The Evolution of the "Sonderklasse": An Architectural Overview
For generations, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class—properly known as the Sonderklasse or "Special Class"—has served as the undisputed yardstick for the global automotive luxury industry. Historically, whatever technology debuted on an S-Class eventually trickled down to standard family hatchbacks a decade later. It is a rolling laboratory of safety, engineering, and digital opulence.
In this exhaustive review brought to you by the carmotocar team, we take a deep dive into the heavily revised midlife facelift of the Mercedes S-Class. Mercedes-Benz claims to have altered approximately 50% of the vehicle's components to maintain its crown against its fiercest rival, the BMW 7 Series.
However, a critical question looms over this multi-billion-dollar update: Have the engineers successfully elevated the S-Class to new heights, or have corporate accountants diluted the tactile luxury that defined its legendary predecessors? Let us dissect every element, from the plastic textures on the grille to the cloud-connected air suspension.
Exterior Styling: A Controversial Face and the AMG Line Aesthetic
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| EXTERIOR DESIGN SUMMARY |
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| Front Fascia Changes | New 3-pointed star DRLs, oversized grille |
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| AMG Line Trim Problems | Excessive black plastic, hidden star details|
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| Side Profile Updates | 20-inch alloy wheels, flush door handles |
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| Rear Enhancements | New star-pattern LED matrix, real exhausts |
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The Front Fascia and the Dilemma of Plastic
While this S-Class iteration is a midlife facelift rather than a ground-up generational shift, it marks the most extensive visual and structural update in the nameplate's history. The entire front architecture is brand new. The most immediate talking point is the redesigned headlight clusters, which now integrate daytime running lights (DRLs) shaped explicitly like mini three-pointed stars. It is an intricate piece of branding, though some purists may find it slightly less elegant than the clean light strips of the past.
The real controversy, however, centers around the new front grille. The model evaluated by the carmotocar team features the aggressive AMG Line trim, which replaces traditional chrome work with high-gloss black elements. Up close, this blacked-out treatment inadvertently introduces a distinctively "plasticky" vibe to the front of the vehicle.
This issue is exacerbated by the prominent, flat plastic panel housing the radar sensors for the adaptive cruise control and autonomous driving systems. While opting for the classic luxury trim replaces this with a chrome surround and metallic inserts—greatly restoring the car's stately presence—the baseline feel remains heavily reliant on synthetic overlays. The delicate, tiny stars embedded into the grille mesh are completely lost within the black shadows of the AMG Line package. The only saving grace that firmly commands respect at the front is the traditional, upright three-pointed star emblem standing proudly on the hood.
Side Profile and the "Bad Handshake" Handles
Moving down the flank of this long-wheelbase luxury saloon, the sheet metal remains largely untouched, but several key technical details have emerged:
- Upgraded Sensor Pods: A new camera and sensor housing is neatly integrated into the front wings, feeding crucial data to the car's updated driver-assistance computers.
- 20-Inch Alloy Wheels: The vehicle rides on freshly designed, multi-spoke 20-inch alloy rims that complement its elongated proportions.
- The Black Window Surround: The AMG Line strips away the traditional chrome trim around the glass, replacing it with black gloss. The carmotocar team feels this sporty treatment detracts from the inherently majestic nature of a flagship luxury vehicle.
The most persistent annoyance along the side profile remains the flush, electronically deploying door handles. While mechanically advanced and designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency, their real-world operation leaves much to be desired. The spring tension and motorized resistance when you pull the handle lack premium dampening. It feels remarkably loose and unrefined, mimicking what automotive journalists describe as a "bad handshake"—an unacceptable tactile flaw in a vehicle of this caliber.
Rear Styling: Cohesive, Mature, and Polished
At the rear, the design changes are extensive and highly successful. Every component that isn't stamped out of sheet metal has been completely reimagined. A new, elegant chrome strip stretches horizontally across the boot lid, visually widening the vehicle's stance.
The taillights are a triumph of modern lighting design, packing a dense matrix of three-pointed star elements that illuminate in a mesmerizing sequence. This gives the facelifted model a much wealthier, more premium presence on the road at night compared to the pre-facelift car.
The rear bumper features integrated dual exhaust surrounds. While they are stylized and heavily defined by chrome trim, they do contain genuine, functional metallic exhaust pipes nestled inside them, avoiding the dreaded "fake exhaust plastic caps" found on lesser vehicles. From a pure design perspective, the rear and side profiles are the S-Class's strongest angles, whereas the front remains a polarizing mix of advanced tech and cost-cut materials.
