The new W223 S-class has made its Malaysian debut. This is an evolution of the already innovative W222 model and adds even more connectivity, interior space and safety. Malaysia gets a locally assembled long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S 580 e new generation of plug-in hybrid that offers customers the best of both worlds where it can be driven on battery power alone and on the combustion engine when on a long journey. The launch event was held at St Regis Kuala Lumpur with the only detail lacking is the price, which has not been finalised.
Exterior wise, you do get changes in the styling. There are less character lines than ever. It features cleaner sides and overall styling. The most obvious changes to the exterior are the lights both front and rear. They are slimmer in profile and actually help disguise the size of the car which is actually slightly larger overall. Yes, this is still the case with the latest generation of cars these days. The rest seems evolutionary so very recognisable as what it is, a S-Class.
As for the interior, the first thing you'd notice is the huge screen located on the center console compared to the previous one which was integrated lengthwise rather than horizontally placed. Of course, this is because it is large, it needs more real estate to fit. Aside from that, one can tell that this is the new S-class from the air vents - these are not small rectangles rather than large ovals.
Of course, the S-class is the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz range of vehicles aside from the performance Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach cars. But in terms of what customers can expect, this is the flagship range. So here, we are getting a lot of new in the S-class from smart LED headlight technology, a thoroughly redesigned MRA platform which utilises an aluminium bodyshell, better interior comfort due to increased rear headroom, rear legroom and even better aerodynamics for efficiency.
Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said, "The S-Class is the world's best-selling luxury limousine and we are also pleased that the new S 580 e will be a locally-assembled variant as its predecessor. This is a testament of our commitment to reinforce our local commitment to expand our local foothold in the country. The vehicle underpins our claim to produce the best automobile in the world. This is where covetable luxury meets the greatest possible safety and highest level of comfort.”
Malaysia only gets one CKD or locally assembled variant, the S580e. We get the long wheelbase and that 3.0liter turbocharged 6 cylinder which comes with an electric motor to make it move rapidly when required. The 367hp/500Nm powertrain is coupled to the 9 G-Tronic automatic transmission which sends power to the rear wheels. It can hustle to 100kmh from zero in 5.2 seconds and hits a limited 250kmh top speed.
Aside from the individual MBUX infotainment system, which comes with very large screens notably for the rear passengers, the rear passenger front airbags are a new innovation. It makes perfect sense that the people at the rear get as much protection as the front especially when the S580e is usually chauffeur driven with the owner sat at the rear.
In terms of being comfortable, the new rear seats are very well designed with a lot of adjustability that you'd expect in an ottoman styled seat. The front is as usual impeccable also. Both passenger and driver can waft in more than acceptable levels of comfort. It is the 'Special' class anyway. Expected for bringing captains of the industry to where they want to be in comfort.
As for other details, we expect the price to cost more than the RM660,000 approximate of the outgoing model. Think closer toRM700,000 or slightly more due to the the new levels of equipment over the previous model. The kit given by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is extensive but not the complete optional list. One still has to be a little 'price sensitive' in terms of market acceptance and against its natural product rivals too.
So what we do not get are the optional 4 wheel steering and we only make do with the usual front two wheels doing the steering, the omission of level 3 autonomous driving capability as we only get level 2 and only 1 variant to buy on an official authorised dealer level. Of course, level 3 autonomous requires proper infrastructure which includes improved communication between car and the surrounding area which we don't actually have at the moment. It would be a waste of money to spec this into the S-class at the moment.
But, that said, none of these omissions make the S-class less of a car. In fact no S-class is less of a car. It is always more than most cars almost all of the time. Expect this limousine to be plying the roads of Malaysian soon. It is indeed superb just to sit in even with it being stationary.
