Mercedes-Benz now provides two distinct flagship luxury sedan models technically. Although the all-electric EQS has garnered more attention in the last year, the classic S-Class remains the industry leader in luxury limousines. The S-Class moniker was first officially used in 1972, despite the idea being developed in 1954. There have been seven generations, all of which were among the greatest in their respective fields, and the 2023 model outperforms all of its forerunners. It has two variants: incredible power as standard, cutting-edge functionality, and opulent elegance.
Large, gas-powered luxury cars are becoming less common, but there is still a lot of rivalry in this market. The Audi A8, Lexus LS, Genesis G90, and BMW 7 Series are some of the main rivals. Whether in base or fully loaded trim, every competition has a trim level over $100,000. With an “all-out assault” on every aspect of this excellent sedan, the S-Class outperforms the competition. Despite the lack of modifications since the seventh-generation vehicle’s release in 2020, Mercedes-Benz makes every effort to achieve luxury, beginning with performance.
For brief periods, the standard “EQ Boost” mild hybrid system may increase power and torque by up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet. Consider it as an advanced nitro boost. Up to 20 horsepower may be produced via an integrated starter generator, which permits fuel-free coasting and energy recovery during deceleration. Rear-axle steering, which is optional and can be adjusted up to ten degrees, offers the S-Class the agility of a small vehicle, cutting the turning circle by 6.5 feet and making parking easier. The rear wheels may steer up to three degrees in any direction at highway speeds, which improves stability and handling.
While the EQS represents a bold slice of electric adventure in the future, the S-Class has classic and elegantly evolving aesthetics. The bodywork of the S 500 and S 580 are the same, with a larger wheelbase, a short front overhang, and a proportionately balanced back overhang. It’s tasteful where the A8 isn’t and understated where the 7 Series goes beyond. When the key fob is detected, smooth door handles along the sides stretch as you get closer. New LED headlights emphasize the front end, while the back end maintains the sleek shape.
The new S-Class has over 50 electrical components that may be upgraded with new software via over-the-air (SOTA) technology. Mercedes-Benz can now remotely integrate new features or repairs via over-the-air upgrades, so owners don’t need to visit a dealership for these changes. As anticipated, the S-Class remains the safest vehicle in its class. Industry-first airbags positioned in the back of front seats are an option, but it’s unlikely that the IIHS and NHTSA would ever test it. Other active safety features include side-curtain and rear-side airbags.
Speaking of traditions, the S-Class embodies generations of excellence that set standards, and the reputation of the Mercedes-Benz brand is derived from this model’s high standards. Consumers see the S-Class as a desired status car that is here to stay, something upstarts can only wish they had.
What’s New
From the 2020 launch of the current version of the S-Class, Mercedes has only made a few minor alterations to the vehicle. The only interior improvements for the 2023 model year are new MANUFAKTUR paint, upholstery options, and an upgraded MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) telematics system.
The $6,500 E-Active Body Control suspension option is now available for all trims.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Gorgeous interior
- exceptional road manners
- crammed with technological and safety features
Cons
- Large luxury automobiles all lose value soon.
- Several menus and controls that must be learned thoroughly need a lot of study time.
- Pricey desirable alternatives
Performance: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
There are two possible variants, both featuring 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard. Both S-Class models include the EQ-boost system, which adds up to 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque for brief spurts. They also have a nine-speed automated gearbox.
A 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with an auxiliary compressor and 48-volt mild hybrid drive powers the S 500. Without the EQ boost, the power output is 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Even in this 4,600-pound monster, the basic model accelerates from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.9 seconds, similar to a V8.
A 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid drive is also used in the S 580. 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque are produced. With a weight of almost 5,200 pounds, it is even more remarkable that it can reach 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds.
Although the S 500 and S 580 have excellent performance, the S 500 wins out because it has a V8-like performance at a lower price. Both are very comfy for long-distance driving and serenely silent. Excellent and subtle braking is provided.
Many driving dynamics systems, including rear-axle steering, Dynamic Select, Steer Control, and Dynamic Cornering Assistance, incorporate a variety of sensors to assess road conditions and modify engine and suspension performance settings to provide an excellent driving experience.
