Mercedes S-Class gets a facelift, more technology and new engines

2018 Mercedes S-Class gets a facelift

The 2018 Mercedes S-Class has been revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show with a mild cosmetic makeover, new technology and new range of engine options.

On the face of it, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class – revealed at the Shanghai Motor Show – gets a relatively modest cosmetic makeover to keep it fresh and current, but that mild titivation hides a plethora of newness.

The immediately obvious changes to the S-Class include the usual new bumpers, a new grille (basically the V12 grille bolted on across the range), new headlights and new running lights.

But it’s under that modestly updated exterior where most of the changes lurk.

The new diesel engine – Mercedes OM656 – gives the S 350d 282bhp, but there’s a new S 400d too with a more fulsome 335bhp as well as a new petrol straight-six with 48v electrics powering an integrated starter alternator to help with fuel consumption.

There will also be a new plug-in hybrid S 560e which will deliver 30 miles of EV running (well, in theory) from its 13.3kWh battery, a 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 S63 with 604bhp and a 621bhp S65 V12.

New technology includes the latest version of Distronic including mapping data to set the S-Class up for what’s ahead, as well as Active Lane Change which will change lanes when you indicate.

The S_Class’s Magic Body Control gets an overhaul to scan more comprehensively, and it’ll even make the car lean in to corners for a smoother ride.

Inside there’s revised digital instrument and infotainment screens with a choice of modes, new steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and new LED lighting as well as energising comfort control to give you the environment you want with tweaks to the climate, massage seats, lighting and sound system.

On sale in the UK in October, the new Mercedes S-Class is likely to rise in price as spec levels are updated too.