The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will reach Australian showrooms on August 6, marking the brand’s most extensive update yet. The company implemented 2,700 individual changes across roughly half the vehicle’s components.
The S 450 4MATIC starts at $264,200, while the S 580L 4MATIC is priced at $353,900. Both prices include GST and luxury car tax but exclude on-road costs.
Powertrains receive major upgrades
The S 450’s 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six retains its 280 kW output but gains 560 Nm of torque. An overboost function briefly increases torque to 600 Nm. Mercedes states the engine now runs more smoothly and responds faster to throttle inputs.
The S 580L’s 4.0-litre V8 underwent more significant revisions. Its new M177 EVO twin-turbo engine includes a flat-plane crankshaft, revised intake camshaft, and redesigned turbo housing and compressor wheel. Power rises to 395 kW and 750 Nm, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 4.0 seconds—an improvement of 0.4 seconds over the previous model.
Both engines use the 9G-TRONIC transmission, which has been refined for smoother gear changes.
Suspension and technology advance further
Rear-axle steering remains standard, while the optional Airmatic suspension and E-Active Body Control now feature intelligent damping. The system anticipates road imperfections using sensor data and adjusts the suspension preemptively to smooth rough surfaces.
The updated MB.DRIVE assistance suite combines multiple sensors to manage lane changes, parking, and reversing. The new Digital Light system increases illumination coverage by 40% compared to the earlier version.
The interior includes a 14.4-inch touchscreen as the primary interface, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Optional upgrades include an MBUX Superscreen for the front passenger and a rear-seat entertainment system, plus a voice-activated Virtual Assistant.
The Burmester 3D surround sound system comes standard, with the High-End 4D version available as an option. Climate control now refreshes and purifies cabin air every 90 seconds, and heated seat belts are offered as an extra.
Design shifts toward a bolder appearance
The exterior introduces a 20% larger radiator grille with an illuminated surround and 3D chrome star detailing. Front and rear styling, headlights, and taillights have all been redesigned. The AMG Line package is now standard, featuring 20-inch AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels in Himalaya grey.
Several optional packages are available, including the Comfort PLUS and Comfort Complete bundles. These add rear-seat massage functions and an augmented-reality heads-up display. The Business Class Package converts the rear seats into a mobile office with temperature-controlled cup holders and folding tables.
The Exterior Elegance Package is offered at no extra cost, though pricing for other options remains undisclosed.
The scale of these changes indicates Mercedes is not merely refining the S-Class but attempting to set a new standard for luxury sedans.
Past updates focused on gradual improvements, yet this revision pushes every system to its limits—from powertrain to suspension to infotainment. The numbers suggest more than a routine refresh, though real-world driving will determine whether the upgrades deliver a noticeable difference.
The S-Class has long symbolized prestige, but this update prioritizes engineering over badge appeal. While features like heated seat belts and augmented-reality displays may attract attention, the most significant work occurred beneath the surface, where half the car was reengineered.
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