Mercedes officially revealed the 2010 Mercedes S-Class facelifted less than 24 hours after publishing photos from a leaked brochure.
Mercedes unveiled the 2010 Mercedes S-Class facelifted less than 24 hours after published photos from a leaked brochure.
The facelifted model features a bolder grille and a revised bumper that incorporates chrome inserts into the air intakes. It also has LED daytime driving lights, indicators, and marker lights for S 400 HYBRID, S 600, and S 600 models (they are available as part of other S-Class models). The only changes to the rear are new LED taillights, and an integrated exhaust system.
The big news is not the minor redesign. The S 400 HYBRID boasts a fuel efficiency rating of 7.9L/100km, and emits only 186 grams CO2 per km. The S 400 HYBRID will be the first vehicle in production to use a hybrid powertrain and a lithium-ion batteries. It features a 3.5-liter petrol engine producing 205 kW (279 HP) and an electric motor producing 15 kW (20 HP).
Mercedes has a wide range of engines to suit your needs. There are eight petrol and eight diesel engines that have been upgraded to produce less fuel and emit less carbon dioxide. There is also a diesel engine with 173 kW (335 hp), 3.0-liter V6 and a 4.0-liter V8 which produces 235kW (388 hp), respectively. Petrol enthusiasts have six options: a V6 that produces 200 kW (272 HP), a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 250 kW (340 Hp), a V8 that produces 235 kW (320 hp), and V8s with 285kW (388 Hp). A 5.5-liter V8 can produce 380 kW (517 horsepower). If that doesn’t impress you, you might consider the S 63 AMG with 386 kW (525 hp), a 4.7-liter V8 producing 250 kW (340 hp), and a 5.5-liter biturbo V12 that produces 450 kW (612 hp).
The updated 2010 S-Classes feature a variety of new technologies that will keep drivers safe, just like the previous models. The Adaptive Hibeam Assist system adjusts vehicles’ headlights to improve forward visibility and prevents oncoming motorists being distracted by excessive highbeams. The updated system includes a revised Night View Assist with pedestrian detection, a Lane Keeping Assist function that vibrates the driver’s chair when the vehicle leaves a lane without intending, and a Speed Limit Assist display system that displays the current speed limit.
Not all technology needs to be used to keep us safe. Mercedes has developed new features like a SPLITTVIEW monitor that allows both the driver and the front passenger to view the same screen but see different things. This clever engineering feat allows the driver to view a map of the current car’s location, while the passenger can watch a DVD movie. The other upgrades include a revised COMAND system that includes a new SD card slot and advanced Bluetooth connectivity. There is also an addition of a USB port. The updated S-Class includes a rear-seat entertainment package with two 8-inch displays, wireless headphones, and a remote control that allows you to operate all audio and telematic functions in the COMAND system.
The facelifted 2010 S-Class is scheduled to go on sale in Germany in June. It will compete with the newly redesigned BMW 7-series, and Audi’s 2010 A8.
