2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

Mercedes-Benz is known for sporty sedans with class-leading luxury. At the top sits the S-Class, featuring some of the best technology and poshness the German brand can pack into a car.

The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available as a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. The coupe accommodates four passengers, and coupes fit five. There are three trims for the coupe: S550, AMG S63 and AMG S65. There are five sedans to choose from: S550, S550e, S600, AMG S63 and AMG S65. All-wheel drive is standard on coupes. Sedans come with rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive is available.

The S-Class is mostly unchanged for 2016.

Exterior 

As long and as impressive as the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is, its proportions are well-matched. A distinct and immediately recognizable grille anchors the hood. The design leads the eye in a sweeping motion, from the A-pillar to the rear, all at once. Standard LED lights and accents finish the classic look.

Standard features on the entry-level S500 trim include a full-sized panorama roof, heated power-folding mirrors, soft-close doors and 18-inch wheels. Options include 19- and 20-inch wheels.

Interior 

The 2016 S-Class truly shines in a segment packed with high-end luxury cabins. Seats are constructed using soft, premium leather and provide abundant comfort. Thousands of hand-stitched lines cross their way around seating surfaces. Polished wood covers hard surfaces, while suede and stitched leather materials provide supple, soft-touch surfaces. The front seats even can provide a hot stone-style massage. Base model sedans offer 18.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity, and coupes have 10.4 cubic feet. 

A long list of interior features include heated 16-way power seats, a rear power sunshade, a wood or leather trimmed multi-function steering wheel and a cabin air fragrance system. Ventilated and heated rear seats are available.

Performance 

A number of powerful engines are available for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Sedans come standard with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available on sedans and standard on coupes. All models use a seven-speed automatic transmission with auto start-stop. 

Base model sedans and coupes are equipped with a 4.7-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that makes 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy for rear-wheel-drive sedans comes in at 16/24 mpg city/highway.

The S550e hybrid powertrain combines a 3.0-liter V6 engine and 80 kW electric motor to produce 436 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid provides a driving range of 12 miles on electricity and 26 mpg combined gas fuel economy. 

The S600 upgrades to a 6.0-liter twin turbocharged V12 engine that churns out 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 14/21 mpg city/highway. 

AMG S 63 models feature a handcrafted, 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that generates 577 horsepower and 644 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is an estimated 15/23 mpg city/highway. 

Finally, AMG S 65 models top out with an impressive handcrafted, 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12 that cranks out 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. This racing-inspired engine gets an EPA-rated 13/20 mpg city/highway. 

Adaptive dampening suspension and available air-ride suspension provide superior ride comfort, all but eliminating road noise and bumps.

Technology 

Considered by many to be the leading edge in-car technology, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has an impressive list of standard and available features. Dual 12.3-inch widescreens power an infotainment system that includes real-time traffic and weather, voice commands, Bluetooth connectivity and an 80-gigabyte hard drive. A 3-D audio Burmeister sound system is optional, along with a head-up display and four-zone digital climate control. 

S-Class models also feature a good selection of driving aids, such as a rearview camera, collision prevention, driver attention assist and adaptive breaking. Adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, rear cross-traffic alert and rear-end collision prevention.