Overview
- Mercedes says the mid‑cycle refresh brings about 2,700 new or revised parts to the W223, meaning more than half the car is new.
- The update makes the MBUX Superscreen standard, restores tactile steering‑wheel rollers, adds 33.3‑inch rear displays with HD cameras, and introduces heated front seat belts that warm up to 40°C.
- The S 680 Guard debuts as a factory‑armored variant with a 6.0‑liter twin‑turbo V12 rated at 602 PS and 830 Nm, all‑wheel drive, a mass around 4.2 tonnes, and an electronically limited top speed of 190 km/h.
- Mercedes claims the Guard is the only series‑produced sedan certified to VR10 for both glazing and opaque bodywork, and it includes systems such as integrated fire suppression, an emergency fresh‑air supply, hydraulic window lifters, servos for heavy doors, and run‑flat tires good for up to 30 km; pricing for the updated model has not been released after the prior version started near €547,000.
- Executives acknowledge sharply lower S‑Class output since 2022 and tougher competition, particularly from China, while insisting the model remains the segment benchmark and retains high status in its largest market.