The new S-Class in model car form: The S-Class excels on a small scale too

Perfection down to the finest detail is one of the many trend-setting qualities of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. And it is a standard which is also met by the high-quality miniatures now available as part of the Mercedes-Benz Collection in scales of 1:87, 1:43 and 1:18. Created in conjunction with renowned manufacturers Herpa, Schuco and Norev, the collectors' models are initially available exclusively from Mercedes sales and service outlets and Mercedes dealerships, the Mercedes Museum and also the online shop.

The S-Class in a scale of 1:18 has been assembled by hand by Norev from more than 145 individual parts. The model is based on the S 500 with long wheelbase and measures around 29 centimetres. Its equipment highlights include a panoramic sliding sunroof, LED Intelligent Light System and also multi-spoke light-alloy wheels. The doors, bonnet and boot lid can all be opened. The interior features a high-quality printed finish and all interior details have been faithfully reproduced. With a First-Class rear suite, folding table and Individual Entertainment System with screens in the rear, the S 500 is luxuriously appointed. The model car is available in blue anthracite, iridium silver and diamond white metallic BRIGHT for 79.90 euros ^[1]. Gloves are also included.

The 1:43-scale S-Class from Schuco is also based on an S 500 with long wheelbase and also a panoramic sliding sunroof, LED Intelligent Light System, multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, First-Class rear suite and Individual Entertainment System in the rear. Measuring around twelve centimetres in length, the hand-assembled model comprises more than 55 individual parts. It is available in the paint finishes diamond silver, diamond white metallic BRIGHT and magnetite black. All of the interior details have been faithfully reproduced and the interior features high-quality printing. The Schuco model comes mounted on a printed plinth in a presentation case and costs 29.90 euros.

The S-Class from Herpa produced in a scale of 1:87 is available in blue anthracite, diamond white metallic BRIGHT and magnetite black. Measuring around 5.8 centimetres, the model car comprises more than 26 individual parts and also features a high-quality, highly detailed interior. This collectors' piece also comes with a printed plinth and presentation case. Price: 15.90 euros.

^[1] All prices are recommended retail prices for Germany including 19% VAT

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

BRABUS refines the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Powerful, fast, individual and exclusive: concurrent with the sales release of the new Mercedes S-Class, BRABUS presents an extensive refinement program for the luxury sedan from Stuttgart. In a first step there will be performance kits for the eight-cylinder models that deliver up to 537 kW / 730 hp (720 bhp) of power, 1,065 Nm (785 lb-ft) of torque, a top speed up to 325 km/h (202 mph), tailor-made wheels with diameters up to 21 inches, and exclusive options for the interior. An aerodynamic-enhancement program with sporty-elegant design for the W 222 model series lends the vehicle an even more dynamic appearance. All components are backed by the one-of-a-kind BRABUS Tuning Warranty of three years, up to 100,000 kilometers / 62,000 miles.

BRABUS offers the world�s most extensive engine tuning program for Mercedes-Benz automobiles, which of course will be adapted to the new S-Class. In a first step customers will be able to choose from several performance kits for the V8 Biturbo engines.

The special mapping for injection and ignition as well as the moderately increased boost pressure of the plug-and-play BRABUS B50 - 520 PowerXtra CGI performance kit unleash an extra 65 horsepower from 4.7-liter eight-cylinder Biturbo engine of the S 500.

After the conversion, power output jumps from 335 kW / 455 hp (449 bhp) to 382 kW / 520 hp (512 bhp), while peak torque grows to 820 Nm (604 lb-ft). With it, the four-door car accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. The BRABUS Vmax unit that is part of the engine conversion allows limiting the top speed electronically to 250, 275 or 300 km/h (155, 168 or 186 mph).

Various ultra-powerful tuning levels offering up to 107 kW / 145 hp (143 bhp) of added power are available for the S 63 AMG, which ex-factory produces 430 kW / 585 hp (576 bhp): the BRABUS B63 - 650 PowerXtra CGI version serves up 478 kW / 650 hp (641 bhp) at a low 5,500 rpm. At the same time, peak torque jumps from 700 to 1,000 Nm (516 to 737 lb-ft), on tap between 2,250 and 3,750 rpm.

Also available is the BRABUS B63S - 730 high-performance version, which is unmistakable thanks to the distinctive BRABUS Gold Heat Reflection system for the intake and charge-air pipes. Replacing the two production turbochargers with two special BRABUS turbos with larger compressor unit generates a higher boost pressure. For even more added power the engine conversion also includes a low-temperature water radiator for the intercooling system, a free-flow exhaust system with metal catalysts and 75-mm (3-in.) thick downpipes, as well as special BRABUS mapping for the engine management system.

