2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing and specs
Mercedes-Benz Australia has streamlined its new range of 2018 S-Class and Maybach variants, cutting the overall range from 12 to eight options whilst also dropping the entry price for the S-class range under $200,000 for the first time in this current generation.
The current S-Class has been the best-selling upper luxury car over $100,000 for the last three years running, and the updated 2018 range should see a further increase in current volumes thanks to price reductions, improved levels of standard kit, and lower prices on popular options.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has toned down the level of customisation in the S-Class line-up, culling a range of wheel and upholstery choices, but bringing up the standard level of equipment which the brand says betters suit its buyers' needs. The facelifted S-Class gains the updated Mercedes-Benz family face with a slightly modified front end.
According to Mercedes-Benz Australia, the new range has made it a ‘lot simpler’ for S-Class customers to identify the perfect specification for their needs.
Standard list of equipment across the range includes:
- COMAND Online with Widescreen Cockpit,
- Multifunction steering wheel with Touch Control buttons, touchpad with controller,
- intelligent Thermotronic automatic climate control,
- Airmatic air suspension system with continuously variable damping system,
- Dynamic Select transmission mode selection,
- Smartphone Integration package with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless charging system for mobile devices
New additions to the range include new multibeam LED headlamps which use 84 individually controllable LEDs to better light up the road based on the conditions, as well as an ambient interior lighting system that features 64 colours and 10 colour schemes.
The range now kicks off with the Mercedes-Benz S350d at $195,900 (plus on-roads), in addition to the already mentioned features, the updated diesel entry model (which is the most popular model in the range) now includes Keyless Go driver authorisation system, a panoramic sliding sunroof, a digital TV tuner, power closing for doors and boot lid, a Burmester 13-speaker surround sound system, front seats including heating and cooling, a head-up display and a 360° camera.
The S350d is powered by the OM656 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine with 210kW of power and 600Nm of torque. It will go from 0-100km/h in six seconds flat, with a fuel consumption figure of just 5.4L/100km.
Next in line is the S400d and 450L, priced at $225,00 and $227,500 respectively. Both gain all features of the 350d plus 20-inch wheels. Mercedes-Benz has also fit pre-installation of rear entertainment, so iPads and other tablets can easily be plugged into the existing holder.
The 400d makes use of the same OM656 diesel engine in the 350d but uprated to 250kW of power and 700Nm of torque. The increase in power sees the 0-100km/h time reduced to 5.4 seconds whilst fuel economy increases by less than two percent to 5.5L/100km.
The 450L will makes use of a 3.0-litre biturbo petrol with 270kW of power and 520Nm of torque. It will do 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds with a fuel economy rating of 8.4L/100km.
Making their debut are the new S560 ($270,000) and 560L ($295,000). Both cars gain 20-inch wheels and the additional new set of equipment. Unique to the 560L will be the energising comfort controller, which provides six modes for the cabin ambience and mood. These can alter everything from the massage chairs, air purification and ambient colour.
Based on the mode selected, the new S560 can even analyse the music in your catalogue and find a track that matches to the driver’s preferred mood.
The S560L is powered by the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine currently used in AMG vehicles only. It will see its power output reach 375kW with 700Nm of torque. It will accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds with a fuel rating of 8.5L/100km.
Nonetheless, the actual AMG in the range will remain the Mercedes-Benz S63 L. Priced at $375,000, it carries the same specifications as the 560L but gains the AMG go fast bits as well as uprated version of the M177 V8 engine that puts out a mammoth 450kW of power and 900Nm of torque, for a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds. It uses a claimed 9L/100km.
The king of the new Mercedes S-Class range remains the S650 Maybach, which retails for a cool $425,000. It gains all the benefits of it Maybach heritage as well as a 24-speaker Burmester sound system. It will also be offered in a four-seater configuration with two individual commander rear seats with a full centre console and folding tables now a possibility for those that wish to truly make use of their luxury limousine.
The Maybach maintains the iconic M279 6.0-litre V12 engine helped along with two turbos, now pumping out a mighty 463kW of power and an earth-moving 1000Nm of torque. Being designed for comfort over outright performance, its acceleration figures lag behind that of the AMG at 4.7 seconds to 100km/h whilst it uses a carefree 12.7L of fuel per 100km.
The individual rear seat options available on the Maybach can also be had across the range with the business class package that retails for $8500. An AMG line package is available for $4900 on the 350d and $350 for the 400 and 560 variants.
Other packages such as exclusive ($9900 for six cylinder models, 8590 for V8s) and warmth comfort ($1150-6500 depending on variant) are also available.
Mercedes-Benz Australia says that a hybrid variant of the S-Class is due in Australia next year.
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