The external clues may be subtle, but the revised Mercedes-Benz S-Class has undergone a massive transformation under the skin.

Headline news is a range of new engines, starting with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, which produces 345kW/700Nm as 345kW/700Nm as an S560 and a whopping 450kW/900Nm in S63 AMG guise.

For the fuel economy conscious, the only initial offerings will be a pair of diesels, the 210kW/600Nm S350d and 250kW/700Nm S400d, however these will soon be joined by Mercedes-Benz’s cutting-edge inline six-cylinder petrol engines.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class profile

Mercedes is remaining quiet on technical details for the moment, however promises two different output levels and claims its new high-tech six-pot will offer the power of a V8 but with vastly better fuel economy.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class rear

Inside, the new S-Class’s dash is dominated by twin 12.3-inch, fully configurable, high definition display screens. All infotainment system functions can now be controlled via touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, which can be swiped smartphone-style. Speaking of smartphones, the new S-Class also supports wireless inductive charging.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior

Such toys are guaranteed to keep the driver entertained, as less of their focus than ever needs to be directed to the road thanks to the S-Class’s assistance systems, which allow the car the operate more or less autonomously for extended periods.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class rear seat

Another neat trick is Remote Parking Assist, which allows the driver to park the car in tight spaces – parallel or end-on in either the forward or reverse direction – using a smartphone.

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class front static

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class range will arrive on Australian shores in December 2017.