- Mercedes facelifted the S-Class with illuminated star accents.
- New MBUX Superscreen adds three displays across the dashboard.
- Updated powertrains include a 577 hp V8 and plug-in hybrids.
The Mercedes S-Class has defined luxury for decades, but it’s finally giving into the company’s worst temptations. As a result, the understated flagship has been transformed into a starry eyed, screen-infused status symbol.
Mercedes said the “boardroom on wheels” is more than 50 percent new, updated or refined. This starts outside where the S-Class has been equipped with a 20 percent larger grille, which is illuminated for the first time and features three-dimensional chrome stars.
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Speaking of which, the hood ornament can be illuminated in yet another questionable first. The model also sports new head- and taillights with starry accents.
Buyers will also find updated wheels and a revamped color palette. There’s also a new Manufaktur Made to Measure program, which offers more than 150 paint colors and over 400 interior options.
The optional AMG Line package adds sportier bumpers and side skirts as well as AMG wheels that measure up to 21 inches. The upgrades continue inside with a flat-bottom steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, “exclusive sound profiles,” and interior displays featuring red accents.
Goodbye Wood, Hello Screens
While the exterior is evolutionary, the cabin is a radical departure as the wide swath of wood trim has been replaced by HAL 9000. However, instead of a red eye, the model has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.4-inch infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch front passenger display.
The screens leave the interior feeling cold and lifeless, while also requiring drastic updates. Key among them is a new dashboard and a revamped center console, which features a dual wireless smartphone charger as well as illuminated cup holders.
The changes don’t stop there as the S-Class has been equipped with a new multifunction steering wheel. It bucks the high-tech trend by bringing back physical controls including a rocker switch for Distronic and a roller for the volume.
While Mercedes basically admitted people don’t like technology for technology’s sake, that didn’t stop them from trying to cram it down our throat. Case in point are the circular new air vents, which feature digital vent control.
Mercedes describes it as an “innovative system that automatically adapts the position of air vents – both front and rear – to a customer’s desires.” Eight positions can be stored and activated by the car’s new virtual assistant.
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Speaking of which, the AI-infused MBUX Virtual Assistant relies on ChatGPT4o and Microsoft Bing Search. It’s represented by a “living” avatar in the form of the Mercedes star.
Sticking with the tech theme, the S-Class offers an upgraded rear seat entertainment system with larger 13.1-inch displays. They have detachable remotes as well as cameras that allow for meetings in Microsoft Teams.
There are a ton of other updates including newly available heated front seat belts. They’re tied to the heated seats and feel like a warm “gentle embrace.”
Rounding out the highlights are revamped trim and newly available Beech Brown upholstery. Buyers will also find a standard Burmester 3D surround sound system, but the optional 4D surround sound system offers up to 39 speakers.
An Engine For Almost Everyone
Under the hood, there’s a dizzying mix of powertrains, but the headline is the arrival of a new flat-plane-crank V8 in the S 580 4Matic. This mild-hybrid, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter engine, known internally as the M177 Evo, produces 530 hp (395 kW / 537 PS) and 533 lb-ft (750Nm) of torque from just 2,500rpm. That’s a bump from the previous version’s 496 hp and 516 lb-ft respectively. Revised turbocharger housings and an upgraded fuel injection system aim to sharpen response while also improving refinement and efficiency.
Customers will also find an S 450 with a 3.0-liter inline-six producing 376 hp (280 kW / 381 PS) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque. Upgrading to the S 500 rewards buyers with a more powerful engine developing 443 hp (330 kW / 449 PS) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm).
In Europe and other markets outside the U.S., the range also includes 3.0-liter diesel options. These engines produce 309 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, as well as a more powerful version with 362 hp (270 kW / 367 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm).
The options don’t end there as Mercedes will offer two plug-in hybrid variants. The S 450 e has a 3.0-liter inline-six, an electric motor, and a 22 kWh battery pack. This setup gives the luxury sedan a combined output of 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 501 lb-ft (680 Nm) of torque. 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) comes in 5.7 seconds, while customers can expect an electric-only WLTP range of up to 73 miles (118 km).
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The S 580 e is largely identical using the same inline-six, but it has an increased output of 577 hp (430 kW / 585 PS) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. This lowers the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time to 4.4 seconds, but the battery-only range also falls to 64 miles (103 km).
While the S-Class offers an assortment of powertrains, only three are coming stateside. They include the S 500, S 580, and S 580 e. However, they’ll be joined by updated AMG variants in the future.
Rear axle steering comes standard in America and turns the wheels by up to 4.5 degrees. If you deal with tight spaces often, you can upgrade to a 10 degree system that reduces the turning circle to 35.4 feet (10.8 meters). Buyers will also find an air suspension and optional E-Active Body Control.
When Are They Coming?
The new S 500, S 580, and S 580e are scheduled to hit U.S. showrooms in the second half of the year. Pricing details haven’t been released yet, but they’re expected to be announced closer to the launch window.
