Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift

Mercedes-Benz just revealed the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class facelift at Auto Shanghai 2017. The new S-Class is packed with the latest innovations and technology, ready to prolong the flagship’s reign in the luxury segment.

Engines

Starting off with power, the new S-Class will be the luxury brand’s first model to fully profit from an updated engine offering that was introduced last fall. This means new inline-six diesel and petrol engines, as well as a new V8 biturbo engine with hot inside V and cylinder deactivation mode.

The new inline-six diesel engine makes the new S-Class top diesel model the most powerful diesel car in Mercedes-Benz history. From launch it will become available in the S 350 d 4MATIC with 286 horsepower (210 kW) and 600 Nm of torque, and the S 400 d 4MATIC with 340 hp (250 kW) and 700 Nm of torque.

The inline-six petrol engine will also be a big step up compared to its predecessor, producing 408 hp (300 kW) and more than 500 Nm of torque. Exact details regarding the inline-six petrol offering in the S-Class and corresponding badges is yet to be released, but it’s clear the engine is linked to powertrain electrification and will come in two output levels. It comes with an electric booster compressor, integrated starter alternator and a 48V subsystem to power the whole lot.

The electrification technology that makes its debut in the new S-Class also partly facilitates the significant upgrade of the S-Class hybrid powertrain. The S 500 e comes with an increased capacity 13.3 kWh battery and enjoys additional all-electric driving range to a max of 50 kilometers.

Finally the new 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo takes over from the 4.6-liter V8 that powers the luxury model’s previous generation. In standard guise it’s good for 476 hp and 700 Nm of torque and will power the new S 560 4MATIC, which was previously badged S 500. Despite less displacement, the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 will get a significant boost in power. Just like the E 63 S, the new S 63 produces 612 hp and 850 Nm of torque.

Mercedes-Benz’ smooth 6.0-liter V12 is also being retained and will power the Mercedes-AMG S 65 and Maybach top models.

Design

In terms of styling the S-Class facelift comes with a redesigned radiator front grille and new optional multibeam LED lighting boasting three distinctive light strokes. The front bumper in its entirety also received a modest makeover, making it a bit more sporty thanks to its pronounced air intakes.

The car’s crystal-like taillights impress at the rear, flowing smoothly into the lowered rear bumper. The rear apron now comes with an integrated chrome tailpipe trim that spans the entire rear. Finally the new S-Class comes with seven new wheel designs ranging from 17 to 20 inch in size, some of which are available as an option.

The S-Class interior received a thorough upgrade as well, mixing in design traits of the much praised interior of the new E-Class. One of those is the handsomely glass-covered 12.3-inch widescreen instrument and infotainment displays. With the S-Class Mercedes-Benz also kicks off a new generation of steering wheels, incorporating the touch-sensitive thumb controls for operating the car’s infotainment and navigation.

When it comes to interior styling and detail the S-Class has got you covered with the most luxury materials. Open-pore woods and leather-trimmed doors are just a taste of the extensive list of available trims and finishes. There are also new color combinations available such as magma grey/espresso brown or mahogany brown/silk beige. Naturally the ambient lighting game had to be stepped up a notch too: just like in the E-Class, the S-Class interior lighting scheme can be personalized choosing between 64 different colors.

Finally there is a lavish new option that elevates the S-Class experience even further. Dubbed as ‘wellness while driving’, the energizing comfort control is a world’s first entering series production. It systematically uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrance) and the seats (heater, ventilation, massage), the wall heating as well as lighting and musical atmospheres, and enables a specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer. It comes in six different selectable programs, including freshness, joy, vitality and more.

Tech and more

Just like the new E-Class, Mercedes’ flagship luxury saloon promises to be a true tech fest. It comes with the latest and greatest assistance systems including distronic active proximity assist based on significantly more map data, active steer assist, active lange change assist, active emergency stop assist, active steer assist, stop & go traffic assist, traffic sign assist and remote parking assist just to name a few.

A last highlight in the new S-Class is its further improved ‘magic body control’ active suspension, which now comes with a ‘curve’ function. It comes with a road surface scan and adjusts ride height and stability according to the upcoming road surface at speeds up to 180 km/h. The curve-tilting module tilts the inside of the of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees and thereby reduces the centrifugal forces perceived by the passengers.

The market roll out will commence this July starting in Europe. Prices are yet to be released, stay tuned as we learn more at this year’s Shanghai Auto 2017.

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