The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class marked the third year of its new generation, continuing to solidify its position as the flagship sedan and a benchmark in the luxury automotive segment. Building on its legacy of innovation and opulence, the 2017 S-Class introduced advancements in performance, connectivity, and personalized luxury, most notably with the expansion of the Maybach lineup and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. This model year underscored Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and passenger experience.
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency with 9G-TRONIC Transmission
A significant upgrade for the 2017 Mercedes S-Class S550 and S550 4MATIC models was the integration of the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission. This Mercedes-Benz developed transmission replaced the previous 7G-TRONIC, bringing about noticeable improvements in both driving comfort and fuel efficiency. The 9G-TRONIC transmission is engineered to be lighter, providing quicker and smoother gear changes. For the S550 4MATIC Sedan, the combination of the 9-speed transmission and all-wheel drive ensures confident handling and power delivery across a wide spectrum of driving conditions.
Panoramic MAGIC SKY CONTROL Roof: A New Dimension of Openness
Mercedes-Benz introduced an innovative optional feature for the 2017 S-Class: the MAGIC SKY CONTROL® panoramic roof. This advanced roof system allows passengers to switch between transparent and opaque settings with the simple push of a button. Notably, both front and rear passengers have individual control over their respective roof sections, allowing for personalized ambiance and light regulation within the cabin. This feature exemplifies the S-Class’s dedication to passenger comfort and customizable luxury.
Advanced Connectivity with mbrace® Connected Car Services
Staying ahead in in-car technology, Mercedes-Benz significantly upgraded its mbrace® Connected Car Services for the 2017 S-Class. The new mbrace® Connect package became standard across all models, offering a suite of complimentary services for five years. This package includes functionalities accessed through a Mobile App and Web Services, encompassing Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (for EVs), Diagnostics Data, and Remote Updates. The S-Class was among the first Mercedes models to feature Remote Start as part of mbrace® Connect, accessible via the mbrace Mobile App, adding convenience and modern vehicle management capabilities.
Furthermore, customers could enhance their connectivity experience with optional mbrace® subscription packages: Secure, Concierge, and Entertain. Audio clarity was improved with new HD Voice compatibility for enabled mobile devices. For models equipped with COMAND®, SiriusXM® Traffic & Weather became standard for five years, extending the previous three-year offering, ensuring drivers had access to real-time information and entertainment.
A Diverse Lineup Catering to Premium Luxury Needs
The 2017 S-Class Sedan offered an extensive range of seven distinct models, each tailored to specific performance and luxury preferences within the premium category:
- S550e Plug-in Hybrid: Mercedes-Benz’s inaugural plug-in hybrid, featuring a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine combined with a 132kW electric motor. This powertrain delivered a combined 436 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, achieving up to 58 MPGe in Hybrid Mode.
- S550: Powered by a direct-injection 4.6L V8 biturbo engine producing 449 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. 4MATIC all-wheel drive was available as an option.
- S600: The pinnacle of traditional luxury with a 6.0L V12 biturbo engine generating 523 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque.
- Mercedes-Maybach S550 4MATIC: An extended-wheelbase Maybach variant equipped with a 4.7L biturbo V8 engine (449 hp / 516 lb-ft) and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, emphasizing spaciousness and bespoke luxury.
- Mercedes-Maybach S600: The flagship Maybach, featuring a 6.0L biturbo V12 engine (523 hp / 612 lb-ft) and an extended 132.5-inch wheelbase, representing ultimate luxury and refinement.
- S63 AMG 4MATIC: The high-performance AMG model with a handbuilt 5.5L V8 biturbo engine delivering 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, coupled with AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced dynamics.
- S65 AMG: The ultimate performance sedan in the lineup, boasting a handbuilt AMG 6.0L biturbo V12 engine producing 621 hp and a staggering 738 lb-ft of torque, designed for exhilarating driving experiences.
S550e Plug-in Hybrid: Pioneering Electrified Luxury
The 2017 S550e marked Mercedes-Benz’s entry into the plug-in hybrid segment, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable luxury. This model combined a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine with a 132kW electric motor, resulting in a combined output of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Despite its powerful performance, achieving 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, the S550e also delivered impressive fuel economy, rated at 54 city / 63 highway MPGe EPA estimates. It could operate in full electric mode up to 80 mph for shorter distances, with a lithium-ion battery that could be fully charged in approximately 2.5 hours.
The S550e offered four distinct driving modes:
- HYBRID: The default mode, optimizing efficiency by seamlessly blending electric and gasoline power.
- E-MODE: Purely electric driving, capable up to 80 mph with an estimated 12-mile range.
- E-SAVE: Maintains the battery charge level for later use in electric mode.
- CHARGE: Charges the battery while driving using the gasoline engine.
Efficiency was further enhanced by technologies like a haptic accelerator pedal, providing feedback to the driver to maximize electric driving, and a radar-based regenerative braking system that recuperated energy during deceleration and braking. S550e models with DISTRONIC PLUS benefited from an enhanced regenerative braking system, leveraging radar for anticipatory energy recapture. The Route-Based Battery Optimization Strategy used navigation data to optimize electric driving and regeneration based on route characteristics.
