Kuala Lumpur, 24 February 2010 - After 4 years of production and sales of the S-Class W221 series in Malaysia, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is pleased to present the new generation S-Class. With an even more dynamic design, exceptional degree of comfort and path finding innovations, this extensively updated new series of the world's most successful luxury saloon is reiterating its claim to be the standard for automotive progress.  

In addition the engine range includes eight up-to-date petrol and diesel units, which generate the same, high output as in the preceding series but require up to seven percent less fuel. The high safety standard typical of the S-Class is further improved by a unique combination of new camera and radar based driver assistance systems, with innovations such as Speed Limit Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and Adaptive Highbeam Assist.  

The W 221-series S-Class is the world's most successful luxury saloon, since 1951, when the Model 220 founded the lineage of the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz has sold around 3.3 million units of this model series.  Thanks to innovative technology, first-class comfort and trailblazing safety systems, the flagship model from Mercedes-Benz is seen as a pioneer in automotive development. In Malaysia, the S-Class has signifcantly been the market leader representing about 70% of market share in its competitive segment. 

By means of specific aerodynamic fine-tuning, tyres with a lower rolling resistance and modifications to the steering, fuel pump and 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, Mercedes-Benz developers have been able to reduce both fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to seven percent.  

A combination of ultra-modern assistance and protection systems turns the S‑Class into an "intelligent" partner that can see, feel, respond reflexively and act independently to prevent accidents or mitigate their effects. For the first time Mercedes-Benz also uses cameras in these systems - these are able to look well ahead, monitor the car's surroundings and interpret critical situations. One example is the optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist. This system recognises oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead with their lights on, and then controls the headlamps to ensure the best possible beam range without dazzling other road users.  

As a new feature the Night View Assist Plus (available on S350L and S500L) with infrared camera is now equipped with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as the system detects pedestrians on the road ahead, they are highlighted on the display to make them more readily noticeable.

Thanks to an innovative technology the new generation S-Class has a very sensitive antenna for the attention level of its driver, and can warn him in time when he becomes drowsy. The drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters. Once the evaluation electronics recognise the steering behaviour pattern that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness on the basis of information from the highly sensitive steering angle sensor, a warning signal is sounded and "ATTENTION ASSIST. Break!" appears in the instrument cluster.  

Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist (BAS) PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control (only available with S350L and S500L).  

Mercedes-Benz also offers another radar based system for the S-Class in the form of the PRE-SAFE^® brake. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognise the immediate danger of a rear-end collision, or the warning signal of an assistance system, this system can intervene and brake the vehicle independently. The new generation S-Class makes use of the latest development stage of this safety system: if the driver fails to react even after automatic, partial braking action, the PRE-SAFE^® Brake activates the maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before what is now recognised as an unavoidable accident -- an emergency braking action that can significantly mitigate the severity of the impact. The PRE-SAFE^® Brake therefore acts as something like an "electronic crumple zone". 

Another radar based driver assistance system is the Blind Spot Assist (only available with S350L and S500L). This system monitors the blind spot at the side of the vehicle to a distance of three metres. Visual warning is shown when there is a vehicle in the blind spot area and audible warning sound is given when the driver signals to change lane despite the visual warning. Blind Spot Assist is activated within the 30-250 km/h speed range. 

The modified design of the new generation S-Class reflects the effortless superiority and power of the S-Class Saloon. It is characterised by the more pronounced arrow-shape of the radiator grille, plus a new front bumper with a discreet light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. The headlamps have bi‑xenon technology as standard.  An even more dynamic look is ensured by the LED Light package with its striking LED arrays for daytime driving lights, indicators and driving lights. They lend an unmistakable day-and-night design to the front end. The rear end is characterised by tail lights in a new design, with horizontal, white light rather than the previous inserts in the vehicle colour. Here too, a total of 52 LEDs arranged in a curved design form an unmistakable light signature.  

In line with its serene character and claim to be a technological trendsetter, the new generation S-Class also sets standards where onboard infotainment is concerned. As a world first, and on request, Mercedes-Benz will equip its flagship model with the new SPLITVIEW technology for the COMAND control and display system centrally located in the centre console. This innovative display concept allows the driver and front passenger to view different content simultaneously on one and the same screen. While the driver e.g. uses the map-based navigation system, the front passenger can be watching the latest film on DVD. 

Mercedes-Benz has also extended the standard control and display system COMAND with additional functions, for example an SD memory card slot. Other new features include a Bluetooth^® interface, which wirelessly connects a mobile phone to the standard onboard hands-free system, and a USB interface. These enable customers to export saved data and import them into any other S-Class. It is also possible to transfer navigation data to another vehicle.  

Musical entertainment is provided by a radio, a CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the MUSIC REGISTER with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in the MP3, AAC or WMA format. 

The system recognises music files played on CD, DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER using its stored Gracenote^® database, and shows the title, album and performer in the colour display. The new Music Search function enables S-Class drivers and passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers. COMAND APS also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which operates the navigation, telephone and audio devices by whole-word commands. This has the advantage that the driver no longer has to spell out his commands. To enter a destination, select a radio station, choose a title from the MUSIC REGISTER or access a contact in the phone directory, he only needs to say what he wants. 

Mercedes-Benz has also increased the range of rear seat entertainment (for S350L and S500L only) functions in the new generation S-Class. As standard equipment, passengers in the rear now have a remote control unit which enables all the audio and telematics functions of COMAND to be operated, plus access to external devices via the Media Interface. Mercedes-Benz also offers a Rear Seat Entertainment package with two eight-inch displays on the rear surfaces of the front seat head restraints, two wireless headphones and a separate CD/DVD player with connections for external audio and video devices.  

The surround sound system with "Logic 7" technology developed by Mercedes-Benz together with the audio specialists Harman Kardon^® delivers an outstanding performance with three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers. 

The multifunction steering wheel of the S-Class has also been modified by the Mercedes-Benz designers: in future the rim and airbag module are lined wth soft nappa leather as standard. The new, flatter airbag module also lends a sporty touch to the multifunction steering wheel.   

The new locally assembled Mercedes-Benz S300L, S350L & S500L are priced at RM649,888.00,   RM835,888.00 & RM1,000,000.00 respectively.  For more information, log on to www.mercedes-benz.com.my.