2007 Mercedes S-Class 4Matic

The top model from Mercedes-Benz with the new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive is aimed at drivers whose principal requirement is for a luxury saloon able to cope with all weather conditions with absolute assurance. This need is met by the S-Class 4MATIC models, whose newly developed drive system features a planetary-type centre differential. The permanent, fixed power split between the front and rear wheels in a ratio of 45 to 55 percent guarantees assured and absolutely predictable handling on all road surfaces. An integrated multiplate clutch ensures additional traction and optimum directional stability as soon as the wheels show any sign of slipping. With the support of the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS electronic driving safety systems, the S-Class 4MATIC offers a dynamic, comfortable and safe transport solution, even in adverse road conditions.

Trend-setting all-wheel-drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz

The 4MATIC system’s compact, light and friction-optimised design offers clear advantages over other systems with regard to weight, fuel consumption, comfort and passive safety. Depending on the engine type, the all-wheel-drive technology results in an unrivalled low additional weight of just 66 or 70 kilograms.

Mercedes-Benz will also be offering this trend-setting all-wheel-drive technology in other passenger cars in the future. The new 4MATIC drive for the S-Class was developed independently by a team of specialists at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen and in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. The all-wheel-drive components are produced in a coordinated production system comprising the Stuttgart-Untertürkheim, Esslingen-Hedelfingen and Esslingen-Mettingen major component plants.

Two powerful eight-cylinder models with 4MATIC

Assured performance of the highest order is guaranteed by the S 500 4MATIC und S 450 4MATIC eight-cylinder models. In the S 500 4MATIC, the advanced 5.5-litre V8-engine with four valves per cylinder, 285 kW/388 hp and 530 Newton metres offers first-class performance: the new S 500 4MATIC accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and is therefore as fast as the rear-wheel-drive variant. Thanks to the optimised weight and friction characteristics of the all-wheel-drive system, the additional fuel consumption is agreeably low. With figures of 12.1 to 12.3 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) compared with 11.7 to 11.9 litres per 100 km for the S 500 without all-wheel-drive, it is clear that the new drive system is able to offer impressive savings.

The S 450 4MATIC is powered by a 4663-cc, eight-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder which develops, 250 kW/340 hp and 460 Newton metres of torque. Here, too, this V8 model with all-wheel-drive accelerates as quickly as its rear-wheel-drive counterpart, attaining 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. With NEDC combined fuel consumption of 11.6 to 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres, the additional fuel consumption – as in the case of the S 500 4MATIC – is only 0.4 litres.

A first for the S-Class: all-wheel drive in combination with a diesel engine

An even more economical choice is available in the form of the new S 320 CDI 4MATIC – a model which marks a first for the S-Class by combining all-wheel drive with a diesel engine. The advanced V6 turbodiesel with common rail high-pressure injection develops 173 kW/235 hp and 540 Newton metres of torque, accelerating the saloon to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds; the top speed is 245 km/h. With fuel consumption of between 8.7 and 8.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, this model has a range of more than 1000 kilometres. Like the V8 petrol models, the S 320 CDI 4MATIC consumes just 0.4 litres more fuel than the equivalent model with a standard drive system.

On all S-Class 4MATIC models, power management is performed by the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with steering-column DIRECT SELECT gear selector and steering-wheel gearshift buttons. The V6 and V8 petrol-engined models are equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission, which is tuned for more direct, faster response.

Immediate market launch for V8 models, V6 CDI follows in December 2006

The S 500 4MATIC, S 450 4MATIC and S 320 CDI 4MATIC are available in short and long wheelbase versions. The market launch of the V8 models in Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and authorised dealerships will start in September 2006. The diesel variant will appear in December 2006, to be followed by the S 350 4MATIC with a 200-kW/272-hp V6 petrol engine in mid-2007.

Wide variety: 48 all-wheel-drive models from Mercedes-Benz

The extended choice of all-wheel-drive vehicles from Mercedes-Benz now comprises seven model series and impresses with its great diversity: it starts with the C and E-Class, both of which are available with 4MATIC in Saloon and Estate form, and includes the new S-Class and the R-Class touring SUV, both of which are available in two body variants. Furthermore, the Stuttgart-based auto maker produces three off-roaders – the new GL-Class, the M-Class and the G-Class, a classic among cross-country vehicles. In total, therefore, Mercedes-Benz offers no less than 48 all-wheel-drive models.

