“Very comfortable while traveling both short and long distances. It's very comfortable for passengers both on long and short distances.”
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receives a meaningful mid-cycle refresh, led by updated styling, a revised engine lineup, and newer cabin technology. It is an update to the existing generation, not a full redesign.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
6th generation S-Class (W222/V222 sedan, C217 coupe, A217 cabriolet); 2018 is the mid-cycle refresh year for the US lineup.
Mercedes positions the S-Class as its flagship and as a benchmark for big luxury cars: a quiet, beautifully finished car built for effortless long-distance travel, rear-seat comfort, and showcasing the brand’s latest safety and convenience technology. Compared with rivals, the S-Class leans especially hard into ride comfort, cabin craftsmanship, and smooth power delivery. In this era it also offered coupe and cabriolet body styles, giving buyers the same flagship atmosphere in more emotional two-door forms.
The S 450 serves as the comfort-focused core sedan, pairing a 362-hp twin-turbo V6 with air suspension, dual 12.3-inch displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Burmester audio. The S 560 is the richer step up, with a 463-hp twin-turbo V8 and Nappa leather, while S 450 4MATIC and S 560 4MATIC models add all-wheel drive.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The non-AMG gasoline lineup shifts to the S 450 and S 450 4MATIC with a 362-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, plus the S 560 and S 560 4MATIC with a new 463-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The S 550e plug-in hybrid leaves the lineup.
Styling
Mercedes refreshes the grille, headlights, front bumper, and rear bumper. Coupe and cabriolet models also receive revised rear lighting.
Safety
New driver-assistance functions arrive through equipment packages, rather than becoming standard across the entire lineup.
Tech
The cabin gains a revised COMAND touchscreen-control interface, steering-wheel touch controls, standard front wireless phone charging, and Energizing Comfort Control.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 26–27 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 362 hp | 463 hp | 362 hp | 463 hp |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft | 12 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Executive Rear Seating | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||||
| Memory Rear Seats | ||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class fully redesigned?
No. The 2018 S-Class is a mid-cycle refresh of the existing generation, with revised styling, engines, controls, and comfort technology rather than a new platform.
What engines changed in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The 2018 non-AMG gasoline lineup centers on two newer engines: a 362-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 in the S 450 models and a 463-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the S 560 models. Both use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid continue?
No. The S 550e plug-in hybrid was dropped from the 2018 S-Class lineup.
What cabin technology changed in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The 2018 S-Class has revised infotainment controls, new touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls, standard front wireless phone charging, and Energizing Comfort Control, which coordinates several cabin comfort settings.
How does the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class look different from the 2017 model?
The 2018 S-Class has a revised grille, headlights, front bumper, and rear bumper. The coupe and cabriolet also have refreshed rear lighting.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
4.3
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
(188 reviews)
“Trunk is smaller than 2016. There is little interior storage space, yet there are multiple ashtrays in the vehicle. Really? Is Mercedes stuck in the 70's? The "SOS not ready" light always on, on the dash is laughable if not so frustrating.”
“Do not get the S450. It is a major step down from the 550. Totally cheapens the Mercedes experience.”