STUTTGART (dpa-AFX) - Mercedes-Benz is giving its flagship model a makeover. The automaker has unveiled a revised version of the S-Class in Stuttgart. However, this is not an entirely new generation. In the automotive industry, such an update is referred to as a model refresh or a "facelift." The current S-Class series has been available since 2020.
The S-Class does not target the mass market. This vehicle belongs to the top-end segment for the Swabian company. Executives and politicians alike can be chauffeured in the rear seats of this luxury sedan. The S-Class starts at a list price of just over €121,000.
What's new?
More than half of the components — around 2,700 parts — are new or updated, according to Mercedes. Among other things, the S-Class now features the self-developed operating system "MB.OS."
From the outside, the larger and illuminated grille is likely to catch the eye, especially at night. Optionally, the Mercedes star on the hood can also be illuminated. In the rear section, Mercedes reports that there are displays with integrated HD cameras, allowing passengers to participate in video conferences, for example. In the front seats, a seatbelt heating function is designed to increase comfort. Mercedes also noted that the seatbelt heating could enhance passenger safety.
What experts say
The S-Class is the flagship of Mercedes-Benz, said Stefan Reindl, Director of the Institute for Automotive Economics in Geislingen, Swabia. "This really is the top-end car," the automotive expert commented. It's less about the number of units sold and more about the profit per vehicle. Overall, the S-Class will not solve the structural challenges facing the automotive industry. However, it could provide Mercedes with noticeable support in the current situation, Reindl said.
It is important that the S-Class does not become outdated and receives an update, said Frank Schwope, lecturer at the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FHM) in Cologne. After all, in terms of profit margin, the S-Class is one of the models from which Mercedes earns the most money.
Profit slump and declining sales
Recently, Mercedes has struggled with declining sales figures. Profits fell by about half to around €3.88 billion in the first nine months of last year. Revenue dropped by eight percent to €98.5 billion. The DAX-listed company plans to present figures for the entire previous fiscal year in mid-February./rwi/DP/jha
