The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, long considered the pinnacle of automotive luxury, has been significantly updated for the 2018 Mercedes Benz model year. Unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show, the new S-Class showcases a comprehensive suite of innovations, pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving technology, engine performance, and interior comfort. This flagship sedan elevates the driving experience with advancements in Intelligent Drive, a new generation of Mercedes-Benz engines, and a cabin that sets unprecedented standards for well-being.
Stepping into the Future: Enhanced Intelligent Drive in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz
The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class takes a monumental leap towards autonomous driving with its enhanced Intelligent Drive system. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now offer even more sophisticated driver support, ensuring safe distances and lane keeping. Notably, the vehicle’s speed now intelligently adjusts in anticipation of curves and junctions, further easing the driving burden.
This 2018 Mercedes Benz model boasts segment-exclusive features such as the LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide Beam, Road Surface Scan for proactive bump detection, and a curve-tilting function. These technologies work in harmony to provide a smoother, safer, and more intuitive driving experience, solidifying the 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class as a leader in automotive innovation.
Unparalleled Comfort and Wellness: ENERGIZING Comfort in the 2018 S-Class
A world-first in series production, ENERGIZING Comfort makes its debut in the 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class. This optional feature revolutionizes in-car wellness by interlinking various comfort systems. Climate control, ambient lighting, massage functions, and even fragrance dispensing are orchestrated to create personalized wellness setups. Drivers and passengers can tailor these settings to their current mood or needs, enhancing physical comfort and overall well-being during every journey in the 2018 Mercedes Benz.
Ola Källenius, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, emphasizes the extensive development behind the new S-Class: “With a whole series of new features and functions, the S-Class remains a technological pioneer.” The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class continues this legacy, building upon its position as the best-selling luxury sedan globally.
Design Excellence: Exterior and Interior Refinements of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class embodies modern luxury through exceptional material quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Every model receives a redesigned grille, with six and eight-cylinder variants sporting three twin louvers and high-gloss black vertical strips.
Exterior Design Updates
The Mercedes-Maybach 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class variant further distinguishes itself with an enhanced front featuring extensive chrome trim and the prestigious Maybach logo integrated within the radiator grille. The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class, when equipped with the new LED Intelligent Light System, showcases three distinctive light accents as an exclusive design signature. A newly sculpted sporty front bumper with prominent air intakes adds to the dynamic aesthetic. At the rear, new LED taillamps, resembling crystal jewels, provide a striking and characteristic illumination, day and night on the 2018 Mercedes Benz.
All 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class models feature a redesigned lower bumper section with integrated, visible tailpipe trim, framed by a chrome element spanning the vehicle’s width. Two new 20-inch alloy wheel designs further enhance the exterior appeal.
Interior Design and Technology
The interior of the 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class is defined by a revolutionary widescreen cockpit. Two new, high-resolution 12.3-inch displays are seamlessly integrated under a single glass cover, creating a visually stunning and technologically advanced command center. This central element emphasizes the horizontal design language of the interior.
The widescreen cockpit, serving as both instrument cluster and central display, offers drivers a customizable digital experience. Three display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – allow for personalized information presentation. The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class also introduces Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel, responding to smartphone-like swiping gestures. This innovation allows for complete multimedia system control without hand removal from the steering wheel. Further control options include a touchpad with controller in the center console and Voice Control, ensuring intuitive operation of the 2018 Mercedes Benz‘s advanced features.
Powertrain Innovations: New Engines for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class engine lineup is thoroughly updated, featuring new powertrains that balance performance with efficiency. The range now includes the S450 and S450 4MATIC, powered by a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
A new 4.0L V8 biturbo engine debuts in the Mercedes-Benz S560 and Mercedes-Maybach S560 4MATIC, delivering 463 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine stands out as one of the most economical V8s globally, achieving approximately ten percent better fuel economy than its predecessor. Cylinder deactivation technology, through CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment, enhances fuel efficiency under partial load. The V8 engine also features turbochargers positioned within the cylinder banks’ V for optimized packaging and response in this 2018 Mercedes Benz.
For ultimate performance, 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, this powerhouse produces 603 hp, demonstrating the advanced engineering within the 2018 Mercedes Benz AMG models.
The AMG Performance Line: 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65
The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class range includes the high-performance Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 models, receiving significant updates focused on driving dynamics and visual appeal.
AMG S63: Power and Dynamics
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 Sedan benefits from a new engine, transmission, all-wheel drive system, and redesigned exterior and interior. The Handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, equipped with cylinder deactivation, replaces the previous 5.5L V8. Despite the reduced displacement, it produces an impressive 603 hp, a 26 hp increase over the previous model. The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 achieves 0-60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds, rivaling dedicated sports cars. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed transmission replaces the 7-speed gearbox, and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction for the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63.
AMG S65: The Pinnacle of Performance
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG S65 Sedan, the top-tier 12-cylinder model, receives visual enhancements that emphasize its exclusivity. The Handcrafted AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo engine maintains its formidable 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Both AMG models for 2018 Mercedes Benz surpass competitors in output and torque, thanks to the advanced development of their V8 and V12 biturbo engines.
AMG Specific Technologies
Both 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63 and S65 models feature the new LED Intelligent Light System and an updated front bumper with a jet wing design. Redesigned rear bumpers and modified tailpipe trim further enhance their distinctive appearance. Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, highlights 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.”
Advanced Technology and Connectivity in the 2018 S-Class
The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class elevates in-car technology and connectivity. Beyond the enhanced Intelligent Drive features, the new headunit generation expands telephone options and introduces wireless smartphone charging via Near Field Communication and the Qi standard. The optional Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System, with an output of 1520 watts, is further enhanced with additional speakers for an immersive audio experience in the 2018 Mercedes Benz.
The mbrace® Concierge service provides subscribers with a suite of personalized services, from restaurant reservations to information retrieval and route guidance, accessible via the i-button in the vehicle. This seamless integration of technology and services underscores the 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class commitment to a luxurious and convenient ownership experience.
Conclusion
The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class represents a significant advancement in the luxury sedan segment. With its groundbreaking Intelligent Drive features, new generation engines, opulent interior, and cutting-edge technology, it solidifies its position as the benchmark for automotive excellence. The 2018 Mercedes Benz S-Class is not merely an evolution; it is a revolution in luxury, comfort, and driving innovation, setting new standards for years to come.
