Mercedes-Benz TecDay "S-Class Ambience: The Essence of Luxury" (III)

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X. 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 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. In 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 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 section "Operation"). 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). It is possible to 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.

The telephone module with Bluetooth® is standard equipment with COMAND Online. 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®. Preinstallation with a universal phone interface is also possible for the rear. Telephony via COMAND Online 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 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 COMAND Online with the 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 for the driver and front passenger has been retained. COMAND Online 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 while the driver is following the navigation instructions.

Together with the DVD changer, headset and COMAND Online remote control, SPLITVIEW is part of "Individual Entertainment". The "Rear Individual Entertainment package" 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, 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. Conventional woofers in the doors are therefore unnecessary. The mid-range speakers in the doors are relocated upwards. This improves sound brilliance 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 audio specialists at 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.

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 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 system is visually distinguishable from the Burmester® Surround Sound system by these overhead speakers, door speaker covers and illuminated tweeters in the mirror triangles which extend electrically and light up in a choice of seven colour tones.This combination of analogue and digital technologies produces an extraordinarily expressive and natural sound – the Burmester "feel-good sound".

XI. Under the microscope: Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system - Three-dimensional sound in the car

The optional Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system provides an outstanding visual and acoustic experience.

As a visual highlight, the tweeters in the mirror triangles of the front doors are particularly sophisticated. When the head unit is switched on, they rotate by 360° and perform a screwing motion of ten millimetres towards the occupant. This ideally aligns the tweeters for an optimal sound impression.

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-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 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-Sound, 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-Sound: 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.

XII. New control and display concept: Elegant new control centre

Two high-resolution TFT colour displays in 8:3 format with a screen diagonal of 30.7 cm (12.3 inches) form the new information centre in the S‑Class. The left-hand display performs the functions of the previous instrument cluster, providing the driver with all relevant information. The right-hand display allows the convenient control of infotainment and comfort functions. Ergonomics, operating convenience and safety, as well as visual appeal and elegance, were the main considerations for the newly designed control and display concept.

For the S-Class, the constantly increasing need to integrate additional functions into the vehicle led to a further development of the entire operating logic. The aim in designing the control and display features was to group controls and display functions together in a coherent manner in terms of both design and functionality. Apart from the new displays, the metallised switch surfaces and solid aluminium controls are visual highlights of particularly high quality. Thanks to the fine structuring on the metal surfaces, each individual control has the sound, feel and attention to detail that makes Mercedes-Benz something very special.

The well-proven Mercedes-Benz operating philosophy with a multifunction steering wheel, DIRECT SELECT selector lever and COMAND Controller in the centre console has been retained. The engineers have, however, taken a new approach with the large high-resolution display depicting the instrument cluster, a display area showing the driving assistance systems next to the rotary light switch and a new position for the cruise control stalk, on the left below the combination switch for the wipers and indicators.

With Mercedes-Benz COMAND Online the customer is now able to adapt the contents of the central display to personal 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. If required, it is also possible to permanently display a preferred content item in the additional area, for example a small navigation map, fuel consumption display, data connection display or entertainment information. High-quality visualisation and animations make for convenient operation — changes in adjustments e.g. for the climate control or seats are immediately visible and therefore easy to follow.

The two screen displays have an illuminated "corona" for effect, making the display appear to be floating in space. This lighting can be individualised in seven colours as an option. Like the switch and controls illumination, the brightness can be adjusted using a rotary control between the instrument cluster and central display. Optionally, individual brightness levels can be set for the different lighting zones in the vehicle interior using the vehicle functions of the COMAND Online system.

The new instrument cluster: important information at a glance

The architecture of the instrument cluster in the S-Class is a new departure for Mercedes-Benz. For the first time a large TFT colour display with a screen diagonal of 30.7 cm (12 inches) in 8:3 format is used to display driver information. The large screen provides much more scope with respect to the presentation of contents, animation of displays and vehicle-related information, especially where the onboard assistance functions are concerned. The design of the two large dial instruments showing the vehicle speed (left) and rpm (right) follows the classic style. The menu for "Journey", "Navigation" and "Media" and the relevant sub-menus accessible between the two dial instruments are also familiar in principle, and are operated using the steering wheel function keys as before.

