As the current generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class reaches the halfway point in its life cycle, it receives the customary refreshening to keep it competitive against newer rivals. Those include the BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera and next year's redesigned Audi A8. To its credit, the S-Class would have remained a top pick in the premium luxury sedan class without the subtle styling tweaks and added features. That's how good it already was.

A slightly more affordable S 450 model debuts this year. Its V6 is down on horsepower compared to the S 560's larger V6, but otherwise it has the same exhaustive list of features. It's the best value here. The new driver assistance features aren't as well-executed as we would have expected, or as advanced as they might be portrayed, so we're more inclined to pass on those options. What you're left with is a stately sedan with an impeccable interior and a smooth ride that keeps occupants blissfully isolated from the harsh outside world. Quite simply, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exceeds expectations.

Trim levels & features

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available as a five-passenger sedan, four-passenger coupe and convertible (cabriolet).

The S450 is available as a sedan only while the S560, AMG S63 and AMG S65 are offered in all three body styles. The main difference among these trims is what's under the hood.

Starting things off is the S450 sedan. It's powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (362 horsepower, 369 pound-feet of torque) that sends power to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available as an option.

The S560 has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (463 hp, 516 lb-ft) but is otherwise equipped similarly. The all-wheel-drive system is standard on the S560 coupe but not available on the convertible.

Standard feature highlights include adaptive LED headlights, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunklid, an air-ride adaptive suspension, keyless ignition and soft-close doors. On the inside, you get a virtual instrument panel, leather upholstery, 16-way power-adjustable front seats (with heating and memory functions), an air fragrancer and a power rear sunshade.

On the tech front, the S-Class comes with remote control over some features via a smartphone app, a wireless charging pad, a 115-volt household power outlet, 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 with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and a drowsy driver warning system.

The S560 coupe and convertible add ventilated front seats, premium leather and an automated parking system but go without the household power outlet and rear sunshade. 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.

Naturally, Mercedes offers a wealth of options to further solidify the S-Class' luxury status. You'll probably want the Premium package, which includes front multicontour seats with massage functions with instant heating and a surround-view camera system for the coupe and convertible while the sedan also adds ventilated front seats, power rear sunshades and the automated parking system. A head-up display is also included for the coupe and convertible. If safety is a priority, the Driver Assistance package bundles a wide assortment of advanced driver safety aids.

To keep rear passengers completely comfortable, there's the Executive Rear Seat package for the sedans with its multicontour seats with massage functions and a power-reclining right rear seat with ottoman and seat cushion airbags. There's also an optional Executive Rear Seat Plus package that replaces the center seat with a console and includes an entertainment system and refrigerated compartment.

Other add-ons include Magic Sky Control (dimming tint for the sunroof), Magic Body Control (a predictive suspension for sedans with a tilting function when cornering), a night-vision camera, a head-up display, a rear-seat wireless charging pad and a 26-speaker premium Burmester audio system.

The AMG S63 has a sportier take on luxury with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (603 hp, 664 lb-ft). A performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system is standard along with unique exterior treatments. The AMG S65 ups the ante with a turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 (621 hp, 738 lb-ft) and is only available with rear-wheel drive.

The AMG models include the Premium package, 20-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, an adaptive sport suspension, a sport exhaust, unique sport modes and performance apps, the surround-view camera and an IWC clock (sedan only). The S65 adds further enticement with standard Magic Body Control, a leather headliner, the premium audio system and the night-vision system.

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the Mercedes-Benz S 450 4Matic Sedan (turbo 3.0L V6 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

Driving

Don't think that the new V6-powered S 450 base model is any less capable than the traditional V8-powered S 560. Even though it's at a 101-hp disadvantage, there's more than enough power for the typical driver.

Acceleration

The S 450 gets up to highway speeds with ease. Mercedes estimates it will reach 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system (5.0 in standard rear-wheel-drive). This is only about 0.4 second slower than the V8-powered S 560.

Braking

The brake pedal is moderately firm and easy to modulate, making it appropriate for a large luxury sedan. Under heavier braking, the S 450 is confidently poised and controllable.

