Beijing, February 10, 2010 – Mercedes-Benz today presented Chinese customers with an early Spring Festival gift with the launch of the upgraded new generation S-Class lineup, which includes S 300, S 350, S 350 4MATIC, S 400 HYBRID, S 500 4MATIC, S 600 and S 65 AMG. Already equipped with technological advancements that set the pace in automotive development, the new generation S-Class now features even more technical enhancements, highlighted by Lane Keeping Assist and DISTRONIC Plus, which are being introduced for the first time in China, thus once again setting higher standards in the top-luxury auto segment. As part of Mercedes-Benz's appreciation to customers, the price range of the models remarkably remain unchanged, thus providing China's top-elites with even more luxury, comfort and safety at a better value.

Providing both drivers and occupants with safety assurance never before experienced in a vehicle, the upgraded new generation S-Class is equipped with Lane Keeping Assist, which makes use of a camera on the inside of the windscreen to detect clear road markings and alerts the driver with short vibrations on the steering wheel if the vehicle leaves the recognized lane unintentionally. The system operates in the speed range above 60 km/h and is thus designed to assist drivers on freeways, main highways and country roads. Unlike conventional systems, Lane Keeping Assist is able to evaluate the driver's activities and reliably determine whether or not the car is inadvertently leaving its lane. Therefore, if the driver intentionally turns the signal to change lanes, or swiftly maneuvers the car, the intelligent system will send sensory warnings to the driver. In S 600 and S 65 AMG, safety is further optimized with DISTRONIC Plus, a radar-based assistance system that monitors the road and keeps the car at a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead. The system sends warning tones to the driver when the distance is too close, and in the event of an emergency, DISTRONIC Plus automatically applies the brakes as required and can even bring the car to a complete halt to mitigate collisions. Thus, DISTRONIC Plus is extremely ideal for coping with stop-and-go traffic as the system can increase driver safety as well contribute to stress-free driving.

Aside from these enhanced safety equipments, the upgraded new generation S-Class also boasts even more luxury and comfort features, particularly in the S 300 models. Previously available only in the upper range S-Class variants and S 300 Luxury, a rear-seat entertainment package and luxury head restraint front seats are now also available as standard in S 300 Business and S 300 Exclusive. Jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and German sound experts Harman Kardon, the entertainment package features the world-renowned "Logic 7" surround system and a CD/DVD playback system, thus providing occupants with a luxurious and 360-degree in-car entertainment experience. Additionally, S 300 Luxury offers panoramic sun roof as well as heated and ventilated luxury front and rear seats, guaranteeing passengers with the utmost luxury and comfort for which Mercedes-Benz is known.

As Mercedes-Benz's flagship model, the S-Class is always equipped with the latest technology that redefines the benchmarks of the industry. The new generation S-Class continues this tradition with the world's first SPLITVIEW technology - an innovative display concept allows the driver and front passenger to view different content simultaneously on one and the same screen. The new generation S-Class also features revolutionary passive and active safety technology, highlighted by the cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE® and an "Intelligent" Partner system, which comprises ATTENTION ASSIST and Adaptive High Beam Assist among many others - that can see, feel, respond reflexively and act independently to prevent accidents. The S-Class also meets the highest expectations with respect to driving dynamics and agility, in part due to Direct-Steer, with a steering ratio that varies with the steering angle, Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilization.

For more than 50 years, the S-Class has always stood at the pinnacle of the world's top luxury car segment since the launch of its first model. The new generation S-Class, which was just launched in China last August, was met with immediate success and once again became the main car-of-choice among top-elites, as it provides them with a car that truly defines the ultimate in luxury, comfort, safety and design. The success of the new generation S-Class helped the flagship model deliver 15,000 units in 2009 with total market share of 44% in the top-luxury segment, further consolidating China as its largest market in the world. As such, today's launch of the upgraded new generation S-Class will not only further help the three-pointed star to start the New Year with confidence, but also extend the legendary status and heritage of the S-Class.