Although it isn’t part of Mercedes‘ New York Auto Show exhibit, the 2010 S-Class marks a modest overhaul to the German automaker’s flagship luxury sedan. In addition to interior and exterior refinements, the new S550 and S600 come with a slew of new and improved high-tech systems, including safety and convenience features.

The S550 continues to be powered by a 382 horsepower V8 with optional 4MATIC all-wheel-drive, while the pricier S600 retains its 510 hp V12. The 2010 S-Class will be in U.S. showrooms beginning in August.

One of the most noticeable changes across the lineup is the addition of daytime LED running lights fitted to the outer edges of the bi-xenon lamp units. The rear end is also accented with a total of 52 distinctively arranged LEDs in the two taillights. Gone are the body-colored strips through the taillamps.

Mercedes-Benz also makes more use of light as a styling element in the interior via the standard ambient lighting, now with a choice between three lighting moods: solar (amber), neutral (white) and polar (ice-blue).

Another noticeable change at the front of the car is a more pronounced arrow-shaped grille, plus a new front bumper with a light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. Exhaust tailpipes of all S-Class variants are now visibly integrated into the rear bumper. Mercedes-Benz says its engineers have also implemented specific aerodynamic measures to reduce wind noise.

Camera and radar-based driver assistance systems include Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and the Pre-Safe brake system linked to the proximity regulating radar, which intervenes autonomously before an impending rear-end collision. Other highlights include the Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor and Active Body Control with automatic crosswind stabilization.

Engineers also managed to improve the night-vision system with the introduction of Night View Assist PLUS, which is equipped a special pedestrian detection function. The Pre-Safe braking system has also been improved to reduce injuries in unavoidable crashes. Mercedes says the car can apply maximum braking pressure automatically around 0.6 seconds before what is recognized as an unavoidable accident. The system therefore acts as something like an “electronic crumple zone,” Mercedes contends.

The multifunction steering wheel of the S-Class has been modified for improved aesthetics and feel. The rim and airbag module are now lined with soft premium leather as standard. The new, flatter airbag module also lends a sporty touch to the multifunction steering wheel.

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