Fuel Efficiency: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 5,000+ pound S 500 achieves an astonishing 30 mpg on the freeway and 21 mpg in the city. Although less outstanding, the S 580 versions’ 16 cities and 25 highway mpg are still noteworthy, considering that this is a 5,200-pound limousine with a V8 engine.
The Audi A8 gets slightly higher mileage than the BMW 7-Series and Genesis G90, which both get 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the interstate. Although the hybrid Lexus LS outperforms all other cars in its large class in terms of performance, few buyers choose vehicles of this kind for their gas economy.
Safety and Assisting Driver:
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class loses points in our data-driven rating since it hasn’t been put through testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Nonetheless, there’s no denying that the S-Class is among the safest vehicles on the road and has even led the way in this regard historically.
There is an option to add airbags to the back of the front seats and side-curtain and rear-side airbags. The $6,500 optional E-Active Body Control technology adjusts the suspension at each wheel to reduce body tilt in curves and lean, pitch, and dive movements using a front stereo camera.
Adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation and stop-and-go, active steering, lane keeping and lane changing assistance, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, cross-traffic alerts, blind spot assist with exit warnings, and many more top-notch active safety features are standard. These systems are as broad in scope as they are in quality.
Coziness & Space:
Inside the S-Class, you’ll find a pleasant environment whether you’re a driver or a passenger. A comprehensive and remarkable selection of essential and optional interior luxury and convenience amenities is provided. In addition to looking for a first-class flight attendant call button, sitting guests may choose the reclining rear seats with enhanced leg support.
Perforated leather seats for the driver and front passenger provide benefits such as heating, cooling, and massaging; they may also be programmed to inflate side bolsters to help you stay in position and under control through fast corners. When you accelerate into a left or right curve, the opposing-side bolster will expand to keep you firmly planted at adjustable inflation levels.
The built-in “Hey Mercedes” voice control system may change the temperature inside the car, choose your preferred Sirius/XM station, or recommend a fantastic restaurant nearby.
Infotainment: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Using a central 12.8-inch OLED screen, Mercedes-Benz’s ultramodern infotainment system, MBUX, functions. The core of the S-Class’s technological experience is this. LED light strips around the house provide 64 different ambient light options. Several driver assistance systems use the light strips in the front passenger and driver doors as warning lights. For instance, the lights will flash red or amber depending on the hue you’ve selected to alert you if you wander from your lane.
Eye tracking in a new 3D driver display makes seeing the environment spatially with an accurate 3D impression possible. AR material is available on the head-up display. For instance, animated turn-off arrows, or “fishbones,” are digitally projected onto the simulated driving lane during navigation. This tool is helpful for interstate roads with intricate entrance and exit ramps.
It has Apple CarPlay, roid Auto, and Burmester premium audio, with beautiful metal grilles and amazing soundwaves.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Trunk storage space for 12.9 cubic feet is available for both variants. There is bottle storage on the door panel and centre console for both the front and back seats. Although the S-Class can carry your bags with you for that week in Gstaad, few individuals purchase such vehicles for moving freight. Audi and Genesis are almost equal in luggage space, although the departing 2022 BMW 7 Series has a little more.
Design: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The style of the S-Class is elegantly progressive. The bodywork of the two S-Class vehicles is the same, with a larger wheelbase, a short front overhang, and a proportionately balanced back overhang. Despite the gently muscular appearance defining the Mercedes-Benz portfolio over the last ten years, they don’t seem outdated. Like the EQS, the smooth door handles along the sides expand as you go closer when the key fob is detected.
New LED headlights accentuate the car’s front end. The overall sleek silhouette is maintained by the back end. Like every prior S-Class, the overall impact is modest and discreet. Sadly, by the end of 2021, the coupe and convertible S-Class models were discontinued.
Although it lacks the EQS’s wall-to-wall hyperscreen, the inside is swamped with displays and exquisite features, and everything is both beautiful to look at and opulent to the touch.
Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Worth it?
Despite its exorbitant cost, the 2023 S-Class is well worth it. Both versions are excellent, full-luxe road runners that provide exceptional safety. With the S 500, you may save a little cash and not feel taken advantage of.
