► New Mercedes S-Class revealed
► Fresh look, smarter tech…
► …and a flat-plane V8 option!

Mercedes-Benz, the company that gave us the automobile 140 years ago, is celebrating its anniversary – in part – by launching a thoroughly updated S-Class.

It’s not an entirely new, but Mercedes says that more than 50 per cent of this generation’s components are ‘newly developed or refined,’ with a load of new tech and luxuries designed to keep the S looking and feeling fresh.

We’ve also already been for a ride in the latest S-Class – you can find out more here. But stay here first, and get the full skinny on the latest luxe limo.

What is up with that nose?

Ah yes, you noticed. Bit chintzy, innit? That new grille is 20 per cent larger than before, includes a whole load of three-pointed stars in it, has ambient lighting around the edges and is accented via the new, backlit three-pointed star standing proud on the bonnet. Mercedes calls it all a ‘new era of presence and status’ for the S-Class. Hmm.

Some among us will at least be thankful that it escapes the application of the ‘Iconic Grille’ that launched with the new electric GLC. Phew.

That new nose is complemented by more three-pointed star motifs in the headlights and rear lights, as well as new wheel designs.

Much different inside?

More than the exterior, in reality. The focus up front is the arrival of the MBUX Superscreen – largely the same technology that launched on the E-Class. While it’s an option on the E, though, it’s standard here.

As a reminder, the Superscreen incorporates the main infotainment display in the centre, as well as a passenger display into one glass panel with a smaller panel rising up for the driver’s instruments.

The S-Class also launches with the latest version of the MBUX software platform that’s a lot like the one in the new CLA. As well as more sophisticated driver assistance systems, the infotainment has a wider spread of apps available and includes a new quick-access menu for the most frequently used functions in one place. That still means endlessly using a touchscreen, though, and one that will inevitably be a nightmare for your valet to clean all the fingerprint smudges off.

One fewer panel that’ll need less wiping down will be the centre console, provided you specify one of the S-Class’ new trim materials like open-pore oak veneers. And that’s before you get to the Mercedes Manufaktur program that enables more than 150 exterior colours and over 400 interior hues to be applied, so you can make yours as tacky and as tasteless as you like.

It’s all about the back seats, surely…

Of course – this is an S-Class, after all. Mercedes offers five different rear seat options depending on the market and depending on whether you choose the standard or long-wheelbase S-Class. The silver car is the standard length, while the black one in the images is labelled as ‘L’ – and 90 per cent of all S-Class clients choose the latter to take full advantage of the rear space.

The options start with a conventional rear seat bench that’ll be best for the well-heeled taxi driver. Your shuttle service will use one that has electronically adjustable seats that have more padded headrests and more. That can then be further fancied up with the two potential rear comfort packages that add things like climatised sets, wireless phone chargers, USB ports as well as recliner seats with leg rests and massagers if you choose the ‘Plus’ pack.

Then there’s the ‘first class rear seat’ system that makes your S-Class a four-seater with a huge centre console that runs down the centre that includes fold-out tray tables.

Certain versions also come with detachable remote controls that look like old iPhones stored in the centre console, and then there’s the ‘high-end rear seat entertainment package’ that includes 13.1 inch screens brimming with apps.

You can also have your car dictate notes or manage your calendar, making your faithful personal assistant surplus to requirements – and even host meetings via Teams, Zoom or Webex. That last thing sounds like my idea of hell, but there really are folks out there that are just that busy.

Give me some engine specs

Well, given the S-Class has to cater to every taste and demand from around the world, your choices are myriad depending on what market you live in. The range itself doesn’t shift too much from the pre-facelift car, with two diesels – S350d and S450d – both using straight-sixes that sip from the black pump. Two straight-six petrols, named S450 and S500, use a straight-six petrol engine that benefit from a bump in torque. These all have mild hybrid assistance for a gentle e-boost and coasting functionality, and they’re all equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

You can also choose a plug-in hybrid labelled S580e, that uses a six-cylinder engine and an e-motor. Mercedes claims it’s capable of up to 62 miles of electric driving range.

The tastiest new engine option comes via the S580. This is a mild hybrid V8 version that’s the first to deploy the new M177 Evo engine. If you recognise the M177 codename you’re A) as nerdy as I am and B) fond of AMG’s V8 weapons.

But the 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine in ‘Evo’ form switches to a flat-plane crankshaft among other upgrades. As well as improving emissions and ensuring the engine is Euro7 compliant, Mercedes also says it’s designed to improve throttle response and smoothness – perfect qualities to improve when it comes to a luxury limo. In S580 form, though, this engine won’t make it to the UK market – but it may well do when the next-generation AMG S63 arrives soon. The new engine also finds its way into Merc’s next ‘Mythos’ creation that’s based on the CLE coupe.

Any other clever engineering?

All S-Class models have air suspension as standard, as well as rear-wheel steering that turns the back wheels by up to 4.5 degrees. That can be optionally upgraded to 10 degrees if you happen to regularly park your S in a multi-storey car park, or live in… let’s say Rome or Paris.

You can also specify Mercedes’ ‘E-Active Body Control’ which can help offset potholes and rough roads much more than adaptive dampers can and prepare for bumps via car-to-X communication. It can also raise or tilt the body if it senses an impact is due to minimise the G-forces the passengers endure.

Speaking of crash safety, the seatbelts can now be heated – Mercedes says 44 degrees is the optimum temperature they work at – and the rears have airbags in them.

Not safe enough? There’s always the S680 Guard model. Not only is it the only S-Class left that has a V12, it’s also armoured and designed to protect heads of state. It comes with its own range of specific options including its own safety cell, powered doors, bullet and explosive-proof materials, emergency fresh air systems and sophisticated on-board communications systems.

When can I have one?

The heavily-refreshed S-Class goes into production now at Mercedes’ home in Sindelfingen, with deliveries starting later on in the year.