Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan

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.

The Facts
Class Premium Large Car
Body Style(s) 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible
Passenger Count 4/5
Drive Wheels rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Nation of Manufacture Germany
Base Prices S450 sedan: $90,895
AWD S450 sedan: $93,895
S560 sedan: $100,895
AWD S560 sedan: $103,895
AWD S560 coupe: $125,495
S560 convertible: $134,295
AWD AMG S63 sedan: $148,495
AWD AMG S63 coupe: $168,695
AWD AMG S63 convertible: $180,495
AMG S65 sedan: $230,495
AMG S65 coupe: $239,895
AMG S65 convertible: $251,895
AWD Mercedes-Maybach S560 sedan: $169,595
Mercedes-Maybach S650: $199,595

Base Engine
turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (S450)
Horsepower
362
Std. Transmission
9-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
18-19
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
28

Optional Engine
turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (S560, S63)
Horsepower
463 (603 in S63)
Std. Transmission
9-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
15-17
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
24-27

Optional Engine
turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 (S65, S650)
Horsepower
621
Std. Transmission
7-speed automatic
Avail. Transmission
NA
EPA City Range (mpg)
13-14
EPA Hwy Range (mpg)
21-22

Mercedes-Benz S 560
2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 coupe
Mercedes-Benz S 560
2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 convertible
Mercedes-Maybach S 650
2018 Mercedes-Maybach S650 sedan
NHTSA Ratings
Overall - NA
0%

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Crash - NA
0%
Side Crash - NA
0%
Rollover - NA
0%

For complete ratings click here.

Share this: