The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a perennial leader in the luxury sedan segment, unveiled its newly updated model at the Shanghai Auto Show, showcasing extensive innovations and solidifying its position as a technological pioneer. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes a significant leap forward, particularly in autonomous driving capabilities and powertrain advancements, while reaffirming its commitment to unparalleled comfort and a holistic sense of well-being for its occupants. This refresh elevates the S-Class beyond mere transportation, transforming it into an experience.
Enhanced Intelligent Drive: Paving the Way for Autonomous Driving
Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive takes center stage in the 2018 S-Class, pushing the boundaries of driver assistance systems and inching closer to the reality of autonomous driving. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist have been significantly refined, offering drivers even more intuitive support in maintaining safe distances and staying within lane markings. Notably, the vehicle’s speed now intelligently adapts in anticipation of curves and junctions, demonstrating a proactive approach to driving assistance.
These advancements are underpinned by enhanced camera and radar systems that provide the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class with a more comprehensive awareness of its surrounding environment. Furthermore, for the first time, map and navigation data are integrated into the system’s calculations, enabling Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC to anticipate route conditions and adjust vehicle speed proactively. This sophisticated integration of data streams elevates the driving experience from reactive assistance to anticipatory support.
The intuitive “Assistance Graphics” menu within the instrument panel provides drivers with a clear, at-a-glance overview of active assistance features and their operational status. The system’s responsiveness to various driving scenarios is communicated through easily understandable icons, displayed both in the instrument cluster and the head-up display. Crucially, all Intelligent Drive functions are now conveniently controllable via the steering wheel, ensuring minimal driver distraction and maximum ease of use.
The suite of driver assistance features in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class includes:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: Leverages extensive map and navigation data for route-based driver support and proactive speed adjustments via Active Speed Limit Assist.
- Active Steering Assist: Significantly improved performance across its operational range, offering enhanced lane-keeping assistance.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Initiates lane changes with a simple tap of the indicator stalk, executing the maneuver within ten seconds if the vehicle’s sensors detect no hazards in adjacent lanes.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: Safely brings the vehicle to a halt if it detects sustained driver unresponsiveness while Active Steering Assist is engaged.
- Traffic Sign Assist: Displays posted speed limits through image recognition and navigation system data, providing visual and audible warnings if the driver exceeds the limit (when settings are enabled).
Interior Redefined: A Sanctuary of Modern Luxury and Well-being
The interior of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class embodies modern luxury, characterized by meticulous craftsmanship, premium materials, and a forward-thinking control and display concept. The centerpiece is the widescreen cockpit, featuring two new 12.3-inch high-resolution displays seamlessly integrated under a single glass cover. This creates a visually stunning and information-rich interface that dominates the dashboard and emphasizes the horizontal design language of the cabin.
The widescreen cockpit houses a digital instrument cluster offering three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – allowing drivers to personalize the presentation of driving information. Complementing this digital marvel are new Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel, responding to smartphone-like swiping motions for intuitive control of the entire multimedia system without requiring drivers to lift their hands from the wheel. Further control options include a touchpad with controller in the center console and advanced Voice Control.
The commitment to luxury extends to the materials and finishes throughout the cabin. New natural grain ash wood trim options enhance the tactile and visual richness of the interior. An expanded color palette introduces sophisticated brown tones and new upholstery color combinations, including Silk Beige/Deep-Sea Blue, Magma Grey/Espresso Brown, and Mahogany/Silk Beige, allowing for a high degree of personalization.
Ambient lighting takes on a new dimension with an extended palette of 64 colors, offering a vast spectrum of individual settings to tailor the cabin’s atmosphere to mood and preference. LED technology illuminates trim elements, the central display, storage compartments, door handles, and footwells, creating a cohesive and customizable lighting experience.
ENERGIZING Comfort: Wellness at Your Fingertips
A true world-first in series production, ENERGIZING Comfort elevates the in-car experience by linking various comfort systems to create tailored wellness programs. This optional feature orchestrates the climate control system (including fragrance), seat functions (heating, ventilation, massage), console heating, ambient lighting, and musical ambiance to deliver specific wellness setups designed to enhance physical comfort and overall well-being.
