Mercedes-Benz S-Class
For decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan has reigned as a supreme icon of luxury motoring. 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. The S550 also has power, ride and comfort fit for a monarch, but the fiendishly complicated controls can be a royal pain. For the S550, a 429-hp, 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel-drive was an available option.
2010 Luxury cars & SUVs Reliability
Mercedes-Benz S-C...
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Lexus ES
Lexus ES
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Lexus RX Hybrid
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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands
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Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands
Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands
Crash Tests
2010 Ratings
- 3.5-liter V6 hybrid (295 hp)
- 5.5-liter V12 twin-turbo (510 hp)
- 5.5-liter V8 (382 hp)
- 6-liter V12 twin-turbo (604 hp)
- 6.3-liter V8 (518 hp)
- 7-speed automatic
- 5-speed automatic
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 warrantiesThe 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.
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.
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.