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2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (S550, S600) facelift revealed

04/09/2009, 2:52 AM

By Nick Aziz

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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04/09, 8:07 AM

posted by:

idrinorbarsaku

the interior with the redesigned wood center console looks SO much better than the old one. I “think” i like the rear lights. I hate the front grille. For me, i dont think the exterior matches the interior. To me, the exterior has very dull lines that make it kind of boring.

04/09, 9:06 AM

posted by:

gritsandeggs

Beautiful car, but chill out on the wood. We get it, it’s more expensive. We don’t need a whole redwood inside, for crying out loud. Remember, Mercedes… ‘tasteful’

Tall, upright seats are what I loved about Mercs – very stately and supportive. These low, wide seats look like they were taken from a Buick from years past.

The second hood on the dash looks like an after-market add-on. It *really* cheapens the looks. The gap between the dash and the center console makes it look like an American car.

Don’t get carried away with the wood.

04/09, 9:49 AM

posted by:

idrinorbarsaku

I agree with everything about your comment…almost…having lots of real wood is good(in a luxury car…look at RR). Having lots of fake wood is what makes everyone hate wood in gerneral. Thanks GM!!!
I also hate that second hood thing. it doesn’t really flow with everything else.

i wish i could do something else in class…i dont even know why this website is allowed! good thing my professor doesnt mind.

04/09, 10:20 AM

posted by:

A4

Now it looks even MORE like a Maybach… remind me why those exist again?

04/09, 11:16 AM

posted by:

tastyorange

Nice color!
Wow…. does this mean you will now be able to get a MB in something other than black, silver or white?

04/09, 1:02 PM

posted by:

Rafa LL

0-60 time anyone?

04/09, 1:08 PM

posted by:

Borat

Why? There is no chauffeur who will be allowed to floor the right foot and those are not driver cars.

04/09, 7:05 PM

posted by:

felix1805

damn that does look nice, esp the interior… but the front looks so damn chinese its terrible.

04/09, 9:31 PM

posted by:

Captain Crunch

Dudes walkin’ to his brown $130,000 S600 & he couldn’t get a women with a better ass then that?!

04/10, 12:48 AM

posted by:

idrinorbarsaku

Captain Crunch,

hahahaha, beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess!!

04/11, 10:49 AM

posted by:

zoomzoomer

Agreed on the grille.. it looks short and cheap, especially compared to the oversized one on the new E class. I always remembered that as Mercedes moved up in size/price classes, the grille became taller and gained an additional horizontal bar.. the C always had 3, E had 4, and S had 5.. this looks like it should be on a C-class. Sure, someone is going to argue that each bar is dualed, but that makes no difference.

04/11, 12:07 PM

posted by:

shane train

This car is responsible for more deforestation than a McDonalds cow production facility.

04/12, 10:17 PM

posted by:

BlazeAbraham09

I really want to hate this car…but I can’t. Great execs car. A real a nice middle finger to everyone to show that you’re a high roller. =D

 
 
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