S is for sexy

Mercedes-Benz South Africa confirmed the new S-Class will enter the market in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The new model features new engines, with a range with a series of new technologies for electrification of the powertrain says Mercedes.

There are advancements in autonomous driving features as well as changes inside the cabin including the new 'energising comfort control' (more on that later).

Three new engines will be available: diesel (S400d) and petrol (S450) variants of six-cylinder in-line engines and a new V8 biturbo petrol engine (S560). Mercedes is planning a plug-in hybrid with an electric range of about 50km.

New technology for the S-Class in the form of a 48 volt Integrated Starter Generator and the electric booster compressor make their world debut.

The new car will also feature the optional energising comfort control which links various on-board comfort systems together, e.g. climate control, ambience lighting, massage and fragrance functions, and allows customers to configure a specific wellness set-up to suit their mood or need. Mercedes says this enhances physical comfort and performance on the road.

Inside, the S-Class has touch-sensitive Touch Control buttons in the steering wheel. They respond to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone. They enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.

The infotainment system can also be operated via the touchpad with controller in the centre console and by linguatronic voice control.

And for the ultimate in luxury, it's now possible to use voice control to operate the air conditioning and seat heating/ventilation, interior lighting (ambience lighting, reading lights, lighting in the rear), fragrance, seat massage function and head-up display.



Engines

Mercedes says they've updated their driver assistance systems, here are a list of the changes below:

*Active Distance Control distronic uses substantially more map and navigation data, can support the driver based on the route, and conveniently adjusts the vehicle speed. Active Speed Limit Assist automatically adopts recognised speed limits as a new set speed for Active Distance Control distronic.

*Steering Assist has been noticeably improved across its entire performance range, resulting in markedly enhanced customer benefits.

*Active Lane Changing Assist has been considerably upgraded. Now nudging the indicator stalk is all it takes to initiate a lane change. This lane change is executed within the next ten seconds, and is indicated in the instrument cluster with the appropriate visual display if the vehicle sensor system does not detect any vehicles in the relevant safety zone, which the driver might have missed. The system is available in certain countries depending on traffic regulations. (Later introduction for SA)

*Active Emergency Stop Assist brakes the vehicle to a stop when Active Steering Assist is engaged and the system recognises that the driver is not intervening in the driving process on a sustained basis. Following vehicles in a tailback: In stop and go traffic on motorways and similar roads, stops of up to 30 seconds are now possible, during which time the S-Class starts moving again automatically and follows the traffic ahead (in conjunction Active Parking Assist).

*Traffic Sign Assist: Posted speed limits and any potential no-overtaking signs are displayed for the current section of the route through image recognition and information from the digital road map of the navigation system.

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