In the production of a new car, many technical innovations were applied. Among them are a number of auxiliary systems offered for the first time.
«Distronic» automatically maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Electronic system «Comand» facilitates the use of car radio, telephone, navigation system and TV.
The dashboard is equipped with a central display that allows you to individually adjust the various functions of the car, and informs the driver about it.
Smart card for inductive authorization system «Keyless-Go» eliminates the need for traditional door keys and ignition keys.
Comfortable, ventilated seats with a multi-contour backrest are installed.
The standard side airbags above the side windows and in all doors provide reliable protection for passengers in a side collision.
The design of the S-Class is in perfect harmony with sophisticated technology and emphasizes the most important properties inherent in the Sedan: elegance, dynamism, quality and comfort. The most important stylistic elements are the coupe silhouette, which lends the new S-Class a sporty yet elegant look, and the attractive front end with distinctive headlights and typical grille.
Simultaneously with the increase in cabin length by 17 mm, the body length of the new S-Class has decreased by 75 mm. The length of the interior of the model with an extended wheelbase is 37 mm longer than that of the previous model.
The car is available in two body styles: with a standard and extended wheelbase (2965 and 3085 mm), with three variants of installed V-shaped gasoline engines (six, eight and twelve cylinders).
Diesel Engines - Inline 6 and V8 Direct Injection Engines with «Common-Rail» - have been installed since the end of 1999.
The new S-Class petrol engines, thanks to their 3-valve, 2-spark plug design and the use of light alloys, use 13 to 17 percent less fuel than the previous model.
Automatic cylinder deactivation on S 500 models reduces the fuel consumption of the V-8 engine by an additional 7 percent. Exhaust emission levels comply not only with future European Community regulations, but also with stringent US regulations for low emission vehicles (ULEV).
Due to the suspension with pneumatic damping elements, which is included in the basic package, the highest level of driving comfort is achieved. The combination of air suspension with an adaptive damping system automatically changes the stiffness of the shock absorber struts, depending on the roughness of the road.
Multi-link independent rear wheel suspension.
To ensure driving safety, the new S-Class is equipped with an electronic anti-skid system (stability stabilization - ESP), emergency brake booster (BAS) and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
The basic brake system is hydraulic, dual-circuit with a vacuum booster.
Brakes - disc, ventilated on all wheels. Foot parking brake applied.
The steering gear is with circulating balls.
Excellent aerodynamics and the use of lightweight materials have contributed to lower fuel consumption. Compared to the previous model of the same configuration, the new S-Class weighs 300 kg less. However, weight reduction does not come at the expense of safety and comfort. On the contrary, thanks to the use of high-strength steel and additional protective elements, as well as the development of large deformation zones, the new S-Class provides even greater safety than the previous model.