The new locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz S-Class model at a glance:
Model S 580 e
Displacement (cc) 2,999
Rated Output (kW[hp]/rpm) 270 [367]/5,500 – 6,100
Rated Torque (Nm/rpm) 500/1,600 – 4,500
Rated Output for Electric Motor 110 kW
Rated Torque for Electric Motor 440 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec) 5.2
Top speed (km/h) 250
Kerb weight/payload (kg) 2,400/670
Recommended Retail Price (OTR w/o Insurance) - not available at launch - cars already booked anyway by prospective buyers with first deliveries scheduled for end January 2022
Official Product Summary - 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580e (with More photos below)
The S-Class is the centerpiece of the brand, and stands for the fascination of Mercedes-Benz. It
follows a long tradition that extends back to the beginnings of the Mercedes brand in the early 20th
Century. Each model has decisively influenced the automotive engineering of its era. Well before the
official designation S-Class, the models in the executive and luxury class were the mainstay of the
Stuttgart-based company's portfolio and have always stood for luxury, comfort, safety and lifestyle.
The continuous ancestry of the S-Class begins with the model 220 (W 187) of 1951. The designation
"S-Class" was officially introduced with the 116 series in 1972.
Since its market launch, more than 4 million S-Class limousines have been delivered to customers
around the world. Locally, Mercedes-Benz has sold over 18,000 S-Class limousines since its first
introduction in the late 1970’s.
Modern luxury attains the next level in the interior of the S-Class. The designers have created a
luxurious ambience with lounge character marked by elegance, high quality and lightness. The
dashboard with its new architecture, modern surface design and ergonomic display arrangement is a
particular highlight.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become more intelligent in many areas. Digital innovations
such as in the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) are joined by innovations that increase
driving enjoyment while making driving even safer.
Following systematic development, the driving assistance systems are a further step towards
autonomous driving. Thanks to improved environmental sensors, for example, the parking systems
give the driver even better support when maneuvering at low speed. The integration into MBUX
means that the level of visualization has now entered a whole new dimension.
MBUX: a new dimension in personalization and interaction
The S-Class combines artificial intelligence with the experience gained from 135 years of automobile
engineering.
No other innovation in recent years has so radically changed the operation of a Mercedes-Benz as
MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The second generation of this learn-capable system now débuts
in the new S-Class. The vehicle interior is even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware
and software have made great strides: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with
OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The system now
features fingerprint scanner just below the central display. When you touch the colour-illuminated
button, the system unlocks access. This is secure and additionally more straightforward than
entering a PIN.
The possibilities for personalization and intuitive operation have become far more extensive. This
certainly applies in the rear, but also to the driver: For example, the new 3D driver display allows a
spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time. A real three-dimensional effect is achieved
without having to wear 3D glasses.
Also available is the MBUX Augmented Reality Navigation which connects the virtual world with the
real world. The technology incorporates graphical navigation instructions and traffic information into
live images to ensure drivers will reach safely and stress-free.
The voice assistant "Hey Mercedes" is constantly learning, by activation of online services in the
Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword
"Hey Mercedes". These include accepting a telephone call. "Hey Mercedes" now also explains
vehicle functions and answers general knowledge questions. In the S-Class the voice assistant can
also be controlled from the rear.
Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, MBUX Interior Assist
recognizes and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting
head direction, hand movements and body language, and responds with corresponding vehicle
functions. As well as enhancing operating convenience, MBUX Interior Assist improves safety. Even
before the journey begins, it notifies the driver if the camera has detected a child seat on the front
passenger seat but seat belt is not fastened, as an example.
Dimensional concept and interior design: generous ambience with a lounge-like nature
The S-Class has always been a place for comfortable travel and relaxed working. With the new
generation, the interior has fully evolved into a "third place", a refuge between the home and workplace.
The desired harmony between digital and analogue luxury results in a revolutionary interior design,
including associations with interior architecture and yacht design elements. The sculptured look of
the dashboard, centre console and armrests appears to float above an expansive interior landscape.
