2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Technically, Mercedes-Benz now offers two different luxury sedan flagships. The all-electric EQS has gotten more attention for the past year, but the traditional S-Class is still the same luxury limousine leader it’s always been. Though the S-Class concept was created in 1954, the name was first formally applied in 1972. There have been seven generations in total, all among the best of the best in their eras, and the 2023 version doesn’t let any of its predecessors down. It offers two models, both offering impressive standard power, tech features and sumptuous luxury. 

Big, gas-powered luxury sedans are rarer these days, but competition in this segment is fierce. Key rivals competitors include the Audi A8, Lexus LS, Genesis G90 and BMW 7 Series. In standard or fully-loaded trim, each of the competitors offers a trim level that eclipses the $100K mark. The S-Class rises above the competition through an “all-out assault” approach to every facet of this superb sedan. Although updates have been few since the seventh-generation car’s introduction in 2020, Mercedes-Benz leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of luxury, starting with performance.

The standard “EQ Boost” mild hybrid system adds up to 21 horsepower and up to 184 pound-feet of torque for short periods of time. Think of it as a high-tech nitro boost. An integrated starter-generator can supply up to 20 horsepower, allow fuel-free coasting, and recapture energy during deceleration. Optional rear-axle steering (of up to ten degrees) gives the S-Class the maneuverability of a compact car, reducing the turning circle by 6.5 feet and helping with parking. At highway speeds, the rear wheels steer up to three degrees in either direction, enhancing cornering and stability.

Where the EQS is a radical lozenge of futuristic electric adventure, the S-Class’ styling is traditional and handsomely evolutionary. The S 500 and S 580 share identical bodies that feature a short front overhang, longer wheelbase and a proportionally balanced rear overhang. It’s distinctive in a way the A8 isn’t, and subtle where the 7 Series is overwrought. Along the sides, seamless door handles extend as you approach when the key fob is sensed. New LED headlamps highlight the front end, and rear end continues the overall silky-smooth silhouette.

More than 50 electronic components in the new S-Class can be updated with new software over-the-air (SOTA) capability. Owners no longer need to visit a dealership for these updates, as Mercedes-Benz can remotely incorporate new features or fixes via over-the-air updates. As expected, the S-Class continues to be a class leader in terms of safety. It probably won’t ever be tested by IIHS and NHTSA, but in addition to side-curtain and rear-side airbags and lots of active safety tech, industry-first airbags mounted in the rear of front seats are an available option. 

Speaking of traditions, generations of standard-bearing excellence are baked into the S-Class and this model’s high standards are part of the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand overall. The S-Class is and always will be a desirable status vehicle in the minds of consumers, staying power that upstarts can only envy.

Performance 14/15

Two models are available, both with standard 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Both versions of the S-Class use a nine-speed automatic transmission and come with the EQ-boost setup, which adds up to 21 horsepower and 184-pound-feet of torque for short bursts.

The S 500 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid drive and auxiliary compressor. Not counting the EQ-boost, power output is 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. Even in this 4,600-pound behemoth, the base model is quick, with zero to sixty coming up in a V8-like 4.9 seconds.

The S 580 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, also with a 48-volt mild hybrid drive. Power output is 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It scoots to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, even more impressive since this one weighs more than 5,200 pounds. 

Both the S 500 and S 580 both offer impressive performance, with the S 500 getting the nod for V8-like performance at a lower price point. Both are serenely quiet and very comfortable to drive over long distances. Braking is superb and unobtrusive.

A host of driving dynamics systems including Steer Control, Dynamic Cornering Assistance, Dynamic Select and rear-axle steering, integrate myriad sensors that analyze road quality and adjust suspension and engine performance parameters accordingly, contributing to a first-rate driving experience. 

Fuel Economy 12/15

Surprisingly, the 5,000-plus pound S 500 gets 21 mpg city and a very impressive 30 mpg highway.  S 580 models return 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, which is less impressive but then, this is a V8-powered, 5,200-pound limousine. 

The BMW 7-Series and Genesis G90 are comparable, returning 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the Audi A8 is a little better. None of the cars in this big class can match the hybrid Lexus LS, but it lags the group in most other areas, and few people buy cars like this for gas mileage.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 12/15

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class hasn’t been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which costs it some points in our evaluation, which is data-driven. However, there’s no question that the S-Class is one of the safest cars on the road and, in fact, historically a leader in this area. 

In addition to side-curtain and rear-side airbags, airbags mounted in the rear of front seats are an available option. The optional ($6,500) E-Active Body Control system uses a front stereo camera to adapt the suspension at each wheel to minimize lean, pitch and dive motions, and body tilt in curves.

