2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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: The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class range has a new base model, styling tweaks, and some new engines. The S450 is a new entry-level S-Class model with a 362-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The S550’s 449-horsepower turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 is replaced by a 463-hp turbo 4.0-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation and the model name changes to S560. The AMG S63 swaps its 577-hp turbo 5.5-liter V8 for a 603-hp turbo 4.0-liter V8. There is also a new version of the COMMAND operating system. The S600 sedan has been dropped, although the Mercedes-Maybach S650 version remains. The S550e Plug-in Hybrid skips 2018, but a revised car will return for the 2019 model year. S-Class is a premium large car available in sedan, coupe, and convertible bodystyles. The ultra-luxury Maybach revived a name used for a Mercedes prestige line during 2002-12. Maybachs have a 132.5-inch wheelbase—7.9 inches longer than a standard S-Class sedan. A turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12 develops 621 hp in AMG S65 models and the Mercedes-Maybach S650. All engines are mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission—except the 6.0-liter V12, which has a 7-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available with V8s and the new S450 V6. 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. Available luxury features include power rear seats with folding tables, rear refrigerator box, cabin fragrances, power rear sunshade, silver champagne flutes, and “Magic Sky Control” adjustable-tint fixed sunroof. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, drowsiness alert, cross-traffic alert, pedestrian detection, and Night View Assist Plus. 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, coupes, and convertibles in the world.