2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
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A vehicle with a six-figure price tag has a lot to live up to. Using nearly every driver assist technology available, as well as plenty of traditional luxury design, the S-Class leaves little doubt that it is at the top of its class. With more performance than you might expect, a very comfortable cabin and high levels of convenience, the S-Class rises above all other flagship luxury sedans.
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2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
byMark Takahashi
Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
- Ample power with any engine choice
- Opulent interior with plenty of customization options
- A smooth ride no matter the road surface
- Silent cabin that insulates occupants from the outside world
Cons
- Not as engaging to drive as some rivals
- Some driver assistance options have questionable value
What's new
- Keyless entry, a hands-free trunklid and an automated parking system are now standard
- Part of the sixth S-Class generation introduced for 2014
Overview
When it comes to flagship luxury cars, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pretty much sets the standard for status and refinement. Its interior is lavishly appointed with excellent materials and an abundance of all of the latest technology features. On the road, there's plenty of power no matter which model you select, and it's accompanied by a reassuring yet comfortable ride quality.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$241/mo for S-Class S 450
S-Class S 450
vs
$219/mo
Avg. Large Car
This big Mercedes is one of the older vehicles in the class, but it continues to lead some very impressive rivals such as the Audi A8, the BMW 7 Series and the Porsche Panamera. While each car may have an advantage in regard to a particular aspect such as performance or price, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains our favorite for its all-around excellence.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Great
8.4
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
A vehicle with a six-figure price tag has a lot to live up to. Using nearly every driver assist technology available, as well as plenty of traditional luxury design, the S-Class leaves little doubt that it is at the top of its class. With more performance than you might expect, a very comfortable cabin and high levels of convenience, the S-Class rises above all other flagship luxury sedans.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8.0/10
How does the S-Class drive? It's not enough for a luxury car to simply wrap its occupants in leather and wood trim anymore. Today's luxury cars have to handle themselves just as well in traffic as they do at autobahn speeds. The S-Class we tested, the S 450, does exactly that with powerful and easy-to-use brakes and effortless power.
The S 450 moves smartly away from a stop and power builds smoothly. Our test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is an appropriate time for a base engine. There's ample passing power even at higher speeds. The big Benz has solid composure and decent balance even when driven with some aggression. Selecting the S-Class' Comfort mode allows some body roll, but Sport essentially dials most of it out and helps keep the S 450 almost flat through fast corners.
The S 450 moves smartly away from a stop and power builds smoothly. Our test car accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is an appropriate time for a base engine. There's ample passing power even at higher speeds. The big Benz has solid composure and decent balance even when driven with some aggression. Selecting the S-Class' Comfort mode allows some body roll, but Sport essentially dials most of it out and helps keep the S 450 almost flat through fast corners.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the S-Class? Mercedes blends traditional luxury sedan elements, such as premium wood and leather materials, with modern technology to create one of the most impressive automobiles on sale today. We could do without the overpowering air freshener and its gimmicky mood scents, but this Benz is otherwise hard to top from a comfort perspective.
With the Premium 1 package, front passengers enjoy heated and ventilated seats with active bolsters and an array of massage options. Rear passengers have to go without the massaging seats (those are optional) but are still held in a high level of comfort. The Comfort drive mode provides exceptional body control and ride comfort, even at high speeds. The S 450 is nearly silent under all circumstances.
With the Premium 1 package, front passengers enjoy heated and ventilated seats with active bolsters and an array of massage options. Rear passengers have to go without the massaging seats (those are optional) but are still held in a high level of comfort. The Comfort drive mode provides exceptional body control and ride comfort, even at high speeds. The S 450 is nearly silent under all circumstances.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? From the moment you get in to the moment you get out, the S 450 takes care of its occupants like almost nothing else. Every passenger will be hard-pressed to complain about personal comfort or space. Whether you're athletic or you have limited mobility, any seat in the S-Class is a breeze to get in or out of. All doors, though solid, are easy to open and offer a soft-close function.
