Unquestionably one of the most luxurious saloons in the world – as it has been through six previous and equally glorious iterations, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a technological tour-de-force and a byword for luxury and refinement. Its reputation for comfort, sophistication, and innovation is unrivalled, beloved of captains of industry, world leaders and celebrities. The S-Class sits at the pinnacle of Mercedes’ range, blending exquisite materials, state-of-the-art technology, and powerful yet smooth engines. Its long wheelbase ensures rear occupants enjoy limousine-like space, and the latest generation is packed with advanced driver assistance features and next-generation infotainment.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains the standard-bearer for luxury saloons. Its blend of cosseting comfort, advanced technology, and unsurpassed refinement puts it in a league of its own. Rear-seat passengers are treated like royalty, and the range of powerful engines means there’s plenty of performance on tap. Like every S-Class before it, it’s one of the best cars in the world.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioPrices for used S-Class models from the current generation (2020 onwards) begin at just over £53,000 on AA Cars, which will get you a well-specified S 350 d diesel with moderate mileage. More desirable S 400 d or S 500 petrol models start at around £70,000 and rise to over £100,000 for long-wheelbase or high-spec AMG Line Premium Plus versions. For new S-Class models, prices start at £100,390 for the entry-level S 350 d AMG Line, with plug-in hybrid models (S 580 e) from around £119,000. The high-performance Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance can exceed £175,000, depending on specification.
The S-Class range encompasses six-cylinder diesel and petrol engines, as well as a powerful plug-in hybrid and a range-topping AMG model. The S 350 d is powered by a smooth 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, delivering 286bhp and has a 0-62mph time of 6.4 seconds. The S 400 d ups this to 330bhp and a more spirited 5.4 seconds to 62mph. Petrol options include the S 500, featuring a 3.0-litre mild-hybrid straight-six with 435bhp (0-62mph in 4.9 seconds), while the plug-in hybrid S 580 e combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor for 510bhp and up to 62 miles of electric range. The AMG S 63 E Performance brings a 4.0-litre V8 plug-in hybrid setup, delivering supercar performance (0-62mph in 3.3 seconds). All models use a nine-speed automatic gearbox and 4MATIC all-wheel drive is standard.
Effortlessly comfortable, the S-Class excels at making long journeys relaxing. Its sophisticated air suspension smooths away rough surfaces, and the cabin is supremely quiet. Despite its size, optional rear-axle steering makes town driving surprisingly manageable, while at higher speeds, it feels composed and sure-footed. The AMG S 63 variant adds athleticism but sacrifices some ride softness – it’s a rare car, as the majority of S-Class owners tend to get driven rather than drive themselves.
Ride quality is where the S-Class truly shines. Even over poor surfaces, it remains composed and isolates occupants from the outside world. The steering is light but accurate, making it easy to place despite its gargantuan dimensions. Body control is impressive, especially with the optional E-Active Body Control system, which reads the road ahead using cameras and adapts the suspension settings in real time – it’s clever stuff.
The S-Class’s interior is a masterclass in luxury. Nearly every surface is exquisitely finished in top-quality leather, wood, or aluminium – and the attention to detail is second to none. The centrepiece is the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a vast portrait-oriented touchscreen and a digital driver’s display. Voice control, gesture recognition, and augmented-reality navigation are all available. MBUX is brilliant even in Mercedes’s most humble models, so the flagship version of it used in the S-Class is, understandably, a masterclass in technology development. Rear-seat comfort is exceptional, with options such as reclining, heated, and massaging seats, individual climate zones, and entertainment screens. Ambient lighting, premium sound systems, and rear electric blinds complete the opulent experience. It goes without saying that rear legroom is superb, but should you require even more room in which to luxuriate, a long-wheelbase version is also available.
With 550 litres of boot space, the S-Class offers ample room for luggage. The rear seats do not fold, but there’s a ski hatch for longer items. The plug-in hybrid loses some boot capacity due to its battery, but there’s still loads of space for a large suitcase. Storage areas throughout the cabin are generous, and rear passengers benefit from folding tables and additional cubbies in higher trims.
Every S-Class comes loaded with advanced technology, including the latest MBUX infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centring, and a 360-degree camera. Optional extras include a head-up display, four-zone climate control, and a Burmester 4D surround sound system. Amongst its unique features, the S-Class offers innovations like the Energising Comfort Control system, which combines ambient lighting, seat massage, music, and climate settings to elevate the mood and wellbeing of passengers. The car is also equipped with flush-fitting door handles that extend automatically when approached, providing extra security and improved aerodynamics. Another standout is the active ambient lighting, which can visually reinforce driver assistance alerts and even pulse in sync with music or driver inputs, enhancing the overall sensory experience inside the cabin.
The S-Class is offered in three main trims: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, and the high-performance AMG S 63 E Performance. AMG Line features sporty exterior styling with AMG body enhancements, premium leather upholstery with heated front seats, a widescreen cockpit boasting dual digital displays, adaptive LED headlights, ambient interior lighting, and a suite of active safety systems including autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. AMG Line Premium builds on these features by adding a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded Burmester surround sound system, advanced keyless entry and start, enhanced comfort amenities such as ventilated and massaging seats, and augmented reality navigation along with additional driver assistance technologies.
For those seeking heightened performance, the AMG S 63 E Performance comes with distinctive AMG styling and badging, a high-performance hybrid powertrain with advanced hardware, upgraded AMG sports seats and steering wheel, an adaptive AMG-specific suspension system, enhanced braking and handling capabilities, and exclusive interior trim and finishing options. Standard and optional paint finishes include Obsidian Black, Selenite Grey, High-Tech Silver, and classic Mercedes shades such as Emerald Green and Designo Diamond White. A variety of bespoke ‘Manufaktur’ paint and interior options are available for those looking to personalise their car, along with a menu of personalised items that can be chosen through the company’s manufactured-to-order premium service – but they come at a sometimes astonishing price premium…
Every generation of S-Class has been a pioneer of road safety systems and the latest one is no different. The current model is one of the safest cars on the road, boasting an array of active safety features including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and even an active suspension system that can raise the car in the event of a side impact. Euro NCAP awarded it a five-star rating, with outstanding scores in occupant and pedestrian protection—achieving 97% for adult occupant protection, 92% for child occupant protection, and 80% for pedestrian protection. Reliability is strong, supported by Mercedes’ reputation for quality engineering.
The most efficient model is the S 350 d diesel, which achieves up to 45–50 mpg on the combined cycle, with CO₂ emissions from 145–160 g/km. The petrol S 500 returns 30–35 mpg and emits 190–210 g/km. The plug-in hybrid S 580 e is the most efficient, offering up to 56 mpg and just 20–25 g/km CO₂ (when charged regularly), making it attractive for company car drivers. The AMG S 63 E Performance, while powerful, is less frugal, returning around 29 mpg and higher emissions. It goes without saying that all S-Classes are liable to pay the Expensive Car Supplement on top of standard VED road tax, meaning they will cost £620 a year to tax until they’re older than six years of age.
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