2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

The S 450 sedan comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (362 horsepower, 369 lb-ft of torque) that sends power to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is available as an option.

Standard feature highlights include 18-inch wheels, adaptive LED headlights, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a power trunklid, an air-ride adaptive suspension, keyless ignition and soft-close doors. On the inside, you get a virtual gauge cluster, leather upholstery, 16-way power-adjustable front seats (with heating and memory functions), an air fragrancer, and a power rear sunshade.

Tech features include a wireless charging pad, a 115-volt household power outlet, a 12.3-inch display with Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound system. The S-Class also offers remote control over some features via a smartphone app.

Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist and a drowsy driver warning system.

The S 560 has a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine (463 hp, 516 lb-ft), and the new S 560e comes with a turbocharged V6 paired with an electric motor (469 hp, 516 lb-ft combined), but both are otherwise equipped similarly to the S 450. The S 560e does offer a few hybrid-exclusive features, including an economy mode that optimizes battery charge and climate control that can heat or cool the cabin before entry.

Naturally, there are many options to solidify the S-Class' luxury status. The Premium package, for example, includes multicontour ventilated front seats with massage function, a surround-view camera and an automated parking system. The Warmth and Comfort package adds a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated power-adjustable rear seats with memory functions, and heated front and rear armrests.

If safety is a priority, the Driver Assistance package bundles a wide assortment of advanced driver safety aids including adaptive cruise control and semi-automated steering and lane change features.

Other add-ons include a high-performance ceramic brake system, Magic Sky Control (dimming tint for the sunroof), Magic Body Control (a predictive suspension with a tilting function when cornering), a night-vision camera, a head-up display, a rear-seat wireless charging pad, and a 26-speaker premium Burmester audio system.

The AMG S 63 has a sportier take on luxury with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (603 hp, 664 lb-ft). A performance-tuned all-wheel-drive system is standard along with unique exterior treatments. The AMG S 65 ups the ante with a turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 (621 hp, 738 lb-ft) and is only available with rear-wheel drive. AMG models include many of the previously mentioned options as standard equipment.