2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior styling and cabin details. The lineup also gains the S 400 Hybrid, the first hybrid S-Class.
About the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
5th-generation W221 S-Class sedan, mid-cycle refresh year (2006-2013).
The 2010 S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s flagship full-size luxury sedan: a quiet, long-distance comfort car that also serves as the brand’s technology showcase. Mercedes positions it as the benchmark for