S-Class

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Model Range

Words Thomas Philips | May 11, 2009
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provides a choice of two body variants and nine engine variants
Words Thomas Philips May 11, 2009

With trailblazing innovations for even more safety, comfort and functionality, the 2009 S-Class once again sets the pace and provides decisive impulses in automobile technology. The high technological level of the luxury saloon is combined with an intriguing design that exudes the serenity, self-assurance and elegance of the vehicle even at first glance.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class provides a choice of two body variants and nine engine variants. Customers are also able to choose between rear-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Engine output ranges from 170 kW/231 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. The V6 and V8 models are optionally available with a 130-millimetre longer wheelbase; the luxurious S 600 flagship model is available only with the long wheelbase.

Innovative systems in series production

A number of new or further developed high-tech systems that enhance safety and comfort are included in the standard appointments of the new S-Class. Among them are ATTENTION ASSIST, which warns the driver when it detects signs of drowsiness, Active Body Control with crosswind stabilisation for the S 450, S 500 and S 600, the Direct-Steer system, a driver kneebag and the further refined preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®.

Selection of standard appointments:

  • Adaptive driver and passenger airbags
  • Adaptive brake lights
  • AIRMATIC with Adaptive Damping System
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • ATTENTION ASSIST
  • 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission
  • Bluetooth® interface
  • ADAPTIVE BRAKE
  • COMAND system with CD/DVD player , SD card slot and USB interface
  • Diesel particulate filter (for all diesel variants)
  • DIRECT SELECT gearshift
  • Direct-Steer
  • Displays in the instrument cluster and for COMAND in black with LED backlighting
  • ESP® with acceleration skid control (ASR)
  • Headlamp assist
  • Electric parking brake
  • Belt tensioners on all seats
  • Automatic climate control with separate settings for front footwell area
  • Kneebag for driver
  • Leather upholstery (S 500 and S 600)
  • Light-alloy wheels: 17-inch (S 350, S 400 HYBRID and S 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) and 18-inch (S 450, S 450 CDI, S 500 and S 600)
  • Memory function for the seats (S 500 and S 600)
  • Metallic paintwork (S 500 and S 600)
  • Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
  • NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints
  • PRE-SAFE®
  • Two-stage rain sensor
  • Tyre pressure loss warning system
  • Front and outer rear seatbelts with automatic comfort-fit feature
  • Sidebags front and rear
  • Daytime driving lights and foglamps integrated into the bumper
  • Telephone keypad
  • Doorhold
  • Front seats with electric fore/aft and height adjustment with lumbar support and PRE-SAFE® positioning function
  • Tinted, sound-insulating, infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round
  • Windowbags
  • Additional standard equipment for the long-wheelbase version of the new S-Class includes:
  • Leather upholstery
  • Electric rear windscreen roller blind
  • Tilting/sliding glass sunroof, electric, with PRE-SAFE® function
  • Heated front and rear seats
  • Rear seat bench with electrically adjustable outer seats and PRE-SAFE® positioning function for the seat bench and outer head restraints

Equipment packages: substantial benefits thanks to perfect combinations

No automobile in the luxury class offers such an extensive and intelligently coordinated combination of modern assistance systems and comfort-enhancing features as the S-Class. To ensure that customers derive the greatest possible benefit from these technologies, Mercedes-Benz offers specific innovations as optional packages. This ensures that the systems work together perfectly and complement each other. In addition to their major benefits, these packages also have a clear price advantage for the customer.

