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Mercedes-Benz S-Class

EPA MPG: 19 mpg
Average Retail Price
$20,175 - $36,925

RECALL ALERT:
There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

The S-Class, Mercedes-Benz' flagship, is a showcase of luxury, comfort and technology. And each generation pushes the envelope further. The latest model, which was redesigned for 2014, continues this tradition. In almost every important attribute for a luxury car, the S-Class is a benchmark of excellence.

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2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2016 Ultra luxury cars Ratings

$20,175 - $36,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$15,775 - $25,825
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$14,550 - $15,925
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$ NA
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$11,575 - $22,175
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    coupe
    sedan
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 3-liter V6 plugin hybrid (436 hp)
  • 4.7-liter V8 turbo (449 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 turbo (577 hp)
  • 6-liter V12 turbo (523 hp)
  • 6-liter V12 turbo (621 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2021-
Current Generation

The S-Class has always been the epitome of an ultra luxury sedan. This redesigned flagship sedan continues to deliver a very comfortable ride but the low profile tires mar it. The cabin is super hushed, fit and finish is impeccable, and thrust is effortless. The standard engine is a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder, and the uplevel choice is a 4.0-liter V8, both turbocharged. Each is teamed with a nine-speed automatic transmission and supplemented with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The car's rear-wheel steering turns the wheels in the direction of travel to aid handling and in the opposite direction to aid maneuverability. That in turn makes the S-Class quite agile in the corners, belying its size. The new infotainment system is complicated to use. The slick head-up display features augmented reality. Safety innovations include the ability to raise the ride height to better protect passengers during a side impact.

2014-2020
2014 Redesign Year

Long considered the benchmark for full-size luxury cars, this version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class solidly lives up to the model's reputation. The 2014 redesign offered a host of advanced technologies, while upping the luxury ante on many levels. The comprehensive suite of active safety features employs a battery of radar sensors and cameras. Features include active cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warnings and mitigation, along with attention assist to determine when the driver is drowsy.

There is even an optional fragrance dispenser, which operates automatically at pre-determined intervals to keep the interior of the car smelling nice.

A coupe version was new for 2015. A plug-in hybrid joined the lineup for 2016. 

Updates for 2018 include changes to the model names and their respective powertrains. The S450 is the new entry-level model, powered by a 362-hp twin-turbo V6. V8 and high-performance AMG versions are available. Convertible models are also offered.

2007-2013
2007 Redesign Year
The 2007 redesign included a powerful 5.5-liter V8 and a secondary control system that is a bit easier to use, though still complicated. The S-Class is usually the first to receive Mercedes' latest technological and safety gadgets, giving us mere mortals a glimpse of things to come. This tradition continued with this iteration of the flagship sedan. Practically every feature is power-operated and the car's over the road performance is outstanding. A diesel version arrived in 2011. Running updates brought a hybrid, as well as a newer driver interaction system that got more complicated. All-wheel drive, advanced safety technology and a number of uber-powerful V8 and V12 engines are offered within this model range.
2000-2006
2000 Redesign Year

The S-Class has always been stately and luxurious. Available in standard and long-wheelbase forms, it has a roomy interior and a large trunk. The ride is comfortable and quiet, and handling is commendable. Engine choices range from a strained inline Six to a more appropriate V8 and even a powerful V12. A new, more advanced S-Class was introduced for 2000. This iteration is much better. It handles nimbly and has excellent ride quality. The CL-Class coupes are essentially two-door S-Class models with altered styling.