Model research hub
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Car and Driver rates the 2026 S-Class 9.5/10 as an Editors' Choice, saying it's long been the standard-issue transport for both the arrived and the aspirational, continuing that path with its defining understated presence and lavish interior furnishings, and offering three capable powertrains ranging from a 442-hp turbocharged inline-six to a 510-hp turbo V-8 plug-in hybrid. MotorTrend says the S-Class serves as Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan, blending cutting-edge technology, serene comfort, and understated performance into a single statement vehicle, rivaling the Genesis G90, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LX, and continuing to define what a flagship luxury sedan should be with an exceptionally plush ride, cutting-edge tech, and presence few rivals can match, even as it's extremely expensive and feels large. MotorTrend says the 2026 update mostly focuses on styling, adding more than 40 Manufaktur exterior paints, 25 Nappa leather upholstery choices, an available Executive Rear Seat Package Plus with four-passenger seating and power rear seats, and a limited-edition Maybach S680 Emerald Isle restricted to 25 units for the U.S. market.
Editors' Choice luxury, 442 to 510 hp
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) rates the 2026 S-Class 9.5/10 as an Editors' Choice, saying it's long been the standard-issue transport for both the arrived and the aspirational, continuing that path with its defining understated presence and lavish interior furnishings, and offering three capable powertrains ranging from a 442-hp turbocharged inline-six to a 510-hp turbo V-8 plug-in hybrid.
The flagship, rivaling the 7 Series and G90
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the S-Class serves as Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedan, blending cutting-edge technology, serene comfort, and understated performance into a single statement vehicle, rivaling the Genesis G90, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LX, and continuing to define what a flagship luxury sedan should be, even as it's extremely expensive and feels large.
2026 changes: styling and a limited Maybach edition
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 update mostly focuses on styling, adding more than 40 Manufaktur exterior paints, 25 Nappa leather upholstery choices, an available Executive Rear Seat Package Plus with four-passenger seating and power rear seats, and a limited-edition Maybach S680 Emerald Isle restricted to 25 units for the U.S. market.
Questions buyers ask
How much horsepower does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says from 442 hp up to 510 hp in the plug-in hybrid.
What competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) names the Genesis G90, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LX.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is built around 3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.0L turbo V8, 4.0L turbo V8 plug-in hybrid, 6.0L turbo V12 (Maybach S680), or 4.0L twin-turbo V8 hybrid (AMG S63), rated at 442 / 530 / 576 / 621 / 791 horsepower across its full-size luxury sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 6 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2027 S-Class seats 5 and is a Full-size luxury sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 S-Class.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MY2027 is a major mid-cycle update for the brand's 140th anniversary (Mercedes says over 50% of parts, ~2,700 components, are new or revised) with a bolder face. Larger illuminated grille, scalloped headlights with a 3-pointed-star motif, revised bumper. S580 4MATIC's V8 is now tuned to 530 hp (was 496); S580e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid gains 73 hp to reach 576 combined hp (was 503); S500 4MATIC's turbo six gets more low-end torque (443 lb-ft at its base tune).
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
4 indexed Mercedes-Benz S-Class model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 1 | 2027 record → |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 2026 record → | |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 2025 record → | |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 2020 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as "special class" (German: "Sonderklasse", abbreviated as "S-Klasse"), is a series of full-sized luxury sedans and coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, being positioned above the other Mercedes-Benz models.
- Safety
- Mercedes-Benz has traditionally introduced its safety innovations in the S-Class. For instance, the S-Class was the first car in Europe to incorporate airbags. S-Class safety features included innovations in active safety (accident avoidance), passive safety (collision protection), and holistic safety (integration of both active and passive safety features).
Source: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class at a glance
- Production
- 1954–present (S-Class nomenclature adopted since 1972)
- Class
- Full-size luxury car (F) , Grand tourer (S) (coupé and convertible models)
- Body style
- 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé (1992–2021), 2-door convertible (2014–2021)
- Predecessor
- Mercedes-Benz W187
- Related models
- Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
Mercedes-Benz S-Class generations
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been redesigned in 1979, 1991, 1998, 2005, 2013, 2020, gaps of 7, 12, 7, 7, 8, 7 years, an average of 8.0 years between generations. The current generation (seventh generation, W223) began in 2020.
