Mercedes-Benz engineers are currently working overtime to complete the development of the 2018 S-Class and the freshest spy footage of the luxury sedan once again allows us to check out the production headlights and taillights.
As we wrote earlier this month, when the prototype uncovered its front light clusters for the first time, the Multibeam LED technology that debuted on the W213 E-Class has made its way to the S-Class.
In the process, the headlights have gained a more modern appearance, with the second main lamp being replaced by a stack of LED lights. As for the LED stripe on the inner side of the cluster, this splits in three as it approaches the bumper.
In fact, with the revamped S-Class prototypes having delivered a strip tease process over the last few months or so, it's simpler to discuss the parts of the car that haven't been revealed so far.
When it comes to the exterior of the limousine, the lower front apron is the only bit still covered in camouflage. Oh, and by the way, here are the spyshots of the Allfalterbach-massaged version, with the S63 being ready for its heart transplant.
The revamp will also increase the vehicle's green credentials. While the spied gas-electric model provides the S550 Plug-In Hybrid hints, electric assistance will also be available outside this and the non-plug-in S400 Hybrid.
The German engineers have developed a mild hybrid setup that will be present throughout the gas-fed models in the range. Involving a small electric motor and a 48V system, this won't offer all-electric mobility, providing low- and mid-range assistance instead, with the more linear torque delivery boosting the lavish feeling of the sedan. The setup will obviously also increase efficiency, with the gains expected to sit between 10 and 15 percent.
As for the cabin of the S, we've already seen the single-bezel approach used to bring the instrument cluster and the central Comand infotainment display together. However, we're still wondering if the later's rotary controller has disappeared, making room for a touch-sensitive controller.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is scheduled to make its debut in the first part of next year. We wouldn't be surprised if the German automaker used January's Detroit Motor Show to introduced the revamped S to the world or even held a separate launch event.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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