Mercedes-Benz S-Class Facelift Unveiled At 2017 Shanghai Auto Show

The new S-Class comes with some cosmetic and mechanical changes.

Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the facelift of its flagship sedan, the S-Class, at the ongoing 2017 Shanghai Auto Show. As is the case with most of the mid-life facelifts, the new S-Class doesn't completely stand out from the model it replaces, but features some cosmetic and mechanical changes. The current generation S-Class was introduced in 2013 and is one of the most popular luxury cars in its segment. Let's have a look at the changes in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The new S-Class looks similar to its predecessor, but it does feature some subtle changes in the exterior. For instance, it has a new, wider grille and larger air intakes on the front bumper. The headlights have been tweaked and feature multibeam LED lamps with ultra range high beam, road surface scan and curve-tilting function. It also gets a new rear fascia with re-profiled tail lamps. Moreover, two new 20-inch alloy wheels are on offer.

Step inside and you'll notice more changes. The new car has a bigger, 12.3-inch high-resolution display with a single-bonded glass panel. The two-spoke steering wheel has made way for a more conventional three-spoke unit and the new control buttons on the steering let you manage all the functions better. It also comes with new trim options and new upholstery offerings. What's interesting is now you can link all the comfort features in the car to work together. Seen on a production car for the first time, the Energising comfort feature lets you configure features like climate control, ambient lighting, massage and fragrance to create different specific moods.

The new S-Class also has a bunch of latest semi-autonomous driving features. While Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC helps keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, Active Steering Assist steers the car for you and does not necessarily depend upon lane markings. The speed of the car can be automatically adjusted ahead of curves or intersections. The Active Emergency Stop Assist brakes the car if the system detects no driver reaction while driving with Active Steering Assist turned on. It also features an improved Active Lane Change Assist which helps in changing lanes on highways.

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class Connoisseur’s Edition Launched At Rs 1.21 Crore

When it comes to mechanical changes, the petrol engine has been revised and the S 550 has been replaced by the new S 560. It has a 4-litre V8 petrol engine which produces 470.6PS of power and 700 Nm of torque. A 6-cylinder petrol engine with a hybrid powertrain is also likely to be introduced soon.

While the S 350d 4MATIC has a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine which produces 288PS and 600 Nm of torque, the S 400d 4MATIC has the same engine but in a different state of tune and produces 340.7PS and 700 Nm of torque.  

The S-Class facelift will be launched in the international market in July and is likely to be introduced in India around the festive season this year. It will be locally assembled at the Mercedes plant in Chakan, Pune, and will see a marginal bump in prices. It will compete with the likes of the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and the Jaguar XJ.

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Concept A Sedan: The Future Audi A3 Sedan Rival

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