Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2023 Review, Price and Specs

We think the best luxury item is a powerful engine, so we’d pay extra to have a top-spec 496-hp V-8 and the more prestigious S580 trunk lid badge.

Engine, Transmission and Performance

Mercedes offers an S-class sedan with a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six on the S500 or a 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 on the S580. Both powertrains are equipped with a 48-volt hybrid system and are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. We’ve enjoyed the S-class sedan and put our test equipment on the V-8 model, which delivers impressive acceleration. While every S class uses air suspension, the optional E-Active Body Control has a “curve” function that subtly leans the car into corners. The S Class can also be equipped with an all-wheel steering system which makes the large Merc easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

Real World Fuel Economy and MPG

The six-cylinder S500 is rated at 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Stepping up to the V-8-powered S580 lowers those estimates to 16 mpg city and 25 highway. We’ve tested the latter on our 75 mph fuel-efficient route, which is part of the our extensive testing regimen, where it hit 32 mpg on the highway beating its EPA estimate of nearly 10 mpg. For more information on S-class fuel economy, visit EPA website.

Interior, Comfort and Cargo

Inside, class S prioritized the screen. Many of them. The sedan is available in up to five, including a giant center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The latter works in conjunction with other technologies to create a three-dimensional effect, but—thankfully—this can be turned off if you prefer the screen to have a conventional look. There is also an enhanced heads-up display that will show navigation directions in augmented reality. Basically, the arrows move and rotate in real-time to better assist the driver. The build quality and cabin materials meet Mercedes’ high-end standards, and the sedan provides limousine-like accommodation for all passengers, particularly those driving in the back. The rear seat area of ​​this new model offers slightly more headroom and legroom, and can also be equipped with a power-adjustable seat that has a massage function and an extensive heating element. As well as being physically pampered, those in the back should be mentally entertained by the optional rear seat entertainment system which adds two 11.6-inch screens in the front seat backs as well as interactive LED interior lighting.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Cutting-edge infotainment systems have become the hallmark of modern luxury cars, and Mercedes is perfecting it with the latest and greatest interfaces. The center stack of the sedan is dominated by a large 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen that’s portrait-style, but it doesn’t come with any touchpad or rotary controller. What comes with is enhanced version of the Mercedes MBUX software featuring enhanced voice command functionality and smartphone-like capabilities, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Of course, popular staples like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging are standard. It looks great and has a lot of features but is complicated with a few screen touches required to access some functions. The S-class sedan also has a standard Burmester 3D sound system, but a more powerful 4D Burmester stereo is also available.

Safety Features and Driver Assistance

Each four-door S class comes with a standard set driver assistance technology, including the ability to park yourself and even take precautions to protect passengers when detecting an impending collision. This sedan is also available with innovative features which include: rear seat airbags and active suspension which will lift the car up to reduce the severity of the damage in the event of a collision. For more information on class S crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. Key security features include:

• Standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Standard lane departure warning and lane guard assistance
• Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Surprisingly Mercedes has mediocre warranty coverage compared to the protection offered by some other luxury brands. As an example, Origin offers a limited warranty and a much longer powertrain. BMW and Jaguar also has some of the best free maintenance in the biz.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• No free scheduled maintenance

More Features and Specifications