Mercedes-Benz will launch the facelifted model of its premium full-size sedan, the "S-Class," called the "New S-Class," in Korea in the second half of the year. The S-Class is the brand's symbolic model where its most advanced technologies debut first. In Korea, it is regarded as the surest and most dignified way to convey social success.
In line with that weight, Mercedes meticulously refined every detail of the S-Class to attempt the broadest changes a single generation can show. We saw the New S-Class, with more than 50% of the vehicle—about 2,700 elements—newly developed or redesigned, on the 26th of last month (local time) in Hamburg, Germany.
◇ From grille to engine to brain, everything changed… "Over 50% of the car updated"
Klaus Rehkugler, vice president overseeing product management for Mercedes passenger cars, said, "This S-Class is a vehicle that realized everything possible," adding, "It opens a new era and is a representative model that shows how luxury cars will evolve."
The exterior has changed as well. The front grille is 20% larger than before for a bolder silhouette, and for the first time on the S-Class, illumination has been applied to its border. On European models, the three-pointed star above the grille is self-illuminated, but it was omitted on the Korean model due to regulations and other reasons.
The headlamps with two stars hide various functions. The high-resolution light area has expanded by about 40%, and the high beams reach up to 600 meters. The partial high-beam function prevents glare for other road users while recognizing only pedestrians in dark areas.
A more diverse powertrain lineup is another feature. The S-Class currently sold in Korea comes in two versions, the S 350 d (diesel) and S 450, both with six-cylinder engines. The new S-Class broadens the choices to the S 580 with an eight-cylinder engine (3,982 cc), and the six-cylinder S 500, S 450, S 450d, and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) S 580e (all 2,999 cc). Whether the PHEV model will be introduced in Korea has not yet been decided.
The most powerful S 580 delivers 537 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. It features a mild-hybrid system and a 48V e-booster. Michael Schulz, who oversees Mercedes internal combustion engines, said, "With new technologies such as an electric turbocharger, performance can be boosted even at low rpm (revolutions per minute)," adding, "The biggest achievement is building an engine that meets tougher emissions standards without sacrificing performance."
The S 500 and S 450 have maximum outputs of 449 horsepower and 381 horsepower, respectively. The S 580e uses a six-cylinder engine, but it bears the "580" name because an electric motor producing 120 kW is added to deliver a combined output on par with an eight-cylinder.
Mercedes said the New S-Class is far smarter than before. That is thanks to the first application of "MB.OS," which turns the vehicle itself into a supercomputer. Joachim Neff, who leads development of Mercedes Autonomous Driving systems, said, "The CPU with Mercedes-developed software and NVIDIA's best chip can perform 250 calculations per second, more than 10 times a laptop," adding, "It uses all data captured by 27 sensors and cameras to make intelligent decisions in seconds and deliver useful information to the driver." All software updates are done over the air.
Autonomous driving in complex urban environments is also possible thanks to these sensors, cameras, and the CPU. Neff said, "(The autonomous driving function, MB.Drive Assist Pro) has been in use in China since last year, and we passed through congested streets in Beijing with the press of a single button," adding, "We plan to roll out the function in the United States this year and in Europe next year."
In Korea, availability will be determined by changes in the regulatory environment. In addition to automated parking, it also supports automatically exiting a parking space after parking manually.
Say "Hey, Mercedes," and you can talk with the car. The fourth-generation MBUX (intelligent infotainment system) integrates generative artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft (MS) Bing.
A Mercedes representative said, "If you speak your thoughts in several languages, MBUX Notes will summarize and structure them, then send them to Gmail or sync with MS OneNote." It supports more than 400 apps, allowing various entertainment options from the front passenger and rear seats.
The interior also brings a range of innovations. First, "heated seat belts" are applied to the front seats for the first time. They heat up to 44 degrees, so you do not need a thick coat even when you get in during winter. The rear center console adds a hidden storage space with a wireless fast-charging port, a refrigerator, and temperature-controlled cup holders. Two detachable MBUX remotes make it easy to control the rear screens.
◇ "Everything is possible"… Top personalization program "Made to Measure" launches
With the launch of the New S-Class, Mercedes will introduce "Manufaktur Made to Measure" to the global market. Manufaktur is a program offering special paint finishes, premium leather packages, and intricate hand-crafted details.
Made to Measure goes a step further to build a fully personalized vehicle. There are 150 exclusive exterior colors and 400 interior colors for Made to Measure. One feature of Made to Measure is rigorous quality control, such as not using leather from cattle bitten by mosquitoes.
Tim Schaeffner, who oversees Mercedes' top-end Manufaktur vehicles and personalization, said, "Made to Measure is a top-tier option offered only to a very few customers," adding, "Everything is possible, and if it is not, we examine whether it can be made possible—that is Made to Measure."