The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been synonymous with automotive excellence, setting benchmarks for luxury, technology, and performance. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 continues this legacy, representing a significant step forward in the evolution of the flagship sedan. Unveiled with extensive innovations, the 2018 S550 elevates the driving experience through advanced technology, enhanced comfort, and powerful performance. This model year marks a pivotal moment for the S-Class, bringing it closer to the future of autonomous driving while reinforcing its position as the undisputed leader in the premium segment.
Intelligent Drive: Paving the Way for Autonomous Driving
At the heart of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 lies an extended suite of Intelligent Drive features, designed to provide unparalleled driver assistance and take a further stride towards autonomous driving. Mercedes-Benz has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive technology, and the 2018 S550 is a testament to this commitment.
The Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist systems have been significantly enhanced in this model. These systems work in concert to provide even more intuitive support to the driver, helping to maintain a safe following distance and keep the vehicle centered in its lane. A key advancement is the automatic speed adjustment feature, which now proactively reduces speed when approaching curves or junctions. This intelligent anticipation of driving conditions not only enhances safety but also contributes to a smoother and more relaxed driving experience.
Further solidifying its position as a technological leader, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 incorporates unique features such as the LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide Beam, Road Surface Scan, and curve-tilting function. The LED Intelligent Light System ensures optimal visibility in all driving conditions, while the Ultra Wide Beam high beams provide a significantly wider illumination of the road and surrounding area, enhancing safety during nighttime driving. Road Surface Scan, using the vehicle’s stereo multipurpose camera, proactively detects bumps and imperfections on the road ahead, adjusting the Active Body Control suspension in real-time to minimize the impact on ride comfort. The curve-tilting function, previously exclusive to the S-Class Coupe, makes its debut in the sedan, enhancing passenger comfort by leaning the vehicle into turns, reducing the sensation of lateral forces.
ENERGIZING Comfort: A World-First in Wellness
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 introduces ENERGIZING Comfort, a groundbreaking feature that marks a world-first in series production. This optional system revolutionizes the in-car experience by linking various comfort systems within the vehicle to create a holistic wellness environment. ENERGIZING Comfort synergizes the climate control, ambient lighting, massage and fragrancing functions, and audio system to offer pre-configured programs designed to enhance the driver’s physical comfort and well-being based on their mood or needs.
Six distinct ENERGIZING Comfort programs are available:
- Freshness: Invigorates the senses with cool air and stimulating music.
- Warmth: Creates a cozy and comforting atmosphere with warm air and soothing sounds.
- Vitality: Activates and energizes with upbeat music and invigorating massage.
- Joy: Uplifts the mood with bright lighting and cheerful melodies.
- Comfort: Promotes relaxation and tranquility with gentle massage and calming ambient settings.
- Training: Offers three guided exercises – muscle relaxation, muscle activation, and balance – to promote physical well-being during driving breaks.
Each program runs for ten minutes and is visually displayed on the headunit with color graphics, complemented by carefully selected music. The system also intelligently analyzes personal music selections, assigning them to programs based on their beats per minute to further personalize the experience. ENERGIZING Comfort also integrates ambient lighting, dynamically adjusting colors and intensity to harmonize with each program and create an immersive and emotionally resonant atmosphere within the cabin of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550.
Exterior Design: Refined Elegance with Distinctive Accents
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 showcases modern luxury through its meticulously crafted exterior design. All models feature a redesigned grille, with six and eight-cylinder engine variants sporting three twin louvers and vertical strips finished in high-gloss black. This updated grille provides a more assertive and contemporary front fascia.
The LED Intelligent Light System is further emphasized with three distinctive accents of light, serving as an exclusive design element that instantly identifies the updated S-Class. The sporty front bumper has been redesigned with more pronounced air intakes, contributing to a more dynamic and athletic stance. At the rear, the new LED taillamps, reminiscent of crystal jewels, create a striking visual signature both during the day and night, enhancing the vehicle’s overall presence.
All 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 models are equipped with a redesigned lower bumper section featuring integrated, visible tailpipe trim. The tailpipes are elegantly framed by a chrome trim element that spans the entire width of the vehicle, adding a touch of sophistication and visual width. Two new 20-inch alloy wheel designs further enhance the exterior aesthetics, providing options for personalization and complementing the vehicle’s luxurious character.
Interior: A Widescreen Cockpit and Premium Materials
The interior of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 is a sanctuary of modern luxury and technological sophistication. The centerpiece of the cabin is the widescreen cockpit, comprised of two new, high-resolution 12.3-inch displays seamlessly integrated under a single bonded glass panel. This visually striking element dominates the dashboard, emphasizing the horizontal orientation of the interior design and providing a futuristic and immersive user interface.
The widescreen cockpit combines the instrument cluster and infotainment display into a unified visual experience. Drivers can choose from three distinct display styles – Classic, Sport, and Progressive – allowing for customization of the information presented and the overall aesthetic of the digital instrument panel.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 introduces Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel, responding to smartphone-like swiping motions. These innovative controls allow drivers to manage the entire multimedia system without removing their hands from the steering wheel, enhancing both convenience and safety. The multimedia system can also be controlled via the touchpad with controller in the center console and through advanced Voice Control, offering multiple intuitive input methods.