| Generation | Code | Began | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | W116 | 1972–1979 | In 1972, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W116 line, the first to be officially called the S-Class. |
| Second generation | W126/C126 | 1979–1991 | The W126 series premiered in September 1979, launching in March 1980 as a 1980 model and late 1980 as a 1981 model in the US and Australia replacing the W116 line. |
| Third generation | W140/C140 | 1991–1998 | In 1991, the W140 series replaced the W126 line with the first production model assembled in April of that year. |
| Fourth generation | W220 | 1998–2005 | Mercedes-Benz presented the W220 in July 1998, marketed as a sedan, only. |
| Fifth generation | W221/C216 | 2005–2013 | The W221 was introduced in the autumn of 2005 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, with sales starting in autumn of 2005 and export to other markets beginning in 2006. |
| Sixth generation | W222/C217/A217 | 2013–2020 | Officially unveiled in May 2013, the new S-Class has a more streamlined appearance than the outgoing model. |
| Seventh generation | W223 | 2020–present | The W223 was unveiled on 2 September 2020. |
Year by year
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class across 13 model years.
| Model year | Combined MPG/MPGe | EPA annual fuel cost | EPA records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 14–23 | $3,450–$5,700 | 4 |
| 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 15–23 | $3,350–$5,150 | 4 |
| 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 15–24 | $3,250–$5,150 | 6 |
| 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 15–24 | $3,250–$5,150 | 4 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 14–23 | $3,350–$5,550 | 5 |
| 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 15–24 | $3,250–$5,150 | 4 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 17–24 | $3,250–$4,550 | 7 |
| 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 16–23 | $3,350–$4,850 | 13 |
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 16–23 | $3,350–$4,850 | 15 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 16–22 | $3,500–$4,850 | 14 |
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 16–26 | $3,000–$4,850 | 12 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 15–26 | $3,000–$5,150 | 9 |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 15–26 | $3,000–$5,150 | 9 |
Year-to-year changes
What changed in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, one model year at a time.
| Step | EPA records | Combined MPG/MPGe, midpoint | Electric range, miles | Added | No longer listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 to 2027 | 19.0 to 18.5 | ||||
| 2025 to 2026 | 6 to 4 | 19.5 to 19.0 | Labels: AMG S63 E Performance, S580e 4matic; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 4L 8-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity; Size classes: Midsize Cars | ||
| 2024 to 2025 | 4 to 6 | first listed: 32 | Labels: AMG S63 E Performance, S580e 4matic; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 4L 8-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity; Size classes: Midsize Cars | ||
| 2023 to 2024 | 5 to 4 | 18.5 to 19.5 | Labels: S580e 4matic; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | ||
| 2022 to 2023 | 4 to 5 | 19.5 to 18.5 | first listed: 56 | Labels: S580e 4matic; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | |
| 2021 to 2022 | 7 to 4 | 20.5 to 19.5 | Labels: Maybach S680 4matic; Engines: 6L 12-cyl; Drives: All-Wheel Drive | Labels: AMG S63 4matic Plus Convertible, AMG S63 4matic Plus Coupe, S560 4matic Coupe, S560 Convertible; Engines: 4L 8-cyl SIDI; Drives: 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Compact Cars, Subcompact Cars | |
| 2020 to 2021 | 13 to 7 | 19.5 to 20.5 | Labels: S500 4matic, S580 4matic, S580 4matic Maybach; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid, 4L 8-cyl SIDI; Mild Hybrid | Labels: AMG S63 4matic Plus, AMG S65, Maybach S650, S450, and 5 more; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI, 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 6L 12-cyl; Transmissions: Automatic 7-spd; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | |
| 2019 to 2020 | 15 to 13 | Labels: AMG S63 4matic Plus, AMG S63 4matic Plus Convertible, AMG S63 4matic Plus Coupe, S560 4matic Maybach; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV | Labels: AMG S63 4matic, AMG S63 4matic Convertible, AMG S63 4matic Coupe, AMG S65 Convertible, and 2 more; Engines: 3L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive | ||
| 2018 to 2019 | 14 to 15 | 19.0 to 19.5 | first listed: 19 | Labels: S560e; Engines: 3L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | |
| 2017 to 2018 | 12 to 14 | 21.0 to 19.0 | Labels: AMG S65 Convertible, AMG S65 Coupe, Maybach S560 4matic, Maybach S650, and 6 more; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI, 4L 8-cyl SIDI; Drives: Front-Wheel Drive | Labels: S550, S550 4matic, S550 4matic Coupe, S550 Convertible, and 4 more; Engines: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV, 4.7L 8-cyl SIDI, 5.5L 8-cyl SIDI; Fuels: Premium and Electricity | |
| 2016 to 2017 | 9 to 12 | 20.5 to 21.0 | Labels: AMG S63 4matic Convertible, S550 Convertible, S65 AMG Convertible, S65 AMG Coupe; Transmissions: Automatic 9-spd; Size classes: Subcompact Cars | Labels: AMG S65 Coupe | |
| 2015 to 2016 | Labels: AMG S63 4matic, AMG S63 4matic Coupe, AMG S65, AMG S65 Coupe | Labels: S63 AMG 4matic, S63 AMG 4matic Coupe, S65 AMG, S65 AMG Coupe |
Trim by trim
Every 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 500 4MATIC | AWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (MHEV, Turbo) | 442 | 413 | 4,696 | – | 23 | $120,600 |
| S 580e 4MATIC | AWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) | 502 | 553 | 5,465 | – | – | $131,450 |
| S 580 4MATIC | AWD | 4.0-liter V8 (MHEV, Twin Turbo) | 496 | 516 | 4,795 | – | 20 | $131,750 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2026 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Specifications by year
Power, weight and towing for every Mercedes-Benz S-Class model year.
