New Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223): Interior, MBUX and Safety Technology

The exceptionally lavish interior of the new S-Class (W223) contains enough detail to fill a book, but these are some of the most significant highlights.

New S-Class (W223) cabin and controls

The instrument display can present a range of information, with the new 3D effect behind the rim of one of the new three-spoke steering wheels particularly eye-catching. Elsewhere, the dashboard and centre console have undergone a substantial clear-out: Mercedes-Benz says there are now 27 fewer controls/buttons than in the previous model, despite the number of operating functions having increased.

Another addition is the strip beneath the central touchscreen, offering immediate access to key functions including the driving mode, hazard warning lights, cameras and radio volume up/down. A fingerprint scanner had already appeared in the previous-generation Audi A8, a direct rival to the new S-Class, but it could eventually be used not only as a security measure for user recognition, but also to pay for goods and services bought online while travelling.

Ten different massage programmes are available, using vibration servomotors and capable of enhancing a relaxing massage with a hot-stone-style heat treatment. Seat heating is combined with air chambers that are now positioned closer to the seat surface, making the effect more noticeable and easier to control.

Everything is in the gesture

The second generation of the MBUX operating system is now connected to more vehicle systems and, working with roof-mounted cameras, can interpret occupants' movements to activate certain functions automatically. For example, if the driver looks over their shoulder towards the rear side window, the sunblind opens automatically. Should they begin searching for something left on the front passenger seat, the light switches on by itself; simply looking at either exterior mirror will then adjust it directly.

In addition to gesture controls for various functions, such as the audio sound settings and opening the sunroof, there is an improved voice-control system. It can now accept certain requests without the need to repeat the trigger command “Hey Mercedes”, which is certainly welcome…

The new-generation operating system can incorporate up to five screens, three of them in the rear. The front central display is available in either 11.9” or 12.8” form, with the latter offering higher resolution, and uses haptic operation, responding to touch with a vibration for certain actions.

Behind the steering wheel sits another digital instrument display, although much of the information can be shown “on the road”, 10 m ahead of the car and within the driver's field of vision. This is delivered through a huge head-up projection, with a 77” windscreen diagonal and two sections, though it is not standard equipment on almost all versions.

MBUX is now also available for the second row, as this is often where the “most important” passengers sit, especially in China and the United States of America-whether a company's CEO, a millionaire golfer or a film star.

As in the current BMW 7 Series, there is now a central screen in the rear centre armrest for controlling various operations; it can be removed. As before, the door panels house the controls for the windows, sunblinds and seat adjustments. There are also two new touchscreens on the backs of the front seats, which can be used to watch music videos, view a film, browse the internet and control a range of vehicle functions, including climate control and lighting.

Protective instinct in the new S-Class

Three of the most interesting innovations in the new S-Class are E-Active Body Control, the rear airbag and rear-wheel steering. In the event of an imminent side collision with another vehicle, the S-Class body can rise by 8 cm within just a few tenths of a second when it detects an approaching side impact. This is a new function of the Pre-Safe Impulse Side system, designed to reduce the loads acting on occupants by directing the impact forces towards the more robust structural components in the lower section of the vehicle.

In the event of a severe frontal collision, the rear airbag, optional on the new S-Class Long, can reduce the loads exerted on the heads and necks of occupants seated in the outer rear seats with their seatbelts fastened. The rear-seat frontal airbag deploys particularly gently thanks to its innovative tubular structure.

Finally, optional rear-wheel steering makes the S-Class as manoeuvrable in town as a compact model. The rear wheels can turn by up to 10°, allowing even the all-wheel-drive S-Class Long to reduce its turning diameter by 1.9 m, to less than 11 m-the equivalent of a car the size of a Renault Mégane).