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Sunday, June 23, 2013

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Mercedes-Benz builds leadership in LED lighting systems: Progress through better light

In 2010, the Mercedes-Benz CLS was the world's first production car to feature the dynamic full LED headlights which offer all the functions of conventional xenon adaptive lighting systems. The new S-Class is the first production car ever to be completely dispensed with conventional bulbs by using only energy efficient LEDs. The next step will be taken next year when Mercedes-Benz is celebrating the premiere of the Active Multi Beam LED.

Active Multi Beam LED extends the control of the vehicle headlights to a new dimension given the situation. To date, some functions, such as curve light or the glare-free high beam, were mechanically controlled. Now the engineers at Mercedes-Benz have opened up new degrees of freedom in light distribution through the selective control of many individual LEDs. Each individual LED can be switched on individually and thus illuminate precisely targeted areas. The different lighting functions are controlled independently. An adaptation of the driving light on the current traffic situation is thus more accurately represented. The headlight can adjust the light image extremely quickly and quietly - and for the left and right headlights individually. The controller derives the ideal light image 100 times per second and the system receives information from the camera.

"The CLS, which we have offered to our customers since 2010, is equipped with the first LED headlights, which have all the adaptive features found on the Intelligent Light System," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, the Daimler Board of Management Member responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Research and Development. "The Active Multi Beam LED headlights can now respond even faster and individually to changing traffic situations. There are also advanced, immediately tangible features such as predictive curve detection in the active cornering light mode. Mercedes-Benz will continuously expand its pioneering role in the lighting industry."

LED (light emitting diodes) are characterized today as the state of the art in vehicle lighting technology. Three advantages are decisive:

- LED head light has the colour of daylight the next. This means that LED light is in the normal human perception patterns. Studies show that artificial light exerts the eye less if closer in colour to daylight. With a colour temperature of 5,500 Kelvin, LED light is closer to daylight (6,500 K) than xenon light (4,200 K).

- LEDs are much more energy efficient than conventional bulbs and consume according about 75 percent less power according to studies. At higher light output, compared to conventional lighting systems, for example, the energy-saving LED beam needs only 34 watts, making it much more efficient than halogen light (110 to 120 watts) and xenon light (80 to 84 watts, information per vehicle). Up to 0.05 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, or 2.1 grams of CO2 per kilometer can be saved compared to a vehicle fitted with halogen low beam.

- LEDs last much longer than conventional bulbs. The average life of an LED is around 10,000 hours, around five times higher than that of a xenon lamp.

CLS in 2010: breakthrough in LED technology

The breakthrough in LED technology came in 2010. With the CLS, Mercedes-Benz was the first automotive manufacturer to present the dynamic full LED headlights on a production model, a system offering all the features of xenon adaptive lighting systems. The five lighting functions of the Intelligent Light System - country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lights, active curve lighting and cornering lights - are designed specifically for typical driving and weather conditions. The light specialists from Mercedes-Benz have for the first time combined LED technology with the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assistant, which led to a completely new level of safety at night. Full LED headlights are now an optional equipment for the new E-Class 2013 as well.

New E-Class: LED low beam standard

Since spring 2013, the new E-Class sets new standards when it comes to lights: LED technology as standard in both the passing beam and the driving lights. The highly efficient low beam headlight sums a power consumption of only 34 watts. Upon request, full-LED headlights are offered for the first time in this class.

New S-Class: The end of the conventional light

With the new S-Class, the next step is. Mercedes-Benz is expanding its pioneering role in the lighting industry continues: The new S-Class is the first time exclusively equipped with LED headlights and has no conventional bulbs more: Nearly 500 LEDs perform there the lighting of road, vehicle, interior and trunk. In the headlights carry powerful new single-chip LED and a newly developed projection module is mirrored and reflected back into the deflected light rays significantly to the efficiency increase.

New functions: more comfort, more safety, more consideration

Upon request, new features expand the capabilities of the LED headlamps of the new S-Class.

For the first time, the Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus in the S-Class offers permanent driving in high beam mode with oncoming road users' recognition and light cone hiding technology. The camera-based system detects oncoming traffic or traffic ahead and fits, when high beam is on, the light distribution according to the traffic situation. The driver can leave the high beam switched on permanently and use its entire reach range without harassing or even endangering other road users therewith. Manual activation and deactivation is eliminated, so the total traveling time in high beam mode is markedly increased.

The Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus uses the new stereo camera, which is also used by other assistance systems. Thanks to an image recognition algorithm, it recognizes an oncoming or preceding vehicle and thus drives a mechanism in the headlamp module. This displays the range in cone-beam LED headlights, which contains the other vehicles so that their drivers are not dazzled. There are road users that can be situated outside the active mechanism of the LED high-beam range, for example when cornering with a number of relevant vehicles. Then, the system uses the known function of the low beam headlight range control.

Possible self fades through the increased use of the high beam and highly reflective signs on the roadside are detected and avoided by selective dimming of the headlights.

Consideration: tail lights with automatically controlled intensity

In the new S-Class and E-Class, consideration towards road traffic partners is not only visible through the auto-hide of the high beam. As another world premiere, Mercedes-Benz has implemented the so-called multi-level functionality in the rear lights of the S-Class. Brake lights and turn signals are operated (day / night) with varying intensity depending on driving conditions and the brightness of the environment.

For example, at night, should the Mercedes driver press on the brake pedal at a red light, the brake light brightness is automatically adjusted downward, so that the driver behind is not dazzled. A wider light distribution ensures the light is not too dark and, of course, all statutory requirements are met.

Innovative: Milestones in lighting technology from Mercedes-Benz

As the oldest and most popular automotive brand in the world, Mercedes-Benz has always stood for innovation, which is based on customer value. Many innovations come from experimental cars such as the ESF 2009 research vehicle and make their way into the volume series innovation carriers such as the CL and S-Class. Here is a brief chronology of the most important milestones in Mercedes-Benz light technology for the last 20 years:

1991: Premiere of xenon headlamps with gas-discharge lamps in the Mercedes-Benz F 100 research vehicle

1995: Xenon headlights with dynamic range control in E-Class

1999: Premiere of the bi-xenon technology in the CL-Class

2003: World premiere of the active cornering light in the E-Class

2004: World premiere of bi-xenon headlamps with active light function and cornering light function in the CLS-Class

2005: Premiere of the Active Night View Assist in the S-Class

2006: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System in the E-Class

2009: World premiere of the Intelligent Light System with Adaptive Highbeam Assist in the E-Class

2009: Premiere of the Active Night View Assist Plus in the S-Class and E-Class

2010: World premiere of the LED High Performance headlamps with all lighting functions and the LED Intelligent Light System in the CLS-Class

2010: New Xenon bulb with 20 percent higher color temperature, which is even closer to the normal day light, in the S-Class and E-Class

2011: Start of production for the spotlight function (world premiere)

2013: New E-Class comes standard with energy-efficient LED low beam (34 watt / vehicle)

2013: New S-Class comes standard as the first car fitted with exclusively LED headlights. New lighting functions (optional): Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS, Night View Assist Plus. Dashboard lighting based on LED technology. Multi-level functionality for the rear lights.

2014: World premiere of the Active Multi Beam LED

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: Mercedes-Benz builds leadership in LED lighting systems: Progress through better light

Saturday, May 18, 2013

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The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Complete coverage of all the hot topics

Detail: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Complete coverage of all the hot topics

Thursday, May 16, 2013

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The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Glossary - Terms and innovations from A to Z

ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC): subfunction of the suspension system MAGIC BODY CONTROL. The Mercedes-Benz ABC suspension has four suspension struts with hydraulic cylinders to set the force individually in each suspension strut, thus all but completely eliminating the lifting, rolling and pitching motion of the vehicle body. Various acceleration sensors send information about the current driving situation to the control unit which, in turn, compares this information with the data received from the pressure sensors in the suspension struts and the level sensors on the axle links. Based on the results of this comparison, the system calculates control signals which are then converted into precisely measured oil flows by servohydraulic values at the front and rear axle.