The Digital Cockpit: Enter the "Superscreen"
A New Dashboard Paradigm
Step inside the cabin, and you are immediately confronted by the biggest technological shift of this facelift: the standard-fit Mercedes Superscreen . This massive glass dashboard array seamlessly blends a central infotainment touchscreen with a dedicated secondary display right in front of the passenger.
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| [ Driver Display ] [ Central Touchscreen ] [ Pass Disp ] |
| (12.3-inch) (14.4-inch) (12.3-inch) |
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| THE SUPERSCREEN LAYOUT |
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This integrated layout is standard across the range, representing a massive evolutionary step over the older model's somewhat fragmented screen arrangement. Visually, it feels more cohesive, uncluttered, and mathematically precise than the curved, floating screen housing found in the BMW 7 Series, which can sometimes look awkward and aftermarket.
The driver retains a highly customized, standalone digital instrument cluster that offers crisp layouts and a brilliant 3D effect that can be toggled via the menus.
The Ergonomics of Steering Wheel Controls
Mercedes has listened to consumer feedback and updated the steering wheel architecture, reintroducing physical toggle switches for critical parameters like audio volume adjustments and the follow-distance settings for the adaptive cruise control. This is a massive win for muscle memory and safety during high-speed driving.
However, the brand stopped short of a complete ergonomic victory. The deep sub-menus within the driver's digital display are still managed via touch-sensitive capacitive pads on the upper steering wheel spokes. These pads are notoriously finicky, frequently requiring multiple swipes or registering accidental inputs when negotiating tight turns, resulting in an unnecessarily frustrating user experience.
Material Quality and Cabin Luxury under the Microscope
Diverse Colors and the Vegan Shift
Mercedes-Benz has broadened the palette of interior trim options significantly for this midlife update. The core structural door panels remain identical, but the overlay materials, wood veneers, and leather hides have been refreshed. Owners can now specify a striking, deep olive-green leather package that adds a remarkably bespoke, contemporary flavor to the cabin environment.
In response to global sustainability trends, a completely vegan interior package is now available. While commendable from an environmental standpoint, the carmotocar team strongly recommends sticking to the traditional, ultra-premium Nappa leather hides. In a vehicle designed to epitomize world-class luxury, the smell, texture, and natural grain of high-end leather are essential to creating that elite cabin ambiance.
Center Console Reconstruction
The entire central tunnel has been structurally redesigned. It now houses a heavily upgraded wireless smartphone charging bay that delivers a potent 50-watt charge. Crucially, because high-output wireless charging generates immense thermal energy, Mercedes has cleverly integrated a dedicated cooling ventilation fan inside the bay to keep your smartphone from overheating and throttling its charging speeds.
Flanking the charging area are dual cupholders, a shallow storage tray, and a trio of high-amperage USB-C ports. The main split-opening center armrest conceals additional connectivity options and a modest storage bin. Unfortunately, the passenger-side glove box is surprisingly compromised; despite its wide outer door, the internal cavity is shallow and heavily impeded by the structural routing of the vehicle's cabin filtration systems.
The Accountant's Footprint: Where the Quality Drops
It is within the lower half of the cabin that the S-Class faces its most severe criticism. While the upper dashboard is wrapped in flawless leather and soft-touch materials, the lower sections feel distinctly compromised by cost-cutting measures.
The structural seats themselves remain unchanged from the previous model and feel unexpectedly firm. While the plush, Alcantara-covered pillows attached to the headrests are incredibly comfortable, the underlying seat foam lacks the initial, cloud-like softness found in the BMW 7 Series.
Worse still is the plastic quality surrounding the lower transmission tunnel and seat bases. When tapped or pushed, these panels emit a hollow, brittle sound that feels entirely out of place in a six-figure luxury vehicle. It lacks the dense, vault-like structural solidity that historically defined Mercedes-Benz vehicles, signaling a clear victory for corporate accountants over automotive engineers.
The MBUX Infotainment System: A Software Masterclass
Despite the physical material shortcomings, the software powering the S-Class's digital real estate is nothing short of brilliant. The latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) software features incredibly vibrant colors, ultra-high-definition graphics, and a highly intuitive, flat widget layout.
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| MBUX USER INTERFACE HIGHLIGHTS |
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| Zero-Layer UI | Icons map directly on top of the navigation screen |
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| Driver Assistance | One-touch master button to disable all safety alerts|
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| Climate Interface | Permanently pinned at the base of the touchscreen |
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Unlike the convoluted tile system found in modern BMWs—where drivers can easily get lost in pages of identical app icons—the MBUX system keeps primary functions accessible via a "Zero-Layer" design philosophy. If you need to adjust vehicle settings, a single press brings up a clean graphic of the vehicle with clear toggles.
