The 2015 Mercedes-benz S-class Sedan emerged as a beacon of automotive excellence, embodying the core engineering principles of “Intelligent Drive,” “Efficient Technology,” and “Essence of Luxury.” This model year marked not just an evolution for the S-Class but a significant leap forward for the entire automotive industry, setting new benchmarks in technology, safety, and opulent comfort. Mercedes-Benz aimed to exceed expectations, ensuring the 2015 S-Class would not only retain but enhance its reputation as “the best automobile in the world.”
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, then Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, articulated the ambition behind this flagship model: “Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were ‘the best or nothing’ in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class.” This philosophy permeated every aspect of the vehicle’s design and engineering, from the meticulously crafted interior to the suite of cutting-edge safety and driver assistance systems.
The Essence of Luxury: Interior and Comfort
The pursuit of perfection in the 2015 S-Class is most evident in its interior, a sanctuary of luxury and innovation. Every detail, from the meticulously stitched seats to the precisely calibrated air conditioning, the intuitive controls, and the aesthetically pleasing design, reflects an unwavering commitment to quality. The infotainment system, comfort features, and safety technologies are seamlessly integrated, creating an environment that is both technologically advanced and supremely comfortable. Mercedes-Benz engineers prioritized the highest perceived quality and the seamless integration of new ideas to elevate the flagship model beyond conventional standards.
Intelligent Drive: Merging Comfort and Safety
The 2015 S-Class introduced “Intelligent Drive,” a revolutionary concept that seamlessly merged comfort and safety into a unified driving experience. Building upon pioneering systems like PRE-SAFE® and DISTRONIC PLUS, Mercedes-Benz integrated a suite of new technologies designed to make driving not only safer but also more relaxing and intuitive. This holistic approach to vehicle intelligence marked a new era in automotive development, where driver assistance systems proactively contribute to both accident prevention and enhanced passenger well-being.
Design: A Synthesis of Modernity and Sensual Elegance
The design of the 2015 S-Class Sedan is a masterclass in automotive aesthetics, instantly recognizable as a Mercedes-Benz while projecting a modern sense of status and sensual appeal. Gorden Wagener, the head of design at the time, described the design philosophy: “The sophisticated design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual clarity. The design draws a line from the sophisticated, progressive design idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars – intelligence that speaks to the emotions. Stylish sportiness and sensual forms in synthesis with timeless clarity and effortless superiority make the S-Class a true design icon.”
The front grille of the 2015 S-Class is larger, more upright, and distinctly three-dimensional, asserting its presence and leadership. Classic sedan proportions are maintained with a long hood, a flowing roofline, and a gently sloping rear end, conveying both prestige and a sporty coupé-like dynamism. The “Dropping Line,” a hallmark Mercedes-Benz design element, subtly descends along the side, adding elegance and dynamism even at a standstill. The interplay of convex and concave surfaces creates a powerful and elongated body, exuding both excitement and composure.
The rear design emphasizes width with horizontal lines extending from the trunk lid to the bumper. The rear windscreen seamlessly integrates into the C-pillars, contributing to the coupé-like silhouette. The tail lights, fully encased by the body and meticulously crafted, are a design highlight, showcasing attention to detail.
LED Technology: Pioneering Lighting Innovation
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class marked a historic milestone as the first vehicle in the world to eliminate traditional light bulbs entirely, transitioning to complete LED technology for both interior and exterior lighting. This bold move solidified Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering role in automotive lighting. Nearly 500 LEDs illuminate the road, the vehicle, the interior, and the trunk, offering multi-level functionality. For example, the intensity of the brake lights automatically reduces at night or when stationary at traffic lights to minimize glare for drivers behind.
Key LED lighting features include:
- Headlamps: Up to 56 LEDs per headlamp.
- Tail lights: Up to 35 LEDs per tail light, plus 4 for the rear fog lamp.
- Interior lighting: Approximately 300 LEDs, including ambient lighting.
Enhanced visibility is further provided by improved Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS systems. The S-Class utilizes a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors to achieve 360-degree vision, improving hazard detection.
Suspension: The World’s First Suspension with “Eyes” – MAGIC BODY CONTROL
The 2015 S-Class introduced another world-first innovation: ROAD SURFACE SCAN in conjunction with MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension. Using a stereo camera, the system proactively detects road imperfections ahead. MAGIC BODY CONTROL then instantaneously adjusts the suspension to preemptively counteract uneven surfaces, delivering an unparalleled level of ride comfort. This innovative suspension system was available as an option, with standard models featuring the continuously adaptive damping system ADS PLUS and enhanced AIRMATIC full air suspension.
