Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior revealed

The interior of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been revealed ahead of its unveiling in May.

The official images of the S-Class’s lavish new cabin come as a set of revealing spy shots completely uncovers the exterior design of the luxury German limousine.

The sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz flagship sedan is set to reach Australian showrooms around the end of 2013, following its mid-year European launch.

For the first time in the history of the S-Class, the development focus was on the long-wheelbase version rather than the standard saloon – a consequence of the model’s growing popularity in Asia and that market’s preference for chauffer-driven luxury cars.

Mercedes says the result of this shift has been an emphasis on rear-seat comfort and safety.

Five rear-seat variations are available, with the most accommodating offering 43.5 degrees of backrest recline and support cushions for the passengers’ calves and heels.

The reclining seats are fitted with ‘cushionbags’ for safety, while seatbelt-integrated ‘beltbags’ also deploy in the event of a crash, lessening the strain on the occupants’ ribcages.

The seats also feature an ‘energising’ massage function, which was developed in collaboration with physiotherapists and psychologists. The backrests contain 14 separately actuated air cushions and heaters, combining to give passengers a choice of six massage programs. In another world first, the heater system extends to the front and rear side and centre armrests.

The S-Class’s new ‘Air-Balance’ package incorporates improved air filtering with an ioniser that combats viruses and bacteria while emitting negatively charged oxygen ions, which have a relaxing effect. Also included is an ‘active perfuming system’, which “individualises the smell of the vehicle interior” without permanently changing its scent or depositing perfume molecules on fabric surfaces or clothing.

Despite the second-row focus, the new-generation S-Class driver has far from been forgotten about.

The new dashboard features two 12.3-inch high-resolution colour displays: one positioned behind the steering wheel, replacing the conventional instrument cluster with a free-floating “corona-effect” backlit display; the other mounted centrally for the safe and convenient control of infotainment and comfort functions.

Surface quality takes a generational leap forward, with generous use of wood trim, pearl-effect paint finishes and metallic switchgear.

Mercedes claims another world first with the S-Class’s entertainment system, which uniquely allows passengers in the four main seating positions to access all media sources independently – be it radio, TV, DVD, USB devices, internet or navigation.

The covers will come off the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class at a special event in Hamburg, Germany, on May 15.

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