The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan, a benchmark in the premium automotive segment, made a grand entrance at the Shanghai Auto Show with its newly updated 2018 model, showcasing extensive innovations. This iteration of the flagship sedan elevates the standards of luxury and technology, particularly with advancements in autonomous driving features and a new generation of engines. As the undisputed leader in comfort and wellness, the Mercedes Benz 2018 S-Class sets new benchmarks in interior design, highlighted by the striking new dual 12.3″ high-resolution displays merged under a single glass panel, along with fresh trim options and upholstery choices.
Taking a significant leap towards the future of autonomous driving, the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class enhances its Intelligent Drive system to an even more sophisticated level. Features like Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now offer enhanced support, assisting drivers in maintaining safe distances and steering with greater precision. Notably, the vehicle’s speed now intelligently adjusts automatically when approaching curves or junctions, further easing the driving experience.
Continuing to lead its class, the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class boasts unique features such as the LED Intelligent Light System equipped with Ultra Wide Beam, the innovative Road Surface Scan for proactively detecting road imperfections, and the curve-tilting function for enhanced ride comfort.
A world-first in series production, ENERGIZING Comfort makes its debut in the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class. This optional system intelligently links various comfort features within the vehicle, including climate control, ambient lighting, massage, and fragrance functions. This allows occupants to customize a holistic wellness experience tailored to their specific mood and needs, significantly enhancing physical comfort and overall well-being during journeys.
Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, emphasized the extensive development behind the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class, stating, “The development of the new S-Class was extremely extensive. With a whole series of new features and functions, the S-Class remains a technological pioneer.” The Mercedes-Benz flagship model solidified its position as the world’s best-selling luxury sedan in 2016, with over 300,000 sedans sold since 2013, underscoring its continued market dominance.
Refined Exterior Design: Three Accents of Light
The modern luxury of the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class is immediately apparent in its meticulously crafted materials and superior workmanship. All models in the lineup receive a redesigned grille; specifically, the six and eight-cylinder engine variants feature three twin louvers and vertical strips finished in high-gloss black.
Alt text: Front view of a mercedes benz 2018 S-Class showcasing the redesigned grille with three twin louvers and vertical high-gloss black strips, emphasizing the luxury sedan’s updated aesthetic.
For the Mercedes-Maybach, the enhanced front fascia with generous chrome detailing further accentuates its distinguished status within the S-Class family. A new Maybach logo is elegantly placed between the radiator grille louvers, adding to its exclusivity.
Complementing the new LED Intelligent Light System, the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class features distinctive three-stripe daytime running lights as a signature design element. The sporty front bumper has been redesigned with more pronounced air intakes, contributing to a more dynamic appearance. At the rear, the new LED taillamps, designed to resemble crystal jewels, create a striking visual signature, ensuring the car is instantly recognizable both during the day and night.
Alt text: Rear detail of a mercedes benz 2018 S-Class highlighting the newly designed LED taillamps with a crystal jewel-like appearance, enhancing visibility and rear styling of the luxury vehicle.
All mercedes benz 2018 S-Class models are equipped with a redesigned lower bumper section that integrates visible tailpipe trim. These tailpipes are framed by a chrome element that spans the entire width of the vehicle, adding a touch of elegance to the rear design. Two new 20″ alloy wheel designs are also introduced as options, further enhancing the vehicle’s sophisticated stance.
Interior Revolution: Widescreen Cockpit and Advanced Controls
The interior of the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class undergoes a significant transformation, centered around two new, high-resolution displays, each measuring 12.3 inches diagonally. These displays are seamlessly integrated under a single glass cover, forming a widescreen cockpit that dominates the dashboard. This design element emphasizes the horizontal lines of the interior, creating a sense of spaciousness and modernity.
Alt text: Interior view of a mercedes benz 2018 S-Class showcasing the widescreen cockpit with dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays integrated under a single glass panel, emphasizing the advanced technology and luxurious cabin design.
