The current generation of the S-Class Coupe hit the market for 2015 and brought about the best design, technology, and luxury that the German automaker had to offer. It was based heavily on the S-Class Coupe Concept that was showcased in Frankfurt back in 2014 and was offered with a 367-horsepower V-6 and a 449-horsepower V-8. We’re now starting to see 2018 models hit the market, so it should be no surprise that Mercedes has been working hard on a facelift for its resident, full-size coupe. As part of this facelift, you won’t notice too many changes at skin level, but that’s because Mercedes was more focused on bringing about all of the new tech found in the recently revealed E-Class, which includes some semi-autonomous driving features, OLED lighting in the rear, an updated infotainment system, and new V-8 engine meow offers up a little more power next to the updated V-6 that offers better efficiency thanks to a new “gliding function.” Finally, the model lineup has changed a bit as well as a part of this facelift, so there’s that to discuss as well.

All told, the updated S-Class is now fully prepared to take on the competition, thanks to all of the new tech that Merc introduced with the E-Class and its desire to improve efficiency and supply more power when possible. With that said, there’s still not a lot to talk about as far as aesthetic updates, but there’s plenty of tech and standard features to go over. It’s not a revolution for the S-Class by any means, but it’s still worthy of some dedicated attention, so let’s take a good look at it and how it might stand up in the market once it finally launches.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 367 @ 5500
  • Torque: 368 @ 1800
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Mercedes has a very funny sense of what the word “new” means. By that I mean, Mercedes has taken a point to boast that the updated S-Class has new front aprons when, in all reality, they have just been lightly revised. So, they are technically new, but you might not notice until you see a 2018 model sitting next to a 2016 model. As such, you’ll recognize the same hood and character lines up top while the radiator grille is the same as well. The changes come into play down below where the corner vents have been resized to be just a bit taller. They are also a little deeper and now feature two horizontal louvers with deeper-sitting mesh. Those louvers get chrome strips on their face, so they do match the grille and the headlight design quite well. In the center, you should be able to spot that the upper edge of the corner vents now blends into the fascia a bit right and is more rounded than slanted. The air dam is pretty much the same in size and shape, but the lip of the lower fascia is not straight and doesn’t have that weird crease and point in the middle to match the shallow line of the hood. In the end, the headlights are also the same, but the minor changes to the front fascia do freshen things up and give the C-Class coupe just a little more character. I would have opted for something a little more different up front had I been at the design table, but to each their own, right?

Moving over to the sides, it’s the same story as the front – changes are minimal at best. Mercedes claims to have restyled the side skirts, but for the life of me, I can’t see how. They have the same lower lip protruding on the side and the same recess around the lower portion of the door. There is a new, very mild line in near the rear wheels that could suffice for “new,” but it’s certainly nothing to write home about. The same window trim, side view mirrors, and body lines carry over, but there are two new wheel designs. Well, they are both 10-spoke units that are 20-inches in size and can be had in Titanium Grey or Gloss Black. Obviously, the gloss black will look better with most exterior colors but with a lighter color, like the grey finish shown above, the Titanium Grey wheels will be exactly what your aesthetic doctor ordered.

Around back, you’ll find yourself stuck in the same chapter as you were up front. Changes are very minimal, and while Mercedes claims to have brought about a new rear fascia, what it really meant to say was that it revised the insert with a new chrome stripe and placed a center louver inside those rectangular exhaust outlets. Otherwise, the rear fascia is literally identical to that of the pre-facelift model. The only other change to mention in the rear are the OLED taillights that mark a huge improvement in the looks department for the rear end. Featuring a matrix with square LEDs and a defining line on the outside, Merc also revised the look of the reverse light area, so it doesn’t look so much like a Chrysler emblem – props for that, seriously.

On a side note, if you own a pre-facelifted model, you could get your hands on a new front fascia, new rear fascia insert, and the new taillights and upgrade your pre-2018 model quite easily and nobody would know the difference from the outside. Not a bad idea if you want refreshed looks without having to pony up for a new car so soon, so go ahead and mull that idea over before you head to the dealer – it’s probably an easier proposition to sell the wife too, just sayin.

Old Mercedes S-Class Coupe vs. New Mercedes S-Class Coupe

Interior

I hope you’re not expecting to see a massive redesign inside because, if you are, you’re going to be let down. The S-Class Coupe just isn’t destined to change until at least the turn of the decade, so it might be hard to make a case for a mid-cycle upgrade once you see what the 2018 model is working with. To put it simply, the entire interior is identical with the exception of trim and color options along with the introduction of a new steering wheel design. Otherwise, the same dash carries over, including the central vent cluster and control panel below it. The center console carries over as do the door trim panels. I should note, however, that the door trim panels do have one little thing going for them and that’s revised buttons that are now shinier than before, and the control buttons for the seats are now at more of a 90-degree angle. Otherwise, they are identical as well.

So, what has changed?

