Mercedes S-Class Facelift: Best Upgrade

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At A Glance

Looking to enhance your Mercedes S-Class? A model year facelift often brings significant upgrades in technology, design, and performance. Choosing a newer facelift model, or retrofitting facelift components, can be the best way to get the latest features, improved safety systems, and a refreshed aesthetic, making it a worthwhile investment for an already luxurious vehicle.

Hey there, fellow Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts! Charlie Joyce here. If you’re anything like me, you love the S-Class. It’s the pinnacle of luxury and innovation from Mercedes-Benz. But as time goes on, even the best cars can feel a little… not quite as cutting-edge. That’s where the idea of a “facelift” comes in. You might be wondering if upgrading to a facelifted S-Class, or even just fitting some facelift parts, is really worth it. Is it just a fresh coat of paint, or are there real, tangible benefits? We’ll break down why a facelift can be the best upgrade for your S-Class and what you can expect.

Understanding the Mercedes S-Class Facelift

When Mercedes-Benz talks about a “facelift” for the S-Class, they’re referring to a mid-cycle refresh. This isn’t a complete redesign from the ground up. Instead, it’s a strategic update to keep the current generation competitive and appealing before a full redesign. Think of it as giving the car a significant “tune-up” with modern touches.

These updates typically happen a few years into a model’s lifespan. For the S-Class, this means improvements often focus on areas that have seen rapid advancements: technology, driver assistance systems, infotainment, and sometimes even powertrain efficiency or styling tweaks. The goal is to integrate the latest innovations without the massive cost and complexity of a completely new platform.

Why is a Facelift Your “Best Upgrade”?

For an S-Class owner, the concept of an “upgrade” can mean many things. It could be adding more power, enhancing comfort, or improving the car’s looks. A facelift often delivers on all these fronts, along with a crucial boost in technology and safety. Let’s dive into why it’s often considered the best route.

Technological Advancements

This is usually the biggest area of improvement in an S-Class facelift. Mercedes-Benz is at the forefront of automotive tech, and they roll out new systems regularly. A facelifted model will almost certainly feature:

Updated Infotainment Systems: Expect newer versions of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), often with larger screens, improved graphics, faster processors, and new features like advanced voice control or augmented reality navigation aids.
Enhanced Driver Assistance Systems: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Steering Assist, and other semi-autonomous driving features are constantly refined. Facelifts bring newer, more capable versions with better sensors and algorithms for smoother, safer driving.
Improved Connectivity: Better smartphone integration, faster Wi-Fi hotspots, and more robust over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities are common.
New Lighting Technology: Often, updated LED lighting systems, including advanced adaptive high beams and distinctive daytime running light signatures, are part of the facelift.

Design Refinements

While the S-Class’s core design is timeless, facelifts bring subtle but impactful aesthetic changes. These can include:

Revised Front and Rear Bumpers: These subtle changes can give the car a more modern or aggressive stance.
Updated Grille Design: Sometimes the signature three-pointed star grille gets a slight alteration.
New Wheel Options: Fresh alloy wheel designs are almost always introduced.
Updated Taillights and Headlights: Often featuring new LED patterns or slightly revised shapes.
New Exterior Color Options: A wider palette of sophisticated paint choices might become available.

Performance and Efficiency

While not always the primary focus, facelifts can also bring powertrain updates:

More Efficient Engines: Minor tweaks to existing engines or the introduction of slightly more powerful but also more fuel-efficient variants.
Mild-Hybrid Technology: The integration of 48-volt mild-hybrid systems can improve initial acceleration smoothness and reduce fuel consumption.
Transmission Improvements: Software updates or minor hardware revisions to the transmission can lead to quicker shifts and better refinement.

Choosing Between Buying a Facelifted Model vs. Retrofitting Parts

This is a common dilemma for S-Class owners looking for the latest and greatest. There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to each approach.

Buying a Newer Facelifted S-Class Model

Pros:

Seamless Integration: All new systems and features are designed to work together perfectly from the factory.
Warranty Coverage: You get the peace of mind of a manufacturer’s warranty on a brand-new or certified pre-owned vehicle.
Latest Safety Standards: Facelifted models will typically meet the most current safety regulations and feature the latest passive and active safety tech.
Higher Resale Value: A newer model, especially one with the latest updates, will hold its value better over time.

Cons:

Significant Cost: Purchasing a new S-Class, even just a facelifted version, represents a substantial financial investment.
Depreciation: As with any new car, you’ll experience the steepest depreciation in the first few years.

Retrofitting Facelift Parts to an Older S-Class

This involves taking components from a newer facelift model (bumpers, headlights, grille, infotainment system, etc.) and installing them on your existing S-Class. This can be an attractive option for those who love their current car but want a refreshed look or specific tech.

Pros:

Cost-Effective (Potentially): If you can source parts affordably (e.g., used from a salvage yard, or aftermarket replicas), it can be cheaper than buying a whole new car.
Keeps Your Current Car: You retain the familiarity and known history of your existing vehicle.
Customization: Allows you to selectively upgrade specific areas you care about most.

Cons:

Complexity: Many components, especially electronics and infotainment, are not plug-and-play. They require advanced technical knowledge for installation and programming. Compatibility issues can arise.
Potential for Errors: Incorrect installation can lead to warning lights, system malfunctions, or even safety system failures.
Cost Creep: Sourcing genuine parts, professional installation, and any necessary programming specialists can quickly add up, sometimes exceeding the cost of buying a used facelift model.
No Warranty: Modifications typically void any remaining manufacturer warranty and won’t be covered by standard insurance.
Compatibility Issues: Older chassis or electrical systems might not fully support advanced features from newer models without extensive (and expensive) modifications.

Key Facelift Upgrades to Look For (Example: W222 to W223 Transition)

To illustrate the impact of a facelift, let’s consider the transition from the pre-facelift W222 generation S-Class (2014-2017) to the facelifted W222 (2018-2020) and then to the completely new W223 generation (2021 onwards). While the W223 is a new generation, the W222 facelift offers many advancements that exemplify what to expect from a typical lifecycle refresh.

The facelifted W222 (2018-2020) brought significant upgrades over the earlier W222 models:

Visual Enhancements

The 2018 facelift for the W222 brought a refreshed exterior that subtly modernized its appearance:

Front Bumper: A redesigned front bumper offered a sleeker, more integrated look.
Grille: The grille received minor revisions, often with more prominent louvers.
Headlights: New LED headlights with a distinctive triple-stripe daytime running light signature became standard, giving it a sharper, more modern face.
Taillights: Redesigned taillights with a more intricate LED pattern were incorporated.
Rear Bumper: The rear bumper saw subtle styling tweaks, often with integrated exhaust finishers for a cleaner look.

Interior and Technology Upgrades

The interior received a more substantial overhaul, focusing on Mercedes’ evolving tech philosophy:

MBUX Infotainment: While the W223 generation truly embraced the MBUX system, the later W222 facelift introduced an updated COMAND infotainment system with a larger, higher-resolution central display and a fully digital instrument cluster (standard on higher trims, optional on others). This was a major leap from earlier, more analog-style displays.
New Steering Wheels: The steering wheel was redesigned, often featuring touch-sensitive controls that were a precursor to the MBUX interfaces.
Ambient Lighting: Enhanced ambient lighting systems with more color zones and dynamic effects provided a more immersive cabin experience.

Driver Assistance Systems

Safety technology saw notable improvements:

DISTRONIC with Steering Assist: The adaptive cruise control became more intelligent, offering more natural steering intervention and improved responsiveness in traffic.
Active Lane Change Assist: A system that could automatically steer the car into the adjacent lane when the driver activated the turn signal, making highway driving easier.
Traffic Sign Assist: More advanced recognition and display of speed limits and other traffic signs.

Powertrain Updates

While less dramatic, some efficiency and performance tweaks were made:

Engine Enhancements: Minor updates to existing gasoline and diesel engines aimed at improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.
Introduction of Mild-Hybrid: Some models began to incorporate 48-volt mild-hybrid systems (EQ Boost) on select engines for a smoother start-stop function and a slight power assist.

Can You Retrofit Specific Facelift Features?

For ambitious DIYers or those with deep pockets and access to skilled technicians, certain facelift components can be retrofitted. However, it’s crucial to understand the complexity involved. Here’s a general overview:

Popular Retrofit Candidates (and Challenges)

1. Exterior Styling (Bumpers, Grille, Lights):

Difficulty: Moderate to High.
What’s Involved: Requires removing old components and fitting the new ones. Wiring for lights needs to be adapted or extended. Sensors (like parking sensors) need to be transferred or new ones wired in. Trim pieces might need modification.
Recommendation: This is one of the more achievable retrofits for those with good mechanical aptitude and tools. Aftermarket replicas can also be an option, but quality varies.

2. Digital Instrument Cluster:

Difficulty: Very High.
What’s Involved: Requires a compatible cluster from the facelift model, and crucially, programming by a Mercedes-Benz specialist. The car’s existing control modules (ECUs) need to be compatible and potentially re-coded to recognize the new cluster. Wiring harnesses might differ.
Recommendation: Only attempt if you have access to specialized diagnostic tools and software like XENTRY/DAS, or are willing to pay significant workshop fees.

3. Infotainment System (Larger Screens, Updated Software):

Difficulty: Very High.
What’s Involved: Similar to the instrument cluster, this involves swapping hardware (screen, head unit) and extensive programming. Compatibility of the car’s existing modules is key. Functions like navigation, CarPlay/Android Auto, or specific MBUX features rely on integrated systems.
Recommendation: This is perhaps the most challenging retrofit. Unless you’re an electronics wizard or have a specialist who does this regularly, it’s often not worth the headaches.

4. Steering Wheel:

Difficulty: High.
What’s Involved: The physical swap is straightforward, but the complex touch controls and potential integration with airbag systems require careful wiring and programming. Compatibility with the car’s airbag module and other electronics is paramount.
Recommendation: Again, specialist knowledge is needed. Getting the touch functions to work reliably and ensuring airbag safety is critical.

Essential Tools and Resources for Retrofitting

If you’re considering a DIY retrofit or just want to understand the complexity, here’s what you’d likely need:

Diagnostic Software: Mercedes-Benz XENTRY/DAS is the official dealer diagnostic tool. Alternatives like STAR finder or other advanced OBD-II scanners can provide insight but lack full programming capabilities.
Programming Cables and Interfaces: To connect your computer/diagnostic tool to the car’s OBD-II port.
Specialty Tools: Trim removal tools, torx bits, socket sets, wire crimpers, soldering iron (for potential harness modifications).
Wiring Diagrams: Access to factory service manuals or reliable online resources for your specific S-Class generation and the donor facelift model.
Patience and Research: Countless hours spent researching forums, watching videos, and understanding potential pitfalls.
A Reliable Source for Parts: Genuine Mercedes-Benz, reputable aftermarket suppliers, or carefully inspected used parts.

For more in-depth information on Mercedes-Benz diagnostic systems, you can refer to resources like Mercedes-Benz Technical Information Systems or reputable automotive forums dedicated to the brand. Understanding the nuances of CAN bus communication and ECU coding is vital.

Facelift Component Retrofit – Effort vs. Reward
Component	DIY Difficulty Level	Potential Cost (Parts & Labor)	Likelihood of Success	Enhancement Value
Exterior Body Kits (Bumpers, Grille)	Moderate	$$ – $$$	High (with correct parts)	$$$ (Visual)
Headlights & Taillights	Moderate	$$ – $$$	Medium to High (wiring can be tricky)	$$$ (Visual/Safety)
Digital Instrument Cluster	Very High	$$$ – $$$$	Low to Medium (requires expert programming)	$$$$ (Technology/Experience)
Infotainment System Upgrade	Very High	$$$$	Low (complex integration)	$$$$$ (Experience/Features)
Steering Wheel	High	$$ – $$$$	Medium (controls need coding)	$$ (User Interaction)

When Is a Facelift NOT the Best Upgrade?

While a facelift offers many benefits, it’s not always the optimal choice. Consider these scenarios:

Budget Constraints: If your budget is tight, a facelift model or extensive retrofitting will likely be out of reach. Focus on maintaining your current car to the highest standard instead.
Minimal Mileage/Usage: If you barely drive your S-Class, the need for the absolute latest tech or styling might be less pressing. Well-maintained older models can still provide immense comfort and luxury.
Desire for a Completely New Experience: If you’re considering a facelift primarily because you want a fundamentally different driving experience or the very latest generation of performance, then saving up for the next full generation of the S-Class might be a better long-term goal.
Mechanical Condition of Donor Car: If you’re considering buying a facelift model, ensure its mechanical condition is excellent. A facelift is an upgrade in tech, but a poorly maintained car will still be a poorly maintained car.

Maintaining Your S-Class to Maximize Its Value

Whether you have a pre-facelift or a facelifted S-Class, consistent and high-quality maintenance is key. This ensures reliability, safety, and preserves its value.

Follow the Service Schedule: Adhere strictly to Mercedes-Benz’s recommended service intervals. Use genuine or high-quality OEM parts.
Fluid Changes: Regular changes of engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant are crucial.
Tire Care: Proper tire inflation and regular rotation ensure even wear and optimal handling.
Brake System: Inspect brake pads and rotors regularly.
Electrical Systems: Keep battery terminals clean and ensure all lights and electronics are functioning correctly. A healthy battery is vital for modern Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Keep it Clean: Regular washing and waxing protect the paintwork, while interior cleaning maintains the