Interior Design: Breadth, Calm, and Solidity
The interior of the 2015 S-Class Sedan is characterized by its clear architecture, embodying the essence of a classic, superior, and cutting-edge luxury saloon. Horizontal elements and lines create a sense of visual spaciousness and tranquility. The harmonious blend of high-quality materials, elegant design, and functional clarity defines the interior, offering exceptional ride comfort, spaciousness, and user-friendliness.
Generous wood trim adorns the dashboard and center console, complemented by metallized switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes. Rear passengers are treated with equal luxury, with seat design, door panels, and controls mirroring the high standards of the front cabin. Optional rear seat packages further enhance individualization, offering features like a Business center console with added storage, folding tables, and two-place seating.
Control and Display Concept: An Elegant Command Center
The 2015 S-Class features a state-of-the-art information center comprised of two high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT color displays in 8:3 format. The left-hand display replaces the traditional instrument cluster, providing essential driving information. The right-hand display serves as the central hub for infotainment and comfort function control. The operating logic was redesigned to accommodate the increasing complexity of vehicle functions, prioritizing ergonomics, user convenience, safety, and aesthetic appeal.
Controls and displays are cohesively grouped for intuitive operation. Metallized switch surfaces and solid aluminum controls enhance the tactile and visual experience. New control features include a touch-sensitive telephone keypad and a favorites function with twelve programmable memory slots. The central rotary pushbutton and direct access keys on the center console provide immediate access to essential functions and driving assistance systems. Enhanced Voice Control allows for complete address input in a single command and voice control of telephone and audio systems, with a new text message and email readout feature.
Climate Control: Personalized Atmosphere
The climate control system in the 2015 S-Class was meticulously refined for performance, air quality, precise regulation, noise reduction, and efficiency. The AIR-BALANCE package introduced perfume atomization, ionization, and improved filtration compared to the standard system. Rear passengers benefit from two additional climate zones for enhanced thermal comfort. A completely new feature is electric heating for the armrests and center consoles.
The “active perfuming system,” a world-first feature, allows for manual activation and intensity adjustment of interior fragrance. This system discreetly scents the cabin without permanently altering the interior smell or depositing fragrance molecules on surfaces.
Seats: Mobile Office and Wellness Oasis
Mercedes-Benz elevated seating comfort in the 2015 S-Class with world-first features like the ENERGIZING massage function, based on the hot-stone principle, and active seat ventilation with reversing fans. Rear seat comfort was a particular focus, with four rear seat variants available, including an Executive seat with a backrest adjustable up to 43.5 degrees.
The ENERGIZING massage function utilizes 14 independently actuated air cushions in the backrest and an integrated warming function, offering six massage programs, two with heat. This feature is also available for rear seats. Active seat ventilation uses reversing fans to quickly draw in cooler ambient air at startup, rapidly reducing seat surface temperature before switching to blower mode for continuous ventilation.
Four seat variants are offered, with redesigned adjustment kinematics in luxury and reclining seat options. The Executive Rear Seat Package provides a maximum backrest angle of 43.5 degrees, the largest in the luxury segment, along with an adjustable calf support and heel rest for optimal reclining comfort. The Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS extends the front console to the rear, incorporating thermo-cup holders and aircraft-style folding tables.
Multimedia Features: Concert Hall on Wheels
A new generation multimedia system debuted in the 2015 S-Class, featuring intuitive operation, enhanced visualization, and animations. The multi-user system allows independent access to media sources from any seat. The innovative Frontbass system, a sedan first, positions woofers in the firewall, utilizing the cross-member and side member as resonance chambers, improving sound quality and freeing up door space.
Two high-end audio systems, developed with Burmester, are available: the Burmester® Surround Sound system and the Burmester® High-End 3D-Surround Sound system. The navigation system features interactive content presentation, including an animated compass, “Driveshow” passenger information, and Google Maps display on both front and rear screens.
Body: Stability and Lightweight Design
The 2015 S-Class bodyshell prioritized crash safety, rigidity for handling, and minimal noise and vibration, utilizing a third-generation aluminum hybrid design. The lightweight index, measuring torsional stiffness relative to weight and size, improved by 50 percent compared to the previous model. The aluminum hybrid structure, evolved since the 1990s, increased aluminum content to over 50 percent, maintaining comparable body weight despite increased safety and comfort demands. Structural foams are strategically used, and the entire outer skin, including the roof, is aluminum. High-strength steel is used extensively in the safety passenger cell.
Intelligent Drive: Networked Senses
Mercedes-Benz’s “Real Life Safety” philosophy, focused on accident avoidance and mitigation, is embodied in the 2015 S-Class through numerous new and enhanced assistance systems under the “Intelligent Drive” umbrella. These systems rely on a new sensor suite including a stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, providing 360-degree vision.
Professor Thomas Weber, then Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, emphasized the system’s sophistication: “Intelligent assistance systems analyze complex situations and better recognize potential dangers out on the road with the aid of improved environment sensor systems. Figuratively speaking, the new S-Class doesn’t just have eyes at the front, it has 360-degree all-round vision.”