The Safety System Kill-Switch
A particularly thoughtful touch in the new software architecture is a dedicated, permanently visible shortcut button designed to immediately silence the legally mandated overspeed warnings and lane-keep assist systems. Modern European regulations require these systems to default to "On" every time a vehicle is started, often resulting in an avalanche of annoying chimes. Mercedes' one-touch bypass button is an elegant solution that automotive enthusiasts will appreciate.
Climate and Ventilation Layout
The physical air conditioning buttons have been completely absorbed into the glass screen. Thankfully, the digital climate interface remains permanently pinned to the absolute bottom edge of the display, regardless of which menu or navigation app is currently active.
Furthermore, Mercedes has preserved mechanical, manual directional adjusters for the dashboard air vents. Drivers can simply reach out and physically point the vent where they want the airflow to go, completely avoiding the tedious, screen-driven electric vent motors found in the Porsche Panamera or Tesla Model S. The only minor flaw in the entire infotainment experience is an occasional, brief frame-rate stutter or lag when rapidly cycling between heavy applications like the 3D satellite mapping and internal comfort apps.
The Rear Passenger Sanctuary: First-Class Travel Analyzed
In a long-wheelbase S-Class, the front seats are merely the workplace; the rear seats are where the true ownership experience happens. The test vehicle comes equipped with the ultra-luxury twin-seat "First Class" rear cabin package, though a traditional three-passenger bench seat remains available for fleet operators.
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| REAR AMENITIES CHECKLIST |
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| Twin Executive Seats | Fully reclining with motorized calf support|
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| High-Def Rear Screens | Individual media playback (thick bezels) |
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| Thermal Management | Heated/Cooled cupholders, 4x USB-C ports |
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| Remote Control Functionality | Magnetic mouse pointer tablet in armrest |
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The Reclining Executive Experience
With the First-Class package selected, the passenger sitting behind the front seat can transform their environment into a mobile business lounge. Activating the executive recline mode initiates a complex, motorized dance:
- The front passenger seat slides forward dynamically.
- The front headrest folds down to maximize forward visibility for the rear VIP.
- The rear seat backrest pitches back significantly.
- An integrated motorized heel rest extends smoothly from the base of the seat.
While exceptionally relaxing, the user interface for this feature is poorly thought out. The occupant must continuously hold down the door-mounted seat button for the entire duration of the adjustment. If you remove your finger for a split second, the process stops completely. In a vehicle of this tier, a single, brief press should automate the entire sequence.
Rear-Seat Technology and Ergonomics
The rear console houses a dedicated wireless charging pad and four high-speed USB-C outlets. However, the housing for the wireless charger is permanently fixed right in the middle of the armrest, acting as a rigid structural appendage that permanently eats up space even when a smartphone isn't being charged.
The individual entertainment screens mounted to the front seatbacks are brilliant and clear, but they suffer from thick plastic bezels that make them look slightly outdated, resembling older tablets.
Furthermore, when the rear seat is fully reclined, the screens are physically too far away to be reached comfortably by hand. To solve this, Mercedes provides a compact, removable Android-powered tablet inside the center console. This tablet features a clever virtual mouse pointer cursor, allowing you to browse menus, select massage programs, adjust ambient lighting themes, and raise or lower the side window blinds without leaning forward. Much like the main system, this little remote tablet can feel slightly sluggish, performing like a budget smartphone when processing rapid commands.
Practicality, Boot Volume, and the Hybrid Penalty
The standard, purely internal combustion engine (ICE) variants of the Mercedes S-Class offer a highly competitive and deeply commodious 530 liters of luggage space. The trunk floor is completely flat, wide, and easily swallows multiple full-sized travel suitcases or golf bags.
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| BOOT VOLUME COMPARISON |
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| Standard Petrol/Diesel Models | 530 Liters |
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| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Models | 345 Liters |
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However, if you opt for the advanced Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models, the boot capacity drops down to a mere 345 liters . This sharp reduction is caused by the large lithium-ion battery pack mounted directly over the rear axle, which forces the trunk floor up by several inches.
To demonstrate this loss of volume in a practical way, the reviewer conducted a unique experiment by climbing directly into the trunks of both variants. In the standard model, an adult can easily lie down inside the trunk with ample clearance for shoulders and arms. In the hybrid version, however, the elevated floor makes the trunk incredibly shallow; an adult can barely squeeze inside, and closing the boot lid becomes nearly impossible without severe discomfort. This is a massive practicality tax that buyers must carefully consider if they intend to use the hybrid model for long-distance airport runs.