The BRABUS B63S - 730 engines produces 537 kW / 730 hp (720 bhp) of power at a low 5,300 rpm. Peak torque is limited electronically to 1,065 Nm (785 lb-ft) and available consistently between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm. Top speed is limited electronically to a maximum of 325 km/h (202 mph) by the BRABUS Vmax unit that is part of the conversion.

BRABUS recommends the use of fully synthetic MOTUL high-performance motor oil.

As the ideal complement to the engine conversions or for combining with the production engines, BRABUS offers a sport exhaust system with controlled butterfly valve for all new S 500 and S 63 AMG models. At the push of a button on the steering wheel drivers can choose whether to operate the V8 in a discrete �Coming Home� mode or to enjoy a markedly throaty exhaust note in the �Sport� position.

At the high speeds these vehicles attain the aerodynamic properties are also a crucial factor. To minimize negative lift on front and rear axle and to create an optimal aerodynamic balance, the BRABUS designers are in the wind tunnel to develop a sporty-elegant body conversion kit. The components, which are manufactured from PUR plastics and carbon fibers, give the luxury sedan a dynamic visual upgrade and will be presented at the IAA International Auto Show 2013 in Frankfurt/Main.

Already available for the new S-Class are tailor-made BRABUS Monoblock alloy wheels with diameters of 19, 20 or even 21 inches. The largest tire/wheel combination on offer features forged and mirror-polished BRABUS "PLATINUM EDITION" Monoblock VI or Monoblock F cross-spoke wheels in size 9Jx21 on the front axle and in size 10.5Jx21 in the rear. The optimal tires come from Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA in sizes 255/30 ZR 21 in front and 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

To be able to further improve the dynamic handling of the high-performance luxury sedan BRABUS has developed special control modules that lower the ride height of vehicles with AIRMATIC or Active Body Control suspension by about 15 millimeters (0.6 in.).

Unadulterated luxury and individuality in the interior is a particular BRABUS specialty. The range of options for the new S-Class spans from scuff plates with BRABUS logo to exclusive BRABUS �fine leather� interiors crafted from especially soft yet durable BRABUS Mastik leather and the finest Alcantara. The new Mercedes S-Class can be further refined with a BRABUS multimedia system that is as exclusive as it is technologically innovative.

~ Official photos and details courtesy of BRABUS GmbH ~

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Genuine Accessories and Mercedes-Benz Collection for the new S-Class: Fine objects for the luxury lounge

The Genuine Accessories range and the Mercedes-Benz Collection for the new S-Class comprise a host of high-quality products. They include, for example, a couple of dozen or so different 17 to 20-inch light-alloy wheels. Specific charging cradles and docking stations are available for more than a dozen smartphones, among them a model for the iPhone� 5. Mercedes-Benz apps such as the useful car park search feature likewise optionally extend the function of the COMAND Online system. Like the Morningstar Finance and news apps, the car park finder can be downloaded from the Mercedes-Benz App Shop at shop.mercedes-benz.de. Other highlights are the four interior fragrances developed in collaboration with the renowned perfume specialist Marc vom Ende, as well as attractive products for car and office.

An optional feature for the new S-Class is a fragrancing system which can be individually activated or deactivated. The intensity of the fragrance can be adjusted in three stages. The standard fragrance on delivery is FREESIDE MOOD. This and three other interior perfumes are available as genuine accessory items in attractive 15 ml glass flacons. To describe the fragrances briefly:

- FREESIDE MOOD: The middle notes combine elements of citrus and tea, which are elegantly refined with floral overtones. Hints of cedarwood, patchouli and ambergris provide the supporting base note. All in all this is a very well-rounded and harmonious fragrance.

- NIGHTLIFE MOOD: Wood notes are lifted by an overtone of cool spices such as cardamom and pink pepper. An additional touch of aldehyde provides for a discreet aroma of cognac. A base of incense, ambergris and vanilla complements the wood notes to create a mood of soft, supple elegance.

- DOWNTOWN MOOD: Jasmine and lilac make for a light floral tone over warm musk, ambergris and a touch of cashmere. Top notes of magnolia and rosewood provide an element of freshness, while peach brings softness and a metallic effect sows confusion.

- SPORTS MOOD: The fragrance is based on the harmony between lime blossom and fresh, light green leaves. At the heart of the fragrance, the lime blossom is caressed by light floral scents such as magnolia, gardenia and violets, while the green top note brings lightness and sparkle with hints of grapefruit and watermelon. The whole is embedded on a base note of soft, spicy moss.