This widescreen cockpit integrates both the instrument cluster, positioned directly in the driver’s line of sight and displaying virtual instruments, and a central display located above the center console. The fully digital cockpit offers drivers a choice of three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – allowing for personalization of displayed information and views.
The redesigned steering wheel in the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class incorporates Touch Control Buttons that respond to smartphone-like swiping gestures. This innovative control system enables the driver to manage the entire multimedia system without removing their hands from the steering wheel, enhancing both convenience and safety.
The multimedia system can also be controlled via the touchpad with controller located in the center console, or through Voice Control, offering multiple intuitive input methods. Operation of Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and standard cruise control is conveniently managed via controls mounted directly on the steering wheel.
Premium Materials and Unparalleled Craftsmanship
Authentic, high-quality materials define the luxurious ambiance of the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class interior. New trim options include two natural grain ash wood finishes, adding warmth and tactile appeal. The meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship throughout the cabin are hallmarks of the Mercedes-Benz brand, creating a refined and sophisticated environment.
The material and color palette has been carefully curated, featuring a wide spectrum of brown tones and introducing three new upholstery color combinations: Silk Beige/Deep-Sea Blue, Magma Grey/Espresso Brown, and Mahogany/Silk Beige, allowing for a high degree of personalization.
Ambient lighting within the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class utilizes energy-efficient LED technology throughout the interior. The optionally extended ambient lighting system now offers an expanded spectrum of 64 colors, allowing for a vast array of individual customization options. Lighting elements are integrated into the trim, central display, front console stowage, door handle recesses, door pockets, front and rear footwells, and the overhead control panel when equipped with the Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System, creating a truly immersive and customizable cabin atmosphere. All mercedes benz 2018 S-Class models come standard with KEYLESS-GO®.
ENERGIZING Comfort: Wellness on the Go
The groundbreaking ENERGIZING Comfort system, a world-first in automotive series production, is an optional feature in the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class. This system intelligently networks various vehicle comfort features, including climate control (with fragrance), seats (heating, ventilation, massage), console heating, ambient lighting, and musical atmospheres. It enables pre-set wellness programs tailored to the driver’s mood or needs, enhancing physical comfort and performance both while driving and during breaks. ENERGIZING Comfort is available for all seats, depending on vehicle equipment.
Six distinct Energizing Comfort programs are available: Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort, and Training (with three training modes: muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance, each with multiple exercises). Each program runs for ten minutes and is visually presented on the head unit with color graphics and supported by curated music. Five songs are pre-loaded per program, and the system can analyze personal music selections (via Media Interface) to assign them to programs based on beats per minute (bpm). Individual program functions can be deactivated to customize the experience.
ENERGIZING Comfort seamlessly integrates with ambient lighting, harmonizing colors with each screen design. The lighting transforms the interior into a dynamic work of art, composing color palettes from various hues. Special lighting effects can temporarily override the color schemes, such as a unique welcome sequence for the driver. The ambient lighting also provides visual feedback for climate control adjustments, indicating temperature changes through color variations. LED brightness is adjustable in five levels across four zones: widescreen cockpit, front seats, rear compartment, and all lights.
The ambient lighting creates emotionally resonant contrasts and structures the interior into distinct levels. 64 colors, ten color worlds, and three lighting zones (footwells, trim level, and widescreen cockpit) combine to create an avant-garde lighting environment with dynamic color transitions.
Powertrain Advancements: New Engines with Landmark Technology
The mercedes benz 2018 S-Class model range introduces new engine options, including the S450 and S450 4MATIC, powered by a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The new 4.0L V8 engine debuts in the Mercedes-Benz S560 and Mercedes-Maybach S560 4MATIC, delivering 463 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This biturbo engine is among the most fuel-efficient V8 engines globally, achieving approximately ten percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. To further enhance efficiency, four cylinders of the new V8 can be deactivated under partial load via the CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment system. This reduces gas-cycle losses and improves the efficiency of the active cylinders by shifting the operating point towards higher loads. The turbochargers are positioned within the V of the cylinder banks, a key design feature contributing to the engine’s compact size and responsiveness.
