Pros: Interior space and comfort are among the world’s best; supple ride quality; library quietness; smooth, ample power
Cons: Sky-high prices; complicated control layout takes lots of practice to use
CG Says: For 2016, Mercedes-Benz’s flagship large-car line adds an S550e Plug-In Hybrid sedan and an ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S600 sedan. The S550e combines a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with an electric motor for a combined 442 horsepower. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Maybach S600 revives a name used for a Mercedes prestige line during 2002-12. Maybach rides on a 132.5-inch wheelbase (7.9 inches longer than a standard S-Class sedan) and is powered by a turbocharged 6.0-liter V12. Standard equipment includes dual-screen entertainment system and MAGIC BODY CONTROL, which uses a camera to read the road surface ahead and automatically adjust the suspension. All S-Classes get upgraded mbrace telematics system with five years of service. The S-Class lineup grows much stronger as Mercedes-Benz adds desirable new variations that suit a broader range of luxury tastes. Although it’s not perfect, make no mistake that the S-Class remains a luxury car of the highest order, easily competing with the best sedans and coupes in the world.
| Class | Premium Large Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | S550 sedan: $95,650 S550e Plug-In Hybrid sedan: $96,650 AWD S550 sedan: $98,650 AWD S550 coupe: $121,550 AWD S63 AMG sedan: $143,250 AWD S63 AMG coupe: $163,150 S600 sedan: $169,050 S65 AMG sedan: $224,650 S65 AMG coupe: $234,050 Mercedes-Maybach S600 sedan: $189,350 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 449 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 16 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 24-26 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 |
| Horsepower 577 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 15 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 23 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 |
| Horsepower 523 (S600, Maybach S600), 621 (S65 AMG) |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 13-14 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 20-21 |
