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 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gains a new S 560e plug-in hybrid model powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with an electric motor for total of 469 horsepower. The S560e is expected late in the 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 S 65 models and the Mercedes-Maybach S 650. The base S 450 is powered by a 362-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The S 560 has a 463-hp turbo 4.0-liter V8 with cylinder deactivation and the AMG S 63 packs a 603-hp turbo 4.0-liter V8. 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 S 450 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.
| 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 | S 450 sedan: $92,245 AWD S 450 sedan: $95,245 S 560 sedan: $102,345 AWD S 560 sedan: $105,345 AWD S 560 coupe: $126,945 S 560 convertible: $135,295 AWD AMG S 63 sedan: $150,545 AWD AMG S 63 coupe: $170,445 AWD AMG S 63 convertible: $181,095 AWD Mercedes-Maybach S 560 sedan: $172,195 Mercedes-Maybach S 650 sedan: $201,345 AMG S 65 sedan: $233,545 AMG S 65 coupe: $242,445 AMG S 65 convertible: $254,545 S 560e plug-in hybrid sedan: NA |
| Base Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (S 450) |
| 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 (S 560, S 63) |
| Horsepower 463 (603 in S 63) |
| 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 (S 65, S 650) |
| Horsepower 621 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 13-14 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 21-22 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter V6/electric motor (S 560e) |
| Horsepower 469 |
| Std. Transmission 9-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) NA |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) NA |