The central area between the dial instruments shows the driving assistance systems. When they intervene, the actions of systems such as DISTRONIC PLUS with Steer Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist are notified to the driver by visualisation. The image from Night&Day View Assist PLUS is now also shown between the two instruments, where it is easily visible. In the process the circular scales of the two displays are reduced to three-quarter circles with revised scaling to provide the largest possible area for the camera image. In the central area of the display the driver also receives visual support when searching for a parking space. Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC shows recognised parking spaces (left/right, parallel or end-on parking) and guides the driver through the parking procedure. The graphics in this display resemble actual perspective views rather than two-dimensional images from above. Recognised speed limits and any supplementary signs are now shown in the speedometer for easy visibility.

Mercedes customers will find the classic displays and warning lamps easy to recognise. The distance information for the front PARKTRONIC sensors (left/right) is shown at the top, between the two dial instruments. Above this are the control lamps for the indicators/hazard warning system, lighting functions (parking lights, high beam, foglamps, low beam) and the distance warning. The outside temperature is shown at the top centre. The fuel gauge showing the volume in percent is located in the speedometer (6 o'clock position), and the speedometer also accommodates the control lamps for the ESP® functions, ABS, the warning lamps for the airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System), the seat belts and the tyre pressure monitoring system. The coolant temperature appears in the 6 o'clock position in the rev counter, which also shows the current transmission mode, automatic transmission gear and the function displays for the electric parking brake, brake lining wear indicator and engine diagnosis.
Support for the driver: the ECO display

If required, three bar charts in the instrument cluster give the driver feedback about the economy of his 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% 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.

The central display: the control centre for infotainment and comfort

A completely newly developed COMAND Online generation has its world premiere in the new S-Class. It excels with intuitive operation and the immediacy of its functions, thanks to animated menus and images on a large display in 8:3 format with a resolution of 1440 x 540 pixels. For video and TV reproduction a part of the screen corresponding to the 16:9 format is used.

The large display is used for animations and 3D effects. An additional area on the display simplifies operation with a context-related representation of the current application or permanent display of the navigation map, for example, or - in the case of models with hybrid drive - a display of the hybrid functions showing the energy flow.

The animated high-resolution display concept is particularly impressive where the digital operating instructions for COMAND Online are concerned. Depending on the level of appointments, there is a context-sensitive display of the contents for the individual vehicle.

Operation: touch-sensitive telephone keypad, extended voice control, three different remote controls

The new control features include a touch-sensitive telephone keypad and an extended favourites function with twelve freely selectable memory places. The principal control element is the rotary pushbutton, with the usual direct access keys in the centre console for the most important functions.

Voice entry using LINGUATRONIC via the Speech Dialog System allows complete addresses to be spoken in one go, for example (one-shot input). The telephone and audio systems can also be voice-controlled. The option of having text messages (SMS) or emails read out is a new feature. Polish and Finnish are newly available languages, and Arabic is now fully supported.

The new COMAND Online also comes with three remote control variants:

- basic remote control (high-quality unit with chrome)

- rear handset incl. remote control function connected via Bluetooth

- iPhone® / Android app with remote control function via WLAN

Apart from showing and operating the COMAND Online functions (internet browsing, reading and writing SMS and email, internet radio, Mercedes-Benz services), the telephony functions, navigation, radio and TV plus the sound systems (see section "Multimedia features"), the central display shows and operates the many comfort functions, some of which are new. They include:

- Multifunction seats (contour and ENERGIZING massage function with programmes), settings

- Seat heating Plus

- Air conditioning, perfume atomisation, ionisation, panel heating

- Vehicle functions (seven-colour ambience lighting, locator lighting)

- Tow-away protection, various vehicle settings

- Camera functions (reversing camera and 360-degree camera).

- Digital radio (DAB)

- Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services (SDARS)/Sirius functions such as SiriusWeather via a map or in tabular form, GameAlert, MusicAlert for USA and Canada

- mbrace (Teleaid Pass) for China & USA/Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) for Japan

XIII. Noise and vibration characteristics: More comfort, more driver-fitness safety

As the flagship model in the Mercedes-Benz passenger car range, the S‑Class has a particularly high level of noise and vibration comfort. Relaxed travel and working is by no means just a luxury, but also helps to ensure driver- fitness safety - a driver who is mentally and physically fit has sufficient reserves to respond quickly and correctly in critical traffic situations, and will arrive at their destination less stressed.

The development goal of performance-enhancing comfort covers a wide interdisciplinary area. It begins with NVH measures (noise, vibration, harshness) relating to the body, suspension and powertrain, plus the dimensional concept for the interior, includes all aspects of suspension, climatic, seating and noise comfort and also incorporates the development of intelligent assistance systems.

The aim of the NVH measures for the bodyshell was to better the already very good preceding model with respect to vibration and noise comfort, but without dispensing with intelligent lightweight construction methods. The bodyshell structure of the new S-Class reaches new heights in dynamic rigidity thanks to new structural concepts and specific NVH measures in the bodyshell. These include:

Integral NVH front section concept consisting of extruded aluminium side members, cast aluminium elements at the transition between the front section and passenger cell, also at the damper domes, and integral supports as vibration-damping structural components

- Increased use of bracing struts for specific increases in rigidity

- Rear panel and cockpit cross-member of hybrid metal/plastic construction

- Use of foam sections in the A/B/C-pillars to increase bodyshell rigidity

This created a very good basis for isolating engine and suspension-induced vibrations, and therefore for achieving the ambitious objectives with respect to vibration and noise comfort throughout the vehicle.

The aeroacoustic specialists took specific measures to counter wind noises during their aerodynamic development work. To reduce high-frequency wind noise, the sealing systems around the windows and door handles were above all improved considerably. The newly designed exterior mirror and the correspondingly shaped A-pillar with a minimised shoulder height ensure the efficient drainage of water and spray hitting the windscreen, prevent the airflow from breaking off at this point and therefore avoid noises that might enter the interior via the windscreen and side windows. The roof structure and the automatic tilting/sliding roof module were subjected to further aeroacoustic development to improve noise comfort in this area as well. In the case of the panoramic sliding sunroof, numerous air deflection measures, covers and seals with the appropriate geometry ensure the same high level of noise comfort as in the preceding model, despite the larger opening aperture.

A subdued, scarcely perceptible level of noise in the interior of the S-Class was the objective when configuring and coordinating the sound insulation measures. Particular attention was paid to transmitted engine noise and road roar. During the acoustic optimisation work, the focus was both on lowering the sound pressure level and on achieving the well-balanced and comfortable overall sound perception that is a hallmark of the S-Class.

To ensure that engine noise is perceived as refined and unobtrusive in the interior, the firewall insulation was extended into the side areas of the A‑pillars. Additional sealing levels were also added in the form of high-quality injection-moulded components.

A major contribution to the improvement in transmitted engine noise was made by improved insulation in the transmission tunnel area, as well as a modular engine partition made of plastic. The different noise characteristics of the engines are taken into account by the use of different weights per unit area.

The electrically adjustable rear seats available as an optional extra are free-standing. High-frequency tyre noise was reduced by a large area of insulation extending from the seat surface to the rear panel and parcel shelf. Breakthroughs are kept to a minimum. An intelligent air ducting system inside the parcel shelf allows the necessary ventilation while reducing noise transmission via the parcel shelf. The textile underbody and wheel arch cladding has an insulating and absorptive effect which reduces high-frequency tyre noise in the interior.

XIV. Under the microscope: performance-enhancing comfort - Comfort is also conducive to safety

Safety and comfort — the new S-Class sets new standards in both areas. The two attributes by no means only run in parallel, however: studies by the Customer Research Center (CRC) at Mercedes-Benz show that certain comfort characteristics have a direct influence on driver performance and wellbeing during and after a journey. Comfort is also conducive to safety.

Research on driver-fitness safety, the in-house term used by Mercedes-Benz to denote comfort on long journeys, has been one of the major tasks of the CRC for over 15 years. Well-known international scientists are regularly invited to the CRC to document the current state of research on noise comfort, vibration comfort and climatic comfort, and to analyse the effects on human performance.

The typical approach taken by the CRC studies on performance-enhancing comfort is initially to register the customer-related influencing factors. Findings on the subject of "long-distance journeys" are obtained by means of detailed customer surveys in Germany and the USA. One of the main findings is that uncertainty about events during a journey, e.g. traffic tailbacks, is a significant stress factor.

The second phase involves extensive practical driving tests to systematically examine the influencing factors for their relevance to performance-enhancing comfort. For example using three externally identical E-Class test cars which noticeably but by no means dramatically differ in their vibration and noise comfort, and which have different driver seats. 36 Mercedes customers with long-distance driving experience were sent on a 410-kilometre long circular route covering motorways and country roads in each of the cars, and this route was completed three times.