5 Annoying Things About the New Mercedes S-Class
- Rear Screen Viewing Angles: Because the rear entertainment screens are rigidly fixed to the front seatbacks at a sharp upward angle, a fully reclined passenger has to awkwardly crane their neck forward or slouch down to view the display dead-on.
- Lack of Motorized Power-Closing Doors: Unlike the BMW 7 Series, which features fully automated, button-activated opening and closing doors, the S-Class requires you to manually reach far outside the vehicle to pull the massive, heavy rear doors shut when sitting inside.
- The Short-Wheelbase Ban: Mercedes-Benz has entirely eliminated the short-wheelbase S-Class variant from specific core luxury markets, including the United Kingdom. If you prefer to drive yourself and want a more maneuverable vehicle for tight urban centers, you are forced to buy the massive long-wheelbase version anyway.
- Sunroof Structural Interruption: Instead of a single, continuous sheet of panoramic glass that offers an unobstructed view of the sky, the S-Class roof architecture is split down the middle by a thick structural beam wrapped in fabric, reducing the cabin's airy, open feeling.
- Software and Hardware Gremlins: During real-world testing, the pre-production evaluation models exhibited several electronic quirks, such as the flush door handles deploying asynchronously (popping out on one side but remaining stuck on the other) and the rear electric sunblinds randomly pausing halfway through their motorized track until the entire vehicle was locked and power-cycled.
5 Cool Things About the New Mercedes S-Class
- Springy Executive Work Tables: Tucked inside the rear center console are beautifully machined aluminum work tables that swivel out and unfold effortlessly. While slightly springy under heavy typing, they provide an ultra-premium surface for laptops or paperwork on the move.
- Integrated Microsoft Teams Hardware: The S-Class features high-definition digital cameras embedded within both the front dashboard and the rear entertainment housings. These sync directly with an integrated Microsoft Teams app, allowing executives to seamlessly conduct face-to-face video conferences directly from the comfort of the vehicle's cabin.
- Heated Front Seatbelts: Moving far beyond standard heated seats and armrests, Mercedes has embedded ultra-fine thermal elements directly into the weave of the front seatbelts. This delivers a gentle, soothing warmth directly to the driver's chest and collarbone during freezing winter mornings.
- 90-Second Air Sterilization System: The climate control system features an advanced medical-grade air filtration unit coupled with an intense ionization function. It can completely scrub, purify, and replace every cubic inch of air inside the cabin in just 90 seconds, neutralizing external pollution, pollen, and unpleasant odors instantly.
- Unrivaled Safety and Airbag Architecture: The vehicle is packed with an industry-leading array of safety cushions. Most notably, it features specialized frontal airbags integrated directly into the rear seatbacks of the front seats, specifically designed to protect rear-seat occupants who are traveling in a fully reclined position during a severe frontal impact.
Autonomous Parking and Sensor Infrastructure
The updated S-Class features an expansive sensory network consisting of:
- A surround-view 360-degree camera array.
- 5 long-range radar modules.
- 12 ultra-sensitive ultrasonic sensors.
While the car possesses Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities on paper, strict legislative restrictions in many regions mean drivers cannot yet legally hand over full control to the car on public motorways.
[Front Camera + Radar]
/ | \
/ | \
[Ultrasonics] <--- S-CLASS BODY ---> [Ultrasonics]
\ | /
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[Rear Camera + Radar]
However, this immense computing power is utilized to deliver the most sophisticated automatic parking system currently available on any production automobile.
By pressing the dedicated parking button, the vehicle actively scans for parking spaces. Unlike conventional systems that require you to drive entirely past an open spot before the computer recognizes it, the S-Class's forward-facing radar and cameras detect parking spots well ahead of the vehicle.
Once you select a spot on the screen, you can choose whether to nose in or reverse in. The car handles all steering, throttle, and braking inputs with exceptional precision. It is highly aware of vertical curbs, automatically adjusting its alignment to tuck the wheels perfectly into the space without scratching the expensive 20-inch alloy rims. It even actively monitors for approaching cyclists or pedestrians, applying the brakes instantly to avoid low-speed urban collisions. This is an automated parking feature that owners will actually use in daily life rather than dismissing it as a gimmick.
Powertrain Lineup and Real-World Driving Dynamics
The Engine Matrix
Mercedes-Benz offers a highly versatile selection of powertrains designed to comply with varying global emissions standards:
- Inline-6 Turbo Diesel: Highly efficient and optimized for long-distance fleet operations.
- Inline-6 Turbo Petrol: Silky smooth with a traditional power delivery curve.
- V8 Twin-Turbo Petrol: Reserved primarily for the North American market, delivering effortless torque and a refined exhaust note.
- Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs): Two variants combining the straight-six petrol engine with a potent electric motor.
The model tested here is the high-output plug-in hybrid, which pairs a 3.0-liter straight-six petrol engine with a large electric motor to generate a combined system output of over 500 horsepower .
The Hybrid Driving Experience
When pulling away from a standstill in urban traffic, the S-Class defaults to pure electric power. The silence is profound. The immediate, linear torque of the electric motor accelerates this massive luxury saloon with effortless grace.
The transition when the straight-six petrol engine fires up is nearly imperceptible; there is no sudden shudder or vibration through the floorboards. The engine only makes its presence known under heavy acceleration, emitting a beautifully smooth, mechanical straight-six hum that adds an air of performance to the experience before quietly shutting down the moment you ease off the throttle.
With a fully charged battery, the hybrid system delivers a legitimate, real-world electric-only driving range of up to 100 kilometers (60 miles) . For many owners whose daily commute is relatively short, this means the S-Class can effectively operate as a pure electric vehicle during the workweek, saving its petrol tank exclusively for long-distance weekend travel.
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| POWERTRAIN PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOT |
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| Engine Type | 3.0-Liter Straight-6 + Electric Motor (PHEV) |
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| Max Power Output | 500+ Horsepower Combined |
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| Pure EV Range | 100 Kilometers / 60 Miles (Real-World) |
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| Ride Quality | Adaptive Air Suspension with Cloud-Connected Tech |
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The Magic Carpet Ride
Mechanically, Mercedes chose not to alter the suspension geometry or chassis bushes for this facelift, and a few miles on a rough road prove they didn't need to. The standard adaptive air suspension delivers an impeccable, floating ride quality that genuinely feels like a magic carpet ride. It irons out sharp potholes, expansion joints, and road ruts with absolute authority.
At high speeds on the motorway, the S-Class feels exceptionally relaxed, stable, and completely insulated from the outside world. The extensive soundproofing and double-glazed acoustic glass create a cabin environment so quiet that you feel entirely detached from the chaos of the outside world.
The vehicle is also equipped with a highly innovative cloud-based suspension preview system. When an S-Class drives over a severe road defect, its onboard computers instantly log the vertical impact and broadcast the exact GPS coordinates to the Mercedes-Benz cloud servers. When another connected S-Class approaches that same coordinate minutes later, its air suspension automatically slackens off in advance, preparing to absorb the bump perfectly. This level of predictive engineering showcases the incredible depth of German automotive development.
Pricing, Market Position, and Fair Valuation
The S-Class remains an exclusive vehicle targeted directly at high-earning individuals, corporate boards, and premium chauffeuring services. Entry-level pricing for the base model kicks off at approximately £100,000 . As you climb up the trim levels and add options like the First-Class rear seating and advanced hybrid powertrains, the price quickly escalates past £120,000 , with fully loaded, top-tier models topping out near £140,000 .
Given these premium prices, the carmotocar team strongly advises prospective buyers to thoroughly utilize automotive platform tools like Carwow to scan for regional dealer incentives, factory finance contributions, and competitive trade-in offers. Navigating the market intelligently can save thousands of pounds, ensuring you pay a fair market price for your flagship investment.
Final Verdict: Engineering Genius vs. Corporate Auditing
At the end of our rigorous evaluation, the facelifted Mercedes S-Class leaves the carmotocar team with a deeply mixed, yet ultimately respectful conclusion.
On one hand, its mechanical engineering is completely flawless. The driving dynamics are spectacular, the plug-in hybrid powertrain is masterfully refined, and the cloud-connected air suspension delivers a ride quality that its competitors still struggle to match. Furthermore, the updated MBUX software and its massive Superscreen layout present a cleaner, more intuitive digital interface than anything found inside a modern BMW.
On the other hand, it is impossible to ignore the physical cost-cutting measures hidden within this cabin. The presence of brittle, hollow plastics on the lower dashboard and center console, alongside the firm base foam of the seats, proves that corporate accountants successfully clawed back budget at the expense of absolute material luxury.
It is a frustrating flaw in an otherwise brilliant car. If you view the S-Class strictly through the lens of an automotive journalist or a tech enthusiast, its engineering achievements make it the best driving luxury saloon on sale today. But if you are a discerning buyer spending £140,000 of your own money, those cheap plastic touchpoints might just tempt you back into the exceptionally plush, beautifully finished cabin of the BMW 7 Series.