This product initiative reflects the considerable emphasis which Mercedes-Benz is placing on the market for all-wheel-drive passenger cars and off-roaders – a market characterised by a distinct year-on-year growth trend. A look at the S-Class segment also makes this clear: in the German market, the share of all-wheel-drive models increased from six percent in 2002 to nine percent in 2005. During the same period, the all-wheel-drive share of this segment in the European market also increased from six percent to nine. Worldwide sales of the S-Class 4MATIC predecessor model, which was launched in 2002, amounted to almost 29,000 vehicles in just under three years. In 2005, the all-wheel-drive S-Class models had a worldwide share of about 18 percent of the total sales volume of this model series. Overall, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 1.2 million passenger cars and cross-country vehicles with permanent all-wheel-drive (figures correct as of July 2006).

Over 20 years of 4MATIC from Mercedes-Benz

The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1985. One year later, Mercedes-Benz presented the new technology in the E-Class of the time, the 124 model series. Delivery of the first models with the automatically engaging all-wheel-drive system began in spring 1987.

The succes-sor model series, the 210, premiered a completely new permanent all-wheel drive system in 1997. As the first all-wheel-drive passenger car from the Stuttgart-based car brand, the E-Class paved the way for the adoption of this innovative drive and safety technology in other Mercedes-Benz model series.

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Powerful six-cylinder diesel engine

A glance at the technical refinements which characterise the 3.0-litre engine explains the impressive performance data. The high-tech features of this compact V6 power plant include third-generation common rail direct injection. The combination of an injection pressure of up to 1600 bar and particularly fast-acting piezo-electric injectors ensures efficient mixture formation. Further highlights of the 320 CDI engine include electrically controlled intake port shut-off, intake air throttling, a VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbine) turbocharger with electrically adjustable guide vanes and exhaust gas recirculation with a control valve. Like all Mercedes-Benz diesel passenger cars, the S 320 CDI 4MATIC is equipped as standard with a maintenance-free particulate filter system.

7G-TRONIC automatic transmission with Sport program as standard

Power transfer in all S-Class 4MATIC models is handled by the 7G-TRONIC auto-matic transmission with steering-column DIRECT SELECT gear selector and steer-ing-wheel gearshift buttons. This combination ensures that optimum use can be made of the impressive performance and torque capabilities in every driving situation. Furthermore, the all-wheel-drive models have identical gear spacing and ratios, which has a positive effect on the performance and fuel consumption figures.

An all-new development for all S-Class V6 and V8 petrol models is the 7G-TRONIC Sport transmission. The S/C/M button on the centre console can be used to activate the manual "M" driving mode, allowing the seven gears to be shifted using the two steering-wheel shift buttons – downshifts are performed by pulling briefly on the left button while the right button is used for shifting up. In "M" mode, the system’s electronics reliably maintain the last gear selected, even at full throttle. It is thus possible to make optimum use of the high pulling power of the V6 and V8 engines. However, fully depressing the accelerator (kickdown mode) causes the transmission to shift down in order to deliver maximum acceleration. 7G-TRONIC Sport reduces shift times by up to 30 percent in manual mode.

PRE-SAFE® as standard, Brake Assist PLUS as an optional extra

The unique PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system also forms part of the standard equipment of the S-Class all-wheel-drive models. PRE-SAFE® recognises a potential accident situation in its early stages: if the braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or there is a risk of skidding, the system tightens the front seat belts and pumps air into the chambers of the multicontour seats so that they envelop and support the driver and other vehicle occupants.

Available as an option, Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS) uses radar to register vehicles ahead and warns the driver if the distance is too small or if he or she is approaching the vehicle ahead too quickly. If a collision is imminent, the system instantly calculates the ideal braking assistance, which is immediately supplied even if the driver applies the brakes too gently. This makes it possible to reduce substantially the number of rear-end collisions. The combination of the new Brake Assist PLUS and PRE-SAFE® makes it possible to provide a higher level of occupant protection. Mercedes-Benz is the first and only automaker in the world to offer such a comprehensive safety system, which goes into action as soon as an accident risk is detected.

