The Mercedes S-Class has received an update for 2025: the Drive pilot system works up to 95 km/h on German motorways, the MBUX system has received an AI upgrade, 50 new Manufaktur colors are available and the special S-Class Edition series has been launched.
The current-generation Mercedes S-Class is equipped with the Drive Pilot system, which allows autonomous driving at speeds of up to 60 kph on German and US highways under certain conditions. The Drive Pilot system can now operate at speeds of up to 95 kph in regular traffic flow, following a vehicle ahead in the right-hand lane on the German Autobahn. This allows customers to drive in a conditionally automated mode more frequently and for extended periods, making better use of their time on the road.
When the Drive Pilot system is active, drivers are legally permitted to engage in other activities – watching movies, reading newspapers, working, or simply relaxing, while the S-Class drives are conditionally automated.
The driver can override the Drive Pilot system at any time. If the driver is unresponsive, the Drive Pilot system can bring the car to an emergency stop. Over 35 sensors are utilized, including cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and LiDAR to control the Drive Pilot system.
To provide additional transparency to other road users, Mercedes-Benz is currently testing special turquoise-colored indicator lights in the U.S. and Germany, which signal the status of the conditionally automated driving system.
Also new is the AI upgrade for the MBUX multimedia system. Thus, ChatGPT has been integrated into the voice assistant via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service. Thus, drivers can retrieve accurate and up-to-date answers to a wide range of knowledge questions via Microsoft Bing and engage in context-aware conversations while keeping their hands on the wheel.
Navigation has also been enhanced with Google’s satellite view, which provides a high-resolution bird’s-eye perspective for better orientation, especially in complex environments.
The Entertainment Plus package can also be purchased through the Mercedes-Benz Store, allowing customers to access streaming services such as the YouTube Web App or Sony Pictures Entertainment’s RIDEVU video streaming service directly in the vehicle.
Also, through the Manufaktur program, Mercedes offers over 50 new Manufaktur exterior colors and 25 additional interior options. From meticulously handcrafted textiles to premium leather combinations and exquisite wood inlays, the S-Class allows owners to personalize their vehicles to match their unique preferences. These new options are available worldwide as of today.
Customers can also opt for the new special S-Class Edition series that combines sporty elegance with exclusive design. The S-Class Edition comes with the AMG Line and Night packages and is available in five exterior colors including Manufaktur night black magno and Manufaktur opalite white bright. The interior is trimmed in Nappa leather upholstery in three color variants and standard equipment includes a head-up display, Burmester 3D Surround sound system, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, and Digital Light headlights.
The S-Class Edition will be available with several powertrains but Mercedes hasn’t released details for the moment.