Mercedes Benz S Class (W222)

Updated on Jan 16, 2024

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Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz Designer Robert Lešnik (2009)		Production June 2013–present

Also called Mercedes-Maybach S-Class (X222) Assembly Germany: Sindelfingen Malaysia: Pekan India: Pune (2014–present) Indonesia: Wanaherang, Bogor Class Full-size luxury car (F)

The Mercedes-Benz W222 is the version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class produced since 2013, and the successor of the Mercedes-Benz W221. The W222, designed during 2009 by Robert Lešnik, has a similar design theme to the CLA-Class and Pre-Facelifted E-Class (W212).

In Europe, sales of the S 400 Hybrid, S 350 BlueTEC, S 350 BlueTEC Hybrid, and S 500 began in September 2013. US sales of the S 550 also began in September; the 4Matic four-wheel drive model went on sale in November, 2013. Additional models, including V12 models and those from AMG were released in 2014.

The newest S-Class debuted on 15 May 2013 in Hamburg, Germany and entered production in Sindelfingen, Germany June 2013. A new Burmester 24-speaker surround sound audio system is available.

Technology

The W222 is the first S-Class using very-high-speed FlexRay optical fiber data bus technology, which interconnects (data fusion) all electrical/electronic systems, particularly the COMAND Online control interface (with Intel Atom processor), MBC road scanning active suspension and the multitude of new driver assistance systems, since all these require very high data bit rates.

Suspension

Mercedes' Active Body Control hydraulic active suspension has been updated with a system dubbed Magic Body Control (MBC) that is fitted with a road-sensing system ("Road surface scan") that pre-loads the shocks for the road surface detected. Using a stereo camera, the system scans the road surface up to 15 meters ahead of the vehicle at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph), and it adjusts the shock damping at each wheel to account for imperfections in the road. Magic Body Control is not available on any of the 4-Matic models, as of Model Year 2017.

Safety innovations

Sensors: The S-Class uses a total of six radar sensors, plus one long-range and one short-range infrared sensor. New improved versions of the short-range and long-range radars combine with a new multi-mode radar to detect relevant obstacles such as vehicles or people in defined areas in front of, next to and, now, behind the vehicle, too. The system employs 2 x short-range radars at the front (range 30 m, detection angle 80°), 1 x long-range radar at the front (200 m, 18°) with medium-range detection (60 m, 60°), 2 x short-range radars on the sides at the rear (30 m, 80°) and 1 x multi-mode radar at the rear (30 m, 80° and 80 m, 16°). The algorithms for the varying systems amalgamate (data fusion) the radar readings with the visual information from the stereo camera. Many of the assistance systems from Mercedes-Benz work in this way, fusing multiple data sources to ensure more reliable operation.

Distronic Plus with Steering Assist: This radar-based function has now been enhanced by the addition of Steering Assist, which helps drivers to stay centred in their lane by generating the appropriate steering torque when travelling on a straight road and even in gentle bends. The stereo camera recognises lane markings as well as vehicles driving ahead together with their three-dimensional positioning, and relays this information to the electric steering assistance system. When driving at slow speeds, e.g. in congested traffic, Steering Assist can use the vehicle ahead as a means of orientation, enabling semi-autonomous following even when there are no clear lane markings visible. As a result, the system is able to further enhance driving comfort and substantially ease the driver's workload in many traffic situations. DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist can be activated as before with a lever on the steering column in a speed range from 0 – 200 km/h. Any speed between 30 km/h and 200 km/h can be selected as the desired cruising speed. Drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel at all times even when Steering Assist is activated, as the function only works in bends above a certain, speed-dependent radius.

BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist: can also come to the driver's aid when there is a risk of a collision with cross traffic at junctions. If this anticipatory system detects a hazardous situation of this type, it prompts the driver to start emergency braking by activating visual and acoustic warnings. If the driver presses the brake pedal too tentatively, BAS PLUS will step in by automatically boosting brake pressure for effective emergency braking, even applying the brakes at full power if necessary. Applying just the right amount of braking power for the situation at hand maximises the available braking distance for traffic behind. The Cross-Traffic Assist function is operative at speeds up to approx. 72 km/h, while BAS PLUS is able to aid the driver in longitudinal situations at any speed.