Active Blind Spot Assist: this radar-based system alerts the driver if it detects another vehicle in the blind spot when changing lanes. If the driver ignores the system's warnings and comes dangerously close to the vehicle in the adjacent lane, Active Blind Spot Assist intervenes by applying the brakes at the wheels on the opposite side of the vehicle so as to create a yawing movement that can avert a collision.

Active Lane Keeping Assist: intervention to correct unintentional lane changes even with a broken line. The new improved version of the Active Lane Keeping Assist is now also able to intervene should the driver inadvertently cross a broken line when there is a risk of a collision. The system uses the information from the radar system to detect when the adjacent lane is not clear. The radar system has been supplemented by a sensor at the rear, which works in unison with the other sensors in the front and rear bumpers. The Active Lane Keeping Assist is not only capable of recognising critical situations such as overtaking vehicles, parallel traffic and parking vehicles, it can also respond effectively to oncoming traffic. If the system detects the risk of a collision, not only does it cause the steering wheel to vibrate in pulses as a tactile warning for the driver, it intervenes with a lane-correcting brake application on one side via the ESP®. It thereby forms the ideal complement to the Active Blind Spot Assist.

Active multicontour seats: these multicontour seats with a dynamic function continuously adapt to the driving situation. Depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and road speed, the air cushions in the side bolsters are pneumatically inflated to ensure maximum lateral support even when the style of driving is extremely dynamic.

Active Parking Assist: automatic manoeuvring into and out of parallel and end-on parking spaces. The Active Parking Assist is designed for automated parking with active steering and brake control in both parallel and end-on spaces. The driver moves the vehicle by manually pressing the accelerator or releasing the brake. What's more, the system is now also able to manoeuvre out of parallel parking spaces again all by itself with automatic steering and brake control, assuming the vehicle was parked there automatically previously.

Adaptive Damping System Plus (ADS PLUS): fully automatic, electronically controlled system that adjusts the damping at each wheel to meet current requirements. Fitted as standard.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus: if the camera-based Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus picks up oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead, it adapts the light distribution according to the specific situation when the main beam is on. A mechanism in the headlamp module masks the portion of the LED headlamps' cone of light where there are other vehicles to prevent their drivers being dazzled. Possible backglare caused by increased use of the main beam and highly reflective signs at the side of the road is also detected and eliminated by dimming the headlamps accordingly. Consequently, the driver can simply leave the main-beam headlamps on at all times and use their full range without irritating or even endangering other road users. The system is active at speeds above 30 km/h when travelling on roads without street lighting in the dark.

AIR-BALANCE package: with improved filtration, perfume atomisation and ionisation, this optional extra fulfils three functions at once. With the help of a fine-particle activated charcoal filter integrated into the air conditioner housing, the air is filtered even more efficiently than in the standard model. The customer is able to perfume and individualise the interior with a high-quality fragrance. An ioniser is used to ionise the air for a cleaner, fresher atmosphere.

AIRMATIC: full air suspension system specified as standard for the S-Class. Continuous adjustment of the level allows the spring travel to be maintained whatever the vehicle load. The vehicle level is also controlled automatically depending on the vehicle speed. It is lowered by up to 20 millimetres when the speed exceeds 120 km/h, thus reducing aerodynamic drag and improving driving stability thanks to the vehicle's low centre of gravity.

BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist: for the first time, the Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist can help to avoid not just rear-end collisions with vehicles directly in front, but also imminent crashes with cross traffic at junctions. If the anticipatory system detects a hazardous situation of this type based on the amalgamated data from the brand new stereo camera and the radar sensor system, it prompts the driver to start emergency braking by activating visual and acoustic warnings. If the driver presses the brake pedal too tentatively, as is often the case, BAS PLUS will step in by automatically boosting brake pressure for effective emergency braking, even applying the brakes at full power if necessary. The system is active at speeds up to 72 km/h.

BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Brake: the BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® Brake functions have been supplemented by pedestrian detection. In addition to this, autonomous braking as a result of vehicles in front has undergone a major enhancement. By "fusing together" the data from the stereo camera and radar sensors, it is now possible to detect pedestrians in front of the vehicle. Visual and acoustic warnings are given when a hazard is spotted. If the driver then reacts by braking, the braking power will be boosted by BAS PLUS as the situation requires, right up to full brake application. Should the driver fail to react, the PRE-SAFE® Brake will trigger autonomous vehicle braking. The PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection is active up to 72 km/h, and is able to prevent accidents with pedestrians at speeds up to 50 km/h. The operating range of the autonomous braking function for stationary vehicles has been optimised so that rear-end collisions can likewise now be avoided at speeds of up to 50 km/h.

Beltbag: This inflatable seat belt strap can lower the risk of injury to rear passengers during a frontal impact by reducing the loads acting on the ribcage. Should the crash sensors detect a severe frontal impact, the airbag control unit will trigger deployment and inflation of the beltbag. A gas generator then inflates the multi-layered belt strap with Velcro seams to nearly three times its normal width. The resulting larger surface area is able to better distribute the force acting on the seat occupant, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Climatised seats: together with the perforated leather, four fans in the seat cushion and two fans in the backrest ensure uniform relative air humidity where the occupant's body meets the seat. For the first time, so-called reversing fans are used in the climatised seats. Here the rotational direction of the fan, and therefore the airflow within the seat structure, can be reversed. This enables the surface temperature of a heated-up seat to be reduced much faster.

COMAND Online: this brings the internet into the car. The following functions are supported: WLAN HotSpot integrated into the head unit as standard, unrestricted browsing on the internet, read/write SMS/email, Mercedes-Benz services, Internet radio, Live Traffic Information.

Crosswind Assist: helps the driver as it can substantially reduce the effect strong crosswinds have on the vehicle's straight-line stability.

Cushionbag: this airbag is located under the seat cushion upholstery, but on top of the plastic seat shell. When the seat is reclined, it prevents the occupant from sliding beneath the seat belt (so-called submarining) in an accident, as it raises the front section of the seat cushion upholstery.

Data fusion: highly sophisticated sensors and the necessary networked algorithms provide the foundation for innovative new functions. Data fusion enables the algorithms for the varying systems to amalgamate the visual information from the stereo camera with the readings from the radar sensors. Many of the assistance systems from Mercedes-Benz work in this way, fusing multiple or complementary data sources to ensure more reliable operation.

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot: the DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control is a driver aid designed to keep the vehicle at the desired distance from another vehicle in front, even in stop & go traffic. This basic radar-based function has now been enhanced by the addition of Stop&Go Pilot, which helps drivers to stay centred in their lane by generating the appropriate steering torque when travelling on a straight road and even in gentle bends. The stereo camera recognises lane markings as well as a vehicle driving ahead, and relays this information to the electric steering assistance system. When driving at slow speeds, e.g. in congested traffic, the Stop&Go Pilot can use the vehicle ahead as a means of orientation, even when there are no clear lane markings visible. The system's design is so refined that the sensors can detect whether the driver's hands are actually on the steering wheel. If they are not, a visual warning is issued first. Should the driver fail to react, a warning signal sounds and lateral lane guidance is deactivated. The system can be activated at speeds up to 200 km/h. A green steering wheel symbol appears in the instrument cluster to indicate when the Stop&Go Pilot is operating while DISTRONIC PLUS is activated.