Steering

Steering is effortlessly light at parking lot speeds and builds as speed increases. On the highway, maintaining a straight cruising line requires very little effort on the part of the driver. There's very little feedback, but it's not missed in a big luxury sedan like this.

Handling

You feel all of the weight of the S-Class when cornering, but it goes around turns with little drama. It doesn't encourage aggressive driving, but there is an underlying confidence that it is capable of swerving around obstacles without losing control.

Drivability

The S 450 is very easy to drive, requiring little effort from the driver. The sheer size of the car is a hindrance in very tight spaces.

Comfort

If there's one thing we've come to expect from an S-Class, it's comfort, and this latest model meets those expectations. At a time when some rivals are sharing the focus with performance, Mercedes concentrates more on refinement and it pays off.

Seat comfort

The optional multicontour seats are as comfortable as seats get. In addition to the numerous adjustments that provide plenty of range, the massage functions, heating and ventilation will pamper you in style. The available executive rear seats are equally decadent.

Ride comfort

The S-Class' standard suspension does an admirable job of smoothing over rough pavement. It's as good as or better than its impressive rivals. With the additional Magic Body Control option, you will almost feel as if you're floating above the road.

Noise & vibration

Very little outside noise makes its way into the cabin. Road and wind noise is virtually absent. This is precisely what you'd expect from a premium luxury sedan.

Climate control

With six vents for the front seats, air can be distributed just how you want. The automatic climate control functions flawlessly and needs little or no adjustment once set. The heated and ventilated seats are equally effective.

Interior

As is customary with the S-Class, the interior is impeccable. Materials quality is as good as it gets, while the thoughtful and attractive design justify the lofty price. The same holds true when you add options that further dress up the cabin.

Ease of use

The primary controls are well-labeled and located for ease of use. Other functions can be controlled via the COMAND dial that rests right under your hand.

Getting in/getting out

Big, wide openings and soft-close doors make it easy to get in and out of the S-Class. You do have to shimmy a bit when parked in tight spots, but the doors are thin enough to keep it from being a problem.

Driving position

Drivers of any shape and size will find their optimal position given the plentiful adjustments and range within them.

Roominess

There's no shortage of space in the S-Class no matter where you're seated. Both front and rear seats have a wealth of room in every dimension to stretch out.

Visibility

The roof pillars obstruct outward visibility slightly, but not to a degree that is worrisome. The standard rearview camera makes backing into a spot easier, and the available surround-view camera takes away any remaining guesswork.

Quality

Every interior surface is of the highest quality, whether it's leather, metal, wood or plastic. All of these elements meet the expectations for a luxury sedan as expensive as the S-Class.

Utility

Luxury sedans generally have generous trunks and plenty of places to store your personal items, and the Mercedes S-Class is about average among cars in this class.

Small-item storage

The moderately sized bins and cupholders are sufficient to hold all of your personal effects. The optional Executive Rear Seat Plus package delivers the same kind of storage for your backseat passengers.

Cargo space

The 16-cubic-foot trunk is average size for the class and will easily accommodate a large complement of luggage and golf bags. The liftover height is low and is enhanced with available hands-free activation. But opting for the premium audio upgrade will reduce the capacity to 12 cubic feet.

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Features & Specs

MSRP

$229,500

MPG

13 city / 22 hwy

Seats 5

7-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

621 hp @ 4800 rpm

MSRP

$250,900

MPG

14 city / 21 hwy

Seats 4

7-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

621 hp @ 4800 rpm

MSRP

$238,900

MPG

13 city / 21 hwy

Seats 4

7-speed shiftable automatic

Gas

621 hp @ 4800 rpm

See all 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite S-Class safety features:

Active Brake Assist: Warns if a forward collision is imminent and will automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't respond in time.
Evasive Steering Assist: Warns if an obstacle is in the path of the vehicle and will automatically steer around it if there is adequate space.
Active Blind-Spot Assist: Warns if a vehicle is in your blind spot and will attempt to prevent you from steering into that lane.

