While luxury SUVs are all the rage these days, there’s something to be said for a big sedan’s stately presence and overall comfort. The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is just such a sedan, a luxury flagship as enjoyable to ride in as it is to drive.
For 2023, a new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance model joins the lineup. There’s also the super-luxury Maybach S-Class sedan, whose clientele almost always rides in the back seat.
There also is a new S 580e plug-in hybrid, offering the ability to drive short distances solely on electric power.
While the full-size luxury sedan field is shrinking, there are still worthy rivals to the S-Class, including the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Audi A8, and Genesis G90.
Cars like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Flying Spur compete with the Maybach variants.
2023 Mercedes-Benz S 500 4Matic: $114,500
The S 500 comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, good for 429 horsepower. The powertrain is a mild-hybrid arrangement with an integrated starter generator that can momentarily add 21 hp when needing extra power for passing or merging.
The S 500 includes Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive, a 9-speed automatic transmission, adaptive shocks, and an air suspension. A torque-vectoring system also helps improve control and stability in corners.
A quick walk around the exterior reveals full LED lighting, a panoramic power moonroof, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated power-folding side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry with proximity key fob, and gesture-activated hands-free power trunk lid.
Features not so apparent to the naked eye include soft-close doors, a washer fluid spraying system built into the wiper blades, and adaptive LED headlights that can vary the intensity and direction of the beam to better illuminate corners without blinding oncoming drivers.
Moving to the cabin reveals a bevy of luxury items, starting with leather upholstery covering rapid-heated, ventilated, and massaging 12-way active multicontour power front seats with 4-position memory and power lumbar support.
Ritzy amenities include power rear-door sunshades, a power rear window sunshade, 64-color ambient interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control with electronic air purification and cabin fragrance system.
On the technology front, the S 500 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch central multimedia touchscreen display, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with touch controls. A biometric fingerprint sensor lets the vehicle know who’s behind the wheel and brings up their stored personalized settings.
Also onboard is a built-in toll gate transponder, a dash cam, a wireless charging pad, a 115-volt outlet, multiple USB-C charge ports, and the MBUX gesture-activated front Interior Assistant.
On the audio and infotainment side, the S 500 includes the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system that wakes up a voice-activated assistant when it hears, “Hey, Mercedes.” The system includes navigation with augmented video, which displays real-time images in front of the vehicle with superimposed features such as arrows, street names, and house numbers.
The infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, Bluetooth hands-free phone and streaming, plus access to Mercedes-Benz apps and services, including remote start via the Mercedes me mobile app.
Music reproduction comes courtesy of a 710-watt Burmester 3D audio system powering 15 speakers.
As Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its commitment to safety, it should come as no surprise the S 500 includes just about every modern safety feature and driver assists as standard.
On the driver-assistance front, the S 500 includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, a blind-spot monitor with assist, and rear cross-traffic detection with emergency braking.
Adaptive cruise control is also standard, with the ability to slow, stop, and resume speed and steer by following lane markers or the vehicle ahead. With the adaptive cruise control switched on, the driver only needs to use the turn signal to change lanes — the system performs the maneuver automatically whenever it’s safe.
The S 500 includes a driver-attention monitor and another system that detects if the driver is incapacitated. Should a medical emergency occur, the S 500 will bring itself to a safe stop, activate the hazard flashers, and call for emergency services.
Rounding out the driver assists are automatic high-beam headlights, crosswind assists, traffic sign recognition, evasive steering assist, a 360-degree Surround View Monitor, and the Parktronic Active Parking Assistant that can automatically parallel or perpendicular park the car.
An optional AMG trim package adds AMG-style exterior trim, AMG floor mats, and a choice of 19-, 20-, or 21-inch AMG wheels.
The Warmth and Comfort Package adds power rear seats with memory, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated rear seats, and heated front and rear armrests. The front cabin Energizing Comfort system coordinates things like seat massage, climate, fragrance, temperature, lighting, and music into programable 10-minute-long programs.
The Technology Package adds an augmented reality head-up display, facial recognition, and a 3D instrument cluster. At the same time, the Manufaktur leather option allows owners to select from exclusive paint and interior leathers in various colors and patterns.
