2018 Mercedes S Class (facelift) spotted undisguised - Spied

Minimal changes to the exterior.

WalkoART has managed to snap the 2018 Mercedes S Class undisguised, revealing the exterior changes that the facelift will entail. It is expected to be introduced in 2017, and is likely to source some of Merc's next generation features that will debut in the 2016 Mercedes E Class.

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The refreshed S-Class will get revised headlamps with new Mutibeam LED lighting and re-positioned LED DRLS. Interestingly, the model above features the three-slat Maybach grille rather than the regular 4-slat S Class grille. Otherwise, the exterior appears to be largely identical to the current model, which could be the reason why Mercedes hasn't covered up the exterior in the usual camouflage.

Spyshots of the interior have revealed an updated 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and bezel-free displays for the Driver and COMAND infotainment system, which lends a cleaner look to the dashboard. The facelifted S Class could also be one of the first models to feature Merc's new HVAC system that uses carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.

It is likely to source the next generation safety features from the new E Class, which includes Mercedes’s Remote Parking Pilot that enables the car to self-park in a given area, “Car-to-X” communication system, as well newer versions of Active Brake Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE Plus, beltbag (airbag in the belt), and Attention Assist.

Changes are likely to be prominent under the hood. The S Class could replace the current range of V6 engines with the new 3.0-liter in-line six cylinder petrol and turbodiesel engines that are expected to debut in the new E Class. Like its smaller brother, the S Class could feature a mild-hybrid system for increased fuel efficiency. The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed gearbox will certainly replace the current model's 7G-TRONIC PLUS option.