German Chancellor Test-Rides New Mercedes‑Benz S-Class; Model Makes Debut in China; Mercedes-Benz Strengthens Strategic Cooperation with Momenta

German Chancellor Test-Rides New Mercedes‑Benz S-Class; Model Makes Debut in China; Mercedes-Benz Strengthens Strategic Cooperation with Momenta

Recently, during his visit to China, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz took a joint test ride in the new Mercedes‑Benz S-Class with Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes‑Benz Group AG in Beijing. They experienced the urban and highway navigation assist system co-developed by Mercedes‑Benz and Momenta. Meanwhile, the new S-Class made its first public appearance in China.


In addition, Mercedes‑Benz and Momenta signed a memorandum of understanding to upgrade their strategic cooperation, further deepening collaboration and accelerating the localized upgrade of the entire industrial chain.


The new Mercedes‑Benz S-Class was officially unveiled on January 30. As a mid-cycle facelift, the model features updated exterior and interior designs, as well as upgrades to equipment, intelligent driving and powertrain systems. The version displayed in China is the S 450 L 4MATIC, with dimensions of 5.304 m long × 1.921 m wide × 1.503 m high and a 3.216 m wheelbase. It is finished in dark green paint, equipped with Y-shaped silver alloy wheels and sporty styling packages.


Notably, Mercedes‑Benz and Momenta have signed an upgraded cooperation memorandum. As early as 2017, Mercedes‑Benz became the first international automaker to invest in Momenta.

The intelligent driving assist system jointly developed by both parties currently covers highways, urban roads and parking scenarios, enabling point-to-point intelligent assisted driving and pioneering the human-machine co-driving concept.


Hardware & Software for Driving Assistance


  • Sensors: 10 external cameras, 5 radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors
  • Standard: MB.DRIVE assist system, including adaptive cruise control with lane centering and lane change assist
  • Upgraded MB.DRIVE PLUS:
    • Intelligent parking assist, supporting oblique parking for the first time
    • Parking assist at speeds up to 5 km/h
    • Traceable reverse assist
    • Future OTA update for wheel rim protection warning


The urban and highway navigation assist system will be available for the Chinese market.

This system has already debuted on the all-new Mercedes‑Benz EQA CLA, and will be rolled out to 9 new Mercedes‑Benz models within this year, including the long-wheelbase EQC SUV and the new S-Class sedan, covering all major segments.


In the future, this safety-first intelligent driving system will receive an upgraded version powered by Momenta’s R6 reinforcement learning foundation model, improving traffic efficiency, driving smoothness and instantaneous response in risky scenarios.


China R&D Role


China’s R&D team is playing an increasingly critical role in Mercedes‑Benz’s global R&D network.

The premium rear-seat entertainment system in the new S-Class was led and developed by the Chinese R&D team.

Interior & Tech Highlights


  • 14.4-inch central touchscreen with the latest MBUX infotainment system
  • 12.3-inch instrument cluster (optional 3D view)
  • Augmented reality head-up display, merging assist views with 3D surroundings
  • 12.3-inch front passenger display for media, video and games, with dimming to avoid distracting the driver
  • First-Class rear seats: up to 43.5° backrest adjustment and 50° leg rest adjustment
  • 13.1-inch rear displays with HD cameras + two detachable MBUX remote controls
  • Audio: Burmester 3D surround sound, or high-end Burmester 4D surround sound with Dolby Atmos (39 speakers)

Through close collaboration with R&D centers worldwide, the Chinese team focuses on intelligent connectivity, autonomous driving, software and hardware development, and big data, deeply involved in the Group’s digital innovation.

Mercedes‑Benz R&D in China has entered a new era: Innovation from China, Leading the Global Trend.
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