Mercedes-Maybach: The Zenith of Modern Automotive Grandeur
The Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand expanded in 2017, offering the Mercedes-Maybach S550 4MATIC alongside the S600. These models evoked the grandeur of classic coachbuilt luxury automobiles, characterized by exceptional size, spaciousness, powerful engines, and extensive personalization options.
The Mercedes-Maybach S600, based on the S-Class, featured a significantly extended 132.5-inch wheelbase and measured just under 215 inches in overall length. Standard features included MAGIC BODY CONTROL® suspension, utilizing a stereo camera to anticipate road surface irregularities and adjust suspension settings proactively, and the complete suite of Intelligent Drive technologies.
The elongated wheelbase provided substantial benefits for rear-seat passengers, offering standard Executive seats with recline functionality and a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system. Luxury appointments included an optional rear console refrigerator for champagne, accompanied by standard Robbe & Berking silver-plated flutes. The cabin was finished with exquisite materials, including hand-stitched Nappa leather, fine wood trims, and subtle chrome accents, creating an ambiance akin to a private jet cabin. Available foldout tables added further functionality for business or dining on the move.
The Mercedes-Maybach S600’s 6.0L V12 biturbo engine delivered immense power with near-silent operation, reflecting its design as one of the quietest car cabins globally. The standard Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system, featuring 24 speakers including ceiling-mounted units and rotating illuminated tweeters, provided an unparalleled auditory experience. The Mercedes-Maybach S550 4MATIC offered a 4.7L V8 biturbo engine and 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission, combined with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, ensuring luxurious performance in diverse conditions.
Exterior Design: Timeless Elegance, Modern Execution
The 2017 S-Class design language presented a modern interpretation of classic luxury sedan proportions. Characterized by a long hood, a flowing, coupe-inspired roofline, and a gently sloping rear, the S-Class conveyed both timelessness and contemporary elegance. Subtle character lines along the body emphasized motion, while a pronounced shoulder line above the rear wheel added an athletic touch.
Notably, the new-generation S-Class marked a milestone as the first vehicle to eliminate traditional light bulbs entirely, utilizing nearly 500 LEDs for all lighting functions, both exterior and interior. This included up to 56 LEDs per headlamp and 35 LEDs per tail light, enhancing visibility and contributing to the vehicle’s sophisticated aesthetic. Upgraded driver assistance systems like Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist® PLUS, leveraging a new stereo camera and radar sensors, further enhanced safety and visibility.
Interior Refinement: Unparalleled Comfort and Craftsmanship
The S-Class interior seamlessly blended Mercedes-Benz’s functional design ethos with elevated craftsmanship. The cabin prioritized ride comfort, spaciousness, and user-friendly controls, meeting the expectations of discerning luxury car buyers. The coordinated use of premium materials and color palettes created a cohesive and luxurious environment.
Extensive use of wood trim, available in five distinct types, adorned the dashboard and center console. Metallized switch surfaces, offered in three pearl-effect paint finishes, added tactile and visual refinement. Dual 12.3-inch high-resolution TFT color displays served as the information center, with the left display functioning as the instrument cluster and the right for infotainment and comfort controls via the COMAND® system. The COMAND® central controller combined a touchpad with a rotary knob and direct-access keys for major functions, supporting intuitive operation through gestures and handwriting recognition. Enhanced Voice Control allowed for natural language input for navigation, telephone, and audio functions, including reading text messages and emails aloud.
Seating and Climate Comfort: Setting New Standards
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued its tradition of benchmark seating comfort. Sculpted power seat controls on the door panels managed standard 16-way adjustments, including cushion length and 4-way lumbar support. Memory settings for front seats, including steering column and side mirror positions, added personalized convenience. Standard heated seats with automatic step-down further enhanced comfort in cooler climates.
The available Premium Package introduced advanced seat ventilation and ENERGIZING massage functions. The ENERGIZING massage, based on the hot-stone principle, utilized 14 independently actuated air cushions and integrated heating, offering six massage programs, including two with warming function, available for both front and rear seats. Active seat ventilation with reversing fans provided rapid cooling of heated seats, enhancing comfort in warm weather.
Rear seat options included four different configurations. The S-Class reclining rear backrest design allowed for independent backrest adjustment without altering legroom or seat cushion position. The Executive Rear Seat Package offered a maximum backrest angle of 43.5 degrees and included a calf support and heel rest for exceptional relaxation. Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS added a rear center console with heated/cooled cup holders and foldout tables, further enhancing rear passenger experience.
The S-Class introduced advanced climate control features, including rear automatic climate control with two additional zones and electric heating for armrests and center consoles. The AIR-BALANCE package offered enhanced ionization and filtration, along with active perfume atomization, allowing for personalized cabin scenting without permanently altering the interior aroma.
Immersive Audio Experience: Mobile Concert Hall
The 2017 S-Class debuted a new generation multimedia system with intuitive operation and advanced visualization. The multi-user system enabled independent access to entertainment sources from any seat. The Frontbass system, pioneered by Mercedes-Benz, integrated woofers into the firewall, utilizing structural cavities as resonance chambers, improving sound quality and freeing up door space.
