Mercedes-Benz is literally revealing its all-new S-Class from the inside out. We have yet to see official pictures of the exterior, but the grand saloon's cabin has just been laid bare.
The design brief for the new S was "perfection to the last detail" and Mercedes-Benz describes the result as "the essence of luxury."
A specific design focus on the long-wheelbase models means that there are numerous new features specifically related to comfort and safety in the rear passenger compartment.
The company claims to have raised the seating and climatic comfort in its new S-Class to a new level with its active seat ventilation with reversing fans and the Energizing massage function on the 'hot-stone' principal.
SIX TYPES OF MASSAGE
The latter is a world-first, developed in conjunction with physiotherapists and psychologists and the result has 14 separately actuated air cushions in the backrest along with an integrated warming function. Occupants can choose between six massage programmes.
Those who like to leave the driving to Jeeves can also choose between five different rear seat variants, including an Executive seat whose backrest angle can be adjusted by up to 43.5 degrees.
Engineers left no stone unturned in the battle against the climate and besides the heating and cooling functions in the seats, those opting for the Warmth Comfort package will even enjoy heated arm rests and door centre panels.
Furthermore, the First Class Rear package basically transforms the rear cabin into a home away from home, complete with a phone handset, folding table and additional stowage compartments.
They've even thought of adding an 'active perfuming system' that occupants can switch on and off - and adjust the intensity - manually.
CONCERT HALL
Regardless of whether tycoon or Jeeves is behind the wheel, the driver of the new S-Class can look forward to a first-class cockpit, complete with a new 'command' centre.
Gone is the traditional instrument cluster; in its place you'll find two high-resolution colour displays, one in front of the driver for driving information and another in the centre for the infotainment functions. Mercedes-Benz refers to the latter as a "communication centre and concert hall".
Certain to be a hit is the multi-user entertainment function that gives four occupants independent access to the media sources, such as radio, TV, video internet or navigation.
Given how much information about the new S is being revealed, the full unveiling can't be far off. Watch this space.