PRE-SAFE® Brake uses the latest radar technology

For the first time in the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is complementing this multiple-award-winning anticipatory protection system with the newly developed PRE-SAFE® Brake. This works in combination with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which not only gives the driver visual and audible warnings that he or she is in imminent danger of running into the vehicle ahead, but also automatically calcu-lates the brake pressure required to prevent an accident. This braking assistance is available as soon as the brake pedal is operated. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, the PRE-SAFE® Brake system triggers automatic partial braking if an acute accident risk is detected and decelerates the S-Class with about 40 percent of the maximum braking force. The automatic partial braking provides the driver with another clear signal of the need to take action. If the driver then immediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is avail-able and it may be possible – depending on the situation – to avert the accident at the last moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE® Brake system re-duces the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.

As with Brake Assist PLUS, the new PRE-SAFE® Brake system also utilises state-of-the-art radar technology to scan the situation in front of the car and detect a potential accident. Two short-range radar sensors with a range of 30 metres and a scanning angle of 80° are located behind the front bumper fascia on the S-Class. The additional long-range radar in the radiator grille has a range of 150 metres. Mercedes-Benz offers BAS PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® Brake system in conjunction with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system.

DISTRONIC PLUS: even operates in stop-go traffic

The radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS system works in a speed range from 0 to 200 km/h and makes driving even more comfortable. In stop-go traffic, DISTRONIC PLUS keeps the S Class at the right distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically brakes the car to a standstill if necessary and accelerates it back to the pre-programmed speed following intervention by the driver. In this way the assistance system reduces the driver’s workload and provides considerable benefits with regard to driver-fitness safety.

The Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS equipment package also includes a radar-based Parking Assist system. The system provides early warning if there is danger of a collision when manoeuvring backwards and forwards.

Night view assist: infrared headlamps for greater safety after dark

Night view assist represents another contribution by Mercedes-Benz to reducing the risk of accidents at night. This system uses infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye and therefore does not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infrared headlamps illuminate the road, significantly extending the driver’s range of vision when on low beam. An infrared camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen picks up the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.

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4MATIC technology

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class traditionally embodies the state of the art with regard to technical innovations – indeed, these have always made this top-of-the-range Mercedes the model for all passenger-car development. The same holds true for the new 4MATIC models, which are equipped with a trend-setting all-wheel-drive system of the latest generation. During the concept, design and development stages of this new drive technology, the principal objectives were:

• Top traction performance on all road surfaces.
• Retention of the outstanding handling characteristics and first-class ride comfort.
• Performance and fuel consumption figures which are almost as good as those of two-wheel-drive vehicles.
• Compact and weight-optimised design.
• Attainment of the highest possible passive-safety standards.

In order to achieve these ambitious goals, the engineers and technicians of the Mercedes Technology Center (MTC) in Sindelfingen and Stuttgart-Untertürkheim decided to undertake a complete redesign of the all-wheel-drive system. The permanent 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system in the S-Class has a planetary-type central differential which splits the power between the front and rear wheels in a fixed ratio of 45 to 55 percent. The permanent all-wheel-drive system is active all the time, operates without the need for electronically controlled clutches and does not require any reaction time. As a result, the S-Class 4MATIC offers assured, clearly defined handling which is always predictable on all road surfaces – a clear advantage over other systems. On snow and ice in particular, the adhesion of all four wheels is maximised by a multiplate clutch whose locking force of 50 Nm ensures optimum traction. Complementing the high-precision mechanical compo-nents, the 4ETS and ASR electronic traction systems interact intelligently with the ESP® active safety system. The new 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is designed in such a way that other Mercedes-Benz passenger cars will be able to benefit from it in the future.

Space-saving design with integrated transfer case

The power supply to the driven front wheels is provided via a transfer case which requires no additional installation space as it is integrated in the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. From here, a driveshaft supplies the power to the front axle. From the front differential, power is transmitted to the front left axle shaft by an intermediate shaft which runs through an encapsulated shaft channel in the engine oil sump.

