But that’s no surprise by now
The only model that received more teasers than the revised Mercedes S-Class is probably Dodge's Challenger SRT Demon. Leaving comparisons aside, Stuttgart's flagship debuts in Shanghai with new headlights and powerplants.
So, what's new for the 2018 S-Class? First of all, Mercedes-Benz infused the luxo-barge with additional active and passive safety features.
On the more palpable front, we already knew about the new headlights featuring three "torches of light" as Stuttgart likes to call the new light cluster design. Also, the upgraded S-Class has a new grille that speaks about what's under the hood.
For example, six and eight-cylinder models sport three twin louvers and vertical strips, while the extended wheelbase and V12 version are set apart by two extra chrome bands between the louvers.
Inside, the two large displays are now united under the same glass cover, and the redesigned three-spoke steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls similar to the new E-Class that work just like your smartphone's display and allow swiping as means of managing the infotainment functions.
Also new is the Energizing Comfort Control feature that knits together several systems like the climate control, cabin fragrance feature, seats' heating, massage, and ventilation, plus the vehicle audio setup. Six 10-minute modes are available: Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort and Training.
Engines
As for what's new under the hood, the refreshed 2018 S-Class adds a new inline-six diesel derived into two outputs – 210 kW (286 hp) and 600 Nm / 250 kW (340 hp) and 700 Nm – under the S 350 d4MATIC and S 400 d4MATIC badges.
The 4.0-liter biturbo V8 brought by the AMG GT comes to replace the old 5.5-liter unit in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 4MATIC+ and is available with 450 kW (612 hp).
The same unit is now the beating heart inside the Mercedes-Benz S 560 4MATIC and its Maybach correspondent, where it delivers 345 kW (469 hp) and 700 Nm.
Further plans focused on enriching the engine range include an inline-six petrol engine codenamed M 256 and an improved plug-in hybrid powertrain wrapped around a 13.3 kWh battery which is said to offer 50 km (31 miles) worth of pure electric range.