The systematic reduction in the number of controls underscores the minimalist appearance of the
interior. A fine divide between the upper section of the dashboard and the large trim element
structures the area and creates horizontal breadth.
Alongside five screens, the highlights include the large areas of trim in the dashboard and in the
rear. These flow around the passengers and are a systematic further development of the wrap-
around effect. The Anthracite open-pore poplar wood trip lends the interior an individual look. It
blends harmoniously while creating exciting contrast. New design elements include the flat, four-
square centre vents with horizontal nacelles. Two slim, vertical side vents on each side round off the
ends of the dashboard.
The driver display and media display offer a comprehensive aesthetic experience The appearance of
the screens can be individualised with a choice of four display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Exclusive,
Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service)
Also featured in the new S-class is the class-leading Burmester® 3D surround sound system. The
high-quality speakers achieve impressive surround sound. You can specifically optimise this for the
front and rear seats to intensify the listening experience. The unmistakable Burmester® speaker
covers also enhance the interior visually.
Seats: Technological benchmark for long-distance comfort
The seats literally invite the occupants to sit down and relax. The flowing, three-dimensional layer
design theme gives an impression of lightness with its nappa leather upholstery.
Multiple motors in the front seats make for comfortable seating – that indicates the complexity of the
technology installed in the seats. Yet comfort is not enough: the seats also play a major part where
safety is concerned.
One new feature is the heat-able additional cushion for the head restraint, which is available for the
two electrically adjustable rear seats. The adjustment range and angle of the front passenger seat in
the chauffeur configuration and the reclining seat behind it have been improved as well.
Driving assistance systems: even more support for the driver.
In the new S-Class, Mercedes-Benz comes another big step closer to its vision of accident-free
driving. The driver is supported by numerous new or extended driving assistance systems. He/she
thereby has a reduced workload in day-to-day situations, and is able to drive comfortably and safely.
When danger threatens, the assistance systems are able to respond to impending collisions as the
situation demands. The operating principle of the systems is made visible by a new display concept
in the driver display.
Thanks to improved environmental sensors, the parking systems give the driver even better support
when maneuvering at low speed. Operation is faster and more intuitive thanks to integration into
MBUX. Emergency braking functions serve to protect other road users, too.
Benchmark safety and assistance systems
PRE-SAFE® can prepare the occupants for a side-on collision and reduce the risk of injury. Like a
bodyguard, it pushes the driver or front passenger away from the danger zone towards the inside.
The impulse is created by the movement of the seat side bolsters in the front backrests. Beneath the
upholstery there is a balloon which is activated pyrotechnically – similar to an airbag. In the event of
an imminent side collision being detected, a gas generator fills the balloon in an extremely short
time. As a result the seat side bolster is drawn inwards and transfers the momentum on the
occupants towards the middle of the vehicle.
A greater distance is therefore created to the side between the driver or front passenger and the
door or trim parts. At the same time the impulse moderately accelerates the occupant’s forwards.
This therefore reduces the difference in speed between the other party impacting the side and the
occupant: possible contact with the door trim is able to occur later and can be lessened. As part of
this, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side works in conjunction with the other restraint systems such as the
seat belts. This also applies to the side impact airbags and window airbags which are deployed in
accidents of greater severity.
The new S-Class also features the world’s first rear airbags, which are integrated into the backrests
of the front seats and deploy in a severe front impact. They deploy gently and protect strapped-in
outer rear seat passengers against contact with the front seats. The loads on the head and neck can
thus be reduced significantly.
Intelligent body shell design and innovations in restraint systems confirm the leading role of the S-
Class when it comes to passive safety. The new aluminum hybrid body shell with an aluminum
content exceeding 50 percent meets numerous requirements: A high level of crash safety, lower
weight and a highly rigid body shell ensure outstanding handling characteristics accompanied by
excellent noise and vibration comfort.