The car's controls are fairly easy to figure out thanks to a logical menu structure, quick response times and ergonomically friendly controls. Only the pressure-sensitive steering wheel nubs seem unnecessary and difficult to use.
The car's controls are fairly easy to figure out thanks to a logical menu structure, quick response times and ergonomically friendly controls. Only the pressure-sensitive steering wheel nubs seem unnecessary and difficult to use.
Technology
9.0/10
How’s the tech? Mercedes offers a mind-boggling array of entertainment and safety features. The 12.3-inch display's crisp graphics and sheer size make it easy to discern information at a glance. The Burmester audio system is one of the best we've encountered too.
The Driver Assistance package includes enough assists to all but navigate most roads by itself. The technology is interesting but too conservative in some applications, often going well below the speed limit on gently curving roads.
The Driver Assistance package includes enough assists to all but navigate most roads by itself. The technology is interesting but too conservative in some applications, often going well below the speed limit on gently curving roads.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? The S-Class offers a nicely sized and easy-to-load trunk. The rear seats do not fold, but there is a center seat pass-through. The trunk is of course power-operated. Storage inside is ample, and most everything can be hidden away behind attractive, if slightly plasticky, wood veneer.
Fuel Economy
8.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the V6-powered S 450 will get 22 mpg in combined driving (19 city/28 highway). This is about par for the class. Pleasingly, we found it easy to match these numbers.
Value
8.0/10
Is the S-Class a good value? It's true that the S-Class is more expensive than its rivals, but you do get your money's worth. The build quality inside and out is nearly impeccable, as you'd expect from a flagship luxury car. The leather work is excellent on both the dash and the seats, and not a stitch is out of place. The only disappointment is the slightly low-buck plastic used for the storage bin and cupholder covers.
Wildcard
9.0/10
Luxury is the overriding theme in everything you see and in everything you touch. Even the technology, some of it more useful than others, is there to provide a more luxurious and stress-free experience for all passengers, and the Benz comes across as confident and capable in nearly every situation.
Which S-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Since the non-AMG S-Class models are similarly appointed, the decision comes down to how much power and performance you desire. Odds are you'll find the entry-level S 450 to be plenty appealing. To that, we suggest adding the optional Premium package (for the extra comfort and convenience features) as well as the Driver Assistance package (its added driver safety aids can make commuting in heavy traffic less stressful).
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a large luxury vehicle offered in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. The sedan is available in five main trim levels: S 450, S 560, S 560e, AMG S 63 and AMG S 65. The coupe and convertible are limited to the S 560 and AMG S 63. Feature highlights include:
S 450
Comes well equipped with:
- 362-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine
- Choice of rear- or all-wheel drive
- Nine-speed automatic transmission
- Road-smoothing Airmatic air-ride suspension that adjusts ride height
- Panoramic sunroof
- Hands-free power trunklid
- Heated front seats
- Mercedes Me remote control and telematics
- Automated parking system
The S 450's technology features include:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment screen
- Navigation system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging pad
- Advanced safety features
- Frontal collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
S 560
Is similarly equipped to the S 450, but adds:
- 463-hp 4.0-liter V8 engine
- Rear-wheel drive (standard on sedan) or all-wheel drive (optional for sedan; standard on coupe and convertible)
S 560e
This plug-in hybrid variant differs by including:
- 3.0-liter turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- Rechargeable battery pack and electric motor
- Combined output of 469 hp plus 19 miles of all-electric range
AMG S 63
This high-performance variant spices things up with:
- 603-hp turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine
- Performance-tuned 4Matic all-wheel-drive system
- Adaptive sport suspension
- Upgraded performance brakes
- Sport exhaust
- Unique exterior and interior styling cues
- Surround-view camera system
- Multicontour seats with massage functions
AMG S 65
The ultimate S-Class tops off the lineup with:
- 621-hp turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- Magic Body Control suspension that scans the road ahead and counteracts body roll
Depending on the trim level, there are several option packages available:
- Premium package
- Ventilated front seats with massage functions
- Surround-view camera system
- Rear-seat power window shades
- Executive Rear Seat package
- Multicontour rear seats with massage functions
- Reclining right rear seat
- Driver Assistance package
- Traffic-adaptive cruise control
- Enhancements to standard safety features
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#35 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class from 2008-2022.$871/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).2.06x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).17.4%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
5 star(73%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(14%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
2 out of 5 stars
never in 21 yrs given MB less than 5 stars, but...
