What to expect from the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz will launch the new avatar of its flagship sedan, the S-Class on 26 February. Based on the the current generation of the S-Class, the new car gets cosmetic tweaks on the outside as well as the inside, along with new engine options. Here is what you can expect from the new S.

Exterior

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will get a new fascia with an all-new bumper which gets sportier lines and a wider grille. The headlamps have also been tweaked with the new LED signature and will now get the new adaptive intelligent LED headlamps as well. Since it continues with the same body shell, the profile of the S-Class remains the same, but it does get a new set of alloy wheel designs. The tweaks continue to the rear as well with new internals for the tail lamps and a new rear bumper as well.

Interior

The 2018 S will continue to be the benchmark for luxury on account of its well-appointed cabin and comfort features that have been fine tuned for a better experience. The large dash with premium wooden inserts gets an advanced Infotainment system with the touch panel controller at the base of the waterfall center console.

The instrument cluster will be a TFT screen with adaptive display that changes according to the driving modes and the information readouts can be changed with the help of the steering mounted controls. Everything from the seats, steering, mirrors and panoramic sunroof will be electrically operated.

Like the current model, the S500 will get electrically adjustable rear seats as well, along with the tumble function for the front passenger seat for the chauffeured ones. Individual screens for the rear passenger along with controllers in the rear armrest, heated and cooled cup holders will also be present.

Engine and gearbox

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will debut the new in-line six cylinder diesel engine that was showcased a month ago. The newly developed mill is BS-VI compliant and also runs seamlessly on the current BS-IV diesel drivetrain.  It pumps out 286bhp of power and 600Nm of torque and will power the new S350d and will come mated to an automatic gearbox.

The 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine will continue to be a part of the line-up along with the petrol V8 that powers the S500, both of which will be mated to automatic transmissions that power the rear wheels in classic Mercedes style.

The Mercedes S-Class gets a state-of-the-art Airmatic pneumatic suspension which offers a supple ride under all circumstances and is well complemented by the virtuous electronic stability program and a host of driver aids.

Price and competition

The new Mercedes S-Class will be priced slightly above its current price, at about Rs 1.2 crore to Rs 1.4 crore for the entry level diesel S350d.

The flagship Mercedes will compete with the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, the Jaguar XJ L and the Lexus LS.