Mercedes-Benz has released details outlining a highly comfort-focused interior of the new S-Class, ahead of the car’s full debut later this year.
The German marque says that the next S-Class model will feature a ‘revolutionary’ interior, incorporating new technology and design features in its goal for peak passenger comfort.
A completely new dashboard design is among the most significant of changes for the new S-Class, fitted with a large centrally mounted screen that is an infotainment hub with an ergonomic display as well as control unit for heating and comfort controls. Open-pore wood veneer and aluminium inlays style the dash in a pattern reflective of the car, with Mercedes-Benz designers looking to create one continuous look and flow around the car.
The interior is described as “feel-good ambience with lounge character marked by elegance, high quality and lightness”, and Mercedes-Benz says that the S-Class has evolved into a “third place” – a refuge between home and the workplace. For added ambience, LED technology enables interactive interior lighting. The active ambient lighting is now integrated into the driving assistance systems and is able to underpin alerts visually. For example, Active Blind Spot Assist warns of an impending collision with a red light animation.
The active ambient lighting furthermore is integrated into Energizing Comfort Control. At the touch of a button or by voice command, users can alter interior settings and switch on features to alleviate fatigue or stress. This will engage pre-set modes or deploy some features such as the massage seats, for example. This cycle of modes includes Refresh, Vitality, Warmth, Joy and Comfort settings, which can be activated by voice control through saying certain phrases – such as “I’m stressed” for the Joy setting.
Featuring a new version of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment, the interior settings are personalized and stored to best fit the driver’s comfort preferences, and these are pre-loaded for automatic adjustment. An onboard fitness and wellness ‘coach’ keeps tabs of general wellbeing in the car through a number of monitoring systems.
As well as voice control, the infotainment options are less reliant on button control, with far fewer buttons to press in the new dash compared with the current model. Instead, users use swipes and gestures to navigate. There are five screens positioned throughout the car for access to the infotainment system.
The new S-Class features revied dimensions in both short- and long-wheelbase models, making more room for occupants in front and rear seats, which makes for a heightened sense of space inside the car, the auto maker says.
Mercedes-Benz has made significant investment in limiting NVH for the new S-Class, contributing to a claimed improved ride quality, due to systems such as E-Active Body Control. These qualities are said to an improved interior experience and more details will be revealed before the car goes on sale.