Double cupholder: the use of Peltier technology enables drinks to be warmed or cooled over a longer period. The thermo-cupholders are integrated into the Business centre console in the rear.

Electromechanical Direct-Steer system: this combines speed-sensitive power assistance with a variable ratio across the steering angle range. The power steering assistance provided by the rack and pinion steering gear is controlled on-demand and therefore contributes towards efficiency.

ENERGIZING massage function: Working together with physiotherapists and psychologists, the seat specialists at Mercedes-Benz have developed a unique massage function on the hot-stone principle. This is based on 14 separately actuated air cushions in the backrest, as well as an integrated warming function. There is a choice of six massage programmes, two of them using the warming function.

Energy-transparent vehicle: method developed by Mercedes-Benz to detect the possibilities for efficiency optimisation in even the most minute component. An exact and meticulous examination of the flow of energy throughout the vehicle (tank to wheel) helps the development engineers to optimise every single assembly that has an impact on fuel consumption, right down to individual wheel bearings.

Executive seat: electrically adjustable rear seat with a backrest angle of 19 to 43.5 degrees on the front passenger side, available as an optional extra for the long-wheelbase version. Even in the reclined position, the cushionbag prevents the occupant from sliding under the seat belt in an accident.

FLEXRAY data bus: serial communication technology in the car with extremely high data transfer rate, used with ROAD SURFACE SCAN.

Frontbass system: this is the first time that Mercedes-Benz has used this system in a saloon car. The woofers are installed in the firewall, and use the almost 40-litre space in the cross-members and side members as a resonance chamber.

Hot-stone principle: a massage technique traditionally widespread throughout the world which has been developed further in recent years to enhance relaxation and the sense of wellbeing. The spine is covered with stones heated to up to 55 degrees C and massaged.

Individual Entertainment System in the rear: the new S-Class is the first vehicle worldwide to offer a genuine multi-user system for entertainment functions. This means that there is independent access to the media sources of the entertainment system from any of the four seats – i.e. radio, TV, internet, navigation, DVD player and USB-connected devices. Realised with the help of a MOST bus system.

Infrared headlamps: two separate light sources in the headlamp assemblies light up the road ahead with invisible infrared light. Used for the Night View Assist Plus.

Lightweight index: this index defines the torsional stiffness in relation to the vehicle's size (footprint) and weight. To this end, all the relevant node areas have been optimised and systematically reinforced with respect to force distribution.

Live Traffic Information: internet-based traffic information in real time.

Long-range infrared camera: detects relevant objects (pedestrians and animals such as deer, horses, cattle) at a distance of up to 160 m as a thermal image, enabling it to control the warning function. Used for the Night View Assist Plus.

Luxury seats: electrically adjustable rear seats with a backrest angle of 19 to 37 degrees, available as an optional extra.

MAGIC BODY CONTROL: innovative suspension system available as an option for the eight-cylinder models, featuring the ACTIVE BODY CONTROL and ROAD SURFACE SCAN subfunctions.

MAGIC VISION CONTROL: although not visible as a spray jet, this adaptive screen washing system uses conventional washer fluid to ensure a clear view. The innovation lies in the way the fluid is conducted to the windscreen in order to clean it. This is done by means of water guides integrated on both sides along the wiper blade – one on the left and one on the right – with minute laser-cut spraying holes. Via these channels, the innovative system always supplies washing fluid to the windscreen discreetly, precisely where it is needed: just in front of the wiper blade lip, according to the direction of movement of the wiper.

Mercedes-Benz emergency call system: in combination with COMAND Online the new S-Class features the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system. When COMAND Online is connected to a mobile phone and an accident occurs, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call system automatically alerts an emergency call centre within minutes. After airbag or belt tensioner activation, the precise GPS position of the vehicle and its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) are sent to a special emergency call centre by SMS, the location data being sent in parallel using the DTMF (dual tone multifrequency) process.

MOST bus system: the Individual Entertainment System in the rear is connected via a fibre-optic cable, a so-called MOST bus system (Media Oriented Systems Transport). Access to the sources from any seat is possible via the MOST ring, which operates at a transfer rate of up to 150 Mbit per second.

Multicontour seats: these relieve strain on the spine and can be precisely adjusted to suit the ergonomics of the driver and passengers. To this end the pressure of the variable air chambers in the backrest side bolsters and for the backrest contour in the lumbar area can be predefined.

Multi-level functionality: dazzle protection for following traffic. The brake lights and indicators are operated at varying intensities depending on the current driving state and ambient brightness levels (day/night).

Night View Assist Plus: alerting to pedestrians and animals. The new Night View Assist Plus system is capable of detecting pedestrians and animals in potentially hazardous positions in front of the vehicle. In particularly relevant situations (in darkness, in unlit surroundings at speeds over 60 km/h) it automatically switches the instrument cluster display from the speedometer to a crystal-sharp night view image to alert the driver. Any pedestrians or animals detected ahead are clearly highlighted in colour in this image. The spotlight function is additionally used to repeatedly flash pedestrians in the warning zone in these situations by means of a special module in the front headlamps. This attracts the driver's attention to the source of the danger at the same time as warning the person on the side of the road. Animals purposely are not flashed since their reaction to light is unpredictable. These functions are now available in urban areas, too. Infrared headlamps, a long-range infrared camera, a short-range infrared camera and a spotlight function are used to provide the various functions.

PRE-SAFE® Impulse: at an early phase of the crash, before the resulting deceleration starts to increase, the front occupants are pulled against the direction of impact and pulled deeper into their seats by their seat belts. By the time the accident enters the phase when loads peak, the extra distance they are retracted by can be used while dissipating energy in a controlled fashion. Pre-acceleration and force limitation allow the occupants to be temporarily isolated from the effects of the crash, significantly reducing the risk and severity of injuries in a frontal collision. With PRE-SAFE® Impulse, the seat belt can be retracted by pyrotechnic means at all three belt anchorage points, and released again with controlled force. The fundamental difference compared with conventional belt tensioners is that the force for retracting the belt strap is maintained for a much longer time. The deployment logic fires the seat belt system's belt tensioners progressively depending on the seriousness of the accident. In this way, the tensioning force can be adapted as required.

PRE-SAFE® PLUS: occupant protection for an imminent impact from the rear. PRE-SAFE® PLUS offers an extension of the familiar occupant protection measures in situations where traffic behind poses a danger. A radar sensor in the rear bumper monitors the traffic behind the vehicle and can detect the risk of a rear-end collision. The system warns the driver of the vehicle behind by activating the rear hazard warning lights at a higher frequency than normal. If the vehicle is stationary, if the danger of a collision persists PRE-SAFE® PLUS will keep it firmly braked. Minimising the forward jolt in this way can greatly reduce the strain placed on the occupants, such as the risk of whiplash injuries. Firmly applying the vehicle's brakes can help to prevent secondary accidents too, such as running into a vehicle in front, for example, or colliding with pedestrians or other road users at junctions. Immediately before impact, the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection measures, including the reversible belt tensioners, are deployed.

PRE-SAFE® Rear package: activates occupant protection measures in hazardous situations. These include tensioning the seat belts and raising the luxury and Executive seats to the upright position, as well as closing the windows and sliding sunroof. In conjunction with PRE-SAFE® PLUS, also activation of occupant protection when a rear-end collision threatens.