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MSRP$244,595

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Dealer Notes

Porcelain/Black, 13 Speakers, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, A/V remote, ABS brakes, Adaptive suspension, Air Conditioning, Alloy wheels, AM/FM radio: SiriusXM, Android Auto, Anti-whiplash front head restraints, Apple CarPlay, Auto High-beam Headlights, Auto tilt-away steering wheel, Auto-dimming door mirrors, Auto-dimming Rear-View mirror, Auto-leveling suspension, Automatic temperature control, Blind spot sensor: Active Blind Spot Assist active, Brake assist, Bumpers: body-color, Child-Seat-Sensing Airbag, Compass, Delay-off headlights, Distance pacing cruise control: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Door auto-latch, Driver door bin, Driver vanity mirror, Dual front impact airbags, Dual front side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Entertainment system, Exclusive Nappa Leather Upholstery, Exterior Parking Camera Rear, Four wheel independent suspension, Front anti-roll bar, Front Bucket Seats, Front Center Armrest, Front dual zone A/C, Front reading lights, Garage door transmitter: Homelink, Genuine wood console insert, Genuine wood door panel insert, Head restraints memory, Headphones, Heated & Ventilated Front Seats, Heated door mirrors, Heated front seats, Heated rear seats, Heated Windshield, HVAC memory, Illuminated entry, Knee airbag, Low tire pressure warning, MAGIC SKY CONTROL�, Memory seat, Navigation system: COMAND, Night vision lights, Occupant sensing airbag, Outside temperature display, Overhead airbag, Overhead console, Panic alarm, Passenger door bin, Passenger vanity mirror, Power adjustable front head restraints, Power adjustable rear head restraints, Power door mirrors, Power driver seat, Power Front Seats w/Memory, Power moonroof: Panorama, Power passenger seat, Power steering, Power windows, Premium audio system: COMAND, Pre-Wiring for CD Player, Radio data system, Radio: COMAND w/Navigation, Rain sensing wipers, Rear air conditioning, Rear anti-roll bar, Rear dual zone A/C, Rear fog lights, Rear reading lights, Rear seat center armrest, Rear side impact airbag, Rear Window Blind, Rear window defroster, Refrigerated Compartment in Rear, Remote keyless entry, Security system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Smartphone Integration, Speed control, Speed-sensing steering, Sport steering wheel, Steering wheel memory, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Sun blinds, Tachometer, Telescoping steering wheel, Tilt steering wheel, Traction control, Trip computer, Turn signal indicator mirrors, Variably intermittent wipers, Ventilated front seats, Ventilated rear seats, Weather band radio, and Wheel Locks. *Your additional costs are sales tax, tag and title fees for the state in which the vehicle will be registered, $925 freight (all new Mercedes-Benz models), any dealer-installed options (if applicable) and a $299 dealer processing fee (not required by law). Pricing and incentives may vary if vehicle is leased. Prices are subject to change, and prior sales are excluded from these offers. While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with the dealer.

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More about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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 AMG S 65 Overview

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 is offered in the following styles: AMG S 65 4dr Sedan (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 7A), AMG S 65 2dr Convertible (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 7A), and AMG S 65 2dr Coupe (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 7A).

What do people think of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 and all its trim types. 0 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 AMG S 65.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 S-Class AMG S 65 featuring deep dives into trim levels including AMG S 65, etc. with careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.

Read our full review of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 here.

Our Review Process

This review was 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.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 Listings and Inventory

There are currently 1 new 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $244,595 and mileage as low as null miles. Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65.

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Why trust Edmunds?

Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 and all available trim types: AMG S 65, AMG S 65, AMG S 65. Rich, trim-level features & specs and options data tracked for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 include (but are not limited to): MSRP, available incentives and deals, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (interior and exterior color, upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, cruise control, parking assistance, lane sensing, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy and MPG (city, highway, and combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (interior cabin space, vehicle length and width, seating capacity, cargo space). Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds expert review, safety rating, and color.

Should I lease or buy a 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65

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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 pricing

Which S-Class does Edmunds recommend?

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

Trim levels & features

Trim tested

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Features & Specs

Safety

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2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG S 65 Overview

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