Pre-Safe with pedestrian detection and City Brake function Thanks to the combination of stereo camera and radar sensors, it is now possible to detect pedestrians in front of the vehicle. Visual and acoustic warnings are triggered when a hazard is spotted. If the driver then reacts by braking, the braking power will be boosted by BAS PLUS as the situation requires, right up to a full brake application. Should the driver fail to react, PRE-SAFE® Brake triggers autonomous vehicle braking. The PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection is active up to approx. 72 km/h, and is able to prevent collisions with pedestrians autonomously from an initial speed of up to 50 km/h.

Pre-Safe Plus: offers an extension of the familiar occupant protection measures in situations where traffic behind poses a danger. A radar sensor in the rear bumper monitors the traffic behind the vehicle. If the risk of an impact from the rear is detected, the rear hazard warning lights are activated to alert the driver of the vehicle behind (not on vehicles with USA/Canada coding). Apart from this, the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection measures, such as the reversible belt tensioners, are deployed. Plus, if the vehicle is stopped and the driver indicates a wish to remain stationary – by depressing the brake pedal, for example, activating the HOLD function or moving the selector lever to "P" – PRE-SAFE® PLUS will also come to the driver's aid by increasing the brake pressure in order to keep the vehicle firmly braked during a possible rear-end collision.

Pre-Safe Impulse: at an early phase of the crash, before the resulting deceleration starts to increase, the front occupants are pulled away from the direction of impact and deeper into their seats by their seat belts. By the time the accident enters the phase when loads peak, the extra distance they are retracted by can be used while dissipating energy in a controlled fashion. Pre-acceleration and force limitation allow the occupants to be temporarily isolated from the effects of the crash, significantly reducing the risk and severity of injuries in a frontal collision.

Beltbags: The beltbag is an inflatable seat-belt strap that is able to reduce the risk of injury to passengers in the rear in a head-on collision by lessening the strain placed on the ribcage. Should the crash sensors detect a severe frontal impact, the airbag control unit will trigger deployment and inflation of the beltbag. A gas generator then inflates the multi-layered belt strap with Velcro seams to nearly three times its normal width. The resulting larger surface area is able to better distribute the force acting on the seat occupant, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Active seat-belt buckle with Pre-Safe function for rear occupants: the active seat-belt buckle is fully integrated in the vehicle's PRE-SAFE® system. Whenever PRE-SAFE® becomes active in critical driving situations or when the system detects the vehicle approaching other objects at a critical speed, reversible belt tensioning is also performed in the rear via the active seat-belt buckle function. The restraint system and the passengers are thus better prepared for a possible accident system. In contrast to its extended position to facilitate fastening of the seat belt, the belt buckle is retracted by approx. 40 millimetres instead. This reversible function increases the belt tensioning on the occupant by up to 80 millimetres. In addition, the belt buckle branches off at a lower point at the occupant's hip. This reduces the risk of the pelvis submarining under the belt. Securing the occupants more effectively in this way can reduce the strain to which they are exposed in the event of an accident. The active seat-belt buckle complements the pyrotechnic belt tensioning which has featured as standard in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for many years now, and is triggered in the event of an actual impact.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus: For the first time, the Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently while driving by masking out other road user detected in the beams' cone of light. It uses LED headlamps. If the camera-based system registers either oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead, it will adapt the light distribution according to the specific situation when the high beam is switched on. Consequently, the driver can simply leave the high-beam headlamps on at all times and use their full range without irritating or even endangering other road users. There is no need to switch them on and off manually, resulting in a significant increase in the overall driving time with high beam.

Night View Assist Plus. Besides the twin infrared projectors in the headlamps, an additional (long-range) infrared sensor has now been integrated into the radiator grille. For the first time, the new Night View Assist Plus is capable of detecting not just pedestrians in potentially hazardous positions in front of the vehicle, but animals too. This third-generation night vision system automatically switches the instrument cluster display from the speedometer to a crystal-sharp night view image to alert the driver in unlit areas. Pedestrians or animals detected ahead are highlighted in colour in this image. The spotlight function is additionally used to repeatedly flash pedestrians in the warning zone by means of a special module in the front headlamps. This attracts the driver's attention to the source of the danger at the same time as warning the person on the side of the road. The pedestrian detection function is now also available in urban areas with the night view image has been activated by the driver. An additional (far) infrared sensor in the radiator grille supplements the proven Mercedes-Benz night vision technology. It is able to detect pedestrians at a distance of up to 160 metres, and animals such as deer, horses and cattle at up to 100 metres. Two separate light sources in the headlamp assemblies light up the area in front of the vehicle with invisible infrared light.

Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way driving warning function: A new Traffic Sign Assist which builds on the capabilities of the previous Speed Limit Assist represents yet another contribution to accident prevention from Mercedes-Benz. The system is now also able to recognise no-overtaking zones and alert drivers to no-entry restrictions.

The W222 S-Class has a unique lighting system: Exterior and interior lighting is composed only of LEDs, the first automobile to do so. All models include all-LED lighting, though the number depends on the equipment of the specific vehicle. Around 500 LEDs attended to all the lighting functions on a car for the first time on the S-Class in 2013. The LEDs are placed as follows:

Headlamps - each with up to 56

Tail lamps - each with up to 35

Interior - approximately 300

It can also park itself.

Equipment

Standard Airmatic air suspension with continuously Adaptive Damping System Plus

Magic Body Control suspension (optional on V8 and higher models)

Nine airbags as standard

ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist

Traffic Sign Assist with Speed Limit Assist and wrong-way driving warning function

COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (as standard)

ATTENTION ASSIST (as standard)

ADAPTIVE BRAKE (as standard)

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist

Brake Assist system BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist

NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints

PRE-SAFE, PRE-SAFE Brake, PRE-SAFE PLUS, PRE-SAFE Impulse, Pre-Safe with pedestrian detection and City Brake function

Beltbags

Active bonnet

Active Lane Keeping Assist

Full-LED headlamps with Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist PLUS

Night View Assist PLUS (pedestrian/animal detection) with flashing Spotlight Function

Head-up display

COMAND Online with Touchpad

Active Parking Assist

Active Blind Spot Assist

Crosswind Assist

Torque Vectoring Brake

Backup camera

Electric parking brake with emergency braking function

Direct-Steer Electromechanical steering with Steer Assist electromechanical steering power assistance

MAGIC VISION CONTROL wipers

Models

The vehicle was unveiled at Airbus in Hamburg-Finkenwerder followed its landing in Hamburg on board an Airbus A300-600 DHL cargo plane, followed by Shanghai's Mercedes-Benz Arena, 2013 Osaka Motor Show (S 400 HYBRID). The new S-Class has been available to order since the middle of May 2013 with official arrival at Mercedes-Benz dealers on 20 July 2013. Early models included S 400 Hybrid, S 500, S 350 BlueTEC, followed by S 300 BlueTEC Hybrid in early 2014.

US models went on sale as 2014 model year vehicles; the lineup initially included only the long wheelbase "S 550" (S 500 in Europe) in September 2013, and long wheelbase S 550 4Matic which arrived in November 2013. Auto Bild measured the LWB as the quietest among cars like Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Flying Spur in 2014. Additional models, including V12 models and those from AMG arrived in early 2014.

Europe models went on sale at the end of July 2013, followed by China at the end of September 2013, USA at October 2013.

Japan models went on sale and delivery began at November 2013. Early models include the S 400 Hybrid (right steering), S 400 Hybrid Exclusive (right steering), S 550 long (left/right steering), S 63 AMG long (right steering), S 63 AMG 4Matic long (left steering). The S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, S 600, and S 65 AMG Saloon arrived at dealer showrooms in March 2014.

There is also the "S 500 Intelligent Drive", which is a self-driving version of the S 500 sedan, using sensors that are also available in the production version of the S-Class. The car uses the sensors to capture the massive amounts of data in traffic. The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.

