Mercedes-benz: The new S-Class Coupé and the new S-Class Cabriolet: Two dream cars

 As members of the large and successful S-Class family, the Coupé and Cabriolet benefit from the same extensive innovations that were recently introduced in the Saloon. These include new or functionally considerably extended driving assistance systems, the modern control and display concept with Widescreen Cockpit and the new generation of steering wheels, integrated ENERGIZING comfort control and the latest infotainment generation. Exclusive to both of the two-door models and part of the standard equipment specification are innovative OLED tail lights. The new V8 biturbo engine in the S 560 Coupé and S 560 Cabriolet is even more dynamic.

“With their unmistakable, exclusive design and high-class materials with extremely high value appeal in the interior, the new S-Class Coupé and S-Class Cabriolet embody our interpretation of modern luxury. On top of that, both luxury four-seaters feature the latest cutting-edge technology from the S-Class,” says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG with responsibility for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales.

The further-developed design exudes even greater sportiness while showing off the high technical expertise. S-Class Coupé and Cabriolet feature front aprons with chrome-plated front splitter and voluminous air inlets. The dynamic looks are enhanced by restyled side skirts and chrome-plated twin tailpipe trims in a V12 look.

The AMG Line is also made more dynamic with new front and rear aprons. Especially striking at the front end are the large air inlets, which each include two chrome-plated fins.

Innovative OLED tail lights as standard

The innovative OLED tail lights are a new feature of the S-Class Coupé and Cabriolet. With this technology (organic light emitting diode), wafer-thin layers of organic materials are printed on a glass plate and made to illuminate. The total of 66 ultra-flat OLEDs act like floating elements inside the tail light; in addition, they emit a highly homogeneous pattern and form a unique day and night design. Locking and unlocking the vehicle is additionally emphasised by an animated dynamic light sequence with subsequent dimming-up of the tail lights. Naturally the OLED tail lights also employ the usual Mercedes-Benz multi-level technology with different levels of intensity for brake lamps and direction indicators, depending on the driving conditions and ambient brightness (day/night).

Two new wheels allow further individualisation of the vehicle in conjunction with the AMG Line. These are 50.8 cm (20-inch) AMG 10-spoke wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish (optional for AMG Line, including AMG flared wheel arches) or painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish (optional for AMG Line Plus ).

Luxury lounge with Widescreen Cockpit and new generation of steering wheels

A fresh interior look is guaranteed by three new trim lines (high-gloss brown burr walnut wood, satin-finish grey ash wood and designo flowing lines magnolia wood) as well as three new upholstery lines (designo Exclusive nappa leather AMG Line Plus porcelain/tizian red, designo Exclusive nappa leather porcelain/tizian red and designo Exclusive nappa leather AMG Line Plus Bengal red/black).

The interior of the new S-Class models is characterised by the two new high-resolution and brilliant displays, each with a screen diagonal of 12.3 inches. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasise the horizontal orientation of the interior design.

Like the instrument cluster, this Widescreen Cockpit contains a large display with virtual instruments in the direct field of vision of the driver, as well as a central display above the centre console. The fully digital cockpit offers the three visually very different styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”. Depending on personal preference or matching the selected interior, the styles can be quickly changed from the instrument cluster and the central display. Alongside certain menu contents such as trip data or consumption figures, the driver can now additionally view the navigation display data or the ECO display in the instrument cluster. This helps the driver to make the driving style more efficient.

Both models have touch control buttons on the steering wheel. They respond to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone. They enable the driver to control the functions of the instrument cluster and of the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The operation of DISTRONIC and cruise control with controls directly on the steering wheel is another new feature. The infotainment system can also be operated via the touchpad with controller in the centre console.

Beyond the existing operation of the infotainment system, LINGUATRONIC voice control has been extended to include vehicle functions. Voice commands can now also be used to control the air conditioning and seat heating/ventilation, interior lighting (ambient lighting, reading lights, lighting in the rear), fragrancing/ionisation, seat massage function and Head-up Display. Depending on language version and vehicle equipment, up to 450 individual voice commands are now possible.

ENERGIZING comfort control for greater well-being and alertness

ENERGIZING comfort control (optional) links various comfort systems in the vehicle. It systematically uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrancing) and the seats (heater, ventilation, massage), the wall heating as well as lighting and musical atmospheres, and enables a specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer. This enhances well-being and performance when driving.

