Archived model-year dossier
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the last year of its generation, gaining new standard features and a new plug-in S 560e with a claimed 25-mile electric-only range, while the AMG S 65 coupe and cabriolet are dropped. An all-new S-Class follows for 2021. NHTSA lists six recalls and 8 complaints. Used ones start at $32,900 at dealers per Kelley Blue Book.
Configurations13
Model/option labels13
Combined efficiency16–23 MPG/MPGe
Electric range19 mi
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says Mercedes introduces the S 560e, a plug-in variant of the 560 that couples an electric motor with the twin-turbo V6 for a claimed 25-mile electric-only range, and that an all-new S-Class will debut for the 2021 model year. U.S. News (opens in a new tab) lists new standard features for 2020 and the AMG S 65 coupe and cabriolet no longer available.
Carsoid (opens in a new tab) describes the 2020 changes as mainly small but powerful, with newer technology for driver safety and convenience. Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists ratings of 17/27 to 19/28 mpg, and its price page puts the cheapest used 2020, the S 450, at a Fair Purchase Price of $32,900.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists six recall campaigns for the 2020 S-Class. 21V197000 covers a roof and pillar issue across many Mercedes models, 21V058000 and 22V365000 cover communication module software that can disable the emergency call function, and 21V527000 covers side crash sensor connectors that may come loose. 26V216000 covers a drive shaft universal joint that may break on 2018-2020 S 450 and Maybach S 560 4MATIC models, and 21V961000 covers particles trapped between the fuel rail and injectors that can cause a fuel leak.
Owners have filed 8 complaints: unknown or other and vehicle speed control with 2 each, and fuel and propulsion, engine, visibility and wiper with 1 each. ProblemsByVin (opens in a new tab) and CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) list the record.
2020 S-Class against the 7 Series, A8 and LS
EPA rates the 2020 S-Class at 16 to 23 mpg combined and $3,350 to $4,850 a year in fuel. The BMW 7 Series lists 20 to 24 at $3,250 to $3,900, the Audi A8 18 to 23 at $3,350 to $4,300, and the Lexus LS 21 to 28 at $2,750 to $3,700. The S-Class trails all three at the low end.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 5 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 450 | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | RWD | 362 | 369 | 5 s | 130 mph | 19 / 28 / 22 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| S 450 4MATIC | 3.0-liter V6 (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | AWD | 362 | 369 | 4.8 s | 130 mph | 18 / 28 / 22 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| S 560 4MATIC | 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | AWD | 463 | 516 | 4.5 s | 130 mph | 17 / 27 / 21 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| S 560 | 4.0-liter V8 (Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | RWD | 463 | 516 | 4.6 s | 130 mph | 17 / 27 / 21 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| S 560e | 3.0-liter V6 (Hybrid, Twin Turbo) | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | RWD | 4.9 s | 130 mph | 21 / 26 / 23 mpg | 4 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 450 | 4,553 lb | 206.9 in | 58.8 in | 124.6 in | 5 in | 40.4 ft | 21.1 gal | 39.7 in | 41.4 in | P245/50R18 |
| S 450 4MATIC | 4,685 lb | 206.9 in | 58.8 in | 124.6 in | 5 in | 40.4 ft | 21.1 gal | 39.7 in | 41.4 in | P245/50R18 |
| S 560 4MATIC | 4,850 lb | 206.9 in | 58.8 in | 124.6 in | 5 in | 40.4 ft | 21.1 gal | 39.7 in | 41.4 in | P245/45R19 |
| S 560 | 4,731 lb | 206.9 in | 58.8 in | 124.6 in | 5 in | 40.4 ft | 21.1 gal | 39.7 in | 41.4 in | P245/45R19 |
| S 560e | 4,885 lb | 206.9 in | 58.8 in | 124.6 in | 5 in | 40.4 ft | 21.1 gal | 39.7 in | 41.4 in | P245/45R19 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | S 450 | S 450 4MATIC | S 560 4MATIC | S 560 | S 560e |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | |||||
| Adaptive headlights | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Driver-attention monitor | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hill-start assist | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Night vision | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | |||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-seat DVD entertainment | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Voice recognition | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | |||||
| Heated front seats | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Heated rear seats | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated windshield | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Front and rear climate zones | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Panoramic moonroof | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Refrigerated cooler | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | – |
| Exterior and convenience | |||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear spoiler | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Proximity keyless entry | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
13 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42198AMG S63 4matic Plus | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 17 | 26 | 20 | N/A |
| 42194AMG S63 4matic Plus Convertible | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 15 | 24 | 18 | N/A |
| 42196AMG S63 4matic Plus Coupe | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 17 | 27 | 20 | N/A |
| 42393AMG S65 | 6L 12-cylConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 7-spd | Premium | 13 | 22 | 16 | N/A |
| 42392Maybach S650 | 6L 12-cylConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 7-spd | Premium | 13 | 21 | 16 | N/A |
| 41815S450 | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 19 | 28 | 22 | N/A |
| 41816S450 4matic | 3L 6-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 18 | 28 | 22 | N/A |
| 42197S560 | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 17 | 27 | 21 | N/A |
| 42199S560 4matic | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 17 | 27 | 21 | N/A |
| 42195S560 4matic Coupe | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 17 | 26 | 20 | N/A |
| 42200S560 4matic Maybach | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | 4-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 16 | 25 | 19 | N/A |
| 42193S560 Convertible | 4L 8-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium | 17 | 26 | 20 | N/A |
| 42525S560e | 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 9-spd | Premium and Electricity | 21 | 26 | 23 | 19 mi |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class versus the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Model year
Against the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Model/option labels added: AMG S63 4matic Plus, AMG S63 4matic Plus Convertible, AMG S63 4matic Plus Coupe, S560 4matic Maybach. Model/option labels no longer listed: AMG S63 4matic, AMG S63 4matic Convertible, AMG S63 4matic Coupe, AMG S65 Convertible, and 2 more. Engine descriptions added: 3L 6-cyl SIDI; PHEV. Engine descriptions no longer listed: 3L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV. Drive designations no longer listed: Front-Wheel Drive. Certification records went from 15 to 13.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How much is the destination charge on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $995. It is added to the base price. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03What size wheels does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
Wheels and tires
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class's wheel diameter is 18 inches on the S 450 and S 450 4MATIC and 19 inches on the S 560 4MATIC, S 560 and S 560e. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trims differ from one another?
Trims
The S 450 4MATIC has AWD instead of RWD over the S 450. The S 560 4MATIC has 463 hp against 362 over the S 450 4MATIC. The S 560 has RWD instead of AWD over the S 560 4MATIC.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05How quickly does the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class's 0-60 mph time is 4.5 seconds on the S 560 4MATIC up to 5 seconds on the S 450, across 5 trims. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class's top speed?
Performance
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2019 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the Mercedes-Benz S-Class across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Hybrid and electric vehiclesHybrid fuel economy suddenly lower than expectedRoutine →Buying, records and recallsRecall, technical service bulletin and warranty: the differenceRoutine →OBD codes and emissionsP0420 catalyst-efficiency codeSoon →OBD codes and emissionsP0401 insufficient EGR flow codeSoon →Driver assistance and infotainmentBackup camera shows a black, blue or intermittent screenSoon →Towing and traileringElectric trailer brakes are not workingStop driving →