The transfer case is notable for its compact design: by dispensing with one complete gear stage and by integrating the rear universal joint in the output gear, it is possible for the drive shaft to the front differential to run very close to the automatic transmission. Together, all these design measures allow identical floor as-semblies to be used as for vehicles with rear-wheel drive. As a consequence, cus-tomers who choose the new S-Class 4MATIC no longer have to compromise on space. Packaging the all-wheel-drive technology in this way also has the advan-tage that the results of all the relevant crash tests are almost identical to those obtained with rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

Noise and vibration comfort to typically high S-Class standards

Another benefit of this compact drive concept relates to the fact that the engine mounts are positioned on the new integral subframe and thus permit the use of extremely compact and rigid engine supports. This has a positive effect on noise and vibration comfort; on both counts, the 4MATIC models match the acknowl-edged high standard of the rear-wheel-drive S-Class. A no less important factor in this context is the high natural bending frequency of the entire engine-transmission unit, including the favourable integrated transfer case. The noise-optimised design of the oil supply system and all rotating components also plays an important part in this.

Additional all-wheel-drive-related fuel consumption just 0.4 litres

The inter-wheel speed difference is absorbed by means of a rear differential whose design (it is linked to the engine by a shortened propshaft) offers particular benefits with regard to fuel economy. The principle of the friction-optimised design of the rear differential has also been adopted for the newly developed front differential which has a diecast aluminium housing: by integrating the transfer case in the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission it has been possible to dispense entirely with one gear stage and the associated seals. Optimum lubrication effi-ciency is achieved by sharing the oil circuit with the automatic transmission; low-friction bearings are also used. Together, these measures allow the S-Class 4MATIC models to return additional (NEDC combined) fuel consumption of just 0.4 litres per 100 kilometres – a figure so low as to be unrivalled – compared with the rear-wheel-drive models. Furthermore, the compact and weight-optimised design results in an all-wheel-drive weight premium of just 66 to 70 kilograms, depending on the engine – a clear advantage over all the competitor models. The low additional weight makes modified gear spacing and final drive ratios super-fluous – another factor which has a positive effect on fuel consumption and per-formance figures.

Multiplate clutch offers additional traction

In addition to the permanent all-wheel-drive system, an innovative multiplate clutch also helps ensure high traction in all road conditions. It is fitted to the central differential and produces a basic locking force of 50 Newton metres between the front and rear axles. If extremely low friction values – as encountered on ice, for example – are preventing one of the axles from transmitting any drive torque, the multiplate clutch helps by transferring the engine power from the axle which is turning faster to the one which is turning more slowly without any time-lag whatsoever. As a result, the wheels without traction are prevented from spinning. As well as enhancing traction, this system improves stability, too.

ESP®, ASR und 4ETS active safety systems completely redeveloped

This highly effective technology is complemented by the ESP®, ASR and 4ETS electronic active safety systems which have been completely redeveloped to take account of the specifics of all-wheel drive. The 4ETS traction control system uses a whole series of sensor data about the speeds of the different wheels, the steering angle as well as the vehicle’s rotational motion and transverse acceleration. A micro-computer uses this data as a basis for correctly adjusting the automatic braking impulses in accordance with the driving situation. This improves traction when starting out from a standstill on a slippery surface and provides greater stability during challenging driving manoeuvres.

4ETS replaces conventional mechanical differential locks and is able to brake one or more wheels at the first sign of a loss of traction, thereby instantly increasing the drive torque to the wheels with best traction. 4ETS and ASR intervene almost imperceptibly as far as the vehicle occupants are concerned and combine optimum traction with maximum driving stability and excellent handling. At low speeds, 4ETS brakes up to three wheels, which provides the same effect as three differential locks and ensures maximum traction. At higher speeds, the system reduces the automatic braking impulses to ensure stability. As well as making the S-Class 4MATIC models extremely safe cars, this combination of ESP® and 4ETS with permanent all-wheel drive also opens up a new dimension of dynamic driving for motorists.

As with ESP® in model variants with rear-wheel drive, the all-wheel-drive vehicles also immediately warn drivers when they approach their physical limits. In this case, a yellow warning light in the instrument cluster begins to flash. This is a clear signal warning drivers to adjust their driving behaviour to the road conditions.

