2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Refresh)
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Refresh)
Great small styling updates and big changes to all the engines.
http://www.autoblog.com/2017/04/18/2...shanghai-9876/
http://www.autoblog.com/2017/04/18/2...shanghai-9876/
All S-Classes get facelifted front and rear bumpers that put it more in line with the slightly curvier E-Class. Radiator grilles previously found only on the V12 models are now available across the line. The LED head- and taillights are updated. There are also two new 20-inch wheel designs available.
Inside, there is a three-spoke steering wheel, three new upholstery offerings, and an updated infotainment system with a single-piece glass display. The S-Class also gets an updated safety suite. Active Distance Assist Distronic can now adjust speeds ahead of corners, slowing down and speeding up all automatically. This is similar to the system on the latest Audis. The S-Class also gets wireless phone charging in the center console.
Under the hood, the S450 gets a new 3.0-liter V6 that makes 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the S560 gets you a new 4.0-liter V8 with a healthy 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This new V8 gets cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. Other changes include a "hot V" configuration where the the turbochargers are placed in between the cylinder banks.
In addition to the visual and tech updates, the S-Class AMG twins receive some additional revisions for 2018. The S63 and S65 benefit from new engines, transmissions, and an all-wheel drive system. Both models get revised brakes, fresh wheels, a new exhaust system, adaptive sport seats, and performance apps built into the infotainment system. The cars get updated suspensions, with the S65's based on Mercedes' Magic Body Control.
The S65 continues on with the same 6.0-liter V12 as the current model, churning out the same 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Like the S560, the S63 ditches a 5.5-liter V8, replacing it with a more powerful 4.0-liter V8. In the AMG, the 4.0-liter makes 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. All that power is sent to the wheels through a new nine-speed automatic and a revised version of Mercedes' 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.
Inside, there is a three-spoke steering wheel, three new upholstery offerings, and an updated infotainment system with a single-piece glass display. The S-Class also gets an updated safety suite. Active Distance Assist Distronic can now adjust speeds ahead of corners, slowing down and speeding up all automatically. This is similar to the system on the latest Audis. The S-Class also gets wireless phone charging in the center console.
Under the hood, the S450 gets a new 3.0-liter V6 that makes 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up to the S560 gets you a new 4.0-liter V8 with a healthy 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This new V8 gets cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy. Other changes include a "hot V" configuration where the the turbochargers are placed in between the cylinder banks.
In addition to the visual and tech updates, the S-Class AMG twins receive some additional revisions for 2018. The S63 and S65 benefit from new engines, transmissions, and an all-wheel drive system. Both models get revised brakes, fresh wheels, a new exhaust system, adaptive sport seats, and performance apps built into the infotainment system. The cars get updated suspensions, with the S65's based on Mercedes' Magic Body Control.
The S65 continues on with the same 6.0-liter V12 as the current model, churning out the same 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Like the S560, the S63 ditches a 5.5-liter V8, replacing it with a more powerful 4.0-liter V8. In the AMG, the 4.0-liter makes 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. All that power is sent to the wheels through a new nine-speed automatic and a revised version of Mercedes' 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.
Last edited by RNM GS3; 04-18-17 at 08:37 PM.
#2
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Glad someone finally posted. Not too sure how I feel about the look of the new headlights with the 3 torch design. Also the new steering wheel looks really complicated now that they moved all the distronic buttons on there. And lastly, the rear tailgates are now taken from the E class so there is nothing differentiating the two models anymore. All in all, minor updates. Is the engine in the S450 a "V" 6 or is it the new inline 6?
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Glad someone finally posted. Not too sure how I feel about the look of the new headlights with the 3 torch design. Also the new steering wheel looks really complicated now that they moved all the distronic buttons on there. And lastly, the rear tailgates are now taken from the E class so there is nothing differentiating the two models anymore. All in all, minor updates. Is the engine in the S450 a "V" 6 or is it the new inline 6?
Honestly the new S560 with the 4.0 V8TT is pretty much perfect especially that it can run on 4cyl.
#4
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i am also unsure about the headlights. just like the w221 i feel like they overdid the headlights a bit in the refresh.
i am surprised (in a positive way) about the drive train, that's quite a bump in power. the 63 especially. smaller engine but over 600hp! very nice. even the "regular" s560, my goodness...
i am surprised (in a positive way) about the drive train, that's quite a bump in power. the 63 especially. smaller engine but over 600hp! very nice. even the "regular" s560, my goodness...
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#8
Lexus Fanatic
#9
Lexus Test Driver
I'm okay with the new headlights, but the steering wheel does not match the interior one bit. It looks harsh, robotic, and mechanical, with zero touches of luxury. This design would be far more at home in a Honda Civic Si or Hyundai Veloster, than a Benz S-Class.
And I'm really disliking this new trend of "humps" above the tailpipes. It's an unnecessary styling feature that disrupts the clean flow of any bumper. The facelifted A3/S3 has the same problem, along with many recent BMW's.
And I'm really disliking this new trend of "humps" above the tailpipes. It's an unnecessary styling feature that disrupts the clean flow of any bumper. The facelifted A3/S3 has the same problem, along with many recent BMW's.
#12
So is that new steering wheel standard across the board, or just in the AMG models?? I generally do not like flat bottomed steering wheels(except maybe in something like a Ferrari or McLaren). That flat bottomed wheel looks really out of place IMO, this is a big, stately luxury car, not a race car. And I know most people hated it, but I actually liked the two-spoke wheel, it looked like it was designed specifically for the S-class and really goes well with the curves of the dash.
#13
Lexus Champion
#14
Lexus Fanatic
So is that new steering wheel standard across the board, or just in the AMG models?? I generally do not like flat bottomed steering wheels(except maybe in something like a Ferrari or McLaren). That flat bottomed wheel looks really out of place IMO, this is a big, stately luxury car, not a race car.
A flat-bottom steering wheel, even with power-adjustments, can make it a little easier for people with big heavy legs or bellies to slide in and out, although the effect often isn't very much.
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Hmm, I dunno. I don't think I immediately like it as much as the pre-refresh car. Have to see one in person.
The flat bottom wheel I agree, not great.
How about pricing, is the S450 going to be cheaper than the current S550? If so I would seriously have to consider one.
The flat bottom wheel I agree, not great.
How about pricing, is the S450 going to be cheaper than the current S550? If so I would seriously have to consider one.