Radar: sensor technology for picking up relevant obstacles. New improved versions of the short-range and long-range radars combine with a new multi-mode radar to detect relevant obstacles such as vehicles or people in defined areas in front of, next to and, now, behind the vehicle, too. The system employs 2 x short-range radars at the front (range 30 m, detection angle 80°), 1 x long-range radar at the front (200 m, 18°) with medium-range detection (60 m, 60°), 2 x short-range radars on the sides at the rear (30 m, 80°) and 1 x multi-mode radar at the rear (30 m, 80° and 80 m, 16°). The algorithms for the varying systems amalgamate (data fusion) the radar readings with the visual information from the stereo camera. Many of the assistance systems from Mercedes-Benz work in this way, fusing multiple data sources to ensure more reliable operation.

Rear seat safety: Mercedes-Benz sets new standards with special safety measures for passengers in the rear. This includes seat belt buckle extender, beltbag and cushionbag. See also PRE-SAFE® rear package.

ROAD SURFACE SCAN: subfunction of the suspension system MAGIC BODY CONTROL making the S-Class the world's first car able to detect bumps on the road ahead. The "eyes" for the ROAD SURFACE SCAN function are provided by a stereo camera fitted behind the windscreen, which scans the road up to 15 metres ahead of the vehicle and delivers a precise image of the road contours. Based on the camera pictures and driving status information, the control unit constantly calculates the best control strategy for overcoming unevenness such as prolonged bumps.

Seat belt buckle extender: an electric motor extends and retracts the belt buckle automatically. In this way, any belt slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax can be reduced so that passengers are secured more firmly in both sideways and lengthways direction. Fastening seat belts in the rear has also been made simpler: the seat belt buckle emerges when the rear doors are opened, and is provided with an illuminated insertion slot.

Short-range infrared camera: shows in conjunction with the infrared headlamps a sharp greyscale image of the area in front of the vehicle in the instrument cluster display. Used for the Night View Assist Plus.

SPLITVIEW: the driver and front passenger are able to see different content on the central display at the same time. The Comand Online system forms a mixed image from two separate display images (e.g. TV and navigation). This is then separated in the high-resolution central display by means of prisms, enabling different screen content to be shown for the driver and front passenger depending on the viewing angle.

Spotlight function in the front headlamps: in particularly relevant situations (darkness, unlit road, speed over 60 km/h) flashes any pedestrians detected with the help of the controllable light module. Used for Night View Assist Plus.

Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera (SMPC or stereo camera for short): just like the Multi-Purpose Camera (MPC) fitted previously, the stereo camera is positioned behind the windscreen in the vicinity of the rear-view mirror. However, the camera features two "eyes" that produce a 3D view of the area up to around 50 metres in front of the vehicle while monitoring the overall situation ahead for a range of up to 500 metres. In this way, the camera is able to provide data for processing by various systems. Intelligent algorithms perform a visual evaluation of this three-dimensional information in "6D-Vision" (detection of position and movement of relevant objects in three dimensions in each case) in order to detect and carry out spatial classification of both vehicles that are driving ahead, oncoming or crossing, as well as pedestrians and a variety of traffic signs and road markings within a large field of vision. Used for example for BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist and DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop&Go Pilot.

Stop&Go Pilot: supports the driver in stop-and-go traffic with steering intervention. Subfunction of DISTRONIC PLUS.

Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way driver warning function: a new Traffic Sign Assist, which builds on the capabilities of the previous Speed Limit Assist, represents yet another contribution to accident prevention from Mercedes-Benz. The system is now also able to recognise many supplemental signs, but also no-overtaking zones and the lifting of these zones, and can even alert drivers to access restrictions. The camera on the inside of the windscreen continues to pick up speed limit signs, including those on overhead gantries and in roadworks, for example. The camera's data is cross-referenced against the information in the navigation system and can be displayed in both the instrument cluster and the map view. If the camera fails to spot any road signs showing a speed limit or a speed limit is lifted, the legal speed limits based on the navigation data are shown instead, such as a maximum speed of 100 km/h on country roads in Germany or 50 km/h in built-up areas. Supplemental signs are also recognised and displayed according to situation (e.g. "in the wet"). No-overtaking zones and the signs signalling their end are also registered and displayed, while in the case of signs imposing access restrictions, through the wrong-way driver warning function an acoustic warning is additionally emitted together with a visual warning in the instrument cluster.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Glossary - Terms and innovations from A to Z

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The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Heritage - S-Class technology milestones

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class and its predecessors have always stood for innovative automotive engineering. Over the years, they have continually brought new features to the market which have then found widespread acceptance. Here is a brief overview of the special features in each model series.

Mercedes-Simplex 60 PS (1903 to 1905)

- State-of-the-art high-performance engine: large-displacement four-cylinder unit with overhead intake valves

- Highly efficient honeycomb radiator

- Long wheelbase and low centre of gravity

Mercedes-Benz Nürburg, W 08 (1928 to 1933)

- First series production Mercedes-Benz car with an eight-cylinder engine

- Luxurious and spacious Pullman body

- Overdrive transmission as an option (from 1931, in conjunction with increased displacement)

Mercedes-Benz 770 "Grand Mercedes", W 07 and W 150 (1930 to 1943)

- First series production Mercedes-Benz car with an eight-cylinder supercharged engine

- Dual ignition system with two spark plugs per cylinder (high-voltage magneto ignition and battery ignition)

- Overdrive transmission (five-speed manual transmission from 1938)

- Oval tubular box frame (from 1938)

- De Dion rear axle (from 1938)

Mercedes-Benz 320, W 142 (1937 to 1942)

- Smooth-running six-cylinder engine

- All-synchromesh four-speed transmission, with remote action gear from 1939

- Wide range of bodies: saloon, Pullman saloon (with exterior case from 1939), streamlined saloon, several cabriolets

Mercedes-Benz 300, W 186 and W 189 (1951 to 1962)

- Sophisticated six-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft

- Manually-controlled intake manifold fuel injection (from 1957)

- Patented safety conical-pin locks prevent doors from springing open in an accident

- Electrically-operated torsion bar suspension to compensate the height of the rear wheels under heavy loads

- Heating with blower(s) as standard

- Air conditioning as an option (from 1958)

- Power-assisted steering as an option (from 1958)

Mercedes-Benz 220, W 187 (1951 to 1954)

- Sophisticated six-cylinder engine with overhead camshaft

- Patented safety conical-pin locks prevent doors from springing open in an accident

- Heater with blower as optional equipment

Mercedes-Benz 220 a/220 S/220 SE, W 180/W 128 (1954 to 1959)

- Integral body construction

- Improved spaciousness and comfort thanks to modern unitary structure

- Front suspension subframe

- Single-joint swing axle with low centre of rotation

- Brake drums with "turbocooling"

- Separately adjustable heater and blower as standard for driver and front passenger

- "Hydrak" automatic hydraulic clutch as an option (from 1957)

- Manually-controlled intake manifold fuel injection (220 SE, from 1958)

Mercedes-Benz 220 b to 300 SE/300 SE long, W 111/W 112 (1959 to 1965)

- Safety passenger compartment with crumple zones (front and rear)

- Padded steering wheel and interior appointments designed so as to reduce injury hazards in accidents

- Conical-pin door lock with two safety catches

- Disc brakes (300 SE, from 1961)

- Dual-circuit braking system (from 1963)

- Four-speed automatic transmission (from 1961)

- Air suspension (300 SE, from 1961)

- Long-wheelbase version available (300 SE, from 1963)

- Central locking system as an option (300 SE long-wheelbase)

Mercedes-Benz 600, W 100 (1963 to 1981)

- Powerful, large-displacement V8 engine

- Four-speed automatic transmission

- Dual-circuit braking system with disc brakes

- Air suspension

- Power steering

- Central hydraulic system for seat adjustment, opening and closing doors, windows and luggage compartment

