Mercedes-Benz: Philosophy
Comfort and relaxation are not more luxuries
A driver is continually absorbing information of various kinds from traffic and from the road. If they tend to disturb or distract him he must ignore them but he must observe and interpret all that is important to him and respond correctly. These responses must then be translated into driving the car. And if he sees signs of danger this process has to be carried out in the shortest possible time.
So the man at the wheel has to be alert and must concentrate; he must not be distracted by unimportant details; nor must he find himself inhibited by immature engineering; he must control and steer his car with a quick eye and a sure touch.
Everything possible has been done in the S-class to minimise distracting influences, to keep the driver alert so that he can do the right thing at the right time.
It starts with an instrument panel that is absolutely functional. The driver's seat is not aeroplane cockpit because the car should not be thought of as an aircraft, and because the wrong environment can lead to the wrong sort of behaviour.
One factor in keeping alert and aware is the ability to see all four corners of the car. Another is having switches and controls with which the driver can familiarise himself in a few minutes. In a Mercedes-Benz they are positioned logically - where they belong - they are easy to see and cannot be confused one with another. and there are no more of them that the driver really needs.
Power-assisted steering does most of the work but still transmits the "feel" of the road. A steering shock absorber ensures that it is the driver who steers, not the road surface.
If you have automatic transmission (an optional extra) it will mean even less effort for your foot, your hand and your head.
You'll only react properly if you are sitting comfortably and not cramped. This is a matter of ergonomics - the science of designing the driving position to suit the man.
The seats in S-class cars have been developed on these principles. Their upholstery is on the firm side, because swaying and rocking are tiring for the driver and impair his reactions.
The seat is made up of seven elements, from the strong steel spring core through to high-quality outer covering which contains a high percentage of wool t allow the seat to "breathe" and to absorb body moisture. Seats and backrests are shaped to provide adequate lateral support yet you don't feel restricted. There's no hard edge at the front of the seat but a slight downward slope to prevent vascular congestion in the legs. The pelvic support recommended by orthopaedic specialists is a standard feature of Merced-Benz seats. There is firm support for the back which wards off fatigue and can prevent damage to the spine.
The seats, backrests and head restraints have a wide range of adjustment to suit every driver.
And since the driver who is relaxed and not under stress drives more safely, and probably with more consideration too, quite a lot of road users profit from the relaxed comfort of a Mercedes-Benz.