2024 Mercedes-Benz S Class

The hood drapes over the engine compartment as part of a rounded overall look that can also be seen in the corners of the vehicle and the roofline. A long hood and roofline lead into a short decklid to give the S-Class a powerful stance. Subtle, creased lines decorate the flanks. The AMG models have dark trim while the Maybachs slather on the chrome and are available with two-tone paint. 

The cockpit is awash with extended leather upholstery, lots of screen real estate, and ambient lighting. The vertically oriented touchscreen flows into the center console, while the digital instrument cluster sits in what almost looks like a pop-up bezel behind the steering wheel. The latter is available with a cool 3D effect. A variety of interior colors and trim options allows for a warmer or cooler, sportier or more luxurious environment.

How fast is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Every S-Class is fast, it just depends on how fast you want it. The base S 500 4Matic is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6. Tweaks this year up the output to 442 hp and 413 lb-ft. While we haven’t tested it yet, it should be at least as quick as last year’s version, which accelerated from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, according to Mercedes. It’s aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that uses a starter-generator that can add up to 21 hp and 184 lb-ft in some instances. 

We also haven’t tested the 580e 4Matic plug-in hybrid, which uses the same 3.0-liter turbo-6, here tuned to 367 hp. It’s teamed with an electric motor that makes 148 hp and 369 lb-ft and can power the car alone up to 87 mph for up to 46 miles thanks to a 28.6-kwh battery. Total system output is 510 hp and 553 lb-ft, and Mercedes quotes the same 4.8-second 0-60 mph time as the S 500 4Matic.

S580 models use a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that spins out 496 hp and 516 lb-ft, pushing the big S from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds for the standard line model and 4.7 seconds for the bigger Maybach version. It gets the same mild-hybrid starter-generator as the S 500 4Matic. 

A smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic serves all engines. While the 0-60 mph times aren’t much different between the inline-6s and the V-8, we prefer the V-8’s easy power and understated growl, though the plug-in hybrid can be efficient if charged regularly.

Buyers have two even more powerful choices. The Maybach S 680 gets an even smoother twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 that makes 621 hp and 664 lb-ft. Its 0-60 mph time is the same 4.4 seconds as the S 580 4Matic, but here it has more car to propel.

The most powerful S-Class is the new S 63 E Performance plug-in hybrid. It uses the V-8 plus a 188-hp motor on the rear axle to make 791 hp and 1,047 lb-ft. A 13.1-kwh battery on the rear axle powers the motor, and the car can drive on electricity alone at up to 87 mph. Mercedes quotes a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds. 

That power is at its most potent in the Sport+ driving mode with the Race Start function engaged. It hits hard, pinning occupants back in their seats, and the car scrabbles for traction even though it has standard AWD. Launch the S 63 E Performance in other modes, though, and you’d never know it has 791 hp. It’s still strong, but it isn’t so disruptive to passengers, and it builds speed instead of rocketing forward from the start.

Mercedes tunes the S-Class for comfort more than sportiness. It comes standard with an air suspension and adaptive dampers that smother bumps better than any car on the market. The 

available E-Active Body Control system uses cameras to read the road ahead and adjust each wheel using hydraulics to smooth out road imperfections. It makes for an even more pillowy ride quality, and it combats some of the excessive body lean the S-Class exhibits in turns without the system. While light, the S-Class’s steering is satisfyingly direct and its brakes are strong. We recommend the available rear-wheel steering, which is a revelation for turning into parking spots thanks to the rear wheels’ ability to turn up to 10 degrees. 

The S 63 E Performance also tightens up the car’s loose handling, though it doesn’t make it a sport sedan. To improve control, Mercedes added standard active anti-roll bars and active engine mounts.

The materials also add to the comfort and ambience. Standard nappa leather is joined by aluminum and wood trim that’s all substantial and carefully assembled.

The S-Class stretches 208.3 inches long, while the Maybach models are on an extended wheelbase and are 215.3 inches long. The standard-wheelbase versions have lots of rear-seat legroom, and the Maybach models feel more like limos. In fact, they’re even better thanks to the standard calf rest, heating, cooling, massaging, and 43 degrees of recline. A rear refrigerator is available as well, but that cuts another 0.6 cubic feet from the otherwise smallish 12.9 cubes of the trunk.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $118,450 for an S 500 4Matic model. It comes standard with leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats with massage, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, navigation with augmented reality directions, a wifi hotspot that upgrades to 5G this year, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, gesture controls, ambient lighting, wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester audio system, a cabin fragrance system, remote start, a panoramic sunroof, soft-close doors, air suspension, adaptive dampers, and 19-inch wheels. 

Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class should I buy?

We’d be tempted to opt for the easy power of the V-8, which means choosing an S580 4Matic, at $129,300. It adds a heated steering wheel and active ambient lighting.

How much is a fully loaded 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The S 63 E Performance model doesn’t have a price yet, but it likely won’t surpass the $235,450 of the Maybach 680. It adds such features as four-zone automatic climate control, a power calf rest and power footrest for the rear, rear wireless smartphone charging, a rear entertainment system with two 11.6-inch screens, a head-up display, and rear-wheel steering.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class infotainment

The S-Class uses the MBUX infotainment system that can be activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” Augmented reality directions can pop up on the touchscreen as well as the available head-up display. MBUX is comprehensive and quick, but it can take time to learn its numerous functions.

Some controls can be accessed using gestures. They take only a short time to learn, but can sometimes be activated by gestures drivers might use while talking to passengers. Drivers can also set up profiles and log in via a fingerprint scanner.

Ratings for the 580e 4Matic, Maybach S680, S 63 E Performance aren’t yet available, though Mercedes quotes 46 miles of electric range for the 580e plug-in hybrid. The S 63 E Performance is also a plug-in hybrid that should have about half as much range.

All versions require premium fuel.