Mercedes-Benz Korea launches new S-Class and Maybach S-Class lineups

6 S-Class, 3 Maybach S-Class variants on offer

Customer deliveries to begin this weekend

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. [Mercedes-Benz Korea]

Mercedes-Benz Korea announced Tuesday the official launch of the new S-Class and new Maybach S-Class, the facelifted versions of the brand's flagship sedan lineup.

The company began taking pre-orders on May 18 and has recorded more than 2,500 pre-orders in roughly three months. Customer deliveries in South Korea will begin this weekend.

"The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's most iconic model, one that has set new benchmarks for innovation, safety and quality in the flagship sedan segment across generations," said Shirin Emira, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Korea. "The new S-Class raises that standard again by combining the brand's heritage with cutting-edge technology and the highest level of comfort."

She added that the new Maybach S-Class "embodies the pinnacle of ultra-luxury by combining that technological excellence with Maybach's signature craftsmanship and refinement," and said the company would deliver "the values these two models have upheld, along with an elevated top-tier vehicle experience, to customers in Korea."

More than 50 percent of the new S-Class's components have been newly developed or improved — the most extensive update since the current generation was introduced. About 2,700 elements were redesigned or newly engineered, enhancing the vehicle's design, digital experience, convenience and safety features, and overall driving performance.

On the exterior, the S-Class receives an illuminated grille for the first time, along with twin-star digital lights and a new signature star tail light design. Inside, the cabin features the MBUX Superscreen — which integrates multiple displays under a single glass surface — and active ambient lighting. Long-wheelbase models offer, depending on trim, rear power seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, a rear entertainment system and executive seats.

The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. [Mercedes-Benz Korea]

The vehicles also receive enhanced driving and ride-comfort technology. Depending on the model, the suspension is either an Airmatic air suspension or E-Active Body Control, which individually adjusts the damping force and ride height at each wheel. Rear-axle steering of up to 4.5 or 10 degrees comes standard across the full lineup, and all variants — powered by inline-six diesel or gasoline engines, or a V8 gasoline engine — feature a 48V mild hybrid system.

Both models run the latest MBUX infotainment system built on Mercedes-Benz's new MB.OS vehicle operating system. The MBUX Virtual Assistant supports a "Hey Mercedes" voice function powered by AI and search technology including ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing. For Korean customers, the vehicles come with T-Map Auto navigation and support local services including LG Uplus's Live TV+, Genie Music and Millie's Library audiobooks.

The MB.Drive Assist driver-assistance system also comes standard across the full lineup. It uses 27 sensors — 10 cameras, five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors — to monitor the vehicle's surroundings and support functions including Distronic, steering assist and lane-change assist. Parking assist, maneuvering assist, reverse maneuvering and a 360-degree camera are also included.

The new S-Class is offered in six variants, priced from 154 million won ($109,000) to 270 million won including VAT. To mark the launch, limited editions — the S 450 4MATIC Long AMG Line "AMG Line Plus Edition" and the S 500 4MATIC Long "Sparkling Black Edition" — will each be sold in runs of 140 units.

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. [Mercedes-Benz Korea]

The new Maybach S-Class comes in three variants: the Maybach S 580, the Maybach S 580 Manufaktur and the Maybach S 680, priced from 317 million won to 407 million won. The S 580 and S 580 Manufaktur are powered by a V8 gasoline engine, while the S 680 carries a V12 gasoline engine.

The Maybach models feature a dedicated illuminated radiator grille roughly 20 percent larger than before, along with exclusive forged wheels. The interior is appointed with Maybach Exclusive Nappa leather, power rear comfort doors, executive seats, massage functions and adaptive rear ambient lighting. The S 580 Manufaktur and above offer a four-seat first-class rear configuration as a paid option.

Mercedes-Benz Korea also plans to introduce its top-tier bespoke program, "Manufaktur Made to Measure," to the Korean market. Through consultations with a dedicated specialist, customers can choose from 100 exterior colors, 51 two-tone paint combinations, 400 interior colors and 40 stitching colors.

eyre@heraldcorp.com