Standalone options include Nappa leather upholstery, rear-axle steering, a heated steering wheel, a 3D instrument cluster, E-Active Body Control fully active suspension, and a 1,750-watt Burmester 4D audio system with 30 speakers and a trunk-mounted subwoofer with a separate 400-watt amp.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 500 costs $115,550. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $2,077. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 500 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz S 500 includes:
- Digital everything – From its colorful digital instrument cluster to the tablet-style center touchscreen to the augmented navigation, the S-Class seems to have a high-definition screen for every feature.
- Burmester audio – The S 500’s standard 15-speaker Burmester audio system sounds fantastic, although Mercedes gives us the option to go one better.
- Driver assists – With so many high-tech driver-assist features standard, the S 500 can almost drive itself. Almost.
2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4Matic: $122,550
This is the new S-Class plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which goes on sale in the first half of 2023.
Under its hood is a familiar 3.0-liter inline-6, but the turbocharged engine boasts an integrated electric motor supported by a 21.5-kWh battery. Total system output of the PHEV powertrain is an impressive 510 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.
In many situations, the S 580e can be operated solely on electric power. In fact, Mercedes says this new S-Class PHEV has more than double the electric range of the previous S-Class PHEV, which means it can travel more than 40 miles without using its combustion engine.
By itself, the electric motor produces 369 lb-ft of torque, and this power is available the moment you press the accelerator pedal. In electric mode, the top speed of the S 580e 4Matic is electronically limited to 87 mph.
A standard 9.6-kW onboard charger allows charging at home and at public stations; a 60-kW DC fast charger is optional. Thus equipped, the S-Class PHEV can be charged from 10% to 80% in only 20 minutes.
As you’d expect of a luxury flagship, the Mercedes-Benz S 580e comes loaded with standard equipment while offering plenty of customization options.
E-Active Body Control is among the most notable. With this optional active suspension — which scans the road surface and teams with the standard Airmatic air suspension — Mercedes says the new S-Class PHEV has even better comfort and agility. By being able to regulate the springing and damping at each wheel, E-Active Body Control basically eliminates dive under braking, lift under acceleration, and body roll while cornering.
Inside, the new S 580e PHEV gets some rear-seat options from the Mercedes-Maybach S- Class flagship. This includes adaptive rear compartment lighting, which allows the driver to adjust the color and brightness in several stages. The back seats also offer adjustable LED reading lights and a calf-massaging function that reduces leg fatigue by stimulating circulation.
EPA fuel economy figures are not available yet for the new 2023 Mercedes S 580e, which has more power than the standard V8-powered S 580 and a slightly lower starting price.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4Matic costs $123,600. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $2,221. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4Matic models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4Matic includes:
- E-Active Body Control – With this optional active suspension, the S-Class PHEV maintains a level attitude with improved comfort and agility.
- 9.6-kWh charger – With this optional onboard charger, the S 580e battery can be brought from a 10% charge to an 80% charge in only 20 minutes.
- Through-load rear seat – Unlike the previous S-Class PHEV from 2020, the new 2023 model has a battery that allows cargo to extend forward from the trunk into the interior.
2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580 4Matic: $124,000
The S 580 closely resembles the S 500 but its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, also a mild-hybrid design, pumps out 496 hp.
Except for standard Nappa leather upholstery, the S 580 carries the same standard equipment as the S 500.
Exclusive options for the S 580 reside in the Executive Trim Package, which includes the Warmth and Comfort Package’s contents, active multi-contour rear seats with massage, an executive right rear seat with recline and power footrest, rear seat airbags, rear seatbelt airbags, and rear seat neck heating.
Also included are 4-zone automatic climate control, a rear seat charging pad, rear cabin MBUX Interior Assistant, rear seat airbags, and adaptive cabin lighting.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580 costs $125,050. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $2,247. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz S 580 includes:
- Twin-turbocharged V8 – The S 580’s throaty V8 sounds as good as it performs, with ample low-end torque for passing and merging.
- Available 4-zone climate control – Provides climate controls for rear seat passengers, allowing everyone onboard the exact temperature they desire.
- Available reclining rear seat – As part of the Executive Trim Package, the right rear seat not only reclines but also features a power-operated footrest to create a La-Z-Boy-like lounge chair.
