s leader in
the luxury class, with around 500,000 units sold.
For more than
five decades, the letter S in the model designation of Mercedes
cars has signified a special aura — intelligent
technology and the highest quality. The new S-Class not only
continues this tradition, but also lends new meaning to it.
A dozen technical innovations are entering into series production
for the first time on board the new S-Class – from Brake
Assist Plus with radar sensors to dynamic multi-contour seats
with an extended massage function, from Night View Assist with
the latest infrared technology to the new Comand (Cockpit Management
and Data) system, and from anticipatory Pre-Safe occupant protection
to the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system.
The new
flagship model by Mercedes-Benz is larger than its predecessor
in every respect and sets new standards in safety,
luxury, and
technology, for example, with the Distronic Plus proximity
control system. This radar-supported system now operates
at all speeds
between zero and 125 mph, and ensures even greater driver
convenience. In stop-and-go traffic, Distronic Plus keeps the
new S-Class
at the desired distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically
brakes the sedan to a standstill if necessary, and accelerates
it back to the programmed speed when the traffic starts moving
again. This way, the assistance system reduces the driver’s
workload and provides considerable benefits in driver-fitness
safety.
Night drivers will be pleased to learn about
Night View Assist, which implements infrared headlamps. This
innovative
night
system, which is premiering in the new S-Class, reduces the
risk of accidents
during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infrared
light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore
not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infrared headlamps illuminate
the road, significantly extending the driver’s range
of vision when on low beam. An infrared camera mounted on
the inside
of the windscreen records the reflected image of the road
ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.
Other innovations
include: Airmatic and ABC suspension for even greater comfort
with agile handling, over 26 percent
more output
from the new V-8 engine, Brake Assist with radar and latest-generation
Pre-Safe, a control concept with Comand controller and direct
access buttons, improved multi-contour technology and innovative
back massage function, Active Light System headlamps that
follow the driver’s steering movements, a newly developed
Adaptive Brake system, which assists the driver when moving
off on gradients
and in city traffic, and a panoramic sliding roof with twice
the usual area of glass.
Look for the new S-Class at dealers
in late January. — Donald
Buffamanti (Agent 001) is CEO and founder of San Diego-based
AutoSpies.com. 001 happily accepts emails at Donald@autospies.com
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