  • In the Driving Assistance package Mercedes-Benz mainly combines systems that can actively help to prevent rear-end collisions: the radar-based proximity cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS, Brake Assist PLUS and the automatic braking system PRE-SAFE® Brake. This equipment package also includes Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
  • Mercedes-Benz has put together the LED Light package for drivers who are frequently on the road at night, or who wish to give their S-Class even further visual enhancement. This not only includes the Intelligent Light System, LED daytime driving lights as well as indicators and side lights employing LED technology, but also the innovative Adaptive Highbeam Assist (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600).
  • Mercedes-Benz offers the Navigation package for drivers who cover high mileages. This includes the multimedia system COMAND APS with 40 GB HDD navigation, 3D map display, LINGUATRONIC voice control, the MUSIC REGISTER, Music Search and Speed Limit Assist (standard for S 400 HYBRID and S 600).
  • An exclusive audio experience and video entertainment for the front passenger is provided by the Front Seat Entertainment package. This includes the SPLITVIEW display, the 6-disc DVD changer and the Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system (standard for S 600).
  • In the Rear Seat Entertainment package Mercedes-Benz combines a DVD player with remote control unit and two colour displays in the front head restraints with the surround-sound system.
  • For comfort-oriented customers the S-Class is available with the Front Seat Comfort package, which comprises improved active multicontour seats with massage function and dynamic function with comfort head restraints featuring adjustable side bolsters and NECK-PRO technology.
  • The Rear Seat Comfort package equips the S-Class with multicontour rear seats with a massage function and comfort head restraints (standard for S 600).
  • The Parking package comprises PARKTRONIC including Parking Guidance and a reversing camera (standard for S 600).
  • The Memory package has electrically adjustable seats with 4-way lumbar support for the driver and front passenger, including a memory function for the seats, exterior mirrors and steering column (standard for S 500 and S 600).
  • ·The Rear Seat Memory package for the short-wheelbase S-Class includes the rear seat unit of the long-wheelbase version with electrically adjustable outer seats and a folding centre armrest with wood trim, as well as the seat memory function.
  • The KEYLESS-GO package offers additional convenience with the keyless access and starting system KEYLESS-GO and automatic boot lid closing (standard for S 600).

The S 600: luxury and performance with a distinctive appearance

Mercedes-Benz stylishly underlines the exceptional status of the twelve-cylinder S 600 with numerous distinguishing features in the exterior and interior. In addition to the model-specific radiator grille with three twin louvres, these include the V12 emblem on the flanks, model-specific, five-spoke 18-inch wheels in a bi-colour look and a large range of option packages. Standard ex factory specifications include:

  • LED Light package
  • Navigation package
  • Front Seat Comfort package:
  • Rear Seat Comfort package:
  • Front Seat Entertainment package
  • KEYLESS-GO package
  • Comfort telephony

The active multicontour front seats and multicontour rear seats are upholstered in particularly soft “Exclusive PASSION” nappa leather. In addition to the familiar transverse contouring in the S-Class, the seats also feature longitudinal piping. This pattern is repeated in the Alcantara roof lining and interior door panels. Travelling pleasure is further enhanced by comfort head restraints in the front and rear. The V12 symbol in the backrests underlines the exclusive character of this model. When entering the car, the logo also lights up in the instrument cluster. Brown poplar wood trim with a high-gloss finish and ambient lighting as standard equipment round off the matchless appearance of the Mercedes-Benz S 600. Technical highlights include the Active Body Control suspension with crosswind stabilisation.

designo and designo Selection: individual and exclusive

For further individualisation, S-Class customers are also able to choose from a restructured range of designo features. Ten different designo paint finishes can be combined with twelve designo aniline leather interiors and four natural leather interiors – with practically no limitations on personal taste. For designo wood trim, customers have a choice between natural-grain maple and natural-grain matt oak. The unique natural stone designo trim of genuine granite is available for the S-Class in two versions – Labrador Blue Pearl and black Star Galaxy. Trim in black piano lacquer and champagne white piano lacquer can also be ordered.

With designo Selection, Mercedes-Benz is for the first time offering a special, high-end package of designo features for the long-wheelbase S-Class. Customers are able to configure their car according to their personal preferences and taste from the different designo features available. The highlight is designo lettering in solid 18-carat gold on the rear air conditioning unit cover. This is exclusive to the designo Selection.

AMG Sports package: the S-Class in a muscular and dynamic outfit

The S-Class becomes even more dynamic with the AMG Sports package with AMG bodystyling and AMG light-alloy wheels. At the front the newly-designed front apron ensures a decidedly muscular appearance to make the 2009 S-Class look even more imposing. Its distinguishing feature is a tapered air intake with a wider lower edge. The side skirts continue the design of the front bumper, with striking contours that find an echo in the rear apron. The prominent rear bumper with a black insert is the perfect finishing touch.

A particularly sporty touch is also provided by the 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a five-spoke design, which are painted in sterling silver. Shod with wide-base tyres in size 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear), they not only fill the wheel arches to perfection to give the S-Class a decidedly dynamic appearance, but also contribute to the outstanding handling characteristics. A sporty look is also ensured by the silver-painted front brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering. When equipped with the AMG Sports package, the 6-cylinder models also receive the 350-millimetre (standard: 335 mm) perforated front brake discs of the 8-cylinder variants.

The interior is characterised by a wood/leather steering wheel, black ash wood trim and sports pedals of brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs. Like the striking AMG light-alloy wheels, AMG bodystyling is available for all engine variants of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.