First, some general considerations about the new model: despite the completely new design and platform, the dimensions/proportions of the new generation of Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) were kept.
Thus, not only will there continue to be a version with an extended wheelbase, much to the liking of the Chinese and Americans (who buy two out of three S-Class sold worldwide…), but also the S-Class alter ego with Maybach's signature will also exist, to the delight of some European customers.
If the offer of space and comfort was already impressive in the model that will no longer be produced, these attributes were improved in this new generation that brings, in its debut in the star brand, the second generation MBUX operating system.
The new MBUX system
In this second generation, the MBUX system starts by surprising because it has a small digital screen behind the steering wheel, with the largest and most relevant part of the information projected “on the road” a good 10 meters in front of the car and even in the field of vision of the driver, in a huge projection (head-up display), with two sections.
Surprisingly, this solution is not standard equipment, unlike the central infotainment monitor positioned on a raised plane in front of the dashboard, between the driver and passenger.
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For the first time, the MBUX is now available for the second row, because in many cases that is where the “most important” passengers sit, mainly in China and the United States, whether it is the CEO of a company, a millionaire golfer or a movie star.
As with the current 7-Series, there is now a central display in the rear armrest. Removable, it lets you control multiple operations. As before, it is on the door panels that the controls for the windows, shutters and seat adjustments are located.
There are also two new touch screens on the back of the front seats that can be used to watch video clips, watch a movie, surf the internet and even control a series of vehicle functions (climatization, lighting, etc.).
The instrument panel can convey various types of information, highlighting the new 3D effect behind the rim of one of the new three-spoke steering wheels. It can be seen, on the other hand, that the dashboard and console were the target of a “purge” and Mercedes says that there are now 27 fewer controls/buttons than in the predecessor model, but that the operating functions have been multiplied.
Also new is the bar under the central touchscreen that gives direct access to the most important functions, such as driving mode, emergency lights, cameras or radio volume.
In the case of the fingerprint scanner, we had already seen it in the penultimate generation of the Audi A8, a direct rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but in the future it may serve not only as a security measure for user recognition but also as a form of payment for goods/services purchased online while traveling.