S-Class 2018: Mercedes' lavish limousine

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A facelifted version of Mercedes's S-Class limousine has emerged ahead of this week's Shanghai Motor Show.

In recent years, the company's entry-level and mid-range saloons bared a striking resemblance to the flagship S-Class, leading Mercedes to tweak the limousine's styling to set it apart from the rest of the range.

The most significant styling change on the exterior can be seen at the front of the car, as the firm has introduced a new grille with a three twin-louvre on both six and eight-cylinder models. Long wheelbase and range-topping V12 variants get subtle vertical chrome strips on the radiator grille.

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Mercedes has redesigned the front and rear bumpers with "a smattering more chrome", says Evo, although the S-Class "is the same behemoth it's always been".

A new multi-beam LED headlight cluster has also been introduced, with "crystal-like" LED lights at the rear – together, they "play something of a light show when the car is unlocked and locked".

There's also a host of new engines available, including "new straight-six diesel motors" and a six-cylinder petrol that could use "48-volt technology" to boost fuel efficiency, says AutoExpress. An S560e with a 13.3kWh battery and 30-mile electric range will appear early next year.

The mag adds that Mercedes will also offer an S65 AMG variant with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 "to replace the old 5.5-litre unit". The new engine "produces 604bhp and can take the S-Class from zero to 62mph in less than four seconds."

Inside, Autocar reports that the new S-Class features "revised digital instrument and infotainment monitors offering the choice between classic, sporty and progressive themes". There's also "new touch sensitive controls and "a redesigned steering wheel".

The new S-Class will go on sale in October, the magazine says, with prices starting at around £71,585 for an entry-level diesel model.