The W223 S-Class has received a mid-cycle refresh, but according to Mercedes-Benz, it’s not a mere “facelift”, but is the most comprehensive update within one S-Class generation. PR jargon, I know, but let’s give it a shot anyway. Prices in Germany start at €121,356 (including VAT).
Let’s start with the styling revisions, then, shall we? The revised front fascia comes with new-generation Digital Light LED headlights with twin-star light signatures. These headlights are claimed to have 40% increased illumination field while being more energy efficient. The high beam has a throw of up to 600 metres. Furthermore, the headlights use camera and map data to adapt to the road conditions.
Another change at the front is a star-patterned grille with an illuminated surround. On the side, you get some new wheel designs, depending on the variant. There’s even a 50-cross-spoke design, for some reason. And, if you walk towards the back, you get star-shaped taillight signatures, quite similar to what we’ve been seeing in the recent Mercedes-Benz products.
The Airmatic air suspension comes standard, but if you’re feeling twitchy, you can spend more money on the E-Active Body Control. While both systems feature an electrically adjusting damping system, the latter can lift the car in the event of a side impact to distribute crash forces more effectively. Rear-axle steering is now standard with 4.5°, but can be optionally upgraded to up to 10°.
Safety systems include up to 15 airbags. ADAS suite includes (standard and/or optional systems) MB.Drive Assist, MB.Drive Assist Pro (automated braking at stop signs and traffic lights), MB.Drive Parking Assist, and MB.Drive Parking Assist 360.
Powertrain options in Germany include a 247 kW (336 metric hp) S 350 d 4Matic (diesel mild-hybrid), a 287 kW (390 metric hp) S 450 d 4Matic (diesel mild-hybrid), a 297 kW (404 metric hp) S 450 4Matic (petrol mild-hybrid), a 347 kW (472 metric hp) S 500 4Matic (petrol mild-hybrid), and a 412 kW (560 metric hp) S 580 4Matic. Except for the 580—which packs a 4.0L biturbo V8, the rest all pack a 3.0L turbo straight-six.
For those who want serious hybrids, there are a couple of straight-six-powered plug-in hybrid options. The S 450 e offers up to 320 kW (435 metric hp) and 680 Nm (501.5 lb-ft). A 21.96 kWh battery pack should offer a range of up to 112 km (70 mi) in the city. There’s also the S 580 e 4Matic, offering up to 430 kW (585 metric hp) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft). The electric range in this case is 98 km (61 mi) in the city.
If you thought that the S 580 e must be the quickest among the bunch because it packs more horses, you’d be wrong. That title goes to the S 580, the V8-powered mild-hybrid, with an official 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 4.0 seconds. The plug-in hybrid’s time is 4.4 seconds.
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (optionally available in 3D), a 14.4-inch central display, and a 12.3-inch passenger display beneath a continuous glass surface. Some of the key highlights inside include Augmented Reality Head-up Display, AI-powered MBUX Virtual Assistant, detachable remote controls (smartphone-like devices) for rear occupants, Rear Seat Entertainment System with 13.1-inch displays, built-in streaming platforms such as Disney+ and RIDEVU by Sony Pictures Entertainment, heated seat belts, and optional Burmester 3D surround sound system or Burmester 4D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos.
For VVIPs, diplomats and state heads, the S‑Class GUARD (S 680 GUARD 4Matic) with VR10 ballistic protection (highest level) is also available. It comes with a 6.0L V12 biturbo engine.
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