Mercedes-Benz S-Class video brochure highlights 2018 facelift for US buyers
Mercedes-Benz USA released a video presentation for the 2018 S-Class facelift, focusing on new technology, design changes and luxury features for the American market.
Mercedes-Benz USA launched a video brochure for the 2018 S-Class facelift, using the format to highlight the model’s technological upgrades, design changes and luxury features as it arrived in US showrooms. The video, aimed at American buyers, presents the S-Class both as a limousine in S 560 form and a performance flagship in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4Matic+ guise.
The 2018 update, revealed globally in April 2017, brought a range of revisions to the W222 generation. The S 560 is powered by the new M176 4.0-litre biturbo V8, producing 469 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The AMG S 63 4Matic+ features a hand-built 4.0-litre biturbo V8 shared with the AMG GT, delivering 612 hp and 900 Nm. Both engines replace the outgoing 4.7-litre and 5.5-litre units, focusing on improved efficiency and performance.
Design and interior upgrades
Externally, the facelifted S-Class is marked by a redesigned grille, new front and rear bumpers, and revised headlights and tail lamps. AMG models gain the Panamericana grille, while all variants receive OLED tail lamps and new wheel designs. The S-Class Cabriolet models, arriving at US dealers in mid-2018, also benefit from these changes, along with new paint and trim options.
- New grille, bumpers, headlights and tail lamps
- Panamericana grille for AMG S 63 and S 65
- OLED tail lamps across the range
- New wheel, paint and trim options
Inside, the S-Class receives a new three-spoke steering wheel with touch control buttons, dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays merged under a single glass panel, and updated COMAND navigation. The video highlights features such as the executive rear seat package, 64-colour LED ambient lighting, inductive wireless charging, and in-car WiFi. The Energising Comfort system and Air Balance fragrance and purification are also shown, reinforcing the S-Class’s reputation for luxury and technology.
Advanced driver assistance and safety systems
The 2018 S-Class introduces a new suite of driver assistance systems in the US, including the enhanced Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Steering Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. These systems expand semi-autonomous capabilities, such as following vehicles at a set distance, intervening in tighter curves, and bringing the car to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive. Other features include Active Lane Change Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist, and Route-Based Speed Adaptation, which uses map data to adjust speed ahead of curves and junctions.
- Active Distance Assist Distronic
- Active Steering Assist
- Active Emergency Stop Assist
- Active Lane Change Assist
- Route-Based Speed Adaptation
- PRE-SAFE Plus and PRE-SAFE Sound
Model range and US pricing
For the US market, the S-Class facelift covers a broad range including the S 560 (rear-wheel drive) and AMG S 63 and S 65 Cabriolet models. Pricing at launch started at $133,300 for the S 560 Cabriolet, $179,500 for the AMG S 63 Cabriolet and $250,900 for the AMG S 65 Cabriolet, excluding destination charges. All models arrived at US dealerships from mid-2018.
| S 560 Cabriolet | 4.0L V8 biturbo, 469 hp, $133,300 |
|---|---|
| AMG S 63 Cabriolet | 4.0L V8 biturbo, 612 hp, $179,500 |
| AMG S 65 Cabriolet | 6.0L V12 biturbo, 621 hp, $250,900 |
The video brochure route reflects Mercedes-Benz’s push to communicate the S-Class’s blend of traditional luxury and advanced technology to a US audience increasingly focused on connectivity, comfort and safety. The facelifted S-Class continues to serve as the reference point for luxury saloons in the brand’s line-up.
