What is it? While the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S Class sedan launched a few months ago, a new coupe and cabriolet joined the lineup today at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Aside from some styling revisions, including a new GT-inspired “Panamericana” grille for all AMG variants, the most notable changes are to the engine lineup and the level of innovative technology.
Like the sedan, the coupe and cabriolet are available in Canada in three variants. The S 560 receives a new twin-turbo, 4.0-litre V8 with 463 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive system in the coupe.
The S 63 replaces the previous 577-horsepower, 5.5-litre V8 with a new twin-turbo 4.0 L V8, sending 612 horsepower and 664 lb.-ft. of torque through a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic to all four wheels. It’s reportedly capable of reaching 100 km/h from zero in 3.4 seconds, with increased fuel efficiency. The range-topping S 65’s 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 gets a bump in power to 630 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s actually six-tenths of a second slower than the S 63, but fans of the big V12 don’t buy it for its sprint times.
Why does it matter? Formerly known as the “Sonderklasse” – “sonder” meaning “special” in German – the S Class is Mercedes Benz’s flagship luxury car and a showcase of the company’s ultimate in new luxury and technology. Interior upgrades include a new digital dashboard, consisting of two integrated 12.3 inch colour screens under a single glass panel. Tech upgrades include striking OLED (organic light emitting diode) taillights – made up of 66 separate elements, creating a variety of dynamic light sequences – plus a new Energizing Comfort Control system (it stores temperature, seating controls, music and lighting for up to six different occupants), enhanced voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, and wireless smartphone charging, as well as the S-Class’ extensive autonomous driving assist features.
When will Canada get it? The 2018 S Class should arrive in Canadian dealerships by next spring.
Should you buy it? Prices have yet to be announced, but should start around $155,000 for the S 560 coupe, up to $275,000 for the S 65 cabriolet. For fans of solemn German luxury, it doesn’t get much better than the S-Class.