Six pre-configured ENERGIZING Comfort programs are available:
- Freshness: Invigorates and revitalizes.
- Warmth: Provides comforting and cozy environment.
- Vitality: Energizes and stimulates.
- Joy: Uplifts and creates a positive mood.
- Comfort: Promotes relaxation and tranquility.
- Training: Offers three guided exercises – muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance – to be performed during breaks.
Each program runs for ten minutes, accompanied by visual cues on the head unit and curated music. The system intelligently analyzes personal music selections (via Media Interface) and assigns them to programs based on beats per minute, further personalizing the experience. Ambient lighting dynamically adapts to each program, creating harmonious color palettes that enhance the desired mood.
Dynamic Performance: New Engines and AMG Power
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class introduces a range of new engines that balance potent performance with enhanced efficiency. The model lineup includes the S450 and S450 4MATIC, powered by a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Stepping up in power, the Mercedes-Benz S560 and Mercedes-Maybach S560 4MATIC feature a new 4.0L V8 engine delivering 463 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This biturbo engine boasts remarkable fuel economy, consuming approximately ten percent less fuel than its predecessor. Cylinder deactivation technology further enhances efficiency by seamlessly shutting down four cylinders under partial load.
For uncompromising performance, the Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan receives a handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with cylinder deactivation, replacing the previous 5.5L V8. Despite its reduced displacement, this powerhouse generates an impressive 603 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, propelling the S63 from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system further contribute to its exceptional dynamics.
The range-topping Mercedes-AMG S65 Sedan retains its handcrafted AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo engine, producing 621 hp and a massive 738 lb-ft of torque. Both AMG models receive visual updates that underscore their exclusivity and performance pedigree, including redesigned bumpers, LED Intelligent Light Systems, and distinctive AMG styling cues.
Ride and Handling: Refined Comfort and Agility
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to offer exceptional ride quality, further enhanced by advancements in suspension technology. MAGIC BODY CONTROL, featuring Road Surface Scan, has been refined with a more sophisticated stereo multipurpose camera that scans the road ahead even more effectively, even at dusk and higher speeds. This system proactively adjusts the Active Body Control suspension to minimize the impact of road imperfections.
For the first time in the S-Class Sedan, the CURVE function (previously available on the Coupe) is introduced. This innovative feature allows the vehicle to lean into curves by up to 2.65 degrees, reducing lateral forces felt by occupants and enhancing ride comfort during spirited driving.
The AMG S63 Sedan features an AMG Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC®, offering adjustable damping settings for a wide spectrum of driving preferences, from relaxed cruising to dynamic handling. The AMG S65 Sedan utilizes AMG Sport Suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL, combining anticipatory road scanning with the curve-tilting function for an unparalleled blend of comfort and agility.
Lighting the Way: Advanced LED Technology
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues its pioneering use of LED technology for lighting. The LED Intelligent Light System is now optionally available with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams. Ultra Wide Beam technology increases the width of the light distribution, providing maximum illumination of the road and surrounding areas, significantly enhancing visibility for the driver. Adaptive Highbeam Assist further optimizes lighting performance by automatically adjusting high beam intensity to avoid dazzling other road users.
Connectivity and Convenience: Seamless Integration
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class embraces modern connectivity with features like wireless smartphone charging (compatible with Qi standard devices) integrated into the front center console storage compartment. The available Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System has been further enhanced with additional speakers, delivering an immersive audio experience.
The mbrace® Concierge service provides subscribers with a suite of personalized assistance services, accessible via the i-button in the vehicle. From restaurant reservations to information retrieval and route guidance, the concierge service adds an extra layer of convenience and personalized support.
Conclusion: The Benchmark of Luxury Progress
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class represents a significant evolution of the flagship sedan, reinforcing its position as the benchmark in the luxury automotive segment. With advancements in autonomous driving technology, a meticulously crafted interior focused on well-being, powerful and efficient new engines, and cutting-edge features throughout, the 2018 S-Class redefines the luxury driving experience. It is more than just a car; it is a sanctuary of innovation, comfort, and performance, designed for those who demand the very best.
