Family of the Super Class. Facelifted Mercedes-Benz S-Class range officially launched in Malaysia!

The de facto luxury vehicle range: the S-Class family has been given a mid-life update and Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently launched the facelifted S-Class family including the surprise introduction of the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand on our soil.

This means Malaysian customers can now choose from not only the S-Class limousine, but also the S-Class Cabriolet, and the Mercedes-Maybach in the form of the S 450L, S 560 Cabrio, and S 560 respectively. Those looking for more excitement will be pleased to know that the S63 AMG Coupe will also be offered as part of the updated S-Family in Malaysia.

Let’s start with the most affordable one in the range, the S 450L. Locally assembled in Malaysia, the long wheelbase S 450L will set you back RM699,888 (OTR without insurance & GST) and one could pay an additional RM6k for the designo paint option.

Propelled by a 3.0 liter bi-turbo V6, the S 450L produces a good 367hp at 5,500 – 6,000 rpm and 500Nm of torque from as low as 1,800 – 4,000 rpm. All these translates to a swift 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h for the near 2-ton limo.

The Malaysian spec S 450L comes as standard with the sportier AMG Line variant which gets you an overall more athletic exterior including the large, 20-inch AMG rims wrapped in run-flat tires.

Despite the minimal exterior and interior differences, Mercedes claims that there’s 6,500 new components in the facelifted S-Class. One easy way to tell apart the updated S-Class limousine from the pre-facelift model would be the front DRLs.

The new model now comes with a more distinctive triple-line LED DRLs instead of a single-line, while the new tail lamps now features a stardust-like, glitter effect as seen in the E-Class.

Interior wise, the changes are just as minimal except for the updated screens and new steering wheel. Four years on and the S-Class interior remains one of, if not the best in the business, so we can’t blame Mercedes for not wanting to fix what is not broken.

Moving up the family tree is the S 560 Cabriolet. Powered by a meatier 4.0 liter bi-turbo V8 that pushes out a significant 469hp at 5,250rpm – 5,500rpm and 700Nm of torque at 2,000rpm – 4,000rpm, the topless beast can accelerate to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 250km/h.

With a starting price of around RM1.31 million, the fully-imported S 560 Cabriolet also receives minimal aesthetic changes both inside and out. However, your eyes will naturally turn to those stunning Swarovski crystals in the headlights as well as the “floating” OLEDs in the updated tail lamps.

The aforementioned updates can also be found on the beast that is the Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe. Propelled by a hand-built, 4.0 liter bi-turbo V8, the RM1.46 million S 63 packs 612hp and 700Nm of torque that launches it to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds and up to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

However, one could opt for the AMG Driver’s Package and have the top speed increased to 300km/h.

Finally, we come to the ultimate expression of Mercedes’ luxury in the form of the Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand. Offered in both S 560 and S 650 variant, the S 560 features the same powertrain and output of the S 560 Cabriolet while the flagship S 650 gets AMG’s signature 6.0 liter bi-turbo V12 engine that produces 621hp and a whooping 1000Nm of torque.

Despite weighing around 2.4 tons, the Mercedes-Maybach S 650 can still accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.9 seconds. With an even longer wheelbase than the already lengthy S 450L, the Mercedes-Maybach models not only feature more rear legroom but also a slightly different rear passenger compartment with a touch more seat customization.

You also get extra sound insulation and more standard features compared to the average S-Class, plus extra rear quarter windows thanks to the longer body. Prices start at RM1.4 million for the Mercedes-Maybach S 560 before options and while Mercedes-Benz Malaysia did not announce the price of the flagship S 650, I won’t be surprised if that approaches closer to RM1.6 million.

Heavily bolstered seats of the S 560 Cabriolet

To wrap it all up, below is a refresher of the complete S-Class range that’s now available in Malaysia:

Mercedes-Benz S 450L – RM699,888
Mercedes-Benz S 560 Cabriolet – RM1.3 million
Mercedes-Maybach S 560 – RM1.4 million
Mercedes-AMG S 63 Coupe – RM1.4 million

There’s Swarovski crystals in there somewhere

It’s interesting to see Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s decision to bring in the S 560 as a cabriolet instead of a coupe, though I’m sure there’s a reason behind this move. Nevertheless, time will tell if the significant price difference between the previous S 400h and the new S 450L will affect potential buyers, if at all.

I mean, it’s the best or nothing.

You already know which is my pick.