A vast array of world-class active safety systems are standard, including adaptive cruise control with route-based speed adaptation and stop-and-go, active steering, lane keeping and lane changing assists, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, cross traffic alerts, blind spot assist with exit warnings and many more. The quality of these systems matches their breadth, too.

Comfort & Room: 15/15

Whether you’re a driver or passenger, the inside the S-Class is a very good place to be. The list of standard and available interior luxury and convenience accoutrements is long and impressive. Choose the reclining rear seats with extended leg support, and seated passengers may look for a first-class flight attendant call button.

Driver and front passenger benefit from perforated leather seats that heat, cool, and massage you; and can be set to inflate side bolsters to keep you in place and under control during spirited cornering. Enter a left or right curve at speed, and the opposite-side bolster inflates (at selectable levels of inflation) to keep you firming planted. 

The standard “Hey Mercedes” voice control system can adjust interior temperatures, dial up your favorite Sirius/XM channel, or suggest a great place to eat near your location.

Infotainment: 14/15

MBUX, Mercedes-Benz’s ultra-modern infotainment system, operates on a center 12.8-inch OLED screen. This is the nucleus of the S-Class’ technology experience. Choose from 64 ambient light choices, which run through the interior via LED light strips. Those light strips in the driver and front passenger doors also serve as warning lights for several driver assistance systems. For example, if you stray out of your lane, lights will change from whatever color you’ve chosen to warn you with red or amber flashes.

A new 3D driver display allows spatial perception of the surroundings with a real 3D effect thanks to eye tracking. The head-up display features augmented reality content. When navigating, for example, animated turn-off arrows (“fishbones”) are virtually projected onto the simulated road lane. This feature is super helpful when navigating on interstate highways with complex entry and exit ramps.

Burmester premium audio, with stunning metal grilles and astonishing soundwaves, is standard, as are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cargo Space & Storage: 11/15

Both models offer 12.9 cubic feet of trunk storage capacity. Front and rear seats offer center console storage, as well as door panel bottle storage. Few people buy such cars for hauling cargo around, but the S-Class is more than capable of taking your luggage with you for that week in Gstaad. Audi and Genesis are roughly comparable in cargo capacity while the outgoing 2022 BMW 7 Series offers a bit more. 

Style & Design: 9/10

S-Class styling is handsomely evolutionary. Both S-Class models share identical bodies that feature a short front overhang, longer wheelbase and a proportionally balanced rear overhang. They’re draped in the softly muscular look that’s come to characterize the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup over the past decade, but don’t look dated in any way.  Along the sides, seamless door handles extend as you approach when the key fob is sensed, a trait shared with the EQS.

New LED headlamps highlight the front of the car. The rear end continues the overall silky-smooth silhouette. The overall effect is subtle and understated, just like every previous S-Class. Sadly, the S-Class’ coupe and convertible variations were dropped at the end of 2021.

The interior is awash in screens and beautiful details, and while it doesn’t offer the wall-to-wall hyperscreen of the EQS, everything inside looks (and is) gorgeous to behold and luxurious to touch.

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Worth it? Which Model is the Best Value?

It’s a towering price, but yes, the 2023 S-Class is worth the money. Both models are full-luxe, superb road runners with superior levels of safety. You can save a few coins with the S 500 and you won’t feel cheated in any way.

The S 500 Luxury Line starts at $113,200 while the AMG Line runs to $116,450, both including a $1,050 destination charge. There are few options on the S 500 Luxury Line, primarily a $3,000 3D technology package offering augmented reality navigation, a head-up display and other digital goodies, E-Active Body Control ($6,500) as well as a $6,730 Burmester audio system. 

The AMG Line ads sportier wheel choices and other visual tweaks, but is not an actual AMG model. It does, however, unlock the rear-wheel steering option, but at only 4.5 degrees of turn.

For those who want more, the V8 S 580 Luxury Line starts at $118,750 while the AMG Line moves up to $123,050, with roughly the same features as on the S 500. The S 580 gets a third trim line, however, the Executive line, starting at $130,150. The Burmester system is still an option on that model, but it comes with the 10-degree rear-wheel steering as well as more rear seat options and a “Warmth & Comfort” package sure to be appreciated on cold days.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The S-Class is not a cheap car to buy or insure. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium of $5,285 for either version, though this averages all 50 states. That compares to $5,220 for the Audi A8, $5,028 for the BMW 750i xDrive, $3,820 for the Genesis G90 and $4,084 for the Lexus LS. To get a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.