Four-link front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension for optimum comfort and handling

Another key element which underpins the excellent driving dynamics and high ride comfort typical of the brand is the suspension design of the S-Class. Unlike the predecessor model series, the all-wheel-drive versions now feature the four-link front suspension which offers the best compromise between agility, precision and ride comfort. Equipped with the tried and trusted multilink independent rear suspension, the 4MATIC Saloons are characterised by handling that is always predictable and neutral with slight understeer. At the same time, the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering makes for precise and effortless vehicle control. Thanks to its variable ratio (50.1 to 60.5 millimetres per steering wheel revolution), it works somewhat more indirectly in the middle of the range than at the extremes.

Comfort is considerably enhanced by the speed-sensitive feature that comes as standard: the lower the speed, the greater the power assistance. Below 200 km/h, the required steering input diminishes continuously as a function of the driving speed, so that the driver need apply only about a third of the maximum steering effort during slow parking manoeuvres. Variable centring is a special feature common to all S-Class models: the electro-hydraulic speed-sensitive servo is used to generate a centring moment that increases with the speed and gives the driver a secure and stable feeling in the straight-ahead position. In slow driving, this additional steering moment is not activated, so the benefits of the speed-sensitive steering can be fully exploited.

Standard: AIRMATIC all-round self-levelling air suspension

The standard-fit AIRMATIC all-round self-levelling suspension makes an important contribution to the high standard of ride comfort offered by the S-Class 4MATIC versions. When the vehicles are stationary, there is no difference between the ground clearance and ride height of the all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel drive models. On rough roads, where greater ground clearance is required, the S-Class driver can simply press a button to raise ride height by 30 millimetres. AIRMATIC is combined with the Adaptive Damping System (ADS). ADS constantly regulates the shock absorber force in line with requirements, taking the road conditions, the driving style and the car’s load into account. The system is able to adjust the damping force at each wheel to the requirements of the prevailing situation within just 50 milliseconds. In doing so, the skyhook algorithm regulates the damping forces in such a way that the forces exerted on the car body by the movement of the wheels are reduced. Depending on the commands received, the ADS solenoid valves on the shock absorbers can actuate any of four different damper settings:

• Stage 1: Comfortable ride with little body movement and low acceleration values, due to soft compression and rebound.
• Stage 2: Skyhook mode - soft rebound setting and hard compression.
• Stage 3: Skyhook mode - soft compression setting and hard rebound.
• Stage 4: Hard compression and rebound setting to reduce wheel load fluctua-tions during dynamic driving.

When experiencing few body movements, the new S Class remains in the comfortable ADS Stage 1. If the speed of body movements exceeds a certain value, the system shifts to the skyhook algorithm and continuously switches between the second and third damping stages, with the help of fast solenoid valves, in order to offset body roll and pitching.

Another special feature is the S/C/M button in the centre console. The motorist can use this button to switch the saloon’s characteristics from "comfortable" to "sporty", thereby influencing the suspension settings, ride height and transmis-sion programming. On 4MATIC models, the shift points for all gears are optimally adapted to all-wheel drive.

• Comfort: In this mode, the ride height of the 4MATIC saloons is raised by ten millimetres over that of the rear-wheel drive versions, provided the speed re-mains below 80 km/h. When the speed exceeds 80 km/h, AIRMATIC automatically lowers the ride height by ten millimetres at both axles in order to improve stability and reduce drag. At more than 160 km/h, the body is low-ered by a further ten millimetres and the compression damping is changed to "hard". When the speed drops below 40 km/h again, the system returns the body to its normal height. The automatic transmission shifts gears at lower engine speeds and allows the S Class to move off in second gear.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4MATIC

• Sport: In this mode, the ride height is the same when on the move as for rear-wheel drive S-Class models. At speeds exceeding 100 km/h, ride height is lowered by ten millimetres at both axles and is not raised again until the speed drops below 60 km/h. The shock absorbers are set to the "hard" compression setting from 40 km/h. Gear changes take place at higher rpm.
• Manual: The automatic transmission can be operated manually by means of buttons on the steering wheel. The alterations to ride height and suspension settings take place in the same way as in "Sport" mode.

Standard equipment and appoint...