2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class has always been the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz and the automaker argues it's also the flagship of the auto industry. Now on its sixth generation, the S-Class has continually served as a segment leader and tech innovator. The sixth-gen car, known internally as the W222, debuted for the 2014 model year and is offered in sedan, long-wheelbase sedan, coupe, and convertible variants. The whole range received a mid-cycle update for 2018 with a revised engine lineup.

The full-size luxury sedan competes with German rivals such as the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Porsche Panamera as well as others including the Genesis G90, Kia K900, and Lexus LS.

What's New

• Active Parking Assist package is now standard
• Proximity key functionality now standard

What We Think

It's hard not to love the S-Class. If BMW is defined by the 3 Series, the S-Class is the largest is in chargest for Mercedes-Benz, dictating all the comfort and tech that will trickle down through the Mercedes lineup in five years and to non-luxury brands in 10. Inside the elegantly constructed interior, features like a hot stone-style massage and reclining rear seats remind you that you've made it. The detail work is next-level and the craftsmanship without flaw.

The V-6 model is a tad less refined on start-up and shutdown, but both "base" S-Class powerplants are happy to lower your pulse and devour miles of asphalt. And if the standard cars aren't enough, AMG will build you a bahn-storming beast reminiscent of the famed Red Pig (or silver, as the case may be) and Maybach will stretch the wheelbase and deliver proper oligarchic opulence.

Tick the right option boxes, and the S-Class will more or less drive itself. Clever adaptive cruise control and active lane centering mean you'll barely have to touch the wheel if you don't want to. Our only significant qualms with the S-Class have to do with pricing. Even though that's less likely to be an issue in the flagship sedan segment,  we wish heated and ventilated seats or the adaptive cruise control system were standard on a car that starts just under the six figure mark.

Performance and Fuel Economy

All performance and fuel economy numbers refer to the standard S-Class sedan.

Mercedes-Benz S 450 / S 450 4Matic

• Engine: 3.0-liter turbo V-6
• Horsepower: 362 hp
• Torque: 369 lb-ft
• 0-60 (RWD/AWD, mfr estimate): 5.0 / 4.8 seconds
• Fuel economy: 18-19/28 mpg city/highway

Mercedes-Benz S 560 / S 560 4Matic

• Engine: 4.0-liter turbo V-8
• Horsepower: 463 hp
• Torque: 516 lb-ft
• 0-60 (RWD/AWD, mfr estimate): 4.6 / 4.5 seconds
• Fuel economy: 17/27 mpg

Mercedes-Benz S 560e

• Engine: 3.0-liter turbo V-6 plug-in hybrid
• Horsepower: 469 hp
• Torque: 516 lb-ft
• 0-60 (mfr estimate): 4.9 seconds
• Fuel economy (2019 model): 64 mpg-e combined on gas and electricity or 23 mpg combined on gas alone
• Electric range (2019 model): 18 miles

Mercedes-AMG S 63 4Matic

• Engine: 4.0-liter biturbo V-8
• Horsepower: 603 hp
• Torque: 664 lb-ft
• 0-60: 3.4 seconds
• Fuel economy: 17/26 mpg

Mercedes-AMG S 65

• Engine: 6.0-liter turbo V-12
• Horsepower: 621 hp
• Torque: 738 lb-ft
• 0-60: 4.0 seconds
• Fuel economy: 13/22 mpg

S-Class Coupe and Convertible

For the first time in the history of the S-Class, the sixth-generation model includes coupe and convertible variants, the former of which was previously badged the CL-Class. These models have two doors instead of four, ride on an 8.6-inch shorter wheelbase than the standard sedan, and compromise rear seat legroom and headroom. They also seat four passengers instead of the sedan's standard five and the powertrain lineup is limited to two V-8s. Two-door S-Class models are only offered in S 560 and S 63 configurations.

Safety

The S-Class hasn't been evaluated by any safety testing organization but offers myriad driver-assist active safety features. Little things like auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist are included on all models, but just about everything you can imagine is offered if you're willing to cough up the cash. Optional driver-assist features include stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, active lane centering, auto lane change assist, auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, active parking assist, a 360-degree camera system, and night view assist.

Utility (Cargo Space and Interior Room)

Most S-Class models seat five, though if you opt for the Executive Rear Seat Plus, the center rear seat is eliminated, and seating capacity shrinks to four. Front and rear legroom measure 41.4 and 34.1 inches, respectively, though space in the rear increases dramatically in Mercedes-Maybach variants. These models have a 7.9-inch longer wheelbase, and most of that stretch goes straight to rear legroom. Cargo volume is on par for the segment, with 16.3 cubic feet of volume in the trunk.

Technology

Every S-Class and most modern Mercedes products feature a twin-screen information system with one 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel serving as a digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch center touchscreen for infotainment duties. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and in-car navigation are all standard, as is satellite radio functionality. Audio comes from a 13-speaker Burmester surround sound system with aluminum speaker grilles throughout the cabin. For audiophiles, there's an available 26-speaker Burmester system with a trunk-mounted subwoofer and ceiling mounted speakers for improved sound stage. There's also an optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)

2020 Mercedes-Benz S 450 / S 560

Don't think you're missing out by opting for the entry-level S-Class. Every example gets LED exterior lighting all around, auto high beams, self-leveling air suspension, dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays for the digital instrument cluster and center infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, 13-speaker Burmester audio, 64-color ambient interior lighting, a full leather interior, and oh so much more.

2020 Mercedes-AMG S 63 / S 65

No one needs 600 hp in their full-size luxury sedan, but Mercedes is happy to oblige those who crave that level of power. Shelling out for an AMG model adds a high-performance engine hand-built in Affalterbach, AMG performance exhaust, AMG sport air suspension, upgraded front and rear brakes, 20-inch AMG wheels, an AMG body kit, adaptive sport seats, and a three-spoke AMG steering wheel. You also get AMG selectable drive modes and launch control—a hi-po luxobarge must.

2020 Mercedes-Maybach S 560 / S 650

Stretch that wheelbase, and recline the rear seats; it's Maybach time. They're the flagships of the flagship, and Maybach S-Class models feature 20-inch Maybach wheels, executive power-reclining rear seats, extended ambient interior lighting, extended leather upholstery, and semi-active air suspension with Magic Body Control. If you can spend a little extra cash, opt for folding tables and a fridge in the rear with Robbe & Berking handcrafted champagne flutes.

Key Competitors:

• Audi A8
• BMW 7 Series
• Genesis G90
• Porsche Panamera