Mercedes-Benz Unveils Refreshed S-Class Sedan

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a comprehensively refreshed version of its flagship S-Class luxury sedan, marking a significant mid-cycle update to the model five years after its initial launch. The reveal, timed to celebrate 140 years since Carl Benz's invention of the automobile in 1886, introduces more than 50 percent newly developed or refined components across the vehicle, enhancing its position in the competitive luxury segment.

The updated S-Class retains its standard and long-wheelbase body styles, with the latter prioritizing rear-seat comfort in key markets. Powertrain options emphasize electrification, including mild-hybrid systems across all variants paired with the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. Petrol engines lead the lineup, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six in the S 450 and S 500 4MATIC models, boosted by an integrated starter-generator for smoother low-speed response. At the top end, the S 580 4MATIC features a revised 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 395 kilowatts and 750 Newton-meters of torque, with improvements focused on quicker throttle response and greater refinement rather than outright power gains. Plug-in hybrid variants,...