Burmester® surround sound systems, specifically engineered for the S-Class, offered exceptional audio fidelity. The standard system featured 13 speakers and a 590-watt amplifier, providing digital surround sound with ambient noise compensation. The optional Burmester® 3D system, standard on select models, elevated the audio experience with a 1,520-watt amplifier, 24 speakers, including ceiling-mounted speakers and rotating illuminated tweeters, and four preset listening modes, creating a truly immersive mobile concert hall.
Body Structure and MAGIC BODY CONTROL®: Foundation for Safety and Ride Quality
The S-Class body structure utilized a combination of aluminum and high-strength steels, with an all-aluminum outer skin, optimizing strength and weight. The AIRMATIC® full air suspension system, a long-standing S-Class feature, was further refined with continuously operating Adaptive Damping System (ADS® PLUS).
The groundbreaking MAGIC BODY CONTROL® suspension, optional on select models, used ROAD SURFACE SCAN technology to detect road imperfections ahead and proactively adjust suspension settings. Utilizing the stereo camera also used for Intelligent Drive features, MAGIC BODY CONTROL® delivered an exceptionally smooth and controlled ride, minimizing the impact of road irregularities on passenger comfort.
Intelligent Drive: Pioneering the Path to Autonomous Mobility
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has consistently served as an industry benchmark for safety and innovation. The 2017 model year continued this tradition with its suite of Intelligent Drive technologies, representing advancements towards autonomous driving. These systems relied on sensor fusion, combining data from a stereo camera and multistage radar sensors for comprehensive environmental awareness.
Key assistance systems included:
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS (standard): Radar-based system providing alerts and autonomous emergency braking to mitigate or prevent collisions with vehicles and stationary objects.
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance, providing steering input to maintain lane position.
- Brake Assist system BAS® PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist: Detects crossing traffic and pedestrians, enhancing braking force applied by the driver.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Corrective braking to prevent unintentional lane departure, especially in the presence of oncoming traffic.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Automatically adjusts high beam intensity to avoid dazzling other drivers.
- Night View Assist® PLUS: Enhanced night vision system with pedestrian and animal detection, highlighting potential hazards in the driver display and offering a spotlight function to alert pedestrians.
- ATTENTION ASSIST®: Monitors driver behavior for signs of drowsiness and inattentiveness, providing warnings and suggesting rest stops.
Extended PRE-SAFE® Protection: Enhanced Occupant Safety
Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system was further enhanced in the 2017 S-Class. New PRE-SAFE® functions included:
- PRE-SAFE® Brake: Pedestrian detection and autonomous braking at speeds up to 31 mph.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Rear-end collision detection, applying vehicle brakes to minimize whiplash and secondary accidents, and deploying anticipatory occupant protection measures.
- PRE-SAFE® Impulse: Controlled seat belt tension release to reduce chest and abdominal pressure in frontal collisions.
Rear Passenger Safety Innovations
The 2017 S-Class extended safety features to rear passengers with innovations like the seat belt buckle extender, beltbag, and cushionbag, available in optional Rear Seat Packages. The illuminated seat belt buckle extender automatically extended and retracted, reducing belt slack. The beltbag, an inflatable seat belt strap, reduced chest strain in frontal collisions. The cushionbag, standard with Executive Rear Seat Packages, prevented submarining in reclined seats during accidents, enhancing safety in reclined seating positions.
AMG Performance Variants: Unrivaled Power and Dynamics
For performance enthusiasts, the 2017 S-Class offered Mercedes-AMG models: the S63 4MATIC and S65. The S63 4MATIC featured a handbuilt AMG 5.5L V8 biturbo engine producing 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, while the S65 boasted a handbuilt AMG 6.0L V12 biturbo engine delivering 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.
Both AMG models featured AMG-specific styling, including AMG-design lower bodywork, large air intakes, and quad trapezoidal exhaust tips. Exclusive AMG sports seats, AMG performance braking systems, and AMG-tuned suspensions enhanced driving dynamics. The S63 4MATIC utilized an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® MCT 7-speed sports transmission and AMG Adaptive Sport Suspension based on AIRMATIC®. The S65 AMG featured an AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS 7G-TRONIC sports transmission and AMG Active Sport Suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL®, further optimized for performance. Optional AMG high-performance Carbon Ceramic braking systems were available for both models, offering enhanced stopping power and reduced unsprung weight.
Conclusion: The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – A Legacy of Leadership
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continued to define the pinnacle of automotive luxury and innovation. With advancements ranging from the efficient 9G-TRONIC transmission and the panoramic MAGIC SKY CONTROL roof to enhanced connectivity and pioneering safety technologies, the S-Class remained the undisputed leader in its class. Whether prioritizing fuel efficiency with the S550e plug-in hybrid, seeking ultimate luxury in the Mercedes-Maybach variants, or demanding exhilarating performance from the AMG models, the 2017 S-Class offered an unparalleled driving and ownership experience, reinforcing its legacy as the world’s finest automobile.
