SHANGHAI MOTOR SHOW: Mercedes-Benz upgrades S-Class

Mercedes-Benz has re-affirmed the S-Class limousine as its technological and safety torchbearer, unveiling an advanced new facelift at the Shanghai motor show overnight.

The 2018 S-Class scores a number of safety, cosmetic, powertrain and technology revisions which help to maintain a safe (albeit bridged) buffer against the smaller E-Class and C-Class models, along with the German’s broadening SUV fleet.

The changes are heralded by new in-line six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines as well as a new 4.0-litre bi-turbo petrol engine which shares some elements with the storied AMG version.

Cosmetically, the updated S-Class is differentiated by a new front grille and an updated bumper punctuated by new air intakes. Mercedes has integrated new ‘MULTIBEAM LED’ headlights as an option that can illuminate the road up to 650 metres ahead.

Further back, the design changes include new LED tail-lights, re-worked lower bumper section and revised styling around the tail pipes. Seven new alloy wheel designs complete the visual makeover.

Of more note are some of the interior revisions. The car’s two 12.3-inch centre colour screens are now integrated into one seamless display, rather than being separated as in its predecessor.

The screens are matched by a digital driver instrument cluster that accesses many of the vehicle’s infotainment, navigation and trip functions. Both the instrument cluster display and centre screens are now accessible via touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that respond to swiping motions in the same way a smartphone would.

As always, the S-Class remains the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz luxury, reaffirmed by a host of new interior options and comfort features including 64 different ambient lighting hues and wireless phone charging.

The S-Class takes another step towards autonomous driving, offering a new active proximity control and active steering assist feature that can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed ahead of curves or junctions. In addition, the S-Class can automatically change lanes with one brief tap on the indicator stalk.

A remote parking feature is offered in certain markets, enabling customers to park their vehicle via smartphone.

Furthermore, the German car-maker has honed its Road Surface Scan technology first introduced in 2013. The system uses a front-mounted camera to read the road ahead, adjusting the car’s Magic Body Control suspension accordingly.

For 2018, the cameras on the system have been tweaked to operate during dusk and at speeds of 180km/h.

Under the bonnet, the updated S-Class is fitted with a range of six-cylinder, V8 and hybrid drivetrains available across petrol and diesel forms.

The entry point of the range is the 350d and 400d. A new inline six-cylinder diesel powers both models, the former producing 210kW and 600Nm and the latter 250kW and 700Nm.

Fuel use is likewise impressive, the 350d sipping on a claimed 5.5L/100km and the 400d rated to consume 5.6L/100km.

A new in-line six-cylinder petrol engine is also highlighted. Internally codenamed the M256, it incorporates a 48-volt on-board power supply that charges an electric compressor, working in the same way as Audi’s SQ7 SUV.

At low revs, the compressor mitigates turbo lag, spinning the turbocharger well before regular exhaust gases are on station. An integrated starter alternator incorporated into the power supply aids in energy recovery while allowing fuel savings.

Mercedes-Benz says it will offer the new inline petrol engine in two power forms, though it is yet to nominate actual figures.

Sitting atop the regular S-Class line-up is the S560, which now shares certain features with the V8 used in AMG models.

In this instance it is not hand-built. Offering downsized displacement of 4.0 instead of 4.7 litres, the bi-turbo unit offers 345kW and 700Nm. Cylinder de-activation helps bring a claimed fuel reading of 8.5L/100km -- 10 per cent more efficient than before.

An AMG-fettled S 63 model is also highlighted. Using the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the E 63, it produces a lineball 450kW -- 20kW up over its predecessor’s 5.5-litre unit.

Mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain enables a 0-100km/h time of 3.5 seconds.

In Australia, the S 63 will continue to be offered in rear-wheel drive only. A V12-powered S 65 will sit atop the line-up, offering carry-over 463kW and 1000Nm outputs, along with a claimed fuel consumption rating of 11.9L/100km.

The S-Class will purportedly offer greater dynamic traits thanks to the introduction of a curve-tilting function.

First made available on the S-Class coupe, the system independently tilts the vehicle body towards the inside of corners by up to 2.65 degrees, thereby reducing the perceived centrifugal force on passengers.

The facelifted S-Class is expected to reach Australian showrooms by late 2017.