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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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