Starting at $113,200 for the S 500 Luxury Line and $116,450 for the AMG Line, both options include a $1,050 destination fee. A $3,000 3D technology package with augmented reality navigation, a head-up display, and other digital delights, E-Active Body Control ($6,500), and a $6,730 Burmester audio system are the main choices on the S 500 Luxury Line.
While it has sportier wheel options and other cosmetic changes, the AMG Line is not an official AMG model. The rear-wheel steering option is unlocked, but only at 4.5 degrees of turn.
If you’re looking for something more, the V8 S 580 Luxury Line begins at $118,750, while the AMG Line, which has almost identical features to the S 500, goes up to $123,050. However, a third trim line for the S 580 is available, the Executive line, which starts at $130,150. That model still offers the Burmester system as an option, but it also has extra rear seat configuration choices, a “Warmth & Comfort” package that will be useful on chilly days, and 10-degree rear-wheel steering.
How Much Does Mercedes-Benz S-Class Insurance Cost?
It costs a lot to purchase and insure an S-Class vehicle. The average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record is $5,285 for either version; however, this figure applies to all 50 states. In contrast, the Audi A8, BMW 750i xDrive, and Genesis G90 cost $5,220, and Lexus LS cost $5,028 and $4,084, respectively.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Generations
Eighth Generation
2021 to Present
The eighth-generation S-Class is completely redesigned for 2021 and is now only offered as a sedan; the coupe and convertible models have been discontinued.
Seventh Generation
2014 to 2020
The S550, the first model of the seventh-generation S-Class, included several new technological innovations. In 2015, a coupe and cabriolet were introduced.
Sixth Generation
2014 to 2020
The S550, the first model of the sixth generation S-Class, included several new technological innovations. In 2015, a coupe and cabriolet were introduced.
Fifth Generation
2006 to 2013
Growing up, the S-Class family entered its sixth generation. At first, it came with the S 350, S 450, and S 500 and offered choices for gasoline and diesel engines. Mercedes introduced the S 400 Hybrid in 2009. The following year saw the introduction of the four-cylinder S 250 CDI.
Fourth Generation
1999 to 2005
The fourth generation S-Class debuted with six revised, lighter-bodied versions. Other technological innovations included the V8’s cylinder shut-off feature, navigation, and intelligent cruise control. The S320, S430, and S500 had three engine choices at first: a 3.2-litre V6, 279-horsepower V8, and a 306-horsepower V8. The body types available were regular and extended wheelbase. In 2002, the Mercedes-Maybach made its debut.
Third Generation
1992 to 1998
1992 saw the introduction of Mercedes’ less costly 300 SE 2.8 and 300 SD Turbodiesel variants. The first year the “S” was put in front of the engine displacement was 1993 when a 6.0-litre V12 engine with 408 horsepower was added. Automatic gearbox S280 and S320 vehicles received the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in 1996.
Second Generation
1979 to 1991
Seven versions were available when the second generation of S-Class cars was introduced. Mercedes provided four engine choices for both regular and extended wheelbase body styles. The body was reworked in 1981 to include a driver’s airbag and survive “offset” impacts up to 55 mph. A coupe with a V8 engine was offered that year.
First Generation
1972 to 1980
Even though the idea for the “S-Class” was initially proposed in 1954, the first official Mercedes-Benz S-Class was introduced in 1961 and succeeded the W 108/109 series. Its internal designation was W 116. Three variants were available at first: the 280 S, 280 SE, and 350 SE. The versions that were released later were the 450 SE and 450 SEL. The first cars with anti-lock brakes were the S-Class series.
Verdict
While other automakers are giving up on big vehicles, Mercedes-Benz is fully committed to this market because it knows that not every customer needs or wants an SUV. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class maintains the gas-powered flagship’s heritage as a pioneer in luxury, technology, safety, and build quality, even if it now offers the electric EQS. This model is a great deal, even at over $100,000. It’s not just a beautiful car; it pampers you with safety, elegance, and cutting-edge convenience in all the classic Mercedes-Benz ways.