Well, for starters, you get a new steering wheel that’s a bit smaller than that of the pre-2018 model. It features a more elongated flat bottom with revised double spokes. The tough buttons the side spokes are new and should be easier to use than the button system offered before. The central hub/airbag unit is also smaller and is more rounded while the Merc emblem in the center is three dimensional like an emblem as opposed to looking flat like a fancy sticker. The perforated areas on the side of the wheel are now longer for better comfort while the 3- and 9’Oclock positions now feature more padding for better grip. The rim of the wheel itself is also a little thicker and looks less like something found in an early 70s pickup truck up top. All three spokes are now a lighter shade of grey that match the rest of the trim garnishing well, and kind of tie the interior to the exterior if you opt for the Titanium Grey wheels.

Ahead of the steering wheel sits that 12.3-inch instrument cluster that is accented by the 12.3-inch infotainment display. They look identical to that of the pre-2018 models, and still feature the shared glass for an elegant look. The digital cockpit offers up three different styles that include Classic, Sporty, and Progressive. Mercedes has yet to elaborate, but you can pretty much guess that Progressive is wilder while Classic is a basic two-gauge display. As part of the update to the cluster, you can now display navigation data and economy information inside the instrument cluster alongside things like trip data and fuel consumption figures.

The infotainment display is controlled by the touch controller on the center console or via voice command. To be clear, voice command was available before, but you can now control vehicle functions like HVAC, seats heating and cooling, fragrance, lighting, and even the head-up display. All told, the system can now recognize as many as 450 voice commands depending on language and how the vehicle is equipped at the time of purchase.

All trim levels come standard with COMAND Online, which includes three-dimensional, hard-drive based navigation with a topographical display and 3D buildings, etc. – just like you can get with BMW’s latest software update. The system is able to provide real-time traffic info, car-to-infrastructure message, weather, fuel prices, and parking information.

ENERGIZING – The Interior Option You Really Want

So, you’re driving home from work. Your boss stressed you out like crazy, and all you want to do is relax before you get home to your nagging wife and the hellions that you call your kids. Well, if you have the S-Class Coupe, you’ll be able to get a little bit of love on the way home thanks to the ENERGIZING comfort control system. The system basically combines things like the climate control system, fragrance system, seat functions (heating, cooling, and massage,) lighting, and audio system to provide you with a number of programs to help you get your relax on. Those programs include Freshness, Warmth, Vitality, Joy, Comfort, and Training. All operate for 10 minutes at a time and will even select music from you music database based on the number of beats per minute in each song and include them as part of the various programs. It doesn’t sound too bad at all, huh?

Old Mercedes S-Class Coupe vs. New Mercedes S-Class Coupe

Drivetrain

The 2018 S-Class Coupe will be offered in two trim levels. First on the docket is the S 450, which will make use of the same 3.0-liter V-6 found in pre-2018 models. It even delivers the same 367 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet at 1,800 rpm. The V-6 has been updated to include a new “gliding” function, which essentially decouples the engine from the transmission while cruising when not under load (think when you remove your foot from the pedal to coast) so that the engine can drop to idle which supposedly increases fuel economy. Of course, the 2015 S-Class Coupe with the same V-6 was rated at a combined rating of 8.3-liter per 100km while the 2018 model is now rated at 8.9-liters per 100km, so it’s hard to say where those fuel economy savings come in as it’s obviously increased by a half liter somewhere along the line. The engine is now coupled with Mercedes’ 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Previously, the V-6 was only offered in Europe, so it’s hard to say whether or not the S 450 will come to the U.S. or not, but it’s possible. On a side note, emissions have climbed from 193 grams per km to 204 grams per km, despite the fact that the engine is equipped with a petrol particulate filter.

If you want that V-8 goodness that I know you do, you’ll need to go for the S 560 Coupe (also available in the cabriolet). It features cylinder deactivation under partial load (four cylinders simultaneously) with the use of Merc’s valve-lift system. This is only available in the coupe, however, so don’t expect cylinder deactivation in the drop-top model. It features V-mounted turbochargers and delivers a total output of 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes says this engine is all-new but has yet to say much more outside of the fact that it offers better fuel efficiency (they said that for the updated V-6 too, with evidence to the contrary.) Be that as it may, the new engine represents an improvement in power output of 20 horsepower while torque remains the exact same. With that in mind, the coupe should make the 60 mph sprint in the same 4.5 seconds with top speed likely limited at 155 mph.

