Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the updated 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class at the Shanghai Motor Show. The mid-life update to the S-Class lineup, includes the introduction of more efficient engines, Intelligent Drive autonomous driving tech and an upgraded interior.
Last year the S-Class was the best selling large luxury sedan in the world and since 2013, over 300,000 have been sold. “The development of the new S-Class was extremely extensive. With a whole series of new features and functions the S-Class remains the technological pioneer”, says Ola Källenius, responsible on the Board of Daimler AG for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.
On the outside, the 2018 S-Class and Mercedes-Maybach models get a restyled grille, updated headlights and new bumpers. The headlights now feature three distinctive torches of light and the taillights have a new three-bar design. The front bumper has pronounced air intakes to give the sedan a somewhat sportier look, while the rear bumper now shows off the tailpipes more. Lastly there are seven new wheel options ranging in size from 17- to 20-inches.
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The interior of the new S-Class gets two new 12.3-inch displays under one shared glass cover that emphasize the horizontal orientation of the interior design. The steering wheel has also been updated with new touch-sensitive controls. They respond to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone and enable the driver to control the entire infotainment system.
Under the hood, the 2018 S-Class will offer a range of new engines. The Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC and Mercedes-Maybach S 560 4MATIC are powered by a new 4.0L V-8 469-hp, while the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ gets a 612-hp 4.0-liter V-8 Biturbo engine that replaces the previous 5.5-liter V-8 Biturbo. The base S 450 will be powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 with 362-hp and 369 lb-ft. of torque.
Mercedes-Benz is also planning other engine options for the S-Class, including a new in-line six-cylinder engine as well as a plug-in hybrid with about 31 miles of electric range.
The updated 2018 S-Class will arrive this fall.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