Tailor-made transport solutions

The carrying capacity of the S-Class can be further increased with genuine accessories: a collapsible rear-mounted cycle rack for the trailer coupling is available, for example, to facilitate the transportation of two or three bicycles. As a practical feature, an ingenious pull-out mechanism allows continued use of the boot.

Those who prefer to transport items on the vehicle's roof can combine the Alustyle basic carrier with the very light New Alustyle cycle rack, for example.

With the EASY-PACK convenience box smaller objects can be securely stowed in the boot so that they do not slide around. A special roll-out mechanism allows its capacity to be varied between 7 and 55 litres, while the permissible load is up to 10 kilograms.

Individual look

The Genuine Accessories range comprises a wide variety of light-alloy wheels, including several high-sheen variants that offer the additional appeal of an interesting contrast between the apparently bare metal surface and the painted areas. The highlights include a 50.8 cm (20-inch) 10-spoke wheel with high-sheen finish in palladium silver, as well as a 48.3 cm (19-inch) 5-spoke wheel with a high-sheen finish in tremolite metallic.

It is also possible to individualise the overall look of the car by adding a white- illuminated door sill panel^[1] or a very easily fitted rear spoiler, which has the added advantage of not needing to be registered in the vehicle documents.

If a sporty exterior is what you're after, the S-Class's dynamic appeal can be further emphasised with Genuine Accessories from AMG. The products available include for example the AMG bodystyling elements front apron, side sill panels and rear apron along with forged wheels with a high-sheen rim flange.

The Genuine Accessories for the new S-Class are available from authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers now. Further information is available at http://www.mercedes-benz-accessories.com/s-class.

Fine things for car and office

"In car" and "in the office" - with these two categories Mercedes-Benz covers the exclusive requirements of business customers both in the car and at their desks. The products are mostly fabricated in Italy.

A fine wool blanket and an equally fine wool cushion make it even more comfortable to sit in the rear of the new S-Class. Both contain a large percentage of cashmere and their beige colour harmonises with the main interior colours of the new flagship model. The woven jacquard pattern is adorned on each item with Mercedes-Benz braiding. The cushion filling is washable; the cover features mother-of-pearl buttons on the reverse. Blanket and cushion are supplied in a light-coloured satin bag. The blanket measures 130 x 170 cm, the cushion is 40 x 40 cm.

The high-quality products of the "in the office" series carry over the exclusive and comfortable feeling of the S-Class into the office. Mouse pad, pen quiver, desk mat and picture frame feature soft black calfskin cover with patterned ribbing and light-coloured contrasting topstitching in silk beige. The desk mat measures 56 x 49.5 cm.

Available in a limited edition of 1000 is the LAMY 2000 piston fountain pen, "made in Germany" by LAMY exclusively for Mercedes-Benz. The fountain pen is made completely out of stainless steel with a satin matt finish and features a Mercedes star on the cap. The platinum-finished and hand-polished 14-carat gold nib is in the width F (fine). The fountain pen is delivered in a set with an ink pot, in a gift box printed with the Mercedes-Benz logo inside and out.

The tissue box with black calfskin cover, patterned ribbing and light-coloured contrasting topstitching in silk beige likewise makes a thoroughly refined impression. The Mercedes-Benz star and lettering are embossed on a raised leather patch. The inside is lined with velour. The dimensions: 12.7 x 24 x 7.5 cm.

All products from the Mercedes-Benz Collection for the S-Class are available from Mercedes-Benz sales partners.

^[1] Available from the 4th quarter

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

From 20th July 2013 at dealers: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class makes its appearance

With its three development priorities of "Intelligent Drive", "Efficient Technology" and "Essence of Luxury", the new S-Class is broadening technical horizons at many levels. As was the case with each previous generation, customers expect the new S-Class to set standards in every respect � and to earn for itself once again the accolade of "The best car in the world". From 20th July, customers will be able to experience the new S-Class 'live' at their local Mercedes-Benz dealership.

"The S-Class is the technological spearhead not only of Mercedes-Benz but of automotive development per se. And has been for decades. This is why the S-Class is also the world's best-selling luxury vehicle", emphasised Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Cars responsible for Sales and Marketing. "Even before the official market launch we have received 20,000 orders. With this enormous interest in the car I am certain that the success of the S-Class will continue."

The new S-Class has already been the recipient of several awards in the Automotive Brand Contest 2013: both the exterior and the interior design were given the accolade "Best of Best". The Automotive Brand Contest is organised by the well-known "Rat f�r Formgebung" (Design Council).

