The 2018 Mercedes S Class interior represents the pinnacle of luxury automotive design, blending cutting-edge technology with opulent materials. This generation of the S-Class, produced from 2013 to 2020, set a new benchmark for the segment, and its cabin remains a benchmark for comfort and sophistication. From the moment you step inside, the focus is on the driver and passengers, creating an environment that is both serene and technologically advanced.
Design and Material Quality
Walking into a 2018 S-Class is an exercise in tactile excellence. The interior is a masterclass in material selection, featuring an abundance of premium leather, open-pore wood veneers, and brushed metal accents. The design language moves away from the sharp, edgy aesthetics of some contemporaries toward a more fluid, elegant sensibility. Every surface is meticulously finished, and the fit and feel of the plastics are exceptionally high, contributing to a cabin atmosphere that feels both substantial and refined.
The MBUX Infotainment System
Central to the 2018 S-Class interior is the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system, which began to roll out in the latter part of the model year. This large, vertical touchscreen display is a command center, replacing many physical buttons for functions like climate control and seat adjustment. The system’s responsiveness, coupled with its natural language voice control—“Hey, Mercedes”—feels futuristic and significantly reduces the driver’s workload. The digital dashboard, known as the "MBUX Digital Drive Unit," is equally impressive, offering a high-resolution, customizable screen that provides all critical vehicle information with crystal clarity.
Key Technological Features
Gesture Control for managing audio and phone functions.
Augmented Reality navigation that overlays directions onto the real-world view.
A Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system.
Intelligent voice interaction that learns and adapts to the user’s preferences.
Comfort and Seating
Comfort is the defining characteristic of the 2018 S-Class, and the seating is its crown jewel. The front seats offer exceptional support and luxury, with memory functions that can store multiple driver profiles. The bolsters and thigh extensions provide ample support during spirited driving, while the cushioning ensures a plush ride over long distances. For rear-seat passengers, the experience is transcendent, with ample legroom and the option for premium massaging seats that can be controlled from the center console or via a dedicated app.
Interior Space and Practicality
Despite its full-size luxury sedan status, the 2018 S-Class is designed with practicality in mind. The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees, making entry and egress effortless and allowing for easy access to the spacious cabin. The boot offers a generous 560 liters of storage space, expanding to 1,510 liters with the rear seats folded. The inclusion of a power tailgate, which can be opened via foot gesture under the bumper, is a small but brilliant detail that enhances the overall convenience of the vehicle.
Trim Levels and Customization
Buyers could choose from a wide array of trim levels and customization options, allowing for a truly bespoke experience. The base S 400 offered a more accessible entry point into the S-Class luxury, while high-performance variants like the S 63 AMG and the flagship S 65 AMG delivered immense power and sport-tuned dynamics. The ability to select from numerous interior color schemes, door sill trims, and headlining options meant that no two 2018 S-Class interiors were exactly alike, catering to individual tastes and personalizing the ownership experience.
