2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Mercedes-Benz last redesigned its S-Class in 2014, bringing critical acclaim to the nameplate and heralding a new design direction for the...

Mercedes-Benz last redesigned its S-Class in 2014, bringing critical acclaim to the nameplate and heralding a new design direction for the brand. Last year’s model came with a subtle, yet comprehensive, update, including new engines, technology, and optional features. For 2019, the S-Class sees no major changes.

The S-Class lineup includes four distinct models, distinguished by their engines. The S 450, the first model, employs a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, and a 9-speed automatic transmission. The volume S 560 gets a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 463 hp and 516 lb-ft; it also comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both S 450 and S 560 models come with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), but Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) is available.

The AMG models provide increased performance and aggressive styling in a civilized package. The AMG S 65 model comprises a hand-built and -tuned 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 603 hp and 664 lb-ft, along with an AMG-developed 9-speed automatic transmission. The 60-mph mark comes up in just 3.4 seconds. Lastly, the top dog AMG S 65 model houses a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 with 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque matched with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Due to the additional weight, it takes a breath longer to reach 60 mph, at 4.2 seconds. Both AMG models come with standard AWD, along with a number of mechanical and digital components designed to optimized performance. Fuel economy numbers have not released as of this writing.

Beyond the individual models, the S-Class offers a dizzying array of features, several styling packages, and plenty of color combinations. But even the barest models get 18-inch wheels, air suspension, keyless access and start, a handcrafted leather interior, a cabin fragrance system, full LED exterior and interior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a three-spoke steering wheel with multidirectional touchpad sensors, heated 16-way power seats, navigation, a 64-color interior lighting system, Burmester sound, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a pair of 12.3 inch LCD screens, serving both instrument panel and infotainment duty. Nicer options include massaging seats, better grades of leather, cooled seating, rear seat entertainment and premium sound systems.

When it comes to safety, the S-Class offers one-of-a-kind features. Standard safety features consist of a reversing camera, active brake assist, adaptive lighting, automatic high beams, crosswind assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rain-sensing wipers. There’s also brand-exclusive technology like PRE-SAFE Sound, which detects an imminent collision and uses the audio system to produce a noise that causes human ears to reflexively close, preventing injury from noises associated with the accident. And for even greater levels of safety, you can add options like evasive-steering assist, active-steering assist, adaptive cruise control, congestion emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, active parking assist, a 360-degree camera, and rear seatbelt airbags.

In the world of six-figure flagship sedans, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been heralded as the standard of the world, and it’s not difficult to see why. With stately styling, immense levels of power and performance, and as much technology as a NASA control center, it’s difficult to do any better in a luxury sedan.