2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Price Range: $119,500 - $189,800

Very Good

Few vehicles offer greater comfort or refinement than the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Its seats are the height of comfort, and a tremendous array of upholstery colors and trim materials allows you to spec the cabin just the way you want. A better luxury sedan is hard to find.Read full review

Rank #2

6 Large luxury sedans

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class for Sale

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$105,791

1 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 8/3/26

Final assembly in Germany

Pros

Engines are both powerful and efficient
Interior blends traditional opulence with cutting-edge tech
Silent, comfortable cabin
Rear-wheel steering adds excellent low-speed maneuverability

Cons

Small trunk
Some driver assist options have questionable value

Overview

Written by automotive expert Jared Gall

2/17/2026

You can spend more money for more prestige with a Rolls-Royce or a Bentley, but it is hard to find a finer luxury sedan than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Beneath the timelessly elegant exterior lies an opulent cabin stuffed with indulgently plush seats, artful detailing and easy-to-use technology. The slowest of its four available engines will sling the S-Class from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, and the serene ride quality is easily among the best of any car at any price.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Very Good

7.1

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

7.8/10

How does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class drive? Outside of AMG-tuned models, the S-Class has never been all that sporty. Comfortable and quick, sure, but not that engaging. That's changed with this latest generation. We tested the S 580, which has the V8 engine. At our test track, it helped this flagship sedan accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a quick 4.7 seconds. Acceleration is impressively smooth, and the generous low-end torque means you don't ever have to work all that hard to pass a car on the highway.

Mercedes' engineers have worked to make the S-Class feel athletic without sacrificing comfort. The air suspension keeps the car smooth and composed around turns, and it can lower up to 0.7 inch in the Sport+ driving mode to improve overall handling. The optional rear-axle steering improves high-speed stability and makes it easier to park, another win-win for performance and convenience. In cars we've tested, the ride quality is among the best.

Visibility is good in all directions with plenty of glass to look out of, and the camera system makes up for any blind spots. The S-Class' driver aids are easy to operate and work well together. The only way to get hands-free driving tech is with a yearly subscription to Drive Pilot.

Comfort

8.9/10

How comfortable is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class? The S-Class is easily one of the most comfortable vehicles on the road. The standard heated and massaging front seats are supremely comfortable, with supportive but soft cushions and tons of adjustability. Our test vehicle had a combination of packages that included power-adjustable, heated, ventilated and massaging rear seats with a footrest. It also had heated armrests and four-zone climate control, making the rear seats just as comfortable as the front. Installing a car seat is a quick process with plenty of space to fit the seat through the door and easy-to-access anchors.

It's quiet and refined too. It's not quite as quiet at idle as some other sedans, but it's still relatively isolating. And the S-Class maintains that same level of isolation no matter what speed you're going. While there's a small amount of wind and road noise, the S-Class is whisper quiet even at highway speeds. Extra-large door openings make this one of the easiest sedans to get in and out of.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? The S-Class has always been one of the most tech-forward vehicles on the road. All S-Class trims come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a wireless charging pad. There are a handful of USB-C ports too. The head-up display will show navigation directions even if you're using Apple Maps.

While the touchscreen is now one of the older displays in the company's lineup, it's a better experience to use than some of the newer ones like the Hyperscreen. The screen is the right size for the vehicle and responds with less lag.

Storage & cargo

5.9/10

How’s storage and cargo? Despite being just about the longest vehicle in its class, the S-Class ranks near the bottom in terms of cargo space. With 12.8 cubic feet, the Mercedes offers less storage than the BMW 7 Series or Porsche Panamera. That said, the available space is deep and easy to reach inside. Storage in the cabin is far better. Luxury cars usually lack small-item storage, but there are plenty of places up front to store water bottles, phones, sunglasses and more.

Value

7.1/10

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good value? Few cars on the road today can offer the level of luxury and premium appointments as the S-Class. Everything you touch or see on the car feels like it's been carefully thought out and designed. The leather is soft, and the buttons have heft. It all feels rock-solid. Unfortunately, it will cost you. The S-Class is typically more expensive than an equivalent Audi A8, BMW 7 Series or Lexus LS 500, and it hides some of its best features in option packages where others offer them standard.

