The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan is just a bit more accessible than its predecessors thanks to a new entry-level model. Starting at $90,000, the V6-powered S450 costs about $10,000 less than the traditional V8-powered S560. Beyond that, the sportier and more powerful AMG S63 and AMG S65 push well past the $150,000 mark. At the pinnacle of luxury are the Mercedes-Maybach models that are covered separately. The 2018 S-Class coupe and convertible follow similar pricing and feature structures.
Standard feature highlights include 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunklid, an air-ride adaptive suspension, soft-close doors, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, an air fragrancer, a power rear sunshade, a 12.3-inch display with Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system. Standard safety features include forward collision warning and mitigation, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and a drowsy driver warning system.
The S560 coupe and convertible add ventilated front seats, premium leather and an automated parking system. The convertible also features a folding soft top, Airscarf neck heating, and the Aircap system that deploys wind blockers atop the windshield and between the rear headrests.
The optional Premium package additions include ventilated front multicontour seats with massage functions and instant heating, power rear window sunshades, an automated parking system, a surround-view camera system and a hands-free trunk opener. It's a prerequisite for other add-ons such as the Executive Rear Seat package (rear multicontour seats with massage functions and seat-cushion airbags) and the Executive Rear Seat Plus package (adds a center console, heated and cooled cupholders, and two fold-out tables). Other packages add heated interior surfaces and more creature comforts for rear passengers.
The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control with full-speed range, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, frontal cross-traffic collision alert and mitigation, a map- and sign-based speed limiter, active blind-spot assist, active lane change assist as well as other passenger protection systems.
Other add-ons include a dimmable tint for the sunroof, a heated windshield, Magic Body Control, a night-vision camera, a head-up display, a backseat refrigerated compartment, a rear-seat wireless charging pad and a premium Burmester audio system.
Compared to its primary competition, including heavyweights such as the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Porsche Panamera, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a starting price that is several thousand dollars higher. These rivals have a bit more of a performance focus along with driver engagement, while the Mercedes S-Class puts opulence and traditional luxury at the forefront. There's not a bad choice in the bunch and all of Edmunds' in-depth reviews and shopping tools can help you find the right luxury sedan for you.
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Overview
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered in the following submodels: Sedan, AMG S 63, AMG S 65, Convertible, Coupe. Available styles include S 560 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), S 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A), and S 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A). S-Class models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The 2018 S-Class comes with all wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 9-speed shiftable automatic. The 2018 S-Class comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a unlimited yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good car? Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 S-Class featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process All of our reviews are written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
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What do people think of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 S-Class a 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 S-Class.
Vehicle S 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
Review This is a truly refined automobile. I traded in my 2017 BMW 740i for the 2018 S450. There is very little comparison to the two cars. The Mercedes is quick, smooth riding and handling, stays in a straight line with little driver input which was not the case with the BMW 7 Series. The vehicle corners precisely and does not handle like a 4500+ pound luxury sedan - but more like a 3800 pound vehicle. This car is, without doubt, the most beautiful, fun-to-drive and most comfortable luxury sedan I have every driven - and I have owned more than 40 luxury sedans in my lifetime. The pricing on this car is about $10,000 less than the S560 - mostly due to the V6 bi-turbo as opposed to a V8 bi-turbo. I drove both models and found the S450 to be a bit more nimble. Be prepared to surround yourself in the epitome of luxury, performance, audio, as a well as a myriad of driver safety features like adaptive cruise, adaptive lane departure, adaptive blind spot monitoring (which cause the car to remain in the lane if a car is detected on either side of you. Self-steering is precise as is the adaptive cruise. I'll update my review as I build up the miles. In summary, this is a luxury sports sedan while the BMW 7 series tends to be a more sporty handling vehicle. The new 9 speed transmission and driver-selected ride and handling options (Comfort, Sport, Economy) make the world of difference in this new S Class entry. Audio System is not to be believed - like listening to a live performance.
How can Edmunds help? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
MPG
2018 mercedes-benz s-class S 560 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (4.0L 8cyl Turbo 9A), 9-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (required) 21 combined MPG 17 city MPG/27 highway MPG
2018 mercedes-benz s-class S 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A), 9-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (required) 22 combined MPG 18 city MPG/28 highway MPG
2018 mercedes-benz s-class S 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A), 9-speed shiftable automatic, premium unleaded (required) 22 combined MPG 19 city MPG/28 highway MPG
What options are available on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Available Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2018 Submodel Types: Sedan, Coupe, S63 AMG, Convertible, Diesel, AMG S 63, S55 AMG, S63 AMG 4MATIC, AMG S 65, S 63 AMG 4MATIC, S 65 AMG, S65 AMG
Available Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2018 Trims: S 550 4MATIC, S550 4MATIC, S550, S 560 4MATIC, S430, S63 AMG, S 450, S 550, S430 4MATIC, S 560, S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, S500, S500 4MATIC, AMG S 63, S55 AMG, S63 AMG 4MATIC, AMG S 65, S 450 4MATIC, S 63 AMG 4MATIC, S 65 AMG, S 600, S320 LWB, S350, S600, S65 AMG
Exterior Colors: Black, Iridium Silver Metallic, designo Diamond White Metallic, Palladium Silver Metallic, Anthracite Blue Metallic, Magnetite Black Metallic, Diamond White Metallic, Lunar Blue Metallic , Obsidian Black Metallic, Selenite Grey Metallic, Desert Silver Metallic, Ruby Black Metallic, Alabaster White, Andorite Grey Metallic, Arctic White, Barolo Red Metallic, Diamond Silver Metallic, Flint Grey, Flint Grey Metallic, Capri Blue Metallic, Black Opal Metallic, Bordeaux Red Metallic, Brilliant Silver, Brilliant Silver Metallic, Midnight Blue, Moonstone Gray Metallic, Pewter Metallic, Polar White, Tectite Gray Metallic, designo Allanite Grey Magno, designo Graphite Metallic, designo Mocha Black, designo Mocha Black Metallic, designo Silver Metallic
