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 flagship model where Mercedes' cutting-edge technologies are introduced first. In Korea, it is regarded as the most certain and discreet way to signal social success.
In keeping with that weight, Mercedes meticulously refined every detail of the S-Class to attempt the broadest set of changes possible within a single generation. We saw the new S-Class, with more than 50% of the vehicle—about 2,700 components—newly developed or redesigned, in Hamburg, Germany, on the 26th of last month (local time).
◇ From the grille to the engine and brain, everything has changed… "Over 50% of the car updated"
Klaus Rekugler, vice president in charge of product management for Mercedes passenger cars, said, "This S-Class is a vehicle that realizes everything possible," adding, "It opens a new era and exemplifies how a luxury car evolves."
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 lights up, but it had been omitted on Korean models due to regulations.
The headlamps, which contain two stars, hide various functions. The high-resolution lighting 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.
There are also slight changes to the powertrain lineup. The S-Class currently sold in Korea includes the S 580, S 500, S 450, and S 350d (diesel). The new S-Class is divided into the S 580 with a V8 engine (3,982 cc); the S 500, S 450, S 450d with a six-cylinder engine; 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 Schultz, Mercedes' internal combustion engine lead, said, "With new technologies such as an electric turbocharger, we can boost performance even at low rpm," adding, "The biggest gain is that we built an engine that meets tougher emission standards without sacrificing performance."
The S 500 and S 450 produce maximum outputs of 449 horsepower and 381 horsepower, respectively. The S 580e uses a six-cylinder engine but carries the "580" name because its maximum output of 449 horsepower is augmented by an electric motor rated at 120 kW, putting it on par with a V8.
Mercedes said the new S-Class is far smarter than before. That is thanks to "MB.OS," installed for the first time, which turns the car itself into a supercomputer. Joachim Neff, who leads Mercedes' Autonomous Driving system development, said, "The CPU, developed by Mercedes and equipped with Nvidia's top chip, can perform 250 calculations per second—more than 10 times a laptop," adding, "Using all data gathered from 27 sensors and cameras, it makes intelligent decisions in seconds and provides useful information to the driver." All software updates are carried out over the air.
Autonomous driving in complex urban environments is also enabled by these sensors, cameras, and the CPU. Neff said, "(MB.Drive Assist Pro, an autonomous driving feature) has been in use in China since last year, and with a single button in Beijing it navigated through heavy traffic," adding, "We plan to roll out the feature in the United States this year and in Europe next year."
In Korea, availability will be determined based on changes in the regulatory environment. In addition to automated parking, it also supports automatically exiting a space after being parked 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 into the vehicle.
A Mercedes official said, "If you speak your thoughts in multiple languages, MBUX Notes will summarize and structure them, then send them via Gmail or sync them with MS OneNote." With support for more than 400 apps, passengers in the front and rear can enjoy a variety of entertainment.
The interior also sees a host of innovations. First, "heated seat belts" have been applied to the front seats for the first time. They warm up to 44 degrees, so in winter you do not need a bulky coat right after getting in. The rear center console adds a hidden storage space with a wireless fast-charging port, a refrigerator, temperature-controlled cupholders, and other features. The number of detachable MBUX remotes increases to two, making it easy to operate the rear screens.
◇ "Everything is possible"… Launch of the top-tier personalization program "Made to Measure"
Alongside 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 meticulous handcrafted details.
Made to Measure goes a step further to create a fully personalized vehicle. It offers 150 exclusive exterior colors and 400 interior colors. A hallmark of Made to Measure is its rigorous quality control—for instance, it does not use leather from cattle bitten by mosquitoes.
Tim Schöpner, who oversees Mercedes' top-end Manufaktur vehicles and personalization, said, "Made to Measure is a top-tier option offered only to a very small number of customers," adding, "Everything is possible, and if it seems impossible, we examine whether it can be made possible—that is Made to Measure."