After we revealed the interior of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) a few weeks ago, today we bring you more information about the Stuttgart brand's “flagship”.
This time, we are going to talk about the technology with which the S-Class presents itself and no, we are not referring to the well-known MBUX that will also be part of the technological menu, and which will meet a second generation.
Instead, we introduce you to the safety and driving assistance systems that will equip the top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz range and all those aimed at improving your handling and agility.
Technology at the service of dynamics...
Starting with technologies that focus on improving the dynamic behavior, comfort and agility of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, there is no lack of new features.
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Using five multi-core processors, more than 20 sensors and a camera, the suspension system (optional) E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL uses a 48V electrical system to constantly adapt to road conditions.
Capable of analyzing driving around 1000 times per second, this system regulates the damping on each wheel individually.
In “COMFORT” mode, this system analyzes the road in order to prepare the suspension to reduce body movement. In “CURVE” mode, the predictive system tilts the car in curves, all to increase comfort.
As for agility, the new S-Class (W223) makes use of another option to appear “smaller”: the directional rear axle. Thanks to this system, the turning radius is reduced by around two meters, giving the variant with the longest wheelbase a turning radius of just 11 m — at the level of C-segment vehicles.
… and security
As the qualities of a model such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are made not only in terms of dynamics and comfort, the “flagship” of the German brand also brings (many) novelties in the safety chapter.
To start with, the E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system we were talking about a while ago also features the PRE-SAFE Impulse Side function. What this system does is to momentarily raise the bodywork in the event of an imminent side collision, directing the impact to more resistant areas of the bodywork, thus protecting the passengers.
But there is more. Equipped with many of the solutions applied in the Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESF) 2019, the new S-Class comes with an option that is unprecedented in the market: front airbags for rear passengers.
Also in the safety chapter, the new S-Class (W223) will feature illuminated belts (to facilitate its location); with the help of the MBUX Interior Assistant a camera can be used to detect a baby seat in the front passenger seat; and there will also be a central front airbag that will prevent a collision between the two occupants at the front in the event of a side collision.
Finally, Driving Assistance Package also gained new and updated functions. For example, Active Blind Spot Assist not only alerts you when the driver/passenger opens the door, if it detects the risk of collision with a vehicle; now, it anticipates the alert, when the hand of the driver/passenger approaches the door handle to open the door.
Also worth mentioning are the improvements made to the parking assistant or low speed maneuvers, the Active Parking Assist and the optional Parking package with 360º camera. There are new ultrasonic sensors, an improved and more intuitive interface, greater accuracy in recording potential obstacles or even road users during maneuvers.
In the case of the Parking package with 360º camera, there are four additional cameras that allow you to build a 3D image of what is happening around the S-Class, as well as being able to better recognize places where it is possible to park.
The sale of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) will take place in 2021.