For top-tier performance and reduced fuel consumption, the Handcrafted-AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with cylinder deactivation replaces the previous 5.5L V8 biturbo in the Mercedes-AMG S63. Despite its smaller displacement, the new engine generates an impressive 603 hp.
Intelligent Drive: Stepping Closer to Autonomous Driving
The mercedes benz 2018 S-Class marks a significant advancement towards autonomous driving, taking Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive to the next level. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist offer even more refined support for maintaining safe distances and lane positioning. Speed adjustment is now automated in anticipation of curves and intersections, complemented by enhanced Active Lane Change Assist and additional functionalities of Active Emergency Stop Assist.
Improved camera and radar systems provide the facelifted mercedes benz 2018 S-Class with superior awareness of its surroundings. For the first time, map and navigation data are utilized to inform driving behavior.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC leverages route data to proactively assist the driver in various situations and adjust vehicle speed accordingly. The “Assistance Graphics” menu in the instrument panel provides a clear overview of active assistance functions and their current responses. Intuitive icons are displayed on the screen and head-up display, and all functions are now conveniently controlled from the steering wheel.
The new Driver Assistance Package includes key features such as:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: Utilizes extensive map and navigation data to support route-based driving and Active Speed Limit Assist for convenient speed adjustments.
- Active Steering Assist: Significantly improved across its performance range, enhancing driver assistance and comfort.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Upgraded for more intuitive lane changes, initiated simply by tapping the indicator stalk. Lane changes are executed within ten seconds, with visual confirmation in the instrument cluster, provided no vehicles are detected in the safety zone.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: Automatically brings the vehicle to a stop if Active Steering Assist is engaged and the system detects sustained driver inactivity.
- Traffic Sign Assist: Displays detected speed limits using image recognition and digital road map data, comparing vehicle speed with the limit and providing visual/audible warnings for exceedances, based on driver settings.
Enhanced Ride Quality: MAGIC BODY CONTROL with CURVE Function
The S-Class pioneered Road Surface Scan in 2013, a system that anticipates road bumps and adjusts the Active Body Control suspension accordingly. The mercedes benz 2018 S-Class further refines this technology. The stereo multipurpose camera now scans the road even more effectively, even in low light and at higher speeds.
A new comfort feature, CURVE function, debuts in the S-Class Sedan (previously exclusive to the Coupe), allowing the vehicle to lean into turns by up to 2.65 degrees. This reduces centrifugal forces experienced by passengers, enhancing ride comfort and dynamics.
Advanced Lighting: LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide Beam
In 2013, the S-Class became the first vehicle to exclusively use LEDs for lighting. The LED Intelligent Light System in the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class is now optionally available with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams. Ultra Wide Beam increases the width of the high beam light distribution, maximizing road and surrounding area illumination. This provides a significant improvement over the already impressive LED Intelligent Light System. Adaptive Highbeam Assist, integrated into the LED Intelligent Light System, allows drivers to use main beams continuously without dazzling other road users, automatically dimming LEDs when oncoming or preceding vehicles are detected while maintaining main beam illumination in other areas.
Connectivity and Convenience: Wireless Charging and Concierge Service
The new head unit generation in the mercedes benz 2018 S-Class expands telephone capabilities. Near Field Communication (NFC) enables wireless charging for compatible smartphones (Qi standard). The charging pad is integrated into the front center console stowage compartment.
The optional Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System, with a 1520-watt output, is further enhanced with a speaker in the overhead control panel and two speakers in the side panels, delivering an even more immersive audio experience.
The mbrace® Concierge service offers subscribers a range of personalized services, including restaurant reservations, movie and sports event information, and route guidance. Subscribers can connect directly to mbrace® Concierge via the i-button in the vehicle for seamless assistance.
Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 Sedans: Performance Luxury Elevated
The mercedes benz 2018 update extends to the performance-focused Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 Sedans, bringing new engines, transmissions, all-wheel drive systems (S63), and redesigned exteriors and interiors, further honing driving dynamics and visual appeal.