Mercedes offers a four-year/50,000-mile basic, powertrain and rust warranty, average for the class. There's also roadside assistance for four years/50,000 miles. Unlike most rivals, though, Mercedes doesn't include any service visits.

MPG

3/10

How’s the fuel economy? The Mercedes-Benz S 580 4Matic, the model we tested, has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg combined. While this is below the average for general vehicles, it's quite respectable for a large luxury sedan with a V8 engine. On our standardized evaluation route, we achieved an impressive 23.7 mpg — outperforming most other V8-powered competitors. For those seeking greater efficiency, Mercedes also offers a six-cylinder S-Class and a plug-in hybrid option.

X factor

9/10

The S-Class is among the best all-around sedans in the world. Its blend of comfort and style is more or less unmatched by anything else on sale.

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2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

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$119,500
Starting MSRP
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan
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Build & Price

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim level differences

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a full-size luxury sedan. There are four main models, each with its own powertrain. The S 500 gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 442 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Add an electric motor to that and you've got the S 580e, with 502 hp and 553 lb-ft. Mercedes estimates the S 580e has an electric range of 47 miles, but we managed 51 miles in our real-world testing. Compare the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim levels in-depth.

Which S-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

The plug-in hybrid S 580e is our choice among the S Class' available powertrains. It costs less than the regular S 580, is quicker, and traveled 51 miles on battery alone in our real-world testing. The new-for-2026 Exclusive trim ups rear seat comfort, but if your budget can handle it, go for the Pinnacle. One of the few things better than massaging front seats is massaging front and rear seats.

Competitors to consider

This Benz's toughest rivals are both from BMW. In recent years, the Bavarians have pushed the 7 Series closer to the S-Class, prioritizing comfort over driver engagement. That gave BMW some leeway to make the 8 Series Gran Coupe more thrilling without overlapping the flagship. Know that you'll be giving up some rear seat space in the 8 Series, though. The Genesis G90 does a respectable impression of the S-Class for a substantial discount, but it lacks the world-beating power. If you're considering EVs in this class, be sure to take a look at the BMW i7, Lucid Air and Mercedes-Benz's own EQS.

Edmunds spotlight: Choose your hybrid priority

Mercedes offers S-Class buyers a choice of two hybrid engines and two plug-in hybrids with very different goals. The gas-electric powertrains in the S 500 and S 580 are mild hybrids, so the engine shuts down when the vehicle is stopped and the motor provides some assist during low-speed acceleration. The S 580e is a plug-in hybrid with a 22-kilowatt-hour battery that enabled more than 50 miles of electric range in our testing. The AMG S 63 E Performance is also a plug-in but devotes its electric motor to the pursuit of speed. Here, the 10-kWh battery is only good for a Mercedes-estimated 16 miles of range, but the twin-turbocharged V8 engine and electric motor produce a combined 791 horsepower and an astounding 1,055 lb-ft of torque. That should have this nearly three-ton luxury sedan hitting 60 mph from a standstill in around 3 seconds flat. The only S-Class that isn't a hybrid is the V12-powered Mercedes-Maybach S 680. (We review the Maybach S-Class separately.)

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.9

22 reviews

5(59%)

4(4%)

3(13%)

2(9%)

1(15%)

See all 22 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Flawed features.

Rick Germani, 02/16/2026

2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)

The S 580 drives quietly and very comfortably. However three safety features, Collision Avoidance and brake Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and keeping car four lengths behind the car ahead didn’t work or in the case of Adaptive Cruise Control worked sporadically.. this is not acceptable in a $147,700 car with only 500 miles. It is at the dealership to fix whatever is going wrong. So …

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2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

S 500 4MATIC

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$119,500
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$244/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	12.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 6 years / 62,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Where the Mercedes-Benz S-Class ranks:

#2 in Large luxury sedans

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FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 S-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 S-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the S-Class ranges from 10.7 to 8.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the S-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the S-Class's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 S-Class and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 S-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 1 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 S-Class is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The least-expensive 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $119,500.

Other versions include:

S 500 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $119,500
S 580e 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) which starts at $130,400
S 580 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $130,700
AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A) which starts at $189,800

Learn more

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the next question is, which S-Class model is right for you? S-Class variants include S 500 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), S 580e 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A), S 580 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), and AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 9A). For a full list of S-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more