Authentic materials and meticulous attention to detail define the interior ambiance of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550. New natural grain ash wood trim options are available, adding warmth and tactile richness to the cabin. The material and color concept has been carefully curated, featuring a wide range of brown tones and three new upholstery color combinations: Silk Beige/Deep-Sea Blue, Magma Grey/Espresso Brown, and Mahogany/Silk Beige, allowing for a high degree of personalization and refinement.
Ambient lighting, now offering an expanded palette of 64 colors, allows for extensive individualization of the interior atmosphere. This system illuminates trim elements, the central display, door pockets, and footwells, creating a sophisticated and customizable in-cabin experience. All 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 models also come standard with KEYLESS-GO®, further enhancing convenience and ease of use.
Powertrain: Efficient Power and Performance
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 is powered by a potent 4.0L V8 biturbo engine, delivering an impressive 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This new engine is among the most fuel-efficient V8 engines in the world, offering approximately ten percent better fuel economy compared to its predecessor. To achieve this efficiency, the engine features CAMTRONIC valve-lift adjustment, which deactivates four cylinders under partial load. This innovative technology reduces fuel consumption without compromising performance when power is needed.
The turbochargers are positioned within the V of the cylinder banks, a configuration known as the “hot inner V.” This design results in a more compact engine, quicker turbocharger response, and optimized airflow to the catalytic converters for reduced emissions. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 powertrain provides a seamless blend of robust performance and refined efficiency, befitting its flagship status.
Intelligent Drive Features in Detail
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 boasts an array of advanced Intelligent Drive features, pushing the boundaries of driver assistance technology:
- Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC: Utilizes significantly more map and navigation data to anticipate driving situations and adjust vehicle speed proactively based on the route. Active Speed Limit Assist conveniently adapts the vehicle’s speed to posted speed limits.
- Active Steering Assist: Enhanced across its performance range, providing more effective lane-keeping assistance and improved driver support in various driving scenarios.
- Active Lane Change Assist: Initiates lane changes with a simple tap of the indicator stalk. The system executes the lane change within ten seconds if no vehicles are detected in the relevant safety zone.
- Active Emergency Stop Assist: Safely brings the vehicle to a stop if it detects that the driver is no longer actively controlling the vehicle while Active Steering Assist is engaged.
- Traffic Sign Assist: Displays detected speed limits and other traffic signs, providing visual and audible warnings if the speed limit is exceeded, enhancing driver awareness and safety.
These sophisticated systems work together to create a driving experience that is not only more comfortable and relaxed but also significantly safer, paving the way for future advancements in autonomous driving technology within the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550.
Ride Quality and Handling: MAGIC BODY CONTROL with CURVE Function
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 continues to offer exceptional ride quality, further enhanced by advancements in its suspension technology. The MAGIC BODY CONTROL system, featuring Road Surface Scan, has been refined to scan the road even more thoroughly, even in low light conditions and at higher speeds. This allows for even more precise and proactive adjustments to the Active Body Control suspension, delivering unparalleled ride comfort.
The introduction of the CURVE function to the S-Class Sedan for the first time elevates ride comfort and handling dynamics. This system allows the body to tilt into turns by up to 2.65 degrees, significantly reducing the centrifugal forces experienced by passengers. This innovative feature enhances both comfort and driving enjoyment, making the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 a truly exceptional vehicle in all driving conditions.
Lighting Technology: LED Intelligent Light System with Ultra Wide Beam
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 is equipped with the state-of-the-art LED Intelligent Light System, now optionally available with advanced LED headlamps and Ultra Wide Beam high beams. Mercedes-Benz was the first automaker to exclusively use LEDs for lighting in the S-Class, and this commitment to innovation continues with the enhanced LED Intelligent Light System.
The Ultra Wide Beam high beams produce a wider beam of light, maximizing illumination of the road and surrounding area. This significantly improves visibility, especially in peripheral areas, enhancing safety and reducing driver fatigue during nighttime driving. Adaptive Highbeam Assist is also integrated into the LED Intelligent Light System, automatically adjusting the high beams to avoid dazzling other road users while maintaining optimal illumination of the road ahead.
Connectivity and Convenience: Wireless Charging and Concierge Service
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 features an updated headunit generation that expands telephone options and connectivity. Near Field Communication (NFC) enables wireless charging for compatible smartphones, using the Qi wireless charging standard. The charging pad is conveniently integrated into the stowage compartment at the front of the center console.
The available Burmester® High-End 3D Surround Sound System, with an impressive 1520 watts of output, has been further enhanced with additional speakers, creating an even more immersive and refined audio experience within the cabin.
The mbrace® Concierge service provides subscribers with a host of personalized services, including restaurant reservations, information on movie times or sporting events, and route guidance. Drivers can easily connect to mbrace® Concierge via the i-button in the vehicle, providing access to a personal assistant for a wide range of needs, further enhancing the luxury and convenience offered by the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550.
Conclusion: The Pinnacle of Automotive Excellence
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to innovation, luxury, and performance. With its advanced Intelligent Drive features, groundbreaking ENERGIZING Comfort system, refined exterior and interior design, powerful and efficient powertrain, and cutting-edge technology, the 2018 S550 solidifies its position as the undisputed leader in the luxury sedan segment. It represents not just an evolution of the S-Class, but a significant leap forward in the automotive landscape, defining modern luxury and paving the way for the future of driving. The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S550 is more than just a car; it’s an experience, a statement, and the embodiment of automotive excellence.
