Ever since its inception as the range-topping Mercedes-Benz, the S-Class has been a pioneer in terms of technologies that a few years after their introduction on this model become widespread in the auto world. That is why when we talk about the new 2018 Mercedes S-Class design and performance are a lot less important than the technology features it boasts. 

The 2018 Mercedes S-Class will soon celebrate its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai motor show with slightly revised looks, even more refined interior, and enhanced powertrains. Crucially though, the luxury saloon comes with many new technologies. Before we get to them though, check out this cool teaser/preview of the new S-Class at the New York Auto Show:

So, what you can expect from the 2018 Mercedes S-Class in terms of high-tech kit, stuff that by 2022 you will find in your run-of-the-mill Korean hatchback as standard equipment. Well, the keyword here is Intelligent Drive, features that make the job of driving a lot ore comfortable with one eye on fully autonomous operation in the next applications of these technologies. The highlights include:

• DISTRONIC Active Proximity Assist uses substantially more map and navigation data, can support the driver based on the route, and conveniently adjusts the vehicle speed.
• Active Steer Assist has been noticeably improved across its entire performance range, resulting in markedly enhanced customer benefits.
• Active Lane Change Assist has been considerably upgraded. Now tapping the indicator stalk is all it takes to initiate a lane change. This lane change is executed within the next ten seconds and indicated in the instrument cluster with the appropriate visual display, if the vehicle sensor system does not detect any vehicles in the relevant safety zone the driver might have missed.
• Active Emergency Stop Assist brakes the vehicle to a stop when Active Steer Assist is engaged and the system recognises that the driver is not intervening in the driving process on a sustained basis.
• Following vehicles in a tailback: In stop & go traffic on motorways and similar roads, stops of up to 30 seconds are now possible, during which time the S-Class starts moving again automatically and follows the traffic ahead (in conjunction Active Parking Assist).
• Traffic Sign Assist: Posted speed limits and any potential no-overtaking signs are displayed for the current section of the route through image recognition and information from the digital road map of the navigation system. The vehicle speed is compared with the speed limit. When the driver selects the appropriate settings, a visual/visual-audible warning signal is issued any time the speed limit is exceeded. No-entry restrictions are also recognised. Furthermore, the system warns of detected persons in the area of pedestrian crossings.