S 63 AMG, S 63 AMG 4Matic (2013–)

Available in short (S 63 AMG only) and long wheelbases, they are versions of S-Class saloon with Mercedes-Benz M157 engine rated 585 PS (430 kW; 577 hp)@5500rpm and 900 N·m (664 lb·ft)@2250-3750rpm, 10-spoke or Siena 5 twin spokes AMG forged light-alloy wheels (8.5x19 front and 9.5x19 rear) with 255/45 R 19 front and 285/40 R 19 rear tyres (optional titanium grey and polished 8.5x19 front and 9.5x19 rear wheels with 255/40 R 20 front and 285/35 R 20 rear tyres), lightweight 78 Ah lithium-ion battery (from SLS AMG Coupé Black Series), a weight-optimised AMG high-performance composite brake system, aluminium body panels, a spare wheel recess made of carbon fibre, AMG sports exhaust system, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, 2 suspension types (AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, AIRMATIC with the Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS in S 63 AMG 4Matic; "Magic Body Control" with Crosswind stabilization in S 63 AMG with rear-wheel drive), front apron with three large air dams with grille in high-gloss black, flics in high-gloss black on the side air intakes, side sill panels with three-dimensional inserts in silver chrome, AMG sports steering wheel. Other features include AMG door sill panels, AMG floor mats, AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs, Ambient lighting, Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, COMAND Online, 10 loudspeakers with Frontbass, Metallic paintwork, Pre-Safe Plus, Tyre pressure loss warning system, LED High Performance headlamps, DISTRONIC PLUS (Driving Assistance package Plus, Night View Assist Plus).

AMG Performance Studio options include AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system, AMG carbon-fibre engine cover, AMG performance steering wheel in black nappa leather / DINAMICA, AMG trim in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, red brake callipers.

Other options include Air-Balance package, Burmester surround sound system, Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system, Business Telephony in the rear, Chauffeur package, designo appointments packages, Executive seat, Exclusive package, First-Class rear suite, Folding tables in the rear, LED Intelligent Light System, Seat Comfort package including ENERGIZING massage function, Warmth Comfort package.

The vehicles were unveiled in 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and were set to go on sale in September 2013.

US model of S 63 AMG 4Matic included increased top speed of 300 km/h, and was set to go on sale in November 2013.

S 65 AMG (2014–)

It is a version of the long wheelbase S-Class sedan with AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine rated 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp)@4800rpm and 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft)@2300-4300rpm, exclusive carbon-fibre/aluminium engine cover, 2 AMG logos on left and right with a centrally positioned Mercedes star, seven-speed automatic transmission, 78 Ah lithium-ion battery, AMG sports suspension with MAGIC BODY CONTROL with Crosswind stabilization, ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio, 8.5x 20/9.5x20-inch front/rear ceramic high-gloss polished AMG 16-spoke light-alloy wheels (optional 10-spoke forged wheels in polished titanium grey or matt black with a high-sheen rim flange and screw-in fully integrated wheel bolt cover, 5-twin-spoke forged wheels in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and a black wheel bolt cover), 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 tyres, optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system (front brake discs with a diameter of 420 millimetres, "AMG Carbon Ceramic" logo at brake callipers), V12 radiator grille with six twin louvres in high-gloss chrome, front apron with three large cooling air intakes, grilles and flics (air deflectors) on the side air intakes in high-gloss chrome and dark paint colours, side sill panels in high-gloss chrome, high-gloss black rear diffuser insert (optional grilles and flics in high-gloss black), "V12 BITURBO" lettering on the wings and the "S 65 AMG" model badge on the boot lid in modern typography, AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated separate twin tailpipes, interior upholstery in exclusive nappa leather with seat upholstery layout in an exclusive diamond-pattern design, delineated perforations in the leather upholstery of the AMG sports seats, no perforations in the nappa leather wherever there is contrasting topstitching, nappa leather roof liner, leather-lined dashboard, door centre panels in a diamond-pattern design, leather-clad roof grab handles, additional wood trim, AMG stainless-steel door sill panels illuminated in white, choice of 5 colour schemes for Exclusive nappa leather upholstery (black, satin beige/espresso brown, nut brown/black, porcelain/black and crystal grey/seashell grey), newly contoured seat cushions and backrests, AMG badges on all four seat backrests, embossed AMG emblems on the front and rear centre console, AMG emblems on the trim of the seat backs, 2-spoke AMG sports steering wheel, contoured steering wheel rim is covered with nappa leather with perforated leather in the grip area, insert with AMG lettering, aluminium shift paddles, analogue clock in an exclusive IWC design (three-dimensional, milled metal hands and genuine metal appliqués on the dial), chrome-plated door pins with AMG logo, AMG instrument cluster with two animated round dials on TFT colour display (AMG-specific lettering and the needles in red/silver, AMG logo in the speedometer with 360 km/h scale (left) and the "V12 BITURBO" lettering in the rev counter (right), animated AMG start-up display is shown on the right-hand display, AMG main menu with digital speedometer and a permanent gear display in the upper section), head-up display, 6.5 x 4.5 centimetres touchpad integrated into the handrest with a cover for the keypad.

