Mercedes Benz S Class S320 W140

The Mercedes Benz W140 S-Class introduced noted safety innovations:
* Braking system. The V8 and V12 W140 models distributed more braking power to the rear wheels, increasing stopping effectiveness. In 1996, the W140 received Brake Assist System BAS, which engaged during emergency maneuvers to boost braking power to maximum.
* Electronic Stability Program (ESP) was introduced in 1995 on the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Coupé.ESP used on-board computers to improve vehicle handling response during difficult driving conditions. This was a Mercedes developed system, which has since been licensed to other manufacturers.
* Xenon High-intensity discharge headlights (low beam only) were introduced in 1995.
* Side airbags and seat occupancy sensors were introduced in 1996.
* Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensors were introduced in 1996.

Confort:
W140 features included:
* Double-paned soundproofed glass was a new S-Class innovation first fitted on the W140. This form of window glazing allowed for improved soundproofing, reduced condensation, and other insulation benefits.
* Electrically-operated exterior mirrors could be folded by switch to ease driving in narrow spaces.
* 'Parameter steering' was a system which made low-speed driving easier by reducing the effort required to maneuver in speed-sensitive situations such as parking.
* Rear-parking markers, or guide rods. These rods extended from the rear corners of the trunk lid when in reverse, providing the driver with a guideline for rear maneuvers. In 1995, this system was replaced by the sonar-based Parktronic system which measured the distance of the bumpers to nearby obstacles.
* 12-way powered, heated front seats, with 3 setting memory functions and lumbar support.
* Windshield wipers with heated washer system. Later models also included rain-sensing windshield wipers.
* Electrically-operated automatic-dimming inside rear-view mirror that tied into the seat and steering wheel memory.
* Heated exterior mirrors. Later models also included auto-dimming driver's side mirror.
* Orthopedic seats were an expensive option from the factory but consisted of several different air cushions in the seat that the user can inflate and deflate to find the perfect driving position.
* Dual-zone climate control. Four-zone climate control on LWB models.
* Reclining and heated rear seats on LWB models. V12 models also have the four-place seating option, which allows fully adjustable rear seats, lumbar support and rear sunshade control. The center seat has been replaced by a burlwood center console, allowing a 2 + 2 seating format.
* The climate control system could be set to operate for 20 minutes after the engine had been turned off.
* Electric rear sunshade.
* Rear passenger illuminated vanity mirrors.
* Soft-closing doors and trunk.
* Leather interiors and burl inserts (optional; standard for 500SEC/CL 500).
* In 1995 the S 600 Coupe became the first Mercedes car with GPS navigation system, designated Auto Pilot System APS. It featured CD-ROM maps and full color navigation display in the center dashboard.
* In 1996 the Linguatronic voice control system and Parktronic sonar-based parking system were introduced
* In 1997 the TELEAID emergency and tracking system was introduced in the US market.
* Also, developed with the car, a Bose sound system was available as an option.

Drivetrain Technologies :
First introduction of CAN bus (5 CAN bus nodes).
* The W140 featured a newly developed front axle double wishbone suspension and a rear independent multi-link suspension.
* In 1991 the first generation of the hydropneumatic ADS (Adaptive Damping System) (Skyhook-type suspension) was introduced. It adjusted the damping level of the shock absorbers to help stabilize the car during high speed driving, aggressive driving, or if the driver loses control of the vehicle.[16] Became standard on V12 models and optional for V8 models.
* In 1996 self-levelling suspension was integrated with ADS.