| Model year | Trims | Engines | Horsepower | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Fuel tank (gal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (MHEV, Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (MHEV, Twin Turbo) | 442–502 | 4,696–5,465 | – | 17.7–20 |
| 2025 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (MHEV, Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (MHEV, Twin Turbo) | 442–510 | 4,740–5,501 | – | 17.7–20 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (MHEV, Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (MHEV, Twin Turbo) | 442–510 | 4,740–5,501 | – | 17.2–22 |
| 2023 | 3 | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (MHEV) / 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (MHEV, Twin Turbo) | 429–510 | 4,740–5,501 | – | 17.2–22 |
| 2022 | 2 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 429–496 | – | – | 22 |
| 2021 | 2 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 429–496 | 4,740–4,775 | – | 22 |
| 2020 | 5 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (Hybrid, Twin Turbo) | 362–463 | 4,553–4,885 | – | 21.1 |
| 2019 | 5 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) / 3.0-liter V6 (Hybrid, Twin Turbo) | 362–469 | 4,553–4,885 | – | 24.6 |
| 2018 | 4 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) / 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | 362–463 | 4,564 | – | 24.6 |
| 2017 | 4 | 3.0-liter V6 (Hybrid, Twin Turbo) / 4.7-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) / 6.0-liter V12 (Twin Turbo) | 436–523 | 4,630–5,115 | – | 16.6–24.6 |
| 2016 | 6 | V6, TT, Hybrid, 3.0L / 4.7-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) / 5.5-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) +1 | 449–621 | 4,630–5,071 | – | 21.1–21.9 |
| 2015 | 6 | V8, TT, 4.7L / V8, TT. 4.7L / V6, TT, Hybrid, 3.0L +2 | 329–621 | 4,630–5,071 | – | 20.6–21.9 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.
Owning it
Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
| Model year | Engine oil | Brake fluid | Wheel-nut torque | A/C refrigerant | Key-fob battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | – | – | – | – | CR2025 |
| 2016 | – | – | – | – | CR2025 |
| 2015 | – | – | – | – | CR2025 |
Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.
Trim ladder
1 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim, each with its own page.
Compared with
Models this Mercedes-Benz S-Class is most often compared with.
Nearest Mercedes-Benz models
Other Mercedes-Benz models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 S-Class come in?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (full-size luxury sedan) comes in 6 trims: S 500, S 580, S 580e, Maybach S 580, Maybach S 680, AMG S 63 E Performance.
Q02What are the 2027 S-Class trims?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trims are S 500, S 580, S 580e, Maybach S 580, Maybach S 680, AMG S 63 E Performance, listed from the entry S 500 up to the top AMG S 63 E Performance.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 S-Class use?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is built around 3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.0L turbo V8, 4.0L turbo V8 plug-in hybrid, 6.0L turbo V12 (Maybach S680), or 4.0L twin-turbo V8 hybrid (AMG S63), rated at 442 / 530 / 576 / 621 / 791 horsepower across its full-size luxury sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 S-Class have?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is rated at 442 / 530 / 576 / 621 / 791 horsepower (3.0L turbo inline-six, 4.0L turbo V8, 4.0L turbo V8 plug-in hybrid, 6.0L turbo V12 (Maybach S680), or 4.0L twin-turbo V8 hybrid (AMG S63)).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 S-Class?
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered with Standard AWD.