What's New for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a top pick in the full-size luxury sedan industry. The 'S-Class' badge itself is synonymous with quality, performance, plushness, and class. For 2018, Mercedes-Benz introduces a number of changes and upgrades, among them new model designations and new engines.

The S 450 and S 560 trims are new for the 2018 model year. They both come with new V-6 and V-8 engines mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Presumably, the S 450 is the S 550e plug-in hybrid replacement - although the latter may make a comeback in the near future. The S 560 replaces the S 550 and comes with a more frugal yet powerful engine.

The S-Class lineup also gets an aesthetic refresh which includes updated headlights, restyled front and rear fascia, and a new three-spoke steering wheel. Also, the automaker includes the latest in autonomous driving technology to reclaim its flagship place as the most technically proficient Benz. Also, drivers now get three new-for-2018 upholstery choices: Magma Grey/Espresso Brown, Silk Beige/Deep-Sea Blue, and Mahogany/Silk Beige.

Impressive Features

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sells as a coupe, convertible, or sedan body styles and it is available in four trim levels: the S 450, the S 560, the AMG® S 63, and the AMG® S 65. The ultra-luxurious Mercedes-Maybach shares the performance specs as the S560 but gets the most comfort and tech features in the lineup.

Standard features highlights on every 2018 Mercedes-Benz trim include a panoramic sunroof, adaptive LED headlights, soft-close doors, a power trunk lid, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, and keyless ignition. Inside the cabin, you get leather upholstery, virtual instrument panel, an air fragrance dispenser, heated power-adjustable front seats with memory functions, and a power rear sunshade.

The tech department boasts an advanced autonomous driving function, a 12.3-inch Mercedes-Benz COMAND® infotainment interface, a wireless charging pad, smartphone integration, a navigation system, a 13-speaker Burmester system, and a 115-volt household power outlet.

Adding the Premium package earns you a wealth of options including massage functions on the available ventilated front multi-contour seats, an automated parking system, power sunshades, and 360-degree cameras. The Rear Seat package installs a power-reclining right back seat with ottoman, multi-contour seats, and seat cushion airbags.

Stand-alone features include Magic Sky Control, a night-vision camera, a rear-seat wireless charging pad, Magic Body Control, a 26-speaker Burmester system, and a head-up display.

Built to Perform

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers four engine choices paired with either a seven- or nine-speed automatic transmission. The base S 450 and S 450 4MATIC® employ a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 that manufactures 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. Moving up to the S 560 improves performance with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 worth 463 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The same 4.0-liter engine powers the Mercedes-Maybach. The 2018 AMG® S 63 only comes in four-wheel-drive mode (4MATIC®) and seeks motivation from a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 churning 603 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. The range-topping rear-wheel-drive AMG® S 65 carries a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 that spits out 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. It is the only model that comes standard with the seven-speed automatic.

Safety Features that Give You a Peace of Mind

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is home to industry-leading driver assistance and active safety technology. It is capable of driving itself thanks to features such as Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and a route-based Speed Adaptation system.

It also carries Evasive Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist, Car-to-X communication, Cross-Traffic function, Active Lane Keeping, PRESAFE® Plus, and Active Blind Spot Assist. The new Pre-Safe Sound releases an interference signal to prevent hearing loss while the PRESAFE® Impulse Side moves the passenger away from the crash zone when the S-Class detects an imminent crash.