The fitness of the test subjects during and after the journey was assessed using a number of indicators. During the journey, the heart rate was monitored together with muscular tension in the neck area and the frequency of frowning as an indicator of dissatisfaction. The concentration of the hormone cortisol in the saliva gave an indication of stress levels. Directly after the journeys the test subjects were subjected to performance and alertness tests to assess their level of fitness. They were also asked to complete questionnaires and assess their level of fatigue, for example. Indirect indicators also taken into account included the average driving speeds and especially the length of the breaks taken by the drivers.

Dr. Götz Renner summarises the conclusions from the research as a "recipe for performance-enhancing vehicles": "Build a quiet vehicle, especially avoiding the low frequencies, add a good (driver's) seat and first-class climate control. Plan and schedule routes and rest breaks while avoiding tailbacks, entertain the driver, create the fundamental conditions for relaxation and assist him with functions such as the ENERGIZING massage function so that he can cope with stress and fatigue. This vehicle will then have a fit and alert driver – also after the journey."

These findings have already been incorporated into the new S-Class: it is quieter than any Mercedes-Benz before it. The seating system provides unprecedented comfort, including the optional ENERGIZING massage function for all four seats. And the new navigation system provides even more rapid and up-to-date traffic information to facilitate better route planning.

XV. Under the microscope: history - Milestones in comfort

The luxury-class models from Mercedes-Benz are always at the vanguard of the very latest automotive technology. Time and time again, they showcase brand new features which then come into widespread use. Here is an overview of the comfort innovations premiered by the individual S‑Class model series:

Model 220, W 187 (1951 to 1954)

- Heater with blower as optional equipment

Models 220 a/220 S/220 SE, W 180/W 128 (1954 to 1959)

- Improved spaciousness and comfort thanks to modern unitary structure
- Separately adjustable heater and blower as standard for driver and front passenger
- "Hydrak" automatic hydraulic clutch as optional equipment item (from 1957)

Models 220 b/220 Sb/220 SEb/300 SE/300 SE long-wheelbase, W 111/W 112 (1959 to 1965)

- Four-speed automatic transmission (from 1961)
- Air suspension (300 SE, from 1961)
- Long-wheelbase version available (300 SE, from 1963)
- Central locking system as optional equipment (300 SE long-wheelbase)

Models 250 S to 300 SEL 6.3, W 108/W 109 (1965 to 1972)

- Hydropneumatic compensator spring at the rear axle
- Air suspension (300 SEL, 300 SEL 6.3, 300 SEL 3.5)

S-Class 116 series (1972 to 1980)

- Cruise control as optional equipment (from 1975)
- Hydropneumatic suspension with level control (450 SEL 6.9, from 1975)
- Automatic transmission with torque converter as optional equipment (standard for 450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9)
- Large headlamps and indicators, soiling-resistant tail lights and side windows
- Coupled-link axle with anti-squat control (450 SE, 450 SEL, 450 SEL 6.9)

S-Class 126 series (1979 to 1991)

- Electrically adjustable steering column as optional equipment item (from 1985)

S-Class 140 series (1991 to 1998)

- 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 optional equipment
- Electrically folding exterior mirrors
- Power closing for doors and boot lid as optional equipment
- Adaptive Damping System ADS as optional equipment item
- PARKTRONIC electronic parking aid as standard equipment (S 600, from 1995) or as optional equipment (from 1995)
- Auto-Pilot-System APS navigation system as optional equipment (from 1995)
- TELE-AID emergency call system as optional equipment (from 1997)
- LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system as optional equipment (from 1996)
- Seat belts with automatic height adjustment

S-Class 220 series (1998 to 2005)

- 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 optional equipment (standard for S 600)
- Laminated glass side windows
- DISTRONIC proximity control as optional equipment
- Automatic headlamp mode
- COMAND control and display system with dynamic navigation as optional equipment
- 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 optional equipment
- KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation systemas an optional extra

S-Class 221 series (from 2005)

- 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with electronic control and DIRECT SELECT steering wheel gearshift
- Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation as an optional extra
- Further development of DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control (with braking to standstill) as an optional extra
- New control concept with a COMAND Controller on the transmission tunnel
- Dynamic multicontour seat with new massage function
- Foot-operated parking brake with electric assistance
- SPLITVIEW display as an optional extra (from 2009)
- Parking Assist as an optional extra
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist as an optional extra (from 2009)
- Speed Limit Assist as an optional extra (from 2009)
- Night View Assist based on infra-red technology as an optional extra

Credits: Daimler AG

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