2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance: Approaching $200,000 (estimated)
The high-performance AMG S 63 E Performance is the newest member of the S-Class family. It features a hand-crafted twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with an electric motor at the rear wheels producing a combined output of 791 hp.
Performance enhancements come via AMG, including a beefed-up dual-clutch 9-speed transmission, AMG adaptive air suspension, AMG Active Ride Control ride stabilization, and rear-axle steering.
An AMG high-performance composite braking system includes 6-piston fixed front brake calipers and 1-piston floating calipers at the rear, allowing for superior stopping ability with minimal brake dust buildup.
The AMG Dynamic Select driver modes are as follows: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport +, Slippery, and Individual.
AMG styling abounds, with an AMG-specific grille, front fascia, side sill panels, and wheels.
The S 63’s cab63’somes fully loaded with every available option. It includes unique seats with AMG embossed emblems and soft Nappa leather.
The AMG performance steering wheel includes an AMG Drive Unit controller, which allows operating essential driving functions and controls without taking your hands off the wheel.
The MBUX system also gets the AMG treatment, displaying various AMG and hybrid information, including an AMG Track Pace app that records track performance. The digital instrument cluster offers multiple views, including Supersport, which allows for displaying various information in a vertical menu structure.
A Dolby Atmos upgrade is added to the Burmester sound system, providing a 360-degree audio experience that literally envelopes occupants in music.
With an estimated price of $200,000, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E-Performance will have a monthly payment of about $3,594, assuming a 60-month loan at 3% financing with zero down. See 2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance includes:
- Hand-crafted AMG engine – The pinnacle of combustion engine technology, this hand-crafted V8 produces an astounding 603 hp. Combined with the 188-hp electric motor, the pair rockets the S 63 to 60 mph in only 3.2 seconds.
- AMG enhancements – From the suspension to the transmission to the all-wheel-drive system, AMG tunes every inch of the S 63 for performance.
- AMG Track Pace app – This app allows the driver to record and store performance data and view over 60 stored racetracks, such as the famed Nurburgring.
2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4Matic: $193,400
The Maybach S 580 is a unique vehicle. Although it carries the S-Class badge and mechanicals, it rides on a 7-inch-longer wheelbase. It also has a unique grille and front end, as well as some additional styling tweaks to help it stand apart from the Benz S 500 and S 580.
Mercedes designed the Maybach S 580 for chauffeur service, with an opulent rear compartment rivaling some upper Manhattan studio apartments.
Under the hood, the Maybach S 580 shares the same engine and transmission as the S 580, then adds features like 10-degree rear-axle steering.
The Maybach S 580 features 20-inch Maybach forged alloy wheels and offers exclusive exterior upgrades such as two-tone paint and 21-inch wheels.
Inside, the Maybach S 580 includes all the S 580 features, plus a heated wood and leather steering wheel, Nappa leather headliner trim, Maybach-adorned pedals, and extended wood trim.
The Executive Trim Package comes standard, bringing things like multicontour massaging, heated and ventilated rear seats, 4-zone automatic climate control, and rear-seat airbags.
Also standard is the Burmester 4D audio system, MBUX rear cabin tablet, a rear-seat entertainment system, the 3D instrument cluster, and an augmented reality head-up display.
Optional equipment unique to the Maybach includes the Executive Rear Seat Package Plus that adds a rear center console (4-passenger seating), heated and cooled cupholders, and rear folding tables.
Maybach buyers can also opt for a rear console refrigerator with champagne flutes and fully electric opening and closing rear doors.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 costs $194,450. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $3,495. See 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 580 includes:
- Massaging rear seats – Along with heating and ventilation, back seat passengers can enjoy a relaxing massage while being whisked to the office or airport.
- Burmester 4D audio system – With 30 speakers powered by 1,750 watts, it’s hard to imagine a better way to listen to your favorite tunes.
- Rear-axle steering – You’ll be amazed at how gracefully this big sedan makes a U-turn.
2023 Maybach S 680 4Matic: $229,000
Take the Maybach S 580, add a 621-hp twin-turbocharged V12 engine (minus the hybrid system), the Manufaktur leather package, and electric rear doors, and you have the Maybach S 680.
The only S 580 option not offered on the S 680 is the E-Active Body Control system.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 costs $230,050. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $4,134. See 2023 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 models for sale near you