Depending on the equipment level, up to six programs are available:

• Freshness
• Warmth
• Vitality
• Joy
• Comfort
• Training (three training modes – muscle relaxation, muscle activation and balance – each with several exercises)

The programmes all run for ten minutes. They are visualised in the media display with colour graphics, and backed by suitable music. Five songs are already stored in the programme. The key function in the “Vitality” program, for example, is fast music with many beats per minute. The S-Class repertoire therefore features “Feelin’ Good” by Leon Riskin, for instance. If personal music selections are available, e.g. via the Media Interface, the system analyses them in the background and assigns them to a programme based on the beats per minute (bpm). Individual functions of the programmes can be deactivated.

ENERGIZING comfort control also incorporates ambience lighting, which is harmoniously tailored to each of the individual screen designs. With 64 colours, the optional extended ambience lighting offers a wealth of individual settings. The light stages the interior like a work of art by composing colour worlds from different colours.

New infotainment systems and wireless charging of smartphones

All S-Class models feature the latest-generation COMAND Online infotainment system as standard. COMAND Online offers fast 3D hard-drive navigation with topographical map display, photo-realistic 3D buildings and 3D map rotations. Comprehensive information is displayed on the navigation map: in addition to real-time traffic density information it can e.g. include Car-to-X warning messages, the weather, filling stations including current fuel prices and free parking spaces.

Near Field Communication transforms the smartphone into a digital vehicle key.

With the Smartphone Integration package, Apple’s smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay^™ and Google’s Android Auto can be used. If a corresponding smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay^™ or Android Auto interface.

Mobile phones can be charged as standard, wirelessly and without a telephone holder. Wireless charging works with all mobile devices (up to a screen diagonal of 15.2 cm) that support or can be retrofitted to support the Qi standard. The charging pad is integrated into the stowage compartment at the front of the centre console. In addition, Multifunction Telephony (optional feature) allows suitably designed mobile phones to be connected with the vehicle’s exterior aerial.

With the new Concierge service, Mercedes me connect customers have a host of individual services at their disposal: from making restaurant reservations and obtaining tips about tourist routes, to gathering information on cultural or sporting events and sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

New driving assistance systems with extended functions

The S-Class Coupé and Cabriolet are taking a further step towards autonomous driving with new or functionally considerably extended driving assistance systems. Active Distance Control DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver to keep a safe distance and steer. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts, for example (country-specific variations may occur in terms of the individual functions). For this purpose, for example, Active Distance Control DISTRONIC makes considerably greater use of map and navigation data than hitherto.

Suspension with eyes now sees even better

In 2014 in the S-Class Coupé, the optional MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension with curve tilting function was a world first in a standard-production car. The body tilts to the inside of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees and thereby reduces the transverse forces perceived by the passengers. This innovative suspension system recognises the course of the road using a stereo camera behind the windscreen. In the new S-Class Coupé, this suspension control is further improved: the system’s new stereo camera has a much better performance and works at speeds up to 180 km/h.

The S-Class Cabriolet is fitted as standard with the full-support AIRMATIC semi-active air suspension featuring infinitely variable damping control.

New V8 biturbo with cylinder shutoff, V6 with gliding function

The new V8 biturbo in the S 560 Coupé and S 560 Cabriolet consumes up to eight percent less fuel than its predecessor. To lower the fuel consumption, four cylinders of the new V8 are deactivated simultaneously under partial load with the help of the CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment system (Coupé only). This reduces the pumping loss while improving the overall efficiency of the remaining four cylinders by shifting the operating point towards higher loads. The turbochargers positioned in the V of the cylinder banks represent another special feature. The new V8 has an output of 345 kW (469 hp) with a peak torque of 700 Nm.

The Coupé with V6 petrol engine and a rated output of 270 kW (367 hp) is now called the S 450 (fuel consumption combined: 8.9 l/100 km; combined CO₂ emissions: 204 g/km). A new gliding function contributes to efficiency under real driving conditions. When the driving situation and charge level of the battery allow, the combustion engine is decoupled from the powertrain and runs at idle, so that the vehicle can coast freely. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is another new feature of the S 450. The broad ratio spread of gears one to nine allows a clearly perceptible reduction in engine speed and is a decisive factor behind the high level of energy efficiency and ride comfort. The S 450 is equipped with a petrol particulate filter.

The S-Class Coupé models at a glance:

The S-Class Cabriolet models at a glance: