Mercedes-Benz reveals new S-class interior

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the interior for its next-generation S-class in a series of darkly lit photographs aimed at emphasizing the car's ambience.

While appearing similar to current models in a number of key areas, the cabin of the flagship Mercedes-Benz sedan has been redesigned in a bid to provide it with added levels of luxury, comfort, space and new multimedia functions.

Key among developments is a new dashboard with horizontal architecture and ambient lighting to accentuate its width. The leather-lined instrument panel uses metal switch gear surfaces and solid aluminum controls, with a selection of wood trims.

Two high-resolution monitors with a diagonal width of 12.3 inches perform the function of the previous instrument binnacle and infotainment and multimedia. The centerpiece is a new Comand Online system featuring an Intel Atom processor similar to that used by laptop computers.

Mercedes-Benz is claiming a first for the S-class with an "active perfuming system." It uses an ionization function to cleanse the air, followed by perfume atomization to add a scent.

Officials from the German carmaker told Autoweek that development of the S-class interior was focused primarily on the long wheelbase model, in light of the decision to shut down the Maybach brand.

As a result, the new car will feature optional reclining rear seats that offer up to 43.5 degrees of back rest adjustment, a new massage system with 14 air cushions in the backrest offering six different programs, a so-called warmth package with door panels, and active seat ventilation in which the rotational direction of the fans used to blow cooling air through the seat can be reversed for added comfort.

The redesigned interior of the Mercedes-Benz S-class has a total of 156 buttons and switches. Here's a rundown of where they are located:

-- 12 on the steering wheel

-- 23 on the driver's door

-- 13 on the passenger door

-- 19 on the dashboard fascia

-- 3 on the monitor panel (instruments and infotainment)

-- 4 vent buttons on the dashboard

-- 3 on the rear view mirror

-- 10 on the front headliner

-- 15 on the center console, including the rotary controller for the Comand system

-- 16 on the numeric pad under the hand rest in center console

-- 15 on the rear right passenger door

-- 15 on the rear left passenger door

-- 9 on the rear center console

-- 2 vent buttons on the rear center console

-- 3 on the rear drink holder console

-- 4 on the rear headliner, two on each side with roof-mounted handles for lighting

By Greg Kable