Exterior design: perfect proportions for a classical appearance
With a short front overhang, a long wheelbase and a balanced rear overhang, the S-Class is
designed as a classical saloon with perfect proportions. The wide track and flush-mounted wheels
with modern designs give the vehicle a muscular look. The so-called character lines have been
greatly reduced along the sides. Cleverly contoured surfaces with a sculptured look create special
light effects. The front section impresses with its high-status radiator grille.
The headlamps characterize the front aspect of the car. The dynamic appearance of the car is
continued at the rear. Thanks to precisely designed, highly detailed interior features and certain
animated functions, the rear lights contribute to the impression of high quality. They make the new
S-Class unmistakable in both their day and night design.
The lights: with innovative digital technology both inside and out
In each headlamp, DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs with light
that is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6
million pixels per vehicle. This allows highly precise light distribution. It makes Highbeam Assist over
100 times more precise then 84-pixel light when excluding oncoming traffic or road signs from the
light beam. Light/shadow graduations and the light distribution of all the other adaptive light functions
are also realised with considerably more precision, optimising illumination by e.g. fog light, motorway
light or city light.
Thanks to LED technology, the new S-Class has also taken a leap forward in its interior lighting:
Mercedes-Benz has now realised interactive interior lighting for the first time. The active ambient
lighting supplements ambient lighting with an additional layer of light. It is integrated into the driving
assistance systems, and is able to reinforce alerts visually. This also makes corresponding feedback
possible for the comfort systems. This applies to the climate control system or the 'Hey Mercedes'
voice assistant.
Aerodynamics: extensive airflow simulations in the early development phase
With a Cd figure from 0.22 the S-Class is one of the world's most aerodynamic cars, and especially
so in the luxury sedan segment. Although the frontal area (A) of the new S-Class has increased
slightly to 2.5 sq. m., the drag coefficient has been reduced even further compared to the preceding
model. The product of Cd and A is 0.56 sq. m., which is 200 sq. cm less than for the previous model
after its last facelift. Aerodynamic measures affecting the body, underbody and detachable parts
allow a good showing in the wind tunnel and in real operation. Extensive airflow simulations were
already carried out using high-performance computer clusters during an early development phase.
The S-Class has also achieved further improvements in aeroacoustics. The previous generation
already excelled with a very high level of interior noise comfort. The new model is even quieter. The
high rigidity of the body shell provides the basis for outstanding noise and vibration comfort, and this
is enhanced with fine-tuning. For example, the apertures for the cable grommets in the firewall have
double seals. To achieve an engine sound that is perceived as refined and unobtrusive in the
interior, the firewall insulation has been extended into the side areas of the A-pillars and the floor
area. Mercedes-Benz is also using acoustic foam in certain body shell sections for the first time.
Owing to road traffic regulations, the availability and functions of these new assistance functions
may be restricted on a market-specific basis.
Powertrain: more electrification, more efficiency
With the 3.0 litre inline-6 engine and 9G-Tronic transmission, the vehicle is capable of performing the
century sprint in just 5.2 seconds. Additionally, the S 580 e offers an estimated 100km pure electric
driving range, courtesy of its hybrid electric motor. A plug-in hybrid with an inline 6-cylinder engine
Sustainability: environmentally compatible development
More than 98 kg of components made from resource-conserving materials are used in the S-Class.
The number of components containing recyclates is now 120 – more than twice as many as in the
preceding model. Another 40 kg or so are made from renewable raw materials. The process of
environmentally compatible development with specific targets is firmly embedded in the overall
development process. Environmental aspects are already taken into account in the conceptual
phase.
A new, recycled thread is now used for the floor coverings. This thread – brand name ECONYL® -
consists of regenerated Nylon. It is manufactured by recovering Nylon waste destined for the landfill,
for example old fish nets and fabric remnants from mills and carpets. These are collected and
transformed into a new thread having the same properties as nylon from new raw materials. The
recycling process used to produce the thread saves CO2 in comparison with new production. It also
enables Mercedes-Benz to keep materials in circulation.
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