Key new and enhanced assistance systems include:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: Lane-centering steering assistance.
- BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist: Detects crossing traffic and pedestrians, enhancing braking power.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Detects occupied adjacent lanes and oncoming traffic, mitigating unintentional lane departure.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Permanent high beams without dazzling other drivers.
- Night View Assist PLUS: Improved pedestrian and animal detection with thermal imaging and spotlight function.
- ATTENTION ASSIST: Enhanced drowsiness detection with extended speed range and service area recommendations.
Extended PRE-SAFE® Protection: Prevention and Enhanced Occupant Safety
The 2015 S-Class further advanced the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system, introducing new functions to prevent collisions and enhance occupant safety.
New PRE-SAFE® functions include:
- PRE-SAFE® Brake with Pedestrian Detection: Autonomous braking for pedestrians at speeds up to 31 mph.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Rear-end collision detection, stationary vehicle braking to minimize whiplash, and reversible belt tensioners.
- PRE-SAFE® Impulse: Controlled seat belt release to reduce chest pressure in frontal collisions.
Setting Rear Seat Safety Standards
Mercedes-Benz enhanced rear seat passenger safety with features like the seat belt buckle extender, beltbag, and cushionbag. The illuminated seat belt buckle extender automatically extends and retracts the buckle, reducing belt slack. The beltbag, an inflatable seatbelt strap, reduces ribcage strain in frontal collisions. The cushionbag, standard with Executive Rear Seat Packages, prevents submarining under the seat belt in reclined seats.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Portfolio & Pricing:
| Model | MSRP | Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | Engine | Performance | 0-60 mph | Drive Config. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MY2015 S550 | $94,400 | 17/26/20 | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo | 449 hp / 516 lb-ft | 4.8 sec | RWD |
| MY2015 S550 4MATIC | $97,400 | 16/26/19 | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo | 449 hp / 516 lb-ft | 4.8 sec | AWD |
| MY2015 S600 | $166,900 | 12/21/15 | 6.0L V12 Bi-Turbo | 523 hp / 612 lb-ft | 4.5 sec | RWD |
| MY2015 S63 AMG 4MATIC | $141,450 | 15/23/18 | 5.5L V8 Bi-Turbo AMG | 577 hp / 664 lb-ft | 3.9 sec | AWD |
| MY2015 S65 AMG | $222,000 | 13/20/15 | 6.0L V12 Bi-turbo AMG | 621 hp / 738 lb-ft | 4.2 sec | RWD |
| MY2016 Maybach S600 | ~$200,000 | TBD | 6.0L V12 Bi-Turbo | 523 hp / 612 lb-ft | 5.0 sec | RWD |
Standard & Optional Equipment Highlights (S550):
Standard:
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
- MAGIC VISION CONTROL
- Burmester Surround Sound System
- LED Ambient Lighting (7 colors, 5 dimming levels, 4 zones)
- Touchpad for COMAND System
- Air Balance Package
Optional:
- MAGIC BODY CONTROL
- ENERGIZING massage function
- Rear Seat Package (Rear seatbelt airbags, PRE-SAFE® Rear, 4-Zone Climate Control, etc.)
- Warmth & Comfort Package (Heated steering wheel, armrests, seats, etc.)
- New Generation Driver Assistance Package (Active Lane Keeping Assist, DISTRONIC PLUS®, BAS PLUS®, PRE-SAFE Brake®)
- New Generation Active Parking Assist
Model Positioning and Competition:
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan firmly established itself as the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz brand, representing industry-leading luxury, refinement, and innovation. Its advanced comfort, entertainment, and safety technologies, coupled with efficient drive concepts, positioned it as a trailblazer in the luxury automotive segment.
Main Competitors:
- BMW 7 Series
- Audi A8
- Lexus LS
Safety Feature Highlights:
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
- ATTENTION ASSIST®
- Surround View Camera
- PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist & BAS PLUS® with Cross-Traffic Assist
- Rear seatbelt airbags and PRE-SAFE rear active belt buckles
- PRE-SAFE Impulse
- Night View Assist PLUS
- PRE-SAFE PLUS® for rear-end collision
- PRE-SAFE Brake® with Pedestrian Recognition
Conclusion
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan was not merely a car; it was a statement of automotive ambition and technological prowess. By prioritizing “Intelligent Drive,” “Efficient Technology,” and “Essence of Luxury,” Mercedes-Benz delivered a vehicle that redefined the standards of the luxury sedan segment. From its groundbreaking LED lighting and MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension to its opulent interior and comprehensive suite of safety systems, the 2015 S-Class solidified its place as a true icon and “the best automobile in the world,” setting a high bar for generations of vehicles to follow.
