What's New
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes gains push button start and an automated parking system as standard. Otherwise, the top-rung luxury sedan continues unchanged. The current S-Class debuted in 2014 and has received regular updates since then.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class sedan comes in three trim levels: S 450, S 560, and AMG S 63. Pricing starts at $95,245 including destination for the base S 450 and goes all the way up to $152,595 for the AMG S 63.
The S 560 with all-wheel drive and AMG S 63 are available as a coupe (around $20,000 more than their sedan counterpart), while the S 560 and AMG S 63 are also offered as a Cabriolet (over $30,000 more than their sedan counterpart).
Engine Choices
The Mercedes S-Class is available with a 3.0-liter V6 (S 450), a 4.0-liter V8 (560), and a handcrafted high-performance 4.0-liter V8 (AMG S 63). All engines feature twin turbochargers.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | 0-60 mph Time | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | 362 hp | 369 lb-ft | 5.4 seconds | 22 mpg |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | 463 hp | 516 lb-ft | 4.6 seconds | 21 mpg |
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 | 603 hp | 664 lb-ft | 3.5 seconds | 20 mpg |
The S-Class starts out with rear-wheel drive. The Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is optional on the S 450 and S 560 for $3,000, and standard on the AMG S 63. All models use a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The S-Class sedan offers abundant room for up to five passengers. Numerous rear-seat amenities are available to keep everyone extra comfortable. Opting for individual rear seats make the S-Class a four-person cruiser. At 18.7 cubic feet, the trunk one of the largest available in a passenger car.
The coupe seats four passengers and offers 10.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, while the Cabriolet has four seats and only offers a 6.9-cubic-foot trunk with the top down.
Safety Features
The S-Class comes loaded with the latest in safety and driver assistance technologies, including crosswind assist, lane keeping assist, a driver alertness monitor, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, an automated parking system, adaptive headlights, and automatic high beams.
Available on all trims, the $2,250 Driver Assistance Package adds lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control with steering and passing assist, evasive steering assist, braking assist with cross-traffic detection, and rear collision mitigation.
A surround-view camera system is part of the $3,750 Premium Package, while a head-up display is available for $1,100. The optional Night View Assist Plus ($2,260) displays a view of the road ahead in the instrument screen. The Pre-Safe Rear Seat Package furnishes a motorized rear seat belt with integrated airbags for $1,300.
Connectivity
The S-Class comes standard with 12.3-inch touchscreen with a touchpad controller, navigation, a 13-speaker Burmester sound system, HD and satellite radio, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and wireless charging.
A 26-speaker Burmester 3D system is optional at $6,400. Adding a second wireless charging pad for rear passengers costs $300.
The S 450 carries the V6 engine and standard indulgences like soft-close doors, a hands-free power trunk lid, a power rear sunshade, a panoramic sunroof, 16-way heated front seats with memory, an extended leather interior with wood trim, and 18-inch wheels.
The sunroof is available with Magic Sky Control ($4,950), which allows the driver to adjust the level of tint.
The popular Premium Package ($3,750) tacks on the surround-view camera, power rear side window shades, a cabin air purification and fragrance system, and multicontour front seats with massage, ventilation, and a rapid heating feature.
There's also a Warmth and Comfort Package ($2,600) with heated and ventilated rear outboard seats with power controls and memory, heated armrests throughout, and a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel.
The S 560 is powered by the 463-hp V8 engine. To complement the extra power, the S 560 is available with Magic Body Control ($4,450), which continuously scans the upcoming road surface for bumps and dips – and prepares the suspension accordingly. The system includes a curve function that allows the S 560 to lean into corners, reducing the lateral force on occupants.
The AMG S 63 packs the 603-hp V8, a performance-tuned suspension, standard all-wheel drive, and the contents of the Premium Package. Outside are 20-inch AMG wheels and aerodynamic styling elements.
Exterior trim can be finished in gloss black ($750) or carbon fiber ($6,500). High-performance ceramic brakes are available for $8,950.
Most 2020 Mercedes S-Class buyers go with the S 560, and we agree with their logic. A luxury sedan of this caliber begs for a V8 engine, if not the all-out performance and expense of the AMG variant.