Drivetrain Specifications

S 450 4MATIC

S 560 (4MATIC)

Number of cylinders/ arrangement

6/V

8/V

Displacement (cc)

2,996

3,982

Rated output (kW/hp)

367 HP @ 5,500 RPM

469 HP

Rated torque (Nm)

368 LB-FT @ 1,800 RPM

516 LB-FT

Combined fuel consumption (l/100 km)

8.9

8.0 (8,7)

Combined CO2 emissions (g/km)

204

183 (197)

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)

5.5

4.6 (4.6)

Top Speed

155 mph

155 mph


Suspension Goodies

Remember back when this generation first debuted and you saw that option box for “Magic Body Control?” Well, that carries over through the mid-cycle update, and still features the same abilities (tilting the body to the inside of each curve by just over 2.5 degrees.) This is determined thanks to the stereo camera behind the windshield, that lateral acceleration sensor, and road surface sensor. For 2018, that stereo camera has been replaced with an updated unit that Merc claims will allow for better identification of corners and, therefore, better performance of the suspension system. The system operates from nil to as high as 111.8 mph.

Driver Assistance Features

Now I would be lying if I don’t you that some of these driver assistance features that are available on cars just make us dumber. And, I truly believe they do as they allow people to be more confident about their carelessness. But, let’s leave that conversation for another time and talk about all of the semi-autonomous features available with the 2018 S-Class Coupe. To put it simply, Mercedes has improved its Intelligent Drive systems by upgrading the Active Distance Control and Active Steering Assist for better functionality. Speed is now adjusted automatically for curves, intersections, and runabouts as necessary and can make better use of the navigation system data in certain countries as part of this upgrade and better functionality. It’s not much, but it’s certainly an improvement over pre-2018 models.

Pricing

So far Mercedes has yet to release pricing information for the 2018 S-Class Coupe. The pre-facelift model is currently going for $122,750 in S550 4Matic form, which is the only non-AMG version available on this side of the pond as of the time of this writing. Then again, Merc has changed the naming lineup with the V-6 model being called the S450 and the V-8 model now going as the S560. With that in mind, it’s possible that we’ll get the S450 here in the U.S. as well. It will sit a bit lower than $127,750, which is the current price of the S 550. We’re expecting the see the S 560 for somewhere around $124,500 which would put the S450 somewhere in the area of about $118,000 or so. Meanwhile, moving on up to the AMG versions should have you paying out somewhere around $165,300 for the S63 or about $237,000 for the S65. But, we’ll learn more about U.S. pricing closer to the official launch date, so stay tuned for updates.

Competition

The S-Class Coupe kind of sits in its own weird little niche with next to no on-point competitors. So, we have to reach a little, but there are a few decent options – even if they are a little more expensive.

Lexus LC 500

The Lexus LC500 is essentially a production version of the LF-LC Concept from a few years back. It comes with a bold and unique styling that is somehow mixed in with Lexus’ spindle grille and a coupe silhouette that warps the mind a bit. It’s powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 that delivers a decent 467 horsepower and 389 pound-feet of torque. The LC 500 can hit the 60 mph sprint in 4.5 seconds and should easily exceed 155 mph if not electronically limited. It’s not a slouch on the inside either, with a digital instrument cluster that’s small but stylish, a sexy display in the center of the dash, and some pretty decent upholstery options too. Pricing for the LC 500 has yet to announced, but pricing should fall somewhere in the $140,000 to $150,000 range.

Read more about the Lexus LC 500 here.

Bentley Continental GT

The Continental GT is technically in a different price bracket, and maybe even a different luxury bracket, but when there are so few coupes that can actually compete with the S-Class, sometimes you have to consider paying more. The GT is powered by a 6.0-liter W-12 that delivers 582 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. And, that sounds like a lot compared to the S-Class Coupe, but on the performance front, the sprint to 60 takes about 4.5 seconds, so it can hit the benchmark in the same exact timeframe.

Styling-wise, the Continental speaks for itself with that Bentley grille, sharply defined body lines, and muscular haunches. Meanwhile, the interior is about as luxurious as it can really get, so you might pay quite a bit more with a price tag of around $194,000, but it doesn’t come without its benefits if you can manage to squeeze out that kind of cheddar.

Find out more about the Bentley Continental GT here.

Conclusion

In typical Mercedes fashion, the Sonderklasse Coupe will carry over into 2018 as a sixth-gen model that has been refined with minimally refreshed looks inside and out, but an increase in power from the range-topping, non-AMG model. The new naming structure (S 560 compared to S 5550) should also help those on the street know you have a newer model while those OLED taillights will certainly attract some attention. In the end, the subtle little changes and upgrades are what make this mid-cycle facelift worthy of praise, and that extra bump in power from the V-8 is nice too. However, be aware that while Mercedes has boasted that the 2018 models will be more efficient, the initial fuel economy numbers show otherwise, so you may not find yourself getting fuel economy that’s equal to or better than the pre-2018 model in your garage right now. Be that as it may, the car will be fresh enough to carry itself into the next decade without issue and is certainly worth consideration if you have $125,000 to blow and a desire for a large, two-door coupe. Meow, what do all of you think of the updated S-Class? Let us know in the comments section below. MEOW!

References

2018 Mercedes S-Class

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes S-Class.

2018 Mercedes-AMG S63-S65

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63-S65.

2018 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet.