2025MY Mercedes-Benz S-Class Gains ‘Drive Pilot’ L3 Self-Driving Tech In Germany

The seventh-gen (W223/V223) Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship limousine has been updated in Germany for its latest 2025 model year guise.

Entering its fifth year now, the current seventh-generation iteration of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class – also known by its W223/V223 chassis codes – has been given a light refresh for its latest 2025 model year guise in its German home market recently.

Effectively, the three-point star marque has made its flagship limousine offering both smarter and more customisable than before. Key enhancements were performed on board to the MBUX infotainment system, its autonomous driving tech, Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, as well as the Manufaktur customisation options.

One key technological upgrade the 2025MY version gains is the 'Drive Pilot' SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system, though this is only limited to German highways for now.

One of the major updates to the W223/V223 S-Class stems from its 'Drive Pilot' SAE Level 3 autonomous driving system, which can now operate at speeds of up to 95 KM/H - an increase from the previous 64 KM/H limit. In turn, drivers can legally engage in other activities including working and watching movies behind the wheel, when this mode is activated.

However, despite testing the system since 2023, the hands-off driving ‘privileges’ noted are still limited on German highways for now. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is also testing out its unique turquoise-colored turn signals with the 2025MY S-Class across both the United Stated and Germany – this is used to signal that said Drive Pilot system is engaged.

Aesthetically, the 2025MY S-Class gains an expanded Manufaktur customisation range. It includes over 50 exterior paintjob options plus 25 new interior design options.

Elsewhere, the 2205MY updates sees the MBUX infotainment system getting ChatGPT integration using Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service for smarter voice assistance and real-time responses. Enhanced navigation is granted by new Google satellite view function, whilst rear passengers see their rear seat screens now sporting the YouTube Web App plus Sony’s RIDEVU streaming app.

The expanded Manufaktur customisation range, on the other hand, brings over 50 additional exterior paintjob choices plus a further 25 new interior design options that now includes premium combination leather and exquisite wood inlays. Much of these set to be offered in other markets worldwide, though this remains to be see for Malaysia.

There's also a new 'S-Class Edition' special guise. This is set apart by its exclusive AMG Line and Night Package treatments, Night Black Magno and Opalite White exterior hue options, plus a slew of exclusive on board features.

Apart from updating the base S-Class line-up, the Stuttgart-rooted luxury automaker also introduced a new ‘S-Class Edition’ special guise. Setting this special apart is both the AMG Line and Night Package treatments it gained, followed by the exclusive Manufaktur Night Black Magno and Opalite White Bright exterior paintjob options offered.

On board, this special edition also gains Nappa leather, lit-up door sills, a Burmester 3D surround audio suite, 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, as well as the Digital Light suite with projection function. Another unique touch is the digital edition emblem display programmed into its MBUX infotainment to further amplify its status as a special edition.

These changes and newly added special variant aside, there are no mechanical changes to report. As a refresher, the current S-Class model’s powertrain range includes 6-cyl and 8-cyl petrol and diesel mills, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 6-cyl and V8 petrol options, plus a twin-turbocharged V12 petrol choice, amongst many.

Mercedes-Benz S580e pictured. This variant of the long-wheelbase (V223) seventh-gen S-Class is locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang by MBM.

Closer to home, it’s unclear if any of these changes will be reflected soon in the V223 S580e PHEV model that’s locally assembled (CKD) and marketed by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) presently. As a refresher, this Pekan-built S-Class variant currently commands RM628,888.

MBM last updated its local V223 S-Class range by launching the AMG S 63 E Performance variant last year as a fully imported (CBU) offering priced at RM2,238,888. It slots above the CKD S580e variant mentioned, and the CBU S580 Maybach variant that’s tagged at RM1,990,888.