The 2014 S550, the first of the new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class model line, debuted this week at dealerships across the country. And as part of its marketing launch, it is featured in two broadcast ads for network television and in a print centerspread insertion in The Wall Street Journal and other magazines.

"The new S-Class represents the best of the Mercedes-Benz brand," said Bernie Glaser, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA. "The strides we make in the areas of design, safety, engineering and technology — which are pioneered on the new S-Class — will make their way through all our models and eventually into the mainstream."

The all-new 2014 S-Class interior features heated armrests, ionized air purification via the AIR BALANCE PACKAGE and a Burmester sound system, according to Mercedes-Benz.

On the safety front, the S-Class includes the Driver Assistance Package with DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist (radar-based cruise control system with semi-autonomous steering inputs), PRE-SAFE Brake (autonomously brakes the vehicle up to 31 mph with or without driver input), PRE-SAFE PLUS (rear-facing radar that senses possible rear collisions and prepares the vehicle for a possible secondary incident into an active intersection) and Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Protection.

According to Mercedes-Benz, pricing for the new S-Class starts at $92,900 (excluding $925 destination/delivery charge). It will also be available in an all-wheel drive configuration (the S550 4MATIC) and in a high-performance AMG variant (the S63 AMG 4MATIC).