P M, 04/15/2020
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
I guess every maker has a bad year. I think it’s MB’s turn. I’ve had this new 2019 S560 4matic sedan 5 months, and all 5, battled operational and technology issues, PLUS, a dealer who has REFUSED to fix the car! And MBUSA has refused to get in the middle. The car will not shift - 3 times in one day, it’s confused, won’t shift into park, and the shifter operates the NAV screen! I felt … like I was being taken over by a machine in Terminator and my car was rebelling. Many technology issues, such as not using a contact for directions - it tells me info is missing, even though it’s there. Won’t load all my contacts (yes, I’ve done everything all the books and MB says), my doors suddenly won’t unlock and I have the key fob. All except technology failures, are intermittent but enough I can not trust the car again. It doesn’t help the dealer actually refused to take the car, won’t send anyone to view the problems so I can create them, MB executive relations won’t get in the middle, and I’m stuck with a car I rightly can’t trust to drive.
5 out of 5 stars
Back In The "High Life" Again!
abacomike, 11/11/2017
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
UPDATE ON MY S 450 SEDAN
abacomike , 01/11/2018
2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
My S450 now has 6350 miles on the odometer. It continues to be problem free - never have had to return it to dealership for any adjustments or problems. Fuel economy continues to excellent - 31.5 mpg highway - 21 mpg around town - 23.5 mpg average. The twin turbo V6 engine continues to awe me because I still can’t believe the power and acceleration in this car. It still rides and … handles the same as the day I picked up the car new.
I really can not recommend any changes to this vehicle - it is smooth riding, handles effortlessly, is comfortable to sit in any seat (front or back), the audio is crisp and clear like sitting in a music hall, 360 degree camera shows your car’s position relative to the surroundings, interior is exquisite and functional for driver and passengers, and the adaptive cruise control is a treasure when driving on the interstate for an extended period of time. I’ve tried the self-parking feature but prefer not using it since I never have to parallel park.
Technology is impressive - but I caution those interested in this vehicle that the learning curve for the myriad of technologies and their use is long. I would estimate that it took me 3 months of driving it to master most of them. Every so often I come across something new that I did not know existed. I guess it kind of awes you as you learn more and more about this car’s capabilities.
This one’s a KEEPER!
I LOVE THIS CAR!
1 out of 5 stars
2019 Mercedes S 450 problems
Andy , 07/28/2019
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 9A)
A month ago I traded in my 2015 S 550 for a 2019 S 450, my 4th S Class and our 7th Benz. It has already been in the shop twice -- the nav system can not find certain mature house numbers and zip codes and the onboard owner's manual does not open. The folding mirrors have failed to fold twice when the doors are locked. The Merecedes shop keeps talking about software upgrades which makes … me wonder if all 2019 S Class cars have these problems, or only mine. I have sent e-mails to Mereceds-Benz Germany, who says that the responsibility is with MBUSA, and MBUSA armwaves saying the car has a warranty. If the Mercedes shop is unable to fix the car the warranty is useless. Not what one would expect from a company that brags "Das Beste oder nichts".
After six visits to the shop the nav system is dysfunctional. I recently checked a 2019 CLS 450 --- same problem with the nav system as on my S 450.
My 2019 S 450 also developed a problem with the Easy Entry/Exit system. The steering wheel no longer moves up or down. The shop fixed it but the fix did not last long.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the S-Class since its last redesign.
2020 S-Class Highlights
Sedan
S 450
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $94,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $241/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the S-Class models:
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and automatically applies the brakes if you don't respond in time.
- Evasive Steering Assist
- Warns if an obstacle is in the path of the vehicle and automatically steers 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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