AMG Performance Studio options include AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package, AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA (black), AMG trim in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer, red brake callipers.

Other options include 360° camera, Business Telephony in the rear, designo appointments packages, executive seat, First-Class rear suite, Individual Entertainment System in the rear, folding tables in the rear, Warmth Comfort package.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show and 2013 Tokyo Motor Show, followed by 2013 Osaka Motor Show.

The vehicle was set to go on sale in March 2014.

S 500 e (2014–)

The S 500 e is a plug-in hybrid version of long wheelbase S-Class sedan with 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo engine rated 333 PS (245 kW; 328 hp) and 480 N·m (354 lb·ft), electric motor rated 109 PS (80 kW; 108 hp) and 340 N·m (251 lb·ft), externally rechargeable battery, 4 hybrid operating modes (HYBRID, E‑MODE, E-SAVE and CHARGE), second generation recuperative braking system, haptic accelerator pedal, pre-entry climate control of the interior, Intelligent HYBRID with (dis)charging management based on COMAND Online navigation data, 8.7kWh battery pack.

The all electric range is about 30 km (19 mi) under the New European Driving Cycle. Under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests, the S 500 e has an all-electric range of 14 mi (23 km), with some gasoline consumption (0.1 gal/100 mi), so the actual all-electric range is rated between 0 to 12 mi (0 to 19 km).

The EPA, under its five-cycle tests, rated the 2015 model year S 500 e energy consumption in all-electric mode at 59 kWh per 100 miles, which translates into a combined city/highway fuel economy of 58 miles per gallon gasoline equivalent (MPG-e) (4.1 L/100 km; 70 mpg_−imp gasoline equivalent). When powered only by the gasoline engine, EPA's official combined city/highway fuel economy is 26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_‑imp).

The production vehicle was unveiled in Toronto in 2013, followed by 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. Deliveries began in September 2014 in Europe, starting at a price of €108,945 (~US$146,000). The U.S. launch is slated for early 2015. A total of 17 units have been registered in Germany as of September 2014. According to JATO Dynamics, a total of 38 units have been registered in Europe through September 2014.

S 600

It is a version of long wheelbase S-Class sedan with 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine rated 530 PS (390 kW; 523 hp) and 830 N·m (612 lb·ft)@1900rpm, ECO start/stop function, optional touchpad, optional head-up display, COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, optional electric windscreen heating. The vehicle was unveiled in 2014 North American International Auto Show. The vehicle went on sale in March 2014.

Mercedes-Maybach

In 2015, Mercedes brought back the Maybach names as a sub-brand of the Mercedes lineup, representing advanced luxury. The first model produced was the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, designed to be pitched against the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Phantom. At 5,453 mm (214.7 in) long with a wheelbase of 3,365 mm (132.5 in), the new model is approximately 20 cm (7.8 inches) greater in both dimensions compared to the long-wheelbase S-Class models. The Mercedes-Maybach is available as S 500 and S 600 models (the US received Mercedes-Maybach S 550 and S 600 models, with the S 550 having the same 4.7L engine as the S 500 Mercedes-Maybach elsewhere), with 4MATIC optional with the V8 engine and V12 for the latter. The basic car has colour options, and the choice between a rear bench seat or 2 reclining rear seats. Options include air-conditioned, heated and massaging seats; heated armrests; a system to pump scented, ionised air around the cabin; and a 1540 watt Burmester 3D surround sound system with 24 speakers.

The Maybach S 500 assembly started in Pune, India in September 2015 and is the second country to produce a Maybach.

Body styles

The S 500 (and 4Matic) is sold as the S 550 in the US.

References

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA

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