Mercedes' Best Gets Better (with Caveats)

Often (but not exclusively) proclaimed “the best car in the world,” the Mercedes S-Class has undergone an extensive refit for the new year. While it looks quite similar to last year’s model, Mercedes tells us that about half of the over 5,400 parts are “newly developed, updated, and refined.” The 29-page press release (!) for this update offers some notable improvements (and the occasional omission):

• Remember the larger, bolder grille that debuted on the new GLC EQ? The new S boasts a 20% larger (optionally illuminated) grille, as well as (in my opinion) an excess of gloss black trim surrounding the front graphic elements.

• If an illuminated grille is insufficient, an illuminated stand-up three-pointed star should add some additional bling – and the three-pointed star motifs in the headlamps and taillamps should confirm the car’s identity to onlookers.

• Following its debut on the CLA, MB.OS shows up here with Google and Microsoft AI, running on a water-cooled supercomputer, offering all sorts of extra smart assistance to drivers and passengers.

• Supported now by 10 cameras, five radars, and 12 sensors, MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO enables a “seamless and safe point-to-point driving experience.”

• The Superscreen – which includes central and passenger side displays – shows up here, too. Unfortunately, the controls are still largely screen-dependent; fortunately, the haptic steering wheel controls have been partially replaced by physical controls (including a roller for the volume).

• The upmarket rear compartment package is less lounge and more boardroom, with larger screens, separate smartphone-type remotes, and cameras to enable video meetings

• Because we are running out of surfaces, the seat belts can now be heated to keep you extra toasty.

• If you’re a bespoke kind of buyer, MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure offers over 150 exterior colors and more than 400 interior colors.

• MBUX Notes and Calendar are onboard, but they only sync with Google or Microsoft, not Apple.

• The rear-wheel steering now offers an optional 10-degree configuration (vs. the standard 4.5 degrees).

• Finally, Mercedes is on the increasingly longer list of automakers investing in new ICE hardware, debuting a new 4.0L twin-turbo 537-horsepower V8 with a flat-plane crank.

  
  

With Mercedes’ increased focus on the upper end of the portfolio (per their most recent strategy document), an updated BMW 7 Series due this summer, and increasing pressure from new Chinese luxury brands like Yangwang and Maextro, what sounds like overkill for a “midcycle facelift” might be just what Mercedes needs.

World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Benz Media

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