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All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Makes World Debut

29 September 1998

All-New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Makes World Debut; Sleeker, Lighter S-Class Sedan Unveiled at Paris Auto Show  

    PARIS, Sept. 29 -- Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-new S-Class
today during press activities preceding the opening of the Paris Auto Show.
The world debut of the top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz sedan kicks off sales in
Europe next month, while the new S-Class is slated to arrive in the U.S. this
spring as a model-year 2000 car.  At launch, the lineup for the U.S. market
will consist of two V8-powered sedan models: the S430 and S500.
    The fresh styling of the new S-Class includes a coupe-like profile and a
unique "face" reminiscent of the company's oval-headlight models.  Although
total length is three inches shorter, the cabin of the new S-Class is
1-1/2 inches longer than its predecessor.  Making use of a variety of
lightweight materials such as high-strength aluminum and magnesium, the new
car is also nearly 500 pounds lighter than the previous S-Class, providing
even better performance and fuel efficiency.
    Professor Juergen Hubbert, Daimler-Benz Board member in charge of
passenger cars, said, "This car is not just impressive in its interior
dimensions.  In addition to its brilliant technology, the especially
fascinating feature of this car is its stylish elegance, both inside and out."
    The leaner, sleeker S-Class features groundbreaking automotive technology
which is likely to lead the way for the rest of the auto industry.  For
example, its smart passenger airbag can deploy with partial force in a
low-speed collision and full force at higher speeds.  In addition to full
frontal airbags, the new S-Class comes with curtain-type side airbags spanning
each side of the car as well as a door-mounted side airbag in each of its four
doors.
    Although frontal collisions are by far the most common type of accident,
side impacts are more likely to cause serious injury.  The curtain airbag
deploys like an air mattress to protect the head and shoulders in a side
collision, and it works in conjunction with the door-mounted sidebags, which
provide protection for the chest and hip area.
    The new S-Class is the first car in the industry with a standard-equipment
satellite-based navigation system, and its display on the center console is
also used for the audio systems and telephone.  This integrated "Command"
system uses fiber optic technology for fast response and can be directed by
voice commands, controls on the steering wheel or buttons around the display
screen.
    The S-Class for the new millennium marks the debut of the world's first
smart cruise control system, which can automatically maintain a pre-set
distance behind the car in front with the help of a radar sensor.  While the
optional smart cruise control can vary the accelerator (like conventional
cruise) to maintain the desired following distance, the new system can also
apply partial braking automatically if needed -- another first for the auto
industry.  An LCD diagram in the center of the speedometer graphically
depicting two vehicles shows what's happening.
    Even climate control is "smart" on the new S-Class: the system can vary
temperature and air flow individually, not only in response to where the sun
is shining but also based on where each occupant is sitting!  A special
ventilated climate seat available on the S500 model circulates air through the
seat cushion to draw off perspiration in hot weather.  The climate seat also
features a "magic fingers" mode in which air chambers built into the seatback
can be programmed to breathe -- to inflate and deflate fully about twice each
minute.  This slight movement has proven to be an effective orthopedic way to
relax the spine and back muscles.
    For the best possible balance of performance and comfort, the chassis of
the millennium S-Class uses fully independent four-link front and five-link
rear suspension with a new type of air suspension incorporating the
Mercedes-Benz adaptive damping system.  Rack-and-pinion parameter steering
provides a variable ratio and speed-sensitive power assist -- both for
responsive "road feel" at speed and, at the same time, light steering effort
during low-speed maneuvers such as parking.
    Large four-wheel vented, cross-drilled disc brakes are enhanced with
four-channel ABS anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist, the only system that can
actually shorten emergency stopping distances.  In addition, the standard
Electronic Stability Program -- or ESP -- helps to keep the car going where
the driver is steering it, and ESP incorporates traction control as well.
    Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Daimler-Benz AG board member for sales and marketing,
says, "The new S-class is an exciting car -- to look at, to climb into and to
drive.  We are certain that the new S-Class will not only delight our
traditional customers but will also win the enthusiastic affection of new
target groups."