Mercedes is currently launching the facelifted version of its S-Class flagship and what better way to see what has changed by releasing a fresh gallery.

The exterior changes are subtle and are limited to basically a new radiator grille, refreshed LED lights with new patterns and new bumper designs front and rear, with the latter now featuring integrated tailpipe trims.

The lovely interior gets a pair of new 12.3-inch high-resolution displays which are under the same glass cover. A new steering wheel is also present, featuring touch-sensitive controls that make the operation of the infotainment and active safety systems much easier and intuitive for the driver.

There are new materials to choose from for the cabin, ranging from open-pore woods to leather-trimmed door panels and a wider range of combos to spec your new S-Class exactly as you wanted.

The engine range has also been revised and the 2018 S-Class is the first Mercedes to feature the new-gen straight-six units. The petrol range kicks off with the S 450 4Matic which is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six unit with 367hp while the S500 uses the same engine but in this case it makes 435hp.

The S500 however also comes with electric motor assistance as well, with the integrated starter generator (ISG) providing a further 184lb-ft (250Nm) of torque and 21hp over short periods of time, enabling the German flagship to reduce CO2 emissions by 22 percent over its V8 predecessor.

Next up we have the S560 which is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 good enough for 469hp, which is also the only non-AMG V8 S-Class you can buy. The S 600 uses a 530hp 6.0-liter V12 while the range-topping Maybach S 650 comes with the same engine but in this case figure are boosted to 630hp and 737lb-ft (1,000Nm) of torque.

As for the diesel versions, these are also using a fresh 3.0-liter straight-six unit which in the case of the S 350d produces 286hp and 442lb-ft (600Nm) of torque and in the case of the S 400d 340hp and 516lb-ft (700Nm) of torque. All versions of the new S-Class are using the 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox, sans the V12 models.

The list of driver assistance systems is one of the widest featured on a new car these days and includes the brand’s new semi-autonomous Distronic Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist System. The system accelerates and brakes the car within the posted speed limits and can steer the car autonomously for periods up to 30 seconds.

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