Mercedes-Benz S-Class: the next-gen’s array of tech

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: the next-gen’s array of tech

Over the years, we’ve come to recognise the Mercedes-Benz S-Class as a sort of wheeled preview of the future; an impressive showcase of high-tech gadgetry, driving aids and safety systems from Stuttgart that eventually make their way into everyday cars – in some instances as much as decades later.

The incumbent W221 is already a technological tour de force, with features such as infrared Night View Assist, PRE-SAFE, Distronic Plus radar-guided cruise control and Active Body Control – but as always, the next-in-line, the W222, is set to further raise the bar when it hits markets next year.

For a start, it will be the first car in the world to not use a single light bulb – Mercedes says its LEDs consume a quarter of the power needed to run conventional headlamps. Out of consideration for other motorists, the indicators and brake lights will also reduce their intensity at night or while waiting at traffic lights – another world first.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: the next-gen’s array of tech

There’s also the introduction of what Mercedes calls the Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera. Positioned behind the windscreen in the vicinity of the rear-view mirror, the camera is capable of three dimensional detection of crossing objects and pedestrians, and calculating their path. This spatial information is then fed to the numerous assistance systems through a control unit which amalgamates all data.

“The intelligent assistance systems of the future will be able to analyse complex situations and recognise potential dangers out on the road with the aid of improved environment sensor systems even more accurately than today,” says Prof Dr Thomas Weber who is in charge of research for Daimler Group and development for Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The next S-Class won’t just have eyes at the front; it will have 360-degree all-round vision.”

A summary of the assistance systems on the next Mercedes S-Class (see some interior spy shots here) can be found in the gallery, as well as photos of the company’s ‘Moving Base’ driving simulator in Sindelfingen, Germany.

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Jonathan James Tan

While most dream of the future, Jonathan Tan dreams of the past, although he's never been there. Fantasises much too often about cruising down Treacher Road (Jalan Sultan Ismail) in a Triumph Stag that actually works, and hopes this stint here will snap him back to present reality.

 

Comments

  • jens lehman on Nov 22, 2012 at 10:00 am

    Looks like driving in the future will be a mere sit and giving voice command, like in sci-fiction movies. Merce didn’t leave anything out!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Xefron on Nov 22, 2012 at 10:19 am

    I don’t mind to be chauffeur driving this car for some beautiful woman.LULZ.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • frenzy on Nov 22, 2012 at 11:59 am

    S-class + google voice+google self driving car. World 1st virtual smart chauffeur.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • confused on Nov 22, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    No floating car tech yet? Sigh…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jimmy on Nov 22, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    Sound robotic, good.
    We like to say we are world No 1 in our own kampung, where are we?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
  • TurboLiao on Nov 22, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    Is this S-Class designed for Computer and sensors or for HUMAN ( of cos for Rich Towkay and Bosses lo ) ??

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Darren on Nov 22, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Mercedes S-Class — Moving The People Who Move The World :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jilbaber on Nov 22, 2012 at 6:06 pm

    most people in this country afford to buy this car wont benefit those techs anyway…coz most of them are old uncles and aunties who does not even know how to turn on a computer !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
    • bvc100 on Nov 23, 2012 at 7:55 am

      A life is worth saving, be it an uncle or auntie or anyone for that matter.
      I recall going to a seminar somewhere where one of the speaker mentioned that for any life lost in Europe due to a car accident (or premature death), it’s a projected loss of a few million Euros for the country.
      I wonder how much does a life of a Malaysian cost here…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Oh yeah, Europe is the best ya? One lost of a life equals to a few million Euros for the country. No need to refer to the European countries. They might have the best technologies & cars, but look at how healthy their economy now. European countries are going into bankruptcy. They had to bailed out each other and convinced one another not to let go of the Euro. The people wants long holiday, all perks and benefit but at the same time less work. How is that possible? I’m not saying we are much better but to compare Malaysian life to there Europeans, it’s just not the same. They are no better than us.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • bvc100 on Nov 26, 2012 at 8:01 am

          Again, any life is worth saving.
          In this case, i’ve no intention in stating who’s economy is better and who is better than who.
          It’s just that everyone should play their role in road safety, be it the government (for infrastructure and legislation), the drivers (responsible and adapt) and vehicle manufacturers (active safety for crash avoidance, and passive safety for injury mitigation)… regardless where you are in this planet.

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  • the driver on Nov 26, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    Frankly, this car has very little to show, just a lot of new ‘nanny systems’ for safety. There is no eco tech such as huge weight reduction or improved engine tech to justify its future and to reduce its bloated image. Even the efficiency claims for its lighting only reduces consumption by a fraction of a percentage. Shame on Mercedes Benz and very soon BMW for doing the same.

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