Mercedes-Benz continued its tradition of automotive excellence in 2018, introducing a range of new and updated models that showcased cutting-edge technology, enhanced performance, and luxurious design. This article delves into the key highlights of the Mercedes-Benz 2018 lineup, focusing on the advancements and new additions that made these vehicles stand out in the competitive luxury market. From the flagship S-Class sedan to the dynamic AMG GT series and versatile SUVs, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz models offered something for every discerning driver.
S-Class Sedan: Elevating Luxury with New Technology and Powertrains
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan marked a significant step forward, receiving substantial revisions that went beyond mere aesthetics. While the exterior boasted refined styling with new bumpers, distinctive “triple torch” headlights, and LED taillamps featuring a “stardust” effect, the real innovations lay beneath the surface.
Alt text: Front view of a silver Mercedes-Benz 2018 S-Class sedan highlighting its redesigned front bumper and ‘triple torch’ LED headlights, key features of the 2018 model year update.
Three new powertrains debuted within the S-Class range. The S450 and S450 4MATIC models introduced a potent 362 hp 3.0L V6 biturbo engine, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. For those seeking more power, the S560 models, including the Mercedes-Maybach S560 4MATIC, were equipped with a robust 463 hp 4.0L V8 biturbo engine. This advanced V8 incorporated cylinder deactivation technology, improving fuel economy by approximately 10% compared to the previous S550 while delivering increased horsepower and maintaining the impressive 516 lb-ft of torque.
The high-performance AMG S63 variant also received a powertrain upgrade. Its handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, also featuring cylinder deactivation, now produced a thrilling 603 hp, a notable 26 hp increase over the preceding 5.5L V8 biturbo. The transmission was also enhanced, with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 9-speed replacing the previous 7-speed unit. Furthermore, the new 4MATIC+ system with fully variable torque distribution and RACE START function contributed to an astonishing 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.4 seconds. For the first time in an S-Class, both the S63 and S65 models featured AMG DYNAMIC SELECT with four driving modes, and the integration of the AMG Track Pace App into the infotainment system catered to driving enthusiasts.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class showcasing the new dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays integrated into a widescreen digital cockpit and the updated steering wheel with touch control buttons.
Ride comfort and handling were further refined with the availability of MAGIC BODY CONTROL® suspension with the CURVE tilting function for S-Class Sedans – a feature previously exclusive to the Coupes. This system enhanced passenger comfort by actively leaning the vehicle into corners, reducing lateral forces. Other advanced technologies included Road Surface Scan for preemptive suspension adjustments and the LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide Beam for optimized visibility.
The interior of the 2018 S-Class Sedans was equally impressive, featuring a new generation of dual 12.3″ high-resolution displays seamlessly integrated into a widescreen digital cockpit. Drivers could personalize their display with three distinct styles: Classic, Sport, and Progressive. New trim options, including wood and upholstery selections, allowed for further customization, with standard Nappa Leather in all V8 models. A newly designed steering wheel incorporated Touch Control Buttons, mirroring smartphone-like swiping actions for intuitive control. The updated COMAND head unit offered expanded phone capabilities and Qi-compatible inductive wireless charging. A groundbreaking feature, ENERGIZING Comfort, synergized various comfort systems like climate control, ambient lighting, massage, and fragrance functions, allowing drivers to create personalized “wellness setups.”
Intelligent Drive: Advancing Driver Assistance Technology in 2018 Mercedes Models
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz models, particularly the S-Class, showcased significant advancements in driver assistance systems under the umbrella of Intelligent Drive. Enhanced camera and radar systems formed the foundation for these improvements. The Lane Tracking package became standard, and both Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist were refined for greater effectiveness. Notably, the system began utilizing map and navigation data to anticipate driving behavior, further enhancing its proactive capabilities.
Alt text: Digital display illustrating Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive system features including Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist, highlighting the enhanced driver assistance technologies in 2018 models.
Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist provided even more comprehensive support for maintaining safe distances and steering inputs. Speed adjustment became automatic in anticipation of curves and intersections. The new Driver Assistance Package encompassed several key features:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: Leveraged extensive map and navigation data for route-based driver support and included Active Speed Limit Assist for automatic speed adjustments.
- Active Steering Assist: Offered enhanced steering support, generating torque to help drivers stay centered in lanes, even on curves.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Enabled lane changes with a simple tap of the indicator stalk, executing the maneuver within ten seconds if sensors detected no vehicles in the safety zone.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: Initiated vehicle braking to a standstill when Active Steering Assist was engaged and the system detected sustained driver unresponsiveness.
- Traffic Sign Assist: Displayed posted speed limits using image recognition and navigation system data.
