On January 29, German time, Mercedes-Benz officially unveiled the new S-Class sedan. Although this update is defined as a mid-cycle facelift in the model's lifecycle, according to official information, more than 50% of the new car's components have been newly developed or redesigned, representing a scale of change close to a full generation change. It is reported that the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is planned to go on sale in the Chinese market in the first half of this year.
The new S-Class features notable exterior adjustments. The front fascia adopts an illuminated grille approximately 20% larger in size, with the number of horizontal chrome slats increased to four, accented by 3D chrome star emblems. The classic standing hood ornament is illuminated for the first time. The headlights are redesigned with a "double star emblem" shape, and the taillights echo this with three star emblem elements. When approaching the vehicle with the key, the light units present a dynamic welcome effect, and the light-sensitive projection device at the side skirts can project the brand emblem or lettering onto the ground. The new car will continue to offer two styling packages, with the main difference being the use of chrome trim versus darkened trim.
The side profile of the body has changed little, with the long-wheelbase version's length increased by 14 millimeters to 5,304 millimeters. The new car is equipped with new-style 20-inch wheels and adds driver assistance sensors at locations including the fenders. Through the MANUFAKTUR bespoke service, customers can choose from more than 150 paint colors and 400 interior color schemes for personalization.
The interior layout has undergone important adjustments. The center console adopts an integrated glass panel that merges the 14.4-inch central touchscreen and the 12.3-inch front passenger entertainment screen into a single "Superscreen." The passenger screen is equipped with a "privacy mode" to reduce distraction for the driver. The latest version of the MBUX intelligent human-machine interaction system integrates multiple generative AI technologies. The steering wheel has returned to more physical buttons and scroll wheel designs. The front row is equipped with dual wireless phone charging pads and heated seat belts, and the seats offer multiple massage modes.
In terms of driver assistance, the new S-Class is built on the MB.OS architecture to integrate the vehicle's various functional domains. Its intelligent driving assistance system relies on 10 exterior cameras, 5 radar sensors, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, and will be the first in the Chinese market to achieve door-to-door assisted driving and intelligent assisted parking. The system supports recognition of diagonal and unmarked parking spaces for the first time and provides wheel risk warnings. In the Chinese market, it will also offer urban and highway navigation-assisted driving systems.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a variety of powertrains, covering both combustion engines and plug-in hybrid types to meet the needs of different markets. Among them, the S 450 4MATIC and S 500 4MATIC are equipped with the M 256 Evo inline-six engine; the S 580 4MATIC is equipped with the all-new M 177 Evo V8 engine; the S 350 d 4MATIC and S 450 d 4MATIC will be equipped with the upgraded OM656 Evo inline-six diesel engine; all three of the above engines are paired with a 17-kilowatt ISG intelligent motor and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. In addition, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to offer plug-in hybrid models, with the S 450 e EQ Hybrid and S 580 e 4MATIC EQ Hybrid equipped with a plug-in hybrid system combining an upgraded inline-six gasoline engine and an electric motor.
