When the next Mercedes S-Class rolls out in 2018, expect it to have some pretty interesting interior technology.
Hand gestures are being explored as a new way to control in-car systems, and the new S-Class will almost certainly feature them, Mercedes chief interior designer Jan Kaul told Auto Express. “Yes, we are working [on gesture controls] for some functions, but of course, using hand signals is not right for everything,” said Kaul.
He explained that functions like entering a destination into a navigation system are still better controlled by voice recognition, but “it is still something we are continuing to work on, and you will see it soon.”
SEE ALSO: 2014 Mercedes S-Class Review
Mercedes also has one-piece seats along with single-piece trim fittings in the pipeline. These single piece units help to convey an air of simplicity, while also being stiffer, lighter and faster to manufacture. “These are coming very soon,” said Kaul of the single piece interior fittings. “The seats are difficult because we must make sure the stitching and leather last the life of the car, but our designers are working very hard.”
There is also the possibility that Mercedes will use 3D printing to bring the interior trim bits to reality.
[Source: Auto Express]
Discuss this story at our Mercedes Forum