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Revised Mercedes S-Class to arrive in July
Date: 18 April 2017 | Author: James Richardson
Details and images of the refreshed Mercedes S-Class saloon have been revealed ahead of the car's public debut at the Shanghai motor show later this week.
Alongside the obligatory minor styling alterations, there are also a number of new engines for the marque's luxury saloon, as well as more autonomous safety tech and more comfort tech. It'll also feature the CURVE wheel-tilting technology from the S-Class coupe and cabriolet for the first time.
Those minor styling changes include a new grille, larger air-intakes in the front bumper, new rear lights and seven different designs of alloy wheel, ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter. Meanwhile, the optional Multibeam LED headlights give the new S-Class a further aesthetic upgrade.
Inside, as before there are two 12.3-inch displays, one for the instrument binnacle and the other - above the centre console - from which to control the infotainment system. The new car features touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that the driver can use to swipe through the infotainment system's menus, all without having to take their hands off the steering wheel.
The big news, however, is under the bonnet. As well as the high-performance twin turbocharged 4.0-litre V8, available in two states of tune, company car buyers are likely to have their interest piqued by the new inline six-cylinder diesel engines that are making their debuts in the new luxury saloon.
Dubbed the S350d and the S400d respectively, both come with four-wheel drive as standard and manage 286 and 340hp respectively, as well as 600 and 700Nm of torque. The S400d is the most powerful diesel in the brand's history, but is capable of 50.4mpg, while the S350d manages 51.3mpg. These both equate to BIK ratings of 31%, thanks to CO2 emissions of 147 and 145g/km respectively. There is an upgraded plug-in hybrid option on the way too, which should be capable of around 31 miles on electric power alone.
As always with the flagship Merc, there's a feast of new tech too. It now comes equipped with wireless phone charging and the ability to connect two phones to the Bluetooth system, so even passengers can make and receive telephone calls wirelessly. As well as this, there's a variety of new semi-autonomous safety kit that includes lane-change assist, active steer assist, active cruise control and active steer assist, all of which make the new S-Class nearly fully autonomous on the motorway.
Meanwhile, buyers will also have access to the new Concierge Service that allows customers to make restaurant reservations and obtain information about tourist spots, as well as have sat-nav directions sent directly to the car.
Furthermore, the revised S-Class will also be available with a system that combines features like the climate control, the seat heating, cooling and massaging functions, the fragrancing, the lighting and the music to enable a "specific wellness set-up tailored to the mood and need of the customer". There are six programmes that can be selected, which are freshness, warmth, vitality, joy, comfort and training.
The updated Mercedes S-Class goes on sale in July, with first deliveries due before the end of the year. Expect to pay a small premium over the current model, which has a starting price of £70,425.
