Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a significant update to its flagship S-Class sedan, aiming to maintain its position in a rapidly evolving luxury market increasingly focused on technology and electric vehicles.The updates, described as the moast extensive for this generation of the S-Class, come as traditional luxury sedan sales have softened globally, especially in China. The automaker is responding with a suite of enhancements encompassing exterior styling, interior technology-including a new MBUX Superscreen and integration of AI assistants-and updated powertrain options, signaling a commitment to both refinement and innovation.
Mercedes-Benz is rolling out a significant update to its flagship S-Class sedan, aiming to revitalize interest in the luxury segment as consumer preferences evolve and electric vehicle competition intensifies. The update, the most extensive in the current S-Class generation, comes as sales of traditional luxury limousines have softened, even in key markets like China.
While the S-Class remains the best-selling vehicle in its class, the German automaker acknowledges the need to innovate, particularly as it navigates a market increasingly focused on technology and alternative powertrains. The company introduced the all-electric EQS in 2021, creating internal competition but also signaling a commitment to electrification.
Exterior: Subtle Refinements with a Focus on Presence
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The exterior refresh features a more prominent grille, now 20 percent larger with four horizontal chrome slats, designed to enhance the vehicle’s presence. Mercedes-Benz has also integrated illuminated elements, including a lit grille with small three-dimensional stars and an optional illuminated Mercedes star on the hood – a feature expected to resonate particularly well in the U.S. and Chinese markets.
The updated headlights feature a new “Twin-Star” design, while the taillights now incorporate three chrome stars. The new Digital Light headlight system is designed to provide up to 40 percent more illumination.
New 20-inch multi-spoke wheels are manufactured using a specialized high-pressure casting process, reducing weight and enabling more intricate designs.
For buyers seeking a sportier aesthetic, the new AMG Line Plus package adds larger air intakes and dark chrome exhaust pipes to the standard AMG styling.
Interior Overhaul: A New Digital Experience
The most significant changes are found inside, where the vertical central display of the previous model has been replaced with the standard MBUX Superscreen. Unlike the EQS, which integrates the instrument cluster under glass, the S-Class retains a freestanding 12.3-inch driver display, alongside a combined 14.4-inch central display and 12.3-inch passenger screen under a single glass surface. This redesign incorporates a new architecture for the air vents, featuring a broad lamella band extending into the doors.
The MBUX Superscreen is now standard, and the system utilizes ChatGPT-4o, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini, enabling more fluid and contextual conversations. Users can choose between a “human-like figure” or a new “LittleBenz” avatar. The infotainment system also natively integrates Disney+, YouTube, RIDEVU, and Amazon Music.
The updated S-Class introduces “Digital Vent Control,” electronically adjusting the air vents instead of manually. Preset modes like “Focus Driver” and “Relax Fond” are available, and in chauffeur mode, the driver can control rear vents from the cockpit.
Heated seat cushions, reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius, are a new feature designed to enhance comfort and potentially improve safety by discouraging drivers from wearing bulky winter coats.
Rear passengers now have access to detachable MBUX remote controls and larger 33.3-centimeter displays behind the front seats, equipped with HD cameras for business video conferencing via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Webex.
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Quelle: Mercedes-Benz
The company is offering an expanded range of customization options through its “Manufaktur Made to Measure” program, including 150 exterior colors, 400 interior colors, and numerous other personalization choices.
Powertrain Updates: Enhanced Efficiency and Performance
The updated S 580 4MATIC features a revised 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine, now producing 537 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. A flat-plane crankshaft, typically found in high-revving sports engines, is employed to reduce internal vibrations and improve responsiveness.
The six-cylinder gasoline engines in the S 450 and S 500 receive a more powerful electric auxiliary compressor, minimizing turbo lag. Torque is increased to up to 600 Nm (with a temporary boost to 640 Nm). Optimized encapsulation further enhances noise comfort.
The OM 656 Evo diesel engine in the S 350 d and S 450 d now includes an electrically heated catalytic converter, accelerating the exhaust aftertreatment system to operating temperature and significantly reducing emissions.
The S 580 e plug-in hybrid now delivers a system output of 430 kW (585 PS) and 750 Nm of torque, with an electric range exceeding 100 kilometers.
For high-security applications, the S 680 Guard remains available, offering VR10 ballistic protection and a 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine producing 612 PS and 830 Nm of torque, with a top speed of 210 km/h.
Chassis & Steering: Predictive Ride Comfort
The Airmatic air suspension is standard, with the optional E-Active Body Control system now featuring “Intelligent Damping.” This system utilizes cloud-based Car-to-X data to anticipate road imperfections, adjusting the dampers proactively based on information shared by other S-Class vehicles.
Rear-axle steering is also standard, with an optional 10-degree version reducing the turning circle to 10.8 meters.
MB.OS: The New Central Brain
The updated S-Class introduces the new MB.OS electronic architecture, integrating infotainment, powertrain, and assistance systems. Up to ten external cameras, five radar sensors, and twelve ultrasonic sensors work with a powerful control unit based on MB.OS, processing data in real-time using artificial intelligence. MB.Drive offers enhanced support for cooperative steering, braking, and acceleration.
The enhanced navigation system provides a real-time view of the vehicle and its surroundings, combining assistance system views with a 3D environment and route guidance. The system displays other road users, such as cars, bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians.
Pricing and Availability
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced pricing or the market launch date for the updated S-Class. When launched in 2020, the base diesel model started around €93,000, while the S 450 gasoline model began at approximately €106,000.
