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Mercedes-Benz S-class Pullman

12 November, 1999

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  • The wheelbase of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class extended by one meter
  • Spacious rear passenger area with opposed seating arrangement
  • The most modern multimedia technology combined with the finest materials

Mercedes-Benz has developed a new top model for very special occasions based on the successful S-Class: the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman.

In doing so, Mercedes is continuing its more than 70-year tradition as a manufacturer of prestigious limousines. The new model combines outstandingly innovative automotive technology with comfort and luxury of the highest order. The Mercedes-Benz Pullman is available with either an eight or twelve-cylinder engine and has a wheelbase one meter longer than the long version of the S-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz Pullman will be available in Australia on special order only, POA.

The additional space benefits the rear passengers, who are able to relax in comfortable opposed seats. The legroom between the two rear seat units is a generous 70 centimeters in length – about 20 centimeters more than in the Pullman model based on the preceding S-Class (model series W 140). The standard rear seat row is a single unit with electrically adjustable outer seats. Alternatively, two electrically adjustable, individual seats are available on request. The new VIP limousine is thus able to accommodate either six or seven passengers depending on the choice of rear seats.

Here are the most important body and chassis data for the Mercedes-Benz Pullman at a glance:

 

Mercedes-Benz
S-Class Pullman

Mercedes-Benz
S-Class*

Length

6158

5158

Width

1855

1855

Height

1452

1444

Wheelbase

4085

3085

Track f/r

1574/1574

1574/1574

Figures in millimeters. *Long version

Pullman: Traditionally synonymous with ultimate comfort on wheels

The name Pullman alone is suggestive of the noble character of the new VIP limousine: In the mid-19th Century the American industrialist George Mortimer Pullman from Chicago (Illinois) made a name for himself by building particularly luxurious railway cars. Since then the name "Pullman" has stood for the highest level of comfort on wheels. In 1928 the standard German reference work "Kraftfahrer und Kraftfahrzeug" defined the Pullman limousine as a "large, comfortable touring and VIP car with a partition between the driver's seat and passenger compartment".

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman meets this description down to the last detail, while its innovative technology sets new standards in comfort and safety. These are ensured not only by the separate air conditioning and modern audio system for the rear, but also by the six standard sidebags in the doors and interior trim of the central body panels. In conjunction with the rear windowbags, the electrically adjustable head restraints and three-point inertia-reel seat belts for all seats, they provide the perfect occupant protection system.

The glass partition between the front and rear areas of the interior is electrically operated, as are the fabric curtains which screen the entire rear compartment from the sunshine or prying looks when required. While the driver of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman benefits from all the standard innovations such as COMAND, a navigation system, a multifunction steering wheel, an electrically adjustable seat with lumbar support, parameter steering and xenon headlights (S 600), Mercedes customers are able to equip the rear compartment of the new S-Class Pullman limousine entirely according to their personal requirements. This not only applies to the choice of materials and the color scheme, but also to the technology which makes travelling in the new VIP limousine even more pleasant and entertaining. Individual options available for the rear compartment include the following:

  • Intercom system for communication with the driver
  • Bar with refrigerated compartment for drinks and glasses
  • Multimedia consoles with two monitors
  • DVD player
  • TV receiver
  • Worktables
  • Car telephone and telefax unit
  • Hi-fi sound system
  • Second air conditioning system for the rear
  • Additional lighting

Fundamentals: Reinforced bodyshell and modified suspension

A slightly raised waistline at the center and rear, redesigned side protection strips and a newly-developed roof characterize the harmonious appearance of the S-Class Pullman, which reflects all the formal features of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class – despite an extended wheelbase and a higher roof.

In addition to numerous reinforcements in the bodyshell, Mercedes engineers have developed a new three-piece propshaft, an extended exhaust system and reinforced suspension components for the VIP limousine. The new side panels in the middle of the bodyshell are designed as hatches which can be quickly and conveniently opened by service personnel to obtain access to the technical systems in the rear of the limousine.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman has a permissible gross vehicle weight of 2800 kilograms and is therefore only approx. 400 kilograms heavier than the long wheelbase S 500 on which it is based, despite the extensive standard equipment in the rear compartment.

Technology: A choice of V8 or V12 engine, air suspension as standard

Depending on the customer's requirements, the Pullman can be powered either by the 225 kW V8 engine of the S 500 or the ultra-modern twelve-cylinder engine of the S 600, which has an output of 270 kW. The automatic cylinder cut-out feature which is standard in the V12 model is also available for the S 500 Pullman on request. Here are the most important engine data at a glance:

 

S 500 Pullman

S 600 Pullman

Cylinders

V8

V12

Valves per cylinder

3

3

Overall displacement

4966 cc

5786 cc

Output

225 kW/306 hp

270 kW/367 hp

Max. torque

460 Nm at
2700 – 4250 rpm

530 Nm at
4250 rpm

Standard ex-factory features in both model variants of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Pullman include the AIRmatic air suspension system, the Electronic Stability Program ESP, a five-speed automatic transmission and light-alloy wheels in size 8J X 18.

Mercedes-Benz has developed the S 500 Pullman and S 600 Pullman in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG. The integral production concept takes account of all special features right from the bodyshell stage of manufacture. In contrast to retrofitting, this has major advantages in terms of corrosion protection, bodyshell rigidity and production quality. Limited series production in the custom shop at the DaimlerChrysler plant in Sindelfingen guarantees these limousines the very highest quality standards characteristic of Mercedes.

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