Perfection to the last detail: new ideas, painstakingly implemented

Perfection down to the last detail creates "The Essence of Luxury". These efforts to achieve the very best possible can be seen, for example, in the vehicle interior: Whether the seats or the air conditioning, whether operation or design, whether infotainment or rear-seat comfort and safety � new ideas, their painstaking realisation and the very highest perceived quality underline the expectations of the engineers for the Mercedes-Benz flagship model � and for themselves.

The same applies to safety: what began with PRE-SAFE� ten years ago and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS is now leading to a new dimension in driving. Comfort and safety have blended into one. Mercedes-Benz calls this "Intelligent Drive". A large number of new systems make the new S-Class even more comfortable and safe.

The efficiency with which the S-Class drives sounds almost utopian: by implementing "Efficient Technology" Mercedes-Benz has for example, within the space of ten years, almost halved fuel consumption in the 150 kW output category to 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The drag coefficient of the S-Class improves on its predecessor once again, setting the new benchmark in its segment at Cd = 0.24. Thanks to further detailed aerodynamic improvements, the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID will even better these figures and achieve a new best at Cd = 0.23. The new model is also the first car worldwide to dispense completely with light-bulbs, for example � it only has LEDs. This too points the way to the future.

The drive system: class-leading efficiency in every output category

In its first year the new S-Class line-up features two hybrid versions, one petrol model and a diesel variant: S 400 HYBRID, S 500, S 350 BlueTEC and S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID. All models boast class-leading efficiency and up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption than the outgoing model series. All the engines already meet the requirements of the Euro 6 emissions standard. In addition to this, the S 400 HYBRID and S 350 BlueTEC meet the strict criteria of efficiency class A, while the S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID even has an A+ rating.

"The new S-Class achieves consumption and emissions figures that only a few years ago would have seemed utopian even in the intermediate class", says Professor Thomas Weber, Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "And this is just the start of our 'Green Leadership' initiative: soon to be followed by the S 500 Plug-In HYBRID � the first S-Class with fuel consumption lower than four litres per 100 kilometres." The S-Class line-up therefore for the first time now includes the full range from petrol and diesel models to petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids.

Model data at a glance:

The concept: the best of two worlds

For the first time in the history of the S-Class, the development focus was on the long-wheelbase saloon. In a change from the previous approach, the version with a standard wheelbase was derived from this. This strategy takes account of the fact that the S-Class's clear positioning as a prestige saloon does not only apply in the overseas markets such as the USA, China or Japan. Whereas in Europe and North America, owners of an S-Class are frequently behind the wheel themselves, in Asia the flagship in our passenger car portfolio is very clearly a chauffeur-driven car. The logical consequence of this is a whole range of new features to enhance comfort and safety in the rear of the vehicle � in the S-Class, passengers seated in the rear are very definitely sitting in the best seats just as much as those in the front.

Prices at a glance, incl. 19% VAT:

Over 3.5 million customers and numerous awards

Over 500,000 models from the last S-Class model series have been delivered to customers around the world since its launch in September 2005, meaning that this S-Class sold even better than the previous generation. Since the launch of the 220 model that laid the foundations for the S-Class model series, Mercedes-Benz has delivered more than 3.5 million of these vehicles to customers all around the world.

The most important innovations at a glance

Assistance systems

- DISTRONIC PLUS with STEER CONTROL and Stop & Go Pilot

- BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus

- Night View Assist Plus

- Active Lane Keeping Assist

- 360� camera

- Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC

- PRE-SAFE� PLUS for protection in the event of a rear end collision

- PRE-SAFE� Brake with pedestrian detection and urban braking function
Safety

- Belt buckle extender (active belt buckle)

- Adaptive airbag configuration (Active Vent)

- Beltbag for outer rear seats

- PRE-SAFE� impulse

Sound

- Frontbass

- Burmester� High-End 3D Surround Sound system

Chassis and suspension

- Magic Body Control

- AIRMATIC with variable damper control

Drive system

- Hybrid for diesel engines

Telematics

- COMAND Online (NTG 5)

- Individual Entertainment in the rear

- Mercedes-Benz COMAND control app for the iPhone�

Boot

- HANDS-FREE ACCESS

Seating comfort

- First-Class rear suite (including thermo-cupholders)

- EASY ADJUST luxury head restraint (folding and removable on the front passenger side)

- Luxury head restraint

- Executive seat on front passenger side with leg rest

- ENERGIZING massage function

- Seat climatisation / reversible seat cooling

- Chauffeur position for front passenger seat

Climatic comfort

- Perfuming

- Ionisation

- Armrest heating (Panel Heating)

- Pre-climatisation for hybrids

Light and Sight

- First car to use only LEDs for lighting

- MAGIC VISION CONTROL

- Ambience lighting (extended choice of seven colours)

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.