Our MBUSA trainer stopped by to show us the 2018 Mercedes-AMG S63! The 2018 S-Class is what we call a mid-cycle refresh. The sheet metal is the same but there have been tweaks to the bumpers, lights, wheels, technology and engines. This refresh should last for three more years. The S-Class is generally on a seven year body style cycle.

On the exterior of the vehicle the headlights and taillights are the most noticeable changes. The new Multibeam headlights feature a three eyebrow look that is very striking. They are also ultra-wide for better road coverage. The taillights feature the same crystal effect as the E-Class and GLC-Class.

Inside the S-Class, the steering wheel is an obvious change. It is now a 3-spoke wheel with touchpads and new style buttons. On the left side of the wheel there are cruise control buttons and on the right there are voice and radio controls. There are also some new ambient lighting colors and leather choices. The COMAND system has been upgraded to version NTG 5.5. This is the same as the 2018 E-Class with a few functional differences. I will admit that it has taken some time to get used to the new system but the more cars it is in, the more practice I get and the more I like it.

Under the hood every S-Class has something new. The S450, now available, is the first V6 we have had in years! With 362 horsepower and 369 lb/ft of torque it should be perfect for those who want all of the luxury but do not need all of the power. The S560 features the V8 biturbo with 463 horsepower and 516 lb/ft of torque. 0-60 is estimated at 4.5 seconds which is amazing for a vehicle of this size. The new S63 is now 603 horsepower and 664 lb/ft of torque. It is silky smooth and blindingly fast!

The first of these refreshed models should be arriving shortly!