Expanding the Dream Car Portfolio: New E-Class and AMG GT Variants
Mercedes-Benz expanded its “dream car” portfolio in 2018 with the introduction of new E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models and additional roadster variants within the AMG GT series. The 2018 E-Class Cabriolet solidified Mercedes-Benz’s position as the only luxury brand offering three distinct four-seat convertible model lines.
Alt text: Side view of a Mercedes-Benz 2018 E-Class Cabriolet with its soft top down, showcasing its elegant design and four-seater open-air configuration, a key addition to the 2018 model lineup.
The all-new 2018 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet models were larger than their predecessors, offering significantly increased rear seat passenger space. Both were available as E400 models with rear-wheel drive or E400 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Power came from a 3.0L biturbo V6 engine producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. Optional AIR BODY CONTROL multi-chamber air suspension and the full suite of Driver Assistance technologies from the E-Class Sedan were also available.
The E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet shared a striking design language characterized by attractive proportions, reduced lines, and sensual forms. Key design elements included a bold diamond-block grille, “power domes” on the hood, and distinctive taillamps. The Cabriolet’s multi-layer fabric acoustic soft top, available in various colors, provided excellent sound insulation and could be enhanced with AIRCAP® wind deflector and AIRSCARF® neck-level heating for top-down driving comfort. Inside, both models featured a luxurious four-seat layout with premium materials and an optional widescreen cockpit featuring dual 12.3-inch displays.
E-Class Sedan Family Growth and AMG Performance Wagon Debut
The E-Class Sedan lineup expanded in 2018 with new variants, including the E400 and E400 4MATIC Sedans, both powered by the 329 hp 3.0L biturbo V6 engine. The highly anticipated Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon also debuted, sharing the 603 hp handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with the E63 S Sedan. This engine delivered a remarkable 627 lb-ft of torque, coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The AMG E63 S Wagon achieved a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds and a top track speed of 180 mph, making it the world’s fastest wagon at the time of its release. Both AMG E63 S models benefited from AMG multi-chamber air suspension with adaptive damping and optional AMG Ceramic Composite brakes.
AMG GT Family Expands with New Performance Options
Mercedes-AMG celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017 and continued its momentum in 2018 by expanding the AMG GT model lineup. Joining the existing GT and GT S models were four new variants: the AMG GT Roadster, GT C Coupe and Roadster, and the range-topping GT R Coupe.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a green Mercedes-AMG 2018 GT R Coupe, highlighting its aggressive styling and aerodynamic features, the top-performing variant in the expanded 2018 AMG GT lineup.
The GT R Coupe was positioned as the ultimate track-focused model, featuring a 577 hp version of the handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine and a track-tuned chassis. The GT C models offered a 550 hp version of the engine and inherited the wider body, wider rear track, and Active Rear-Wheel Steering from the GT R. GT C models also included more standard equipment, such as an electronic limited-slip differential. All AMG GT models utilized a rear-mounted 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT® DCT transaxle.
SUV Leadership Strengthened with AMG Performance Models and GLA Updates
Mercedes-Benz solidified its leadership in the luxury SUV segment in 2018, offering the most comprehensive lineup in the U.S. market with seven distinct model lines and a total of 22 SUV variants, half of which were AMG performance models.
The popular GLA crossover SUV received a facelift for 2018, featuring revised styling, new safety technology, and enhanced driving capabilities. Exterior updates included redesigned bumpers and new wheel designs, emphasizing its SUV character. An optional off-road comfort suspension increased ground clearance by 1.2 inches. Active Brake Assist became standard, and LED headlamps replaced bi-xenon headlamps. The GLA250 models retained the 208 hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 continued with a 375-horsepower AMG 2.0L turbocharged engine.
Alt text: Front view of a blue Mercedes-Benz 2018 GLA SUV showcasing its facelifted design with redesigned front bumper and new LED headlamps, part of the 2018 model year updates for the compact SUV.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC model line expanded its AMG performance offerings with the addition of the AMG GLC63 SUV, AMG GLC63 Coupe, and AMG GLC63 S Coupe. These models joined the existing AMG GLC43 SUV and Coupe, bringing the total AMG GLC variants to five. The AMG GLC63 models were powered by the handcrafted AMG 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, producing 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the standard GLC63 and a more potent 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque in the GLC63 S Coupe. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9-speed transmission, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, and AMG multi-chamber air suspension were standard features. The AMG GLC63 and GLC63 S Coupes also included a “RACE” drive program for maximum performance.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz 2018 model year was marked by significant advancements and expansions across its diverse lineup. From the groundbreaking technology and powertrain updates in the S-Class to the dynamic additions to the AMG GT and SUV families, Mercedes-Benz continued to set new benchmarks in the luxury automotive sector. The focus on Intelligent Drive technologies, enhanced performance, and refined luxury ensured that the Mercedes 2018 Models remained highly desirable and competitive in the global market, appealing to a wide range of customers seeking the ultimate driving experience.
