The S63's interior is alive.

We're expecting Mercedes to roll out afacelifted S-Class soon. But before it does, the German automaker has introduced a series of relatively minor revisions for its flagship sedan – the most significant of them arguably being the arrival of all-wheel drive in the top-of-the-line Maybach version.

Starting with the 2017 model year, upscale buyers looking for the height of luxury combined with all-weather traction will be able to order up the Mercedes-Maybach S550 4Matic. What's more is that it's actually less expensive than the existing version. That's because it slots in underneath the existing Mercedes-Maybach S600, with its 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12. But despite the lower output from the 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8, Mercedes quotes the same 0-60 time of 5.0 seconds – likely enabled by the reduced weight and increased traction.

So instead of having to shell out $191,300, the new 4Matic version comes it at “only” $166,200 (plus a $925 destination charge). That compares rather favorably with the Bentley Flying Spur that offers either four- or twelve-cylinder power (both with all-wheel drive) starting over $200k, or the Rolls-Royce Ghost, which starts closer to $300,000 with its twelve-cylinder, rear-drive powertrain.

The Maybach models account for just two of the seven versions of the S-Class sedan that Mercedes offers in the United States, joined by the base S550, the S550e plug-in hybrid, S600 with its V12 engine, and the S63 and S65 AMG performance models. And that's before we even get into the coupe and convertible versions.

For 2017, all S-Class sedabs also come with the Mbrace2 Connect package as standard. Also available as a new option is the Magic Sky Control panoramic roof panel that tints at the push of a button. Of course, the main addition to the Maybach range is the arrival of the armored S600 Pullman Guard.

The bigger revisions, however, will follow when Daimler introduces the anticipated update to the S-Class to help it maintain its position as the market leader against the newer BMW 7 Series just introduced and the forthcoming new Audi A8.

What else can we say about the S-Classthat hasn't been said already? Some call it the best-looking car in its class, others the most comfortable, though all we know for sure is that it definitely attracts more customers than the 7-Series or the A8, so there sure issomething about it.

Carwow's Mat Watson set out to give this luxury icon, in 350d form, the rundown. The diesel model gets a 3.0-liter V6 oil-burner rated at 255hp (258PS) and a massive 620Nm (457.2 lb-ft) of peak torque.

Apparently, going with a refrigerator in the back will eat up a surprising amount of trunk space - so maybe keeping your champagne cool isn't exactly worth defeating the purpose of owning a large car. Unless you buy the car with the intent of having someone else drive it, that is.

Among some of the negatives discovered by Watson was the fact that some models come with fake leather on top of the dash and that charging your phone means that your cable will get snagged.

There are a few other things to nitpick but none of them seem to offset the fact that the S-Class remains at the top of its game as well as its segment in terms of luxury, looks, and comfort. Basically what a limousine is all about.