The AMG S63 Sedan now features a Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine with cylinder deactivation, replacing the previous 5.5L V8 biturbo. Despite the reduced displacement, the new engine delivers 603 hp, a 26 hp increase over its predecessor. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed transmission replaces the 7-speed gearbox, and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system provides optimal traction. The AMG S63 achieves a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds, rivaling dedicated sports cars.
The top-of-the-line AMG S65 Sedan also receives visual updates, emphasizing the exclusivity of this 12-cylinder model. The Handcrafted AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo engine maintains its output of 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.
Both AMG S-Class models feature the new LED Intelligent Light System and updated front bumpers with a jet wing design, enhancing their expressive appearance. Redesigned rear bumpers and modified tailpipe trim add distinctive design elements.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, highlighted the advancements: “Impressive power, torque and performance on the road, as well as expressive design distinguish the new Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65. With the S63, we additionally took a major development step that supports our leadership claim in the areas of driving dynamics, performance, traction, equipment and demonstrative comfort. The S65, with its high-torque 6.0L V12 biturbo engine, remains the spearhead of the S-Class models.”
Technical Data at a Glance:
| Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan | Mercedes-AMG S65 Sedan | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo with cylinder deactivation | Handcrafted AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo |
| Displacement | 3,982 cc | 5,980 cc |
| Output | 603 hp @ 5,500-6,000 rpm | 621 hp @ 4,800-5,400 rpm |
| Peak torque | 664 lb-ft @ 2,750-4,500 rpm | 738 lb-ft @ 2,300-4,300 rpm |
| Drive system | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ permanent all-wheel drive with fully-variable torque split | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed sports transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 3.4 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Top speed | 186 mph (electronically limited) | 186 mph (electronically limited) |
The Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine in the S63 Sedan, in its highest performance iteration, delivers 603 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque across a wide rev range. The engine utilizes twin-turbo forced induction with “hot inner V” configuration for compact design and responsive performance. Twin-scroll turbochargers enhance cylinder charge, resulting in increased power, torque, and throttle response.
The ‘AMG Cylinder Management’ cylinder deactivation system in the S63’s V8 engine improves fuel efficiency by deactivating cylinders two, three, five, and eight in partial-load conditions when “Comfort” mode is selected. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed transmission in the S63 provides rapid shift times and efficient power delivery. The AMG S65 retains the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission, optimized for its high torque output.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully-variable all-wheel-drive system in the S63 enhances traction and handling stability by intelligently distributing torque between front and rear axles. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes – “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Individual” – allow drivers to tailor vehicle characteristics. The AMG S65 adds a “Curve” mode, utilizing the MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension’s curve-tilting function for enhanced cornering comfort. RACE START function is now easier to use in the S63.
The AMG Performance Exhaust System in the S63 offers a controllable sound experience, with adjustable flaps modulating the exhaust note based on driving mode or individual preference. Lightweight design principles, including the use of aluminum and optional carbon fiber components, contribute to the AMG models’ agility and performance.
The AMG Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC® in the S63 offers adjustable damping for a balance of comfort and sportiness. The AMG S65 features AMG Sport Suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL with Road Surface Scan and curve-tilting function for superior ride quality and handling. AMG speed-sensitive steering provides direct feedback and variable power assist. The AMG High-Performance Compound Braking System ensures robust and fade-resistant stopping power, with an optional AMG Ceramic Composite Braking System for enhanced performance and weight reduction. 3-stage ESP® offers adjustable levels of electronic stability control.
The exterior design of the AMG S63 and S65 is distinguished by the LED Intelligent Light System, redesigned front bumper with jet wing design, and AMG-specific alloy wheels. The interior features AMG sports seats, nappa leather upholstery, and AMG Performance steering wheels. The 12.3″ widescreen display offers AMG-specific display styles and expanded AMG menu information. The AMG TRACK PACE App (S63) allows for performance data recording on race tracks.
The mercedes benz 2018 S-Class and AMG models represent a significant step forward in luxury, technology, and performance, further solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in the premium automotive segment.
