Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2018

Mercedes gives the S-Class a subtle visual freshening for 2018. All versions have an LED Intelligent Light System, and Ultra Wide Beam high-beam headlights are a new option for 2018. Additionally, new front and rear bumper designs debut, along with new LED taillights and two new 20-in. wheel designs.

The S450 and S560 models have a new grille design, while the Mercedes-Maybach S560 receives extensive chrome trim and Maybach logos between the grille louvers.

AMG models also see styling updates, including a “jet wing” front bumper design and a 3-dimensional front splitter. The S65 is set apart with exclusive 20-in. forged aluminum wheels with ceramic mirror polishing.

For 2018, S-Class buyers can opt for an Energizing Comfort system that links various interior features together to allow owners to enjoy a specific “wellness” setup. Owners choose from Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, and Comfort programs. Additionally, there are three Training selections for muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance.

Each program runs for 10 minutes, optimizing the climate control, ambient lighting, fragrance, heating/ventilation, and massage systems to the specific selection. The stereo even plays appropriate music for each program.

A new family of engines debuts in the 2018 Mercedes S-Class, and the available Active Body Control suspension gains improved Road Surface Scan technology as well as a curve-tilt function designed to lessen the centrifugal force felt by occupants as the car rounds corners.

In the S450 and S450 4Matic, a twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 engine makes 362 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft. of torque. The S560 and Mercedes-Maybach S560 4Matic get a twin-turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8 engine making 463 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque.

Mercedes claims the S560’s power plant is one of the most fuel-efficient V-8 engines ever built and says it improves fuel economy by 10% over the engine it replaces, thanks in part to cylinder-deactivation technology.

The Mercedes-AMG S63 receives a hand-built, twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 engine making 603 horsepower and 664 lb.-ft. It also includes cylinder-deactivation technology and sees a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. Performance, however, does not suffer. Acceleration to 60 mph requires just 3.4 seconds, according to Mercedes.

The new engine is bolted to a new AMG-Speedshift 9-speed transmission, which powers all four wheels through a new fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. When placed in Sport or Sport+ driving mode, a new Race Start function ensures maximum acceleration. Additionally, the AMG S63 is equipped with a performance exhaust system that emits different sound depending on the selected driving mode, speed-sensitive steering, and a sport suspension based on the company’s Airmatic technology.

The Mercedes-AMG S65 continues with a twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter V-12 engine good for 621 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque. It powers the rear wheels through a 7-speed transmission, and this AMG-tuned version of the S-Class is actually slower than the S63, requiring 4.2 seconds to get to 60 mph. Otherwise, the S65 is outfitted similarly to the S63, except that its AMG Sport Suspension is based on Magic Body Control with its new curve-tilting function and adjustable ride height.