Mercedes is currently launching the facelifted
version of its S-Class flagship and what better way to see what has changed by
releasing a fresh gallery. The exterior changes are subtle and are limited to
basically a new radiator grille, refreshed LED lights with new patterns and new
bumper designs front and rear, with the latter now featuring integrated
tailpipe trims.
The lovely interior gets a pair of new 12.3-inch
high-resolution displays which are under the same glass cover. A new steering
wheel is also present, featuring touch-sensitive controls that make the
operation of the infotainment and active safety systems much easier and
intuitive for the driver.
There are new materials to choose from for the
cabin, ranging from open-pore woods to leather-trimmed door panels and a wider
range of combos to spec your new S-Class exactly as you wanted. The engine
range has also been revised and the 2018 S-Class is the first Mercedes to
feature the new-gen straight-six units. The petrol range kicks off with the S
450 4Matic which is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six unit with 367 hp while the
S500 uses the same engine but in this case it makes 435 hp.
The S500 however also comes with electric motor
assistance as well, with the integrated starter generator (ISG) providing a
further 250 Nm of torque and 21 hp over short periods of time,
enabling the German flagship to reduce CO2 emissions by 22 percent over its V8
predecessor.
Next up we have the S560 which is powered by a
twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 good enough for 469 hp, which is also the only non-AMG
V8 S-Class you can buy. The S 600 uses a 530 hp 6.0-liter V12 while the
range-topping Maybach S 650 comes with the same engine but in this case figure
are boosted to 630 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
As for the diesel versions, these are also using a
fresh 3.0-liter straight-six unit which in the case of the S 350d produces
286 hp and 600 Nm of torque and in the case of the S 400d 340 hp and 700 Nm of torque. All versions of the new S-Class are using the
9G-Tronic automatic gearbox, sans the V12 models.
The list of driver assistance systems is one of the
widest featured on a new car these days and includes the brand’s new
semi-autonomous Distronic Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist
System. The system accelerates and brakes the car within the posted speed
limits and can steer the car autonomously for periods up to 30 seconds.