2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Can Practically Drive Itself

Mercedes-Benz teased its updated 2018 S-Class flagship sedan, which is slated to officially debut in Shanghai next week.

But ahead of that big reveal, got a sneak peek of this car, which will feature a range of new engines, tons of driver-assistance technology and a fuel-saving 48-volt electrical system.

Making things less stressful for motorists, the 2018 S-Class gains Distronic Active Proximity Control and Active Steer Assist. In addition to enhanced camera and radar systems, this bundle of circuity integrates map and navigation data to improve the car’s self-driving capability. It can now automatically adjust speed for curves and intersections it encounters.

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The new S-Class gains a host of other advanced features as one might expect, things like Active Lane Change Assist, the ability to read traffic signs and Multibeam LED headlights with Ultra Range high beams, handy for permanently blinding other motorists. Additionally, Remote Parking Assist sounds like a nifty bit of tech, allowing you to maneuver into tight spaces via a smartphone app.

Ahead of its firewall, the 2018 S-Class will feature a host of new engines including both gasoline and diesel inline-sixes as well as a twin-turbo V8. A plug-in hybrid will also be offered, providing an electric driving range of about 31 miles.

In the U.S., we hear a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 will be offered in the S450 model, while a new S560 is expected to replace today’s S550, being motivated by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. A more potent version of this engine is also expected to be offered in the S63, though none of this is official yet.

SEE ALSO: Why 48-Volt Electrical Systems are a BIG Deal

Saving fuel in non-hybrid models is an advanced 48-volt electrical system, which is making its debut in the new S-Class. This technology can enable numerous fuel-saving features such as electrically driven accessories and it can even allow vehicles to cruise along with their combustion engines shut off.

Design wise, there’s not much to say about this car as it looks pretty much like the S-Class we’ve known and loved for years now. However, for the new model year it receives updated front and rear ends and a mildly refreshed interior.

With the 2018 S-Class, Mercedes-Benz is making a big push toward autonomous driving. New engines, fuel-saving features and other updates should make this segment-leading sedan even better. It’s slated to go on sale this fall.