Design Emphasizing Modern Luxury Even Further

The key points of this facelift are the design, the evolution of Intelligent Drive, and the "Mercedes me connect" telematics service.

Major changes to the exterior are the front face and rear. The headlights feature three distinctive lines of optical fiber, and the grille now adopts the twin-louvre design previously exclusive to 12-cylinder models.

At the rear, the LED combination lamps have been changed to a crystal look, reminiscent of the sparkle of a starry sky. While ensuring visibility, the ability to adjust the light intensity according to the situation prevents dazzling, contributing not only to visual appeal but also to safety. Additionally, a "coming home" function has been introduced where the LED rear combination lamps illuminate in a flowing sequence from inside to outside, and from bottom to top, upon unlocking and locking.

The lower part of the rear bumper has also been redesigned, with a wide chrome trim connecting the left and right exhaust outlets.

Inside, while retaining the integrated dashboard design of the current model, it is equipped with a large cockpit display, a multifunction steering wheel with touch control buttons, and ambient lighting (64 colors) with multi-color animation that slowly changes hue.

As a result of these design changes, the car clearly expresses Mercedes-Benz's design concept of "modern luxury" through the finest quality materials and craftsmanship, while retaining the dignity befitting a Mercedes flagship.

Evolved Intelligent Drive

"E-ClassMercedes is steadily evolving its Intelligent Drive, spearheaded by the "E-Class." The S-Class facelift naturally incorporates further upgrades. Intelligent Drive is a comprehensive sensor system that constantly monitors the vehicle's surroundings using radar sensors, stereo multi-purpose cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. It detects preceding vehicles, crossing traffic, rear vehicles, oncoming traffic, pedestrians, etc., judges the situation, and assists the driver with acceleration, braking, and steering to reduce driver burden and improve safety and comfort.

Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, which maintains distance from the vehicle ahead, now includes an automatic re-engagement function. If the vehicle stops, it will automatically restart within 30 seconds without the accelerator being pressed. Operation is more direct, with switches placed on the steering wheel.

Active Steering Assist has also been enhanced. It detects surrounding vehicles and guardrails to provide steering assistance even when lane markings are unclear or undetectable. Furthermore, Active Lane Change Assist, first introduced on the E-Class, is now also equipped on the S-Class.

Additionally, the Multibeam LED headlights (with Ultra High Beam), boasting the longest illumination range in its segment, are making their debut in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. They can illuminate up to 650 meters.

Furthermore, MAGIC BODY CONTROL, which ensures a comfortable ride, now features a Dynamic Curve function. When cornering, it leans the vehicle body inward (up to 2.65 degrees), similar to a motorcycle rider, reducing lateral acceleration experienced by occupants and achieving more stable and exhilarating cornering.

Dominik Voigt, head of S-Class development at Daimler AG, who visited Japan for this announcement, commented, "The S-Class can change lanes automatically, avoid obstacles, and maintain distance from the vehicle ahead. In other words, this new S-Class represents a significant step forward towards autonomous driving. It's like having an assistant sitting next to you, constantly providing the driver with the latest information."

First-Ever Telematics Service, Mercedes me connect

The new S-Class is equipped with the "Mercedes me connect" telematics service, which enhances user convenience through its communication capabilities. This service is broadly divided into three categories.

The first is the Safety & Security service. The 24-hour emergency call service contacts the fire department when an accident is detected (when airbags or seatbelt tensioners deploy) or when the SOS button inside the vehicle is pressed. Additionally, the 24-hour breakdown call service connects you to the Touring Support Center when you need assistance, allowing you to request support by pressing a call button.

Next is the Convenience service. This includes features like Remote Parking Assist, offered free of charge for three years. You can lock and unlock doors via smartphone operation, and remotely check the vehicle's status (mileage, fuel level, average fuel consumption, etc.) through an app. MB Apps allow you to display and use weather information and internet radio. The parking location finder displays the vehicle's parked location on a map within the app. It also periodically displays the vehicle's location on the app's map while driving.

Furthermore, the Remote Parking Assist, a first for Mercedes-Benz, allows the driver to maneuver the vehicle into and out of parking spaces using a smartphone from outside the vehicle. It can handle parallel and perpendicular parking, as well as forward and backward movements. It can also move the vehicle forward or backward up to 15 meters while avoiding detected obstacles, useful for exiting narrow garages. In tight passages, the door mirrors can be folded after driver confirmation, allowing closer proximity to detected obstacles.

Finally, there is the Concierge service. This offers the Mercedes-Benz 24-hour Concierge Service free of charge for one year. By pressing a dedicated button inside the vehicle, a specialized operator is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Using the onboard communication module, they can set navigation destinations and search for and book restaurants and hotels.

Introducing Seven Lineups

Seven S-Class variants will be introduced in Japan. The "S 400" with a standard wheelbase is equipped with a 3-liter V6 biturbo direct-injection engine. The "S 560 long" features a new 4-liter V8 biturbo direct-injection engine with a cylinder deactivation function during low-load driving to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The "S 560 4MATIC long" is equipped with Mercedes' latest all-wheel-drive system, 4MATIC. The "S 600 long" is powered by a V12 engine.

Among the Mercedes-AMG models, the Mercedes-AMG "S 63 long" is equipped with a new 4-liter V8 biturbo direct-injection engine featuring AMG Cylinder Management (cylinder deactivation). The Mercedes-AMG "S 63 4MATIC+ long" boasts AMG's variable torque distribution all-wheel-drive system, AMG 4MATIC+, achieving 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The top-performance model, the Mercedes-AMG "S 65 long," is powered by a V12 engine, making a total of three AMG models available.

Kintaro Ueno, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Japan, stated, "Since its debut in 1972, the S-Class has always incorporated the latest technology, embodying Mercedes-Benz's 'The Best or Nothing' philosophy. Many safety features that are now commonplace were developed by Mercedes-Benz and first adopted in the S-Class." He cited numerous examples, including the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) that prevents loss of steering control by preventing wheel lock-up during braking, airbags, seatbelt tensioners that securely hold occupants in their seats during a collision to enhance protection, the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) for preventing skids, DISTRONIC for adaptive cruise control using radar, PRE-SAFE, which prepares occupants for a collision in the moments leading up to it, and Intelligent Drive, a technology leading to autonomous driving. He added, "It is no exaggeration to say that we have always led the world's automotive industry."

Dominik Voigt also stated, "Our goal with the S-Class is very simple: to create the best car in the world." He explained that as a result, safety features like these have become standardized after being introduced in the S-Class.

Since its debut in 1972, approximately 4 million S-Class units have been sold. In 2016, it remained the best-seller in the global luxury sedan market, and Voigt expressed his desire to "cherish and nurture this image."

He continued, "We have incorporated many trend-setting features into this latest model. As a result, approximately 6,500 parts and components have been renewed in the development of this latest model," encompassing everything from new engines and headlights to stereo cameras and the start button. He concluded, "The driver's status has become even more clearly visible. And it can be said that the S-Class is an unparalleled car for those who seek the unparalleled."