Last week, the German manufacturer with the 3-pointed star badge, launched the revamped 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi for the Middle East market. The mid-cycle refresh was expected but this is still big news!
OK! Here is what you should know about the new and improved “best car in the world”. The new S-Class will be available in six model variants in the GCC markets. The Mercedes-Benz S 450, S 560 4MATIC and Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ will be available from August 2017. While the remaining variants like the Mercedes-Benz S 560, Mercedes-AMG S 65 and Mercedes-Maybach S 650 will launch in November 2017. The starting price of each 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class model is as follows:
- Mercedes-Benz S 450 – from $109,950
- Mercedes-Benz S 560 – from $133,700
- Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC – from $137,350
- Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ – from $174,950
- Mercedes-AMG S 65 – from $237,000
- Mercedes-Maybach S 650 – from $209,300
Visually updates include, a new radiator grille for all models: six and eight-cylinder variants sport three twin louvres and high-gloss black finish vertical strips. The V12 models get additional chrome-finish vertical strips. Seven new light-alloy wheels with diameters between 17 and 20 inches have been introduced.
The range starter S 450 gets a turbo 3.0-litre V6 that makes 270 kW (367 bhp) and 500 Nm of torque. While the S 560 boasts a Biturbo V8 that makes 345 kW (469 hp) and 700 Nm and is claimed to be among the most economical V8 petrol engines in the world. How? Four cylinders of the new V8 are simultaneously deactivated under partial load using CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment system. Then you also have the high-performance models of the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and S 65 add impressive power and get aesthetic updates as well like a new front apron with jet wings and at the rear, there is a the new apron and modified tailpipe trim. It is equipped with the new AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine, which replaces the previous 5.5-litre V-8 Biturbo engine. The new engine puts out 450 kW (612 hp) – 20 kW (27 hp) more than the preceding model. You can also get the all-wheel drive version called the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+. With the heplp of which and AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9‑speed sports transmission replaces the previous 7-speed gearbox, it can achieve a 3.5 seconds run from zero to 100 km/h. Motorsport enthusiasts can record numerous vehicle data and lap times on the race track with AMG Track Pace in the S 63 4MATIC+. While the S 65 and the Mayback S 650 share the King Pin 6.0-litre V12 engine that makes 463 kW or 630 bhp and …..wait for it, 1000 Nm of twist.
Illumination comes courtesy of MULTIBEAM LED headlamps and the ULTRA RANGE High Beam helps keep the reference value of 1 lux over a distance of more than 650 metres. That’s over half a kilometre! The S-Class features three distinctive torches of light and the front bumper with pronounced air intakes are also new and so are the LED crystal-look tail lamps that feature three horizontal pairs of fibre optics.
Safety wise, added to the “Intelligent Drive” are things like Active Steer Assist and Active Breaking Assist, which detects end-of-tailback situations without space for evasive action, triggers a warning as well as automatic emergency stopping when required; Evasive Steering Assist that does exactly what its name says when it detects a pedestrians in front of the vehicle and the very innovative PRE-SAFE Sound that makes a short interference signal to negate the crash sound – like sound cancellation.
On the insides, you get open-pore woods as well as leather-trimmed doors and dashboard, as expected, just as the wide range of colours and combinations for the upholstery. The interior is characterised by two new high-resolution 12.3 inches displays as before, but the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that respond to swiping motions in the same manner as a smartphone is new. And oh! A conventional 3-spoke steering wheel has replaced the peculiar 2-spoke wheel.
The ENERGIZING comfort control is a world-first, it links various comfort systems together. like climate control system, fragrancing, seats ventilation and heating, massage, panel heating as well as lighting and musical atmospheres, and enables a specific wellness set-up tailored to the customer’s mood. Six programmes are available: Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and a Training mode. Training mode? WTF!
Mobile phones can be charged wirelessly through the charging pad integrated into the stowage compartment at the front or in the rear centre console. Front and rear passengers now have more text messaging options. They can receive, send, forward and use voice-to-text to dictate text messages. The Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound system with an output of 1520 watts is sure to blow your ear drums out while the 64 colours ambient lighting system will be like walking into a make-up store like Sephora.
The curve-tilting function available for the first time, the body tilts to the inside of the turn by up to 2.65 degrees and thereby reduces the centrifugal forces perceived by the passengers. The MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension of the S 65 – which combines active springs of the suspension with continuously adjustable dampers and ROAD SURFACE SCAN – prepares for bumps before the vehicle runs over them. It precisely scans the condition of the road ahead with the help of a stereo camera to adjust the damping of each individual wheel optimally to the upcoming bumps already ahead of time. That’s a WTF statement again! Incredible!
All new 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models also get KEYLESS start function. This also marks the introduction of the new generation of keys, with a high-gloss black or high-gloss white design and different ornamental frames.
Anyone looking to customisation can order a host of options, like Night and Carbon package from the AMG Performance Studio.
