2020 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds standard equipment. Sedans gain active parking assist and keyless access, while coupes and convertibles get multicontour front seats. The S 65 coupe and convertible have been discontinued. 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. The S 560e plug-in hybrid model is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with an electric motor for total of 469 horsepower. All engines are mated with a 9-speed automatic transmission—except the S 65’s 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.