Item: 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Rating: 3.9
Author: Justin Cupler

Overview

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.

S 450 - From $95,245

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.

S 560 - From $105,445

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.

AMG S 63 - From $152,595

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.

Compare S-Class Specs

CarsDirect Tip

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.

John Diether

Automotive Editor - January 30, 2020

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Expert Review

Pros

Powerful engines
Top-natch cabin
True flagship luxury

Cons

Expensive at top
Ready for next generation
Small trunk in coupe and convertible

Expert Rating

3.9

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - February 19, 2020

Big fun, big luxury, big price. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a big rig in just about every way imaginable. Sure, it’s big in stature, but it's also big on luxury and performance, matching the wants of just about any luxury car shopper.

The problem is that it’s also big on price, making its alternatives seem like relative bargain bin discounts. Here’s how it stacks up against these cheaper rivals.

Style for miles, but needs an update. There's no denying that the Mercedes S-Class is a stunning model with its long and luxurious body, slick roof and body lines, and soft edges. It oozes luxury from every corner and feels special when walking up to it.

Inside, this stunning look continues quilted upholstery, classy use of metallic trim, dual LCD screens, and more. The S-Class shows a dose of sportiness with its metallic-rimmed steering wheel and circular air vents. The latter features play exceptionally well in the muscular AMG variants.

While it looks great inside and out, the S-Class is one of the oldest models in Mercedes’ lineup. It still looks incredible, but comparing it to newer models at the dealership may leave you wondering why pay so much for a rig with last-generation brand design.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

How do you like your power? Power comes in gobs in the S-Class, starting with the smooth but potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that delivers 362 horsepower. This is far from the most power you’ll see in the class, but it gets the S-Class sedan to 60 mph in a respectable 5.4 seconds.

Moving into the S 560 gets you a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 463 hp. This engine delivers an impressive 4.6-second 0-60 mph time in the sedan variant without the help of the performance junkies at AMG.

Bumping up to AMG-blessed models nets you the S 63 AMG, which uses the same V8 in the S 560 but its 'roided up to 603 hp. This delivers an eye-popping 3.5-second 0-60 mph time.

Folks who opt for premier luxury can pick up the Mercedes-Maybach S 560. In its base setup, it uses the same engine as the standard S 560. Optionally, buyers can add an AMG-tuned V12 that delivers 621 hp. This gets this fully loaded rig to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

These powertrains match up nicely against its V6 and V8 rivals, but none have the power to match the mighty AMG or range-topping V12 Maybach model.

Entry-level that’s not so entry-level. The S-Class is a flagship luxury car, so premium features are expected. But this car goes beyond, even in its so-called entry-level trim.

Standard features include dual 12.3-inch LCD screens (one infotainment and one gauge cluster), 64-color ambient lighting, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.

While Android Auto and Apple CarPlay seem like no-brainers in this pricey segment, they're not. For example, the BMW 7-Series offers Apple CarPlay but charges you a yearly fee to use it.

While the S-Class ranges from luxurious to ridiculously loaded, it also comes at eye-watering prices that range from $95,245 to $236,595 including destination. The 7-Series offers a little relief at $87,445 to $158,695. The Audi A8 also offers some help at $86,195 to $97,795. Buyers seeking to leave even more cash in their wallet can opt for the Lexus LS at $76,475 to $101,890.

Final thoughts. The 2020 Mercedes S-Class is nothing short of a dream machine with its insane powertrains, an endless list of features, smooth ride, and surprising agility for a 5,000-pound vehicle.

But this comes at a hefty price that keeps it a dream for nearly every buyer. Those looking for similar luxury and can pass on some of the range-topping performance will find this at BMW, Audi, or Lexus dealers.

Check prices for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class »

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Not Available

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

3.0L V-6 / 362 HP / 369 ft.lbs.

Transmission

9-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD

Drive Type

Rear-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

19 / 28 / 23 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

5 / 4

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

48 Months / 50,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	3.0L V-6 / 362 HP / 369 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	19 / 28 / 23 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Multi-link
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Fuel Tank	21.1 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Premium Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$81

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	12.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
Exterior Length	206.9 "
Exterior Width
Exterior Height	58.8 "
Front Headroom	42.1 "
Rear Headroom	39.2 "
Front Legroom	41.4 "
Rear Legroom	43.0 "
Front Shoulder Room	59.7 "
Rear Shoulder Room	59.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	4,553 Lbs.
Wheel Base	125 "
Turning Radius

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Silver Aluminum / 20.0 " / 19.0 " / 20.0 " Silver Aluminum / 19.0 " Silver Amg Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Heated, Power Remote Driver, Power Remote W/tilt Down Passenger
Bumpers	Body-colored With Chrome Insert
Grille Moldings	Chrome
Rear Spoiler	Lip
Exhaust	Dual Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	5 / 4
Seat Trim	Leather / Nappa Leather / Semi-aniline Leather
Front Seat Type	Bucket / Adaptive / Split-bench
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	(12-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	(12-way Power)
Front Armrests	(12-way Power)
Rear Armrests	Center
Rear Seats	Bench / Split-bench

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	13 Burmester / 26 Burmester
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Thermotronic
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof	Express Open/close
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Front And Rear
Tinted Windows	Light
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	3

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Rollover Crash Safety Rating	Not Yet Available
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag	Driver
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag	Rear Side-impact Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front And Rear
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning	Collision Prevention Assist Plus Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor	Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning	Active Lane Keeping Assist Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control	Hands-on (with Lane Change) Steering Assist
Pedestrian Detection	Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert	Attention Assist Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams	Adaptive Highbeam Assist (aha) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights	Directionally Adaptive
Parking Sensors	Parktronic W/active Parking Assist Automated / Parking Pilot Automated
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Immobilizer

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Major Components Months	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	48 Months / 50,000 Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for Sale