In Canada, consumers can already forget about diesel. So, starting this summer, the S-Class lineup will consist of the S400 Hybrid, the S450 and S550 (both powered by a V8 mated to a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system), the majestic S600 (V12) along with two high-performance models, the S63 AMG and S65 AMG. Incidentally, the S450 4MATIC will be the only short-wheelbase model in the group.
Emphasis on light
Grille and taillight treatment sets the new 2010 S-Class apart. LED strips also catch the attention, particularly on the S400 Hybrid and S600 which make them standard equipment. They serve as daytime running lights, turn signals and sidelights. Styling is enhanced for sure, but rival Audi previously did the same for its latest models.
Comfort and luxury remain the core values of this executive sedan, which is why Mercedes offers an optional ambient lighting system. Standard on the S400 Hybrid and S600 and optional with other trim levels, this feature allows owners to customize the interior based on their mood: soft (amber), neutral (white) and cold (Polar blue).
Increased active safety
From a technical standpoint, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class benefits from a "Direct" power steering with variable-force assistance, similar to the one introduced on the 2009 SLK.
There's also a plethora of active and passive safety systems, starting with ABS brakes (first appeared on Mercedes products in 1978), ESP, Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE.
Wait, it gets even better. The arsenal includes Attention Assist, which alerts drowsy drivers, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The latter notifies the driver through vibrations in the steering wheel if the vehicle drifts off the road!
Why not a diesel-electric hybrid?
At the end of the media launch, one question still remained unanswered: why hasn't Mercedes developed a diesel-electric hybrid?
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| LED strips serve as parking lights on the S400 Hybrid. |
Emphasis on light
Grille and taillight treatment sets the new 2010 S-Class apart. LED strips also catch the attention, particularly on the S400 Hybrid and S600 which make them standard equipment. They serve as daytime running lights, turn signals and sidelights. Styling is enhanced for sure, but rival Audi previously did the same for its latest models.
Comfort and luxury remain the core values of this executive sedan, which is why Mercedes offers an optional ambient lighting system. Standard on the S400 Hybrid and S600 and optional with other trim levels, this feature allows owners to customize the interior based on their mood: soft (amber), neutral (white) and cold (Polar blue).
Increased active safety
From a technical standpoint, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class benefits from a "Direct" power steering with variable-force assistance, similar to the one introduced on the 2009 SLK.
There's also a plethora of active and passive safety systems, starting with ABS brakes (first appeared on Mercedes products in 1978), ESP, Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE.
Wait, it gets even better. The arsenal includes Attention Assist, which alerts drowsy drivers, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist. The latter notifies the driver through vibrations in the steering wheel if the vehicle drifts off the road!
Why not a diesel-electric hybrid?
At the end of the media launch, one question still remained unanswered: why hasn't Mercedes developed a diesel-electric hybrid?
 |
| The 2010 S-Class features a "Direct" power steering with variable-force assistance. |