- Electronically-controlled heating and ventilation system

Mercedes-Benz 250 S to 300 SEL 6.3, W 108/W 109 (1965 to 1972)

- Safety steering system (from 1967)

- Hydropneumatic compensator spring at the rear axle

- Air suspension (300 SEL, 300 SEL 6.3, 300 SEL 3.5)

- Top-of-the-range 300 SEL 6.3 model with an output of 250 hp (184 kW), powerful V8 engine and sports-car performance (from 1968)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class model series 116 (1972 to 1980)

- Officially known as the "S-Class" for the first time

- Integral safety concept

- Four-spoke safety steering wheel

- Tank above rear axle to protect it from collisions

- Safety door handles

- Generously sized headlamps and turn signal lamps

- Tail lights with anti-soiling design

- Side windows with anti-soiling measures

- ABS (anti-lock braking system) as an option (from 1978)

- Cruise control as an option (from 1975)

- Double wishbone front axle with zero scrub radius

- Coupled-link axle with anti-squat control (450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9)

- Automatic transmission with torque converter as an option (standard for 450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9)

- Hydropneumatic suspension with level control (450 SEL 6.9, from 1975)

- First luxury class saloon with a diesel engine, first series production passenger car with a turbo-diesel engine (300 SD, from 1978)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class model series 126 (1979 to 1991)

- Bodyshell with fork-arm structure, the world's first series-production car to fulfil the criterion of the asymmetric head-on collision (offset crash)

- Low drag coefficient cd = 0.37

- New V8 engines with light-alloy block

- Closed-loop catalytic converter as an option (from 1985) or as standard (from 1986)

- Electrically adjustable steering column as an option (from 1985)

- Driver airbag and belt tensioner for front passenger as an option (from 1981)

- Front passenger airbag (from 1988)

- Automatic locking differential as an option for the six-cylinder models (from 1985)

- ASR (acceleration skid control) as an option for V8 models (from 1985)

- The most successful high-end, luxury Mercedes-Benz saloon

Mercedes-Benz S-Class model series 140 (1991 to 1998)

- Petrol engines with four valves per cylinder and variably adjustable intake camshafts

- First Mercedes-Benz series production car with a twelve-cylinder engine, the brand’s most powerful passenger car engine up to that point (600 SE, 600 SEL)

- Premium-class diesel 300 SD available for the first time on the world markets

- Systematically designed for a high level of recyclability

- Total avoidance of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

- Electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission (standard for V8 and V12 models, from 1995)

- Speed-sensitive power steering

- Double-glazed side windows for maximum noise comfort

- Automatic climate control with activated charcoal filter and CO/NOX-sensitive sensors as standard (S 600) or as an option

- Electrically folding exterior mirrors

- Power closing for doors and boot lid as an option

- Headlamps with variable-focus reflectors

- Electronics linking via CAN-bus

- Seat belts with automatic height adjustment

- Sidebags for driver and front passenger (from 1996)

- Adaptive Damping System ADS as an option

- Electronic Stability Program ESP® as standard (S 600, from 1995) or as an option (S 420, S 500, from 1995)

- Brake Assist BAS (from 1996)

- PARKTRONIC electronic parking aid as standard (S 600, from 1995) or as an option (from 1995)

- Auto-Pilot-System APS navigation system as an option (from 1995)

- TELE-AID emergency call system as an option (from 1997)

- LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as an option (from 1996)

- Xenon headlamps with dynamic headlamp range control as an option (from 1996)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class model series 220 (1998 to 2005)

- Lightweight body with weight-reducing materials mix (high-tensile steel, light alloy, plastic)

- Aluminium crash boxes in the front end and rear structure

- Drag coefficient cd = 0.27

- Automatic cylinder cut-out system as standard (S 600) or as an option (S 500)

- 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with electronic control (S 430, S 500, from 2004)

- AIRMATIC air suspension with electronically controlled Adaptive Damping System

- Active Body Control suspension as an option (standard for S 600)

- Additional turn signal lamps integrated into the exterior mirrors

- Automatic headlamp mode

- COMAND control and display system with dynamic navigation as an option

- Windowbags

- Rear sidebags

- Passenger-side airbag with two-stage gas generator

- Belt tensioners and belt force limiters in the rear

- Laminated glass side windows

- Multi-zone automatic climate control with individual control at each seat depending on the sun's position

- Luxury seats with ventilation and dynamic multicontour backrest as an option

- DISTRONIC adaptive cruise control as an option

- KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system‑as an option

- Bi-xenon headlamps with dynamic headlamp range control as an option (from 2002, standard on the S 600)

- PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection‑system (from 2002)

- V8 diesel engine with light-alloy block (S 400 CDI)

- 4MATIC all-wheel drive as an option (S 430, S 500, from 2002)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class model series 221 (2005 to 2013)

- Drag coefficient cd = 0.26

- First car with an Environmental Certificate

- 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with electronic control and DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift

- Active Body Control with crosswind stabilisation as an option (standard for S 600)

- ADAPTIVE BRAKE system

- Adaptive brake lights

- Brake Assist Plus as an option

- Further development of DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control (with braking to standstill) as an option

- PRE-SAFE® Brake with autonomous partial braking (from 2006) or autonomous emergency braking (from 2009) as an option

- Advanced COMAND system with Controller on the central tunnel

- SPLITVIEW display as an option (from 2009)

- Parking Assist as an option

- Panoramic tilting/sliding sunroof as an option

- Active Night View Assist as an option

- Blind Spot Assist as an option (from 2007, Active Blind Spot Assist from 2010)

- Lane Keeping Assist as an option (from 2009, Active Lane Keeping Assist from 2010)

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist as an option (from 2009)

- Speed Limit Assist as an option (from 2009)

- First luxury class vehicle with hybrid drive and lithium-ion battery (S 400 HYBRID, from 2009)

- First S-Class with a four-cylinder engine (S 250 CDI, from 2010)

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Heritage - S-Class technology milestones

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The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Multimedia features - Communication centre and concert hall

A completely new multimedia generation with intuitive operation and particularly tangible functions thanks to visualisation and animations celebrates its debut in the new S-Class. Other innovations include the multi-user system, which allows independent access to the media sources of the entertainment system from any seat. The new S-Class is also the first saloon car to be equipped with the unique Frontbass system as standard. With this system, the interior space in the bodyshell's cross-members and side members is used as a resonance chamber for the woofers. A 3D surround sound system is available on request.

Several hundred developers worldwide contributed to the new Mercedes-Benz multimedia generation, compiling more than 30 million lines of programming. The centrepiece of the new COMAND Online system is the Intel Atom, a processor whose performance fully equals that of components in the latest laptops.

As a completely new feature, the developers have made the individual functions of the communication systems more tangible with on-screen visualisation and animations (see "Control and display concept" section). The user is also able to adapt what is shown in the central display to their own requirements. With the exception of the navigation map (which always fills the complete display area), the central display is divided into a main area (2/3 on the right of the screen) and an additional area (1/3 on the left side of the screen). In standard configuration the additional area shows supplementary information about the selected main application, e.g. if the radio function is active, the artist and song title are shown, or the current channel in the case of TV.

It is also possible to permanently show preferred contents in the additional area (except when the full navigation map is active). One can select a small navigation map, fuel consumption display, data connection display or entertainment information, for example.

In addition to this improvement in operating convenience, numerous new functions extend the multimedia options available, and transform the S-Class into a communication centre or a concert hall as required.

The interactive presentation of content is a prominent new feature of the navigation function. The new navitainment functions include an animated compass, the "Driveshow" for passenger information as in an aircraft, and the display of Google Maps on the head unit and in the rear. Information on the traffic situation is shown with hatched lines (rather than with vehicle silhouettes as before). Thanks to real-time traffic information, the navigation system is also better informed about the situation on the roads. Traffic data are now provided by the "Live Traffic Information" service. Unlike the previous data sources TMC and TMCpro, whose data are received by radio, "Live Traffic Information" uses a fast internet connection and is therefore particularly up-to-date.

As another new feature, a key word search can be used to enter destinations: only a few letters need to be entered, and the system will automatically display a choice of appropriate town/street combinations and possible points of interest. The letter combinations or key words can even contain spelling mistakes.

Example: if the driver enters STUT and BAD, the system will suggest 'Stuttgarter Strasse' in Bad Friedrichshall, 'Badstrasse' in Stuttgart and the 'Freibad Möhringen' swimming pool in Stuttgart. The entered key words are visually highlighted in the display of search results.

In the radio function the favourite stations can now be saved to an individually organised preset list for all wavebands (DAB, FM, AM) rather than to a general autostore function. Individual stations can then be called up using the favourites function. The "Song tagging" function is likewise useful: songs just played in the vehicle can be flagged and then downloaded to a mobile device via iTunes and the internet connection.

The player is now able to recognise mixed tracks, i.e. video and audio files. Videos are shown as a preview in a small, animated area, and can be enlarged to full-screen format. The function "Play similar titles" suggests songs similar to the one currently playing, accessing the CD, Music Register or a connected source. Also new are the Coverflow display, the album cover search and the Picture Viewer as a slideshow.

"Telephone module with Bluetooth®" is standard equipment with the COMAND Online system. This supports the connection of the mobile phone to the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth® interface. In addition "Convenience telephony" can be ordered as an optional extra by way of a pre-installation using a universal phone interface, whereby the mobile phone can be connected via a cradle in the centre console. Suitable cradles for various mobile phones are obtainable from Mercedes-Benz Accessories.

"Business telephony in the rear" with a hands-free function is optionally available for passengers in the rear. Connection of the mobile phone to the rear unit is likewise via Bluetooth®. Pre-installation with a universal phone interface is also possible for the rear. The telephony via the COMAND Online system is networked with the "Business telephony in the rear". Calls can therefore be conveniently transferred between the driver and the rear, and functions such as call waiting or conference are also available. Business telephony is operated via a Bluetooth® handset integrated into the rear and featuring a convenient touch display. This allows functions such as seat adjustment to be operated intuitively.

The most important new functions at a glance

Equal rights for every occupant: the entertainment features

The new S-Class is the first vehicle worldwide to offer a genuine multi-user system with Individual Entertainment System in the rear. This means that there is independent access to the media sources of the entertainment system from any of the four seats – i.e. radio, TV, internet, navigation, DVD player and USB-connected devices.

The driver control function for all the seats is another new feature. The driver is able to route any audio or video source to the display and headset of any passenger. At the touch of a button the driver is also able to have one of the audio sources in use played via the onboard loudspeakers.

The multi-user system was technically realised by connecting the COMAND Online system with Individual Entertainment System in the rear via a fibre-optic cable, a so-called MOST bus system (Media Oriented Systems Transport). Access to the sources from any seat is possible via the MOST ring, which works with a transfer rate of up to 150 Mbit per second. For the COMAND remote control function, digital radio technology is used for the first time instead of infrared technology. This makes operation throughout the vehicle possible from any position.

The well-proven SPLITVIEW system for the driver and front passenger has been retained. The COMAND Online system forms a mixed image from two separate display images (e.g. TV and navigation). This is then separated in the high-resolution central display by means of prisms, enabling different screen content to be shown for the driver and front passenger depending on the viewing angle. The driver and front passenger therefore see different images – the passenger can watch television, for example, while the driver is following the navigation instructions.

Together with the DVD changer, headset and Comand Online remote control, SPLITVIEW is part of the "Individual Entertainment" system. The "Individual Entertainment System in the rear" meanwhile comprises a second DVD player (in the centre console for the five-seater, in the parcel shelf for the four-seater), two high-resolution 10.2-inch displays, radio remote control and two wireless headsets.

With Frontbass and up to 24 loudspeakers: the sound systems

The innovative Frontbass system developed by Mercedes-Benz‑and used for the first time in a saloon car is a feature common to all the audio systems: the woofers are housed in the firewall, and use the almost 40-litre space in the cross-member and side member as a resonance chamber. Since woofers no longer have to be fitted in the doors, the acoustically disturbing vibrations typical of this configuration are eliminated. The mid-range speakers in the doors are relocated upwards. This improves the soundscape and allows additional stowage space in the doors.

As alternatives to the standard sound system with ten loudspeakers, two very high-quality audio systems are available which were developed together with the high-end audio specialist Burmester: Burmester® Surround Sound system and Burmester® High-End 3D‑Surround Sound system.

The features of the three sound systems at a glance

The systematic use of analogue diplexers in the medium and high frequency ranges ensures an extraordinarily expressive and natural sound. Bass, mid-range, treble, volume, balance and fader can be individually adjusted. The listening experience can be enhanced even further with the Surround function or sound optimisation for the front and rear seats.

Three-dimensional in-car sound: Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system

The optional Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system offers a unique visual and acoustic experience. The tweeters in the mirror triangles of the front doors are a particular visual highlight. They rotate through 360° when the head unit is turned on, moving ten millimetres towards the passengers in a spiral motion. This movement aligns the tweeters to give the optimum sound impression. This system is also visually distinguishable from the Burmester® Surround Sound system by three overhead speakers and special door speaker covers.

The Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system makes for an outstanding listening experience, with the best possible sound settings for every seat and, for the first time, three-dimensional sound as standard in a luxury saloon car. This 3D surround sound is created with the help of special Burmester algorithms and three speakers integrated into the headlining. This combination of analogue and digital technologies produces an extraordinarily expressive and natural sound – the Burmester "feel-good sound".

If the ambience lighting is switched on, the two tweeters are illuminated in one of the seven available colours. The same applies to the overhead console, which is also elegantly emphasised by the ambience lighting and accommodates two of the three overhead speakers.

The Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system provides its unrivalled listening experience by virtue of 24 high-performance speakers and 24 separate amplifier channels with a total output of 1540 watts. At the same time an intelligent combination of analogue and digital amplifier technologies leads to a particularly fine and natural sound together with high performance reserves. While sophisticated analogue filter settings allow the best possible fine reproduction in the mid-range and treble frequencies, the digital amplifier - despite its compact dimensions - masters the highest dynamic peaks. The result is outstanding sound resolution and fine acoustic detail, combined with impressive impulse reproduction. This provides a rounded, warm and substantial sound experience founded on an impressive bass range.

The new, three-dimensional listening experience provided by the 3D Surround Sound system and created by the Burmester speakers integrated into the vehicle roof is unique. In addition to the two speakers in the overhead console, another speaker is accommodated in the overhead control panel. A 3D algorithm was developed specifically for the new S-Class‑to create the unique listening experience made possible by these overhead speakers. The aim of the developers was to add a subtle spatial effect to the outstanding listening experience.

Apart from 3D Surround, four other preset sound modes can be selected to suit every taste and audio source:

- Pure: audiophile sound reproduction with no additional effects, for unadulterated musical enjoyment

- Live: appealing, dynamic sound background akin to live music

- Easy Listening: milder sound background for relaxed listening over longer periods

- Surround: virtual surround sound

3D-Surround: three-dimensional listening experience provided by the overhead loudspeakers

Using the so-called VIP setting, the sound quality can be optimised for any of the four seating positions. This function has been carefully configured for each of the sound modes shown above.

The sophisticated sound compensation (VNC) has also been developed further. This ensures that the best possible sound impression is maintained despite changes in driving noise. VNC guarantees maximum listening pleasure at all times – whether on the motorway or in town.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Multimedia features - Communication centre and concert hall

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The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Suspension - The world's first suspension system with "eyes"

The new S-Class is the world's first car to be able to detect bumps on the road ahead. If the ROAD SURFACE SCAN detects such unevenness by means of the stereo camera, MAGIC BODY CONTROL sets up the suspension in advance to deal with the situation. This innovative suspension system is available as an option for the eight-cylinder models. Standard equipment for the new S-Class includes an enhanced version of the full air suspension system AIRMATIC with continuously adaptive damping control.

The front axle features four-link suspension. Its key characteristics include two individual links (torque strut and spring link) in the lower link plane. The transversely situated forged-aluminium spring link carries the spring strut. The anti-roll bar is connected directly on the steering knuckle, while the forward-sloping torque strut is made of forged aluminium.

A wishbone located high above the lower link plane performs further wheel location functions. This link is also made of forged aluminium, as is the steering knuckle which connects the upper and lower link planes. The fourth link is the track rod which forms part of the rack-and-pinion steering system. The transversely situated steering gear is located in front of the wheel's centre.

The arrangement and design of the wheel location components offer favourable characteristics for the axle kinematics: the kingpin inclination is close to the wheel centre. This provides for large longitudinal force leverage, thus minimising sensitivity to tyre imbalances and fluctuations in braking force.

The lower front axle components, the steering gear and the engine mounts are linked with an assembly carrier. This integral carrier, made from high-strength sheet aluminium, is directly bolted to the body.

Due to the unsurpassed wheel location qualities, the S-Class features multi-link rear suspension attached to a subframe. Consistent lightweight construction minimises the weight of the unsprung masses. Four of the five wheel-locating links are made of forged aluminium, as is the hub carrier. The spring link that carries the spring strut is made of single-ply sheet aluminium. In the standard configuration, the rear axle with air suspension features a torsion-bar stabiliser which is directly connected to the rear axle carrier.

AIRMATIC: enhanced comfort and driving dynamics

The standard-fit full air suspension system AIRMATIC with continuously adaptive damping control allows the spring travel to be maintained whatever the vehicle load by means of continuous level adjustment. The vehicle level is controlled automatically depending on the vehicle speed. It is lowered by up to 20 millimetres when the speed exceeds 120 km/h. Consequently, aerodynamic drag is lowered and, thanks to the low vehicle centre of gravity, directional stability is enhanced.

The AIRMATIC system with continuously adaptive damping control that featured on the predecessor model has been modified in many respects: new air suspension bellows with reduced breakaway torque make for even better ride comfort as they do not stiffen as much at low amplitudes and larger frequencies. The spring travel on the rear axle has been increased, thus improving absorption capacity if excitation is high. To further reduce tyre noise, the air suspension struts on the rear axle are decoupled from the body.

The lower control panel on the centre console allows the driver to raise the vehicle level by 30 millimetres on poor road surfaces or when confronted by a tricky garage entrance, for example.

Further improvements have likewise been made to the adaptive damping system. This fully automatic, electronically controlled system adjusts the shock absorbers on each wheel as required. As before, the single-tube shock absorbers are equipped with a valve each for the compression and rebound stage, while there is a new feature in the shape of continuous damping adjustment. This means that the optimum operating point can be selected every time based on various data such as acceleration, vehicle level or vehicle speed. A button on the centre console allows the driver to select a sportier setting as an alternative to the comfort-oriented default setting.

The different AIRMATIC levels at a glance

If certain vehicle speed thresholds are exceeded or not reached, the normal vehicle level is restored automatically.

MAGIC BODY CONTROL: the world's first suspension system with "eyes"

The new S-Class is the world's first car to be able to detect bumps on the road ahead. The MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system available as an option for the eight-cylinder models includes ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) and the new and innovative ROAD SURFACE SCAN function.

The "eyes" for the ROAD SURFACE SCAN function are provided by a stereo camera fitted behind the windscreen, which scans the road up to 15 metres ahead of the vehicle and delivers a precise image of the road contours. Based on the camera pictures and driving status information, the control unit constantly calculates the best control strategy for overcoming unevenness such as prolonged bumps.

The vehicle can therefore adjust the damping of each individual wheel to a tauter or softer setting in advance and increase or reduce the load on the wheel by means of an active hydraulic system. The suspension is adapted to a given situation within fractions of a second, and body movement can be reduced considerably. This results in a hitherto unprecedented level of ride comfort. Because ROAD SURFACE SCAN is camera-based, it can work throughout the day if visibility is good, the road structure is suitable and even at speeds of up to 130 km/h.

In the Active Body Control system from Mercedes-Benz, the four spring struts are equipped with hydraulic cylinders (plungers) to adjust the force in each spring strut individually. This means that the system can almost completely compensate for lifting, rolling and pitching of the body. The control unit receives information on the current driving situation from various acceleration sensors and then compares these data with those from the pressure sensors in the spring struts and the level sensors on the control arms. The system then computes the control signals for the servo-hydraulic valves at the front and rear axle to ensure precisely metered oil flows.

Once oil flows into the plunger cylinders, this modifies the tracing point of the steel springs integrated into the spring struts, generating the necessary force to counteract the body movements. Thanks to a constantly available hydraulic pressure of up to 200 bar, ABC is able to stabilise the body within fractions of a second.

The ABC has undergone major modifications for the new S-Class: the wheel damping is now continuously adjustable, the spring strut response has been improved and the pump efficiency has been further enhanced. A digital interface connects the control unit and the sensors, while the fast FlexRay bus connects the control unit and the vehicle electronics. Processing power is more than double that of the previous system.

Steering: electro-mechanical Direct-Steer system and steering assistance

The new S-Class comes with an electro-mechanical Direct-Steer system as standard. As well as a more precise and also more comfortable steering experience, the steering system has a major impact on overall efficiency, since it only requires energy when the vehicle is actually being steered.

In the new steering system, the steering gear and the supporting servo-motor form a single compact unit and are mounted on an extremely rigid and low-weight integral support frame made of aluminium which is positioned in front of the wheel's centre line. The steering gear is designed as a Direct-Steer system, which means that the steering ratio becomes noticeably more direct over the steering angle. This enhances the vehicle's handling and agility substantially.

The steering assistance function can help to stabilise the vehicle. An assistance steering wheel torque is determined depending on the driving conditions, and this is set accordingly by the electric steering assistance.

The function never overrules the driver but, instead, indicates the direction in which to steer to stabilise the vehicle. In the event of oversteer, the steering assistance system prompts the driver to countersteer via the steering wheel until the vehicle has stabilised again.

If the vehicle is braked on a road surface with different friction (µ-split) on the left and right, there is a yaw impulse which turns the vehicle in the direction of the high friction. The steering assistance system prompts the driver to turn the steering wheel in the appropriate direction to compensate for the yaw caused by the different friction.

Brakes: large discs, a wealth of assistance functions

Large brake discs at the front and rear provide the technological basis for safe and reliable deceleration using the ADAPTIVE BRAKE electronic brake control system. Depending on the engine installed, the disc diameters are up to 370 millimetres at the front and up to 360 millimetres at the rear. The S-Class features an electric parking brake as standard. A combined floating calliper with electric parking brake function is used on the rear axle.

With the ADAPTIVE BRAKE, the S-Class offers a wealth of assistance functions. One example of this is the practical HOLD function: after braking to a standstill, briefly pressing the brake pedal a little further is all that is required to activate this function. The car is then held by the brakes, even if the driver's foot comes off the brake pedal. The HOLD function is deactivated automatically when the car moves off.

If the driver's foot moves abruptly from the accelerator to the brake pedal before an emergency stop, the brake system increases the pressure in the brake lines and brings the pads into contact with the brake discs so that maximum braking power is available as soon as the driver hits the brake pedal. This priming of the brakes allows the system to assist the standard-fit Brake Assist system.

ADAPTIVE BRAKE also has safety benefits in the wet: the system briefly applies the brakes at regular intervals to wipe the film of water from the brake discs and ensure that the brakes are able to perform at their peak. The finely metered brake pulses are imperceptible to the driver. This automatic brake drying function is always activated when the windscreen wipers have been operating for a certain length of time.

Finally, ADAPTIVE BRAKE assists the driver when starting on an uphill slope. When the sensors detect that the Saloon has stopped on an uphill slope, Hill Start Assist is activated automatically, briefly holding the brake pressure at a constant level so as to prevent the car from rolling backwards.

The ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist offers improved safety in critical cornering conditions. If the ESP® sensors detect an understeering tendency, the ESP® performs specific braking intervention on the side of the vehicle which is on the inside of the bend. This gives rise to gentle rotary movement of the vehicle around the vertical axis.

Crosswind Assist: strong gusts no longer a scare

Crosswind Assist helps the driver as it can substantially reduce the effect strong crosswinds have on the vehicle's straight-line stability.

In vehicles without ABC, the negative effect of the crosswind is compensated for by braking on one side of the vehicle activated by ESP® in the ADAPTIVE BRAKE, which is already being used by the Active Lane Keeping Assist/Blind Spot Assist. In vehicles with ABC suspension, crosswind stabilisation is achieved by means of targeted wheel load changes by adjusting the ABC dampers.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright © 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Detail: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Suspension - The world's first suspension system with "eyes"

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The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Drive system - Class-leading efficiency in every output category

In its first year the new S-Class line-up features two hybrid versions, a petrol model and a diesel variant: S 400 HYBRID, S 500, S 350 BlueTEC and S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. All models boast class-leading efficiency and up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption than the predecessor model. All the engines already meet the requirements of the Euro-6 emissions standard. In addition to this, the S 400 HYBRID and S 350 BlueTEC meet the strict criteria of efficiency class A, while the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID even has an A+ rating.

"The new S-Class achieves consumption and emissions figures that only a few years ago would have seemed utopian even in the intermediate class," says Prof. Thomas Weber, member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "And this is just the start of our 'Green Leadership' initiative: soon to be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID – the first S-Class with a fuel consumption lower than four litres per 100 kilometres." The S-Class line-up therefore includes the full range from petrol and diesel models to petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids for the first time.

Effective helpers: ECO start/stop function and ECO display

The excellent consumption and emission figures are also due to the ECO start/stop function specified as standard for all S-Class models. The ECO start/stop function switches the engine off as soon as the vehicle stops – for example at traffic-lights – and the driver keeps the brake pedal depressed after coming to a halt. The engine restarts immediately when the driver releases the brake pedal.

One of the features that assists the driver is the ECO display in the instrument cluster. If required, three bar charts give the driver feedback about the economy of their driving style. The ECO display responds positively if the driver accelerates moderately, drives smoothly in an anticipatory manner and avoids unnecessary braking. The three bar readings stand at 100 percent if driving is particularly economical according to these criteria. When starting off all the values are at 50 percent, and a particularly unfavourable driving style causes them to decline. The aim is to arouse a competitive desire in the driver to achieve 100 percent if possible.

Further efficiency-enhancing measures include outstanding aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight construction, second-generation low-rolling-resistance tyres, an electronically controlled refrigerant compressor, and the new "ECO Thermo Cover" engine compartment encapsulation in the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which reduces cold-starting losses and consists of insulating partitions in the engine compartment and the radiator shutter, which closes when the engine is stopped.

The "energy-transparent vehicle" tool created in-house by Mercedes-Benz was used as part of the S-Class development process. This method detects the possibilities for optimisation in even the most minute component. An exact and meticulous examination of the flow of energy throughout the vehicle (tank to wheel) helps the development engineers to optimise every single assembly that has an impact on fuel consumption, right down to individual wheel bearings.

S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID: energy efficiency class A+

Mercedes-Benz has practically halved fuel consumption in the 150 kW output category within ten years: the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID has a combined fuel consumption of just 4.4 litres per 100 km (CO2: 115 g/km) and meets the criteria of energy efficiency class A+.

In the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, Mercedes-Benz has combined the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) with a powerful hybrid module. Its 15 kW electric motor, positioned between the internal combustion engine and the 7-speed automatic transmission, assists the diesel engine when the car is accelerating (boost effect) and, in alternator mode, is used for the recuperation of braking energy, although it is also suitable for driving under electric power alone.

S 400 HYBRID: 20 percent more economical than the preceding model

Even in the previous model series, the S 400 HYBRID was the world's most economical petrol-engined luxury saloon for some time. With the hybrid model, which combines a V6 petrol engine with a compact hybrid module, the Mercedes‑Benz engineers have made further advances in efficiency: the new S 400 HYBRID boasts NEDC (combined) fuel consumption of just 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres – a reduction of 20 percent compared to the preceding model. The CO2 emissions figure of 147 grams per kilometre is likewise a new record in this vehicle segment. These exemplary figures are coupled with outstanding performance potential: the petrol engine develops 225 kW (306 hp) – and the electric motor adds another 20 kW. The peak torque is 370 Nm (+250 Nm).

The compact hybrid module is a disc-shaped electric motor that also acts as a starter and generator. The system offers a double benefit, as it both helps to save fuel and, due to the booster effect of the electric motor, powerfully backs up the internal combustion engine during the high-consumption acceleration phase. The S 400 HYBRID accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

When the vehicle decelerates, the electric motor acts as a generator and can recuperate the braking energy. The recuperated energy is stored in a compact yet highly efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment and made available when required.

S 500: the most efficient V8 petrol model in the luxury class

The V8 biturbo unit in the S 500 has a displacement of 4663 cc and an output of 335 kW (455 hp) – making it more powerful than its 320 kW (435 hp) predecessor. Its peak torque is 700 Nm, while NEDC fuel consumption is just 8.6 litres per 100 km (premium unleaded) – 0.7 litres per 100 km lower than its predecessor. CO2 emissions are 199 g/km.

The excellent efficiency goes hand in hand with superior performance: the S 500 sprints from zero to 100 km/h in an impressive 4.8 seconds. Its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

S 350 BlueTEC: V6 with the fuel consumption of a four-cylinder engine

The V6 diesel engine in the S 350 BlueTEC has a displacement of 2987 cc, an output of 190 kW (258 hp) and a torque of 620 Nm. Its combined fuel consumption of 5.5 or 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres (diesel fuel; figures for short/long wheelbase versions) makes it the world's most economical V6 diesel and puts it on a par with the previous four-cylinder S 250 CDI model.

The S 350 BlueTEC has CO2 emissions of 146 or 148 grams per kilometre (figures for short/long wheelbase versions), and it is equipped with the second-generation AdBlue® emission-control system.

Model data at a glance

7G-TRONIC PLUS: outstandingly smooth gear changes as standard

All new S-Class models feature the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission with DIRECT SELECT lever as standard. The features of the latest version to emerge include a new torque converter with reduced slip, an ECO shift mode with a wider ratio spread and an auxiliary oil pump to maintain the operating pressure during automatic stops. Low-friction components and low-viscosity oil help to reduce the operating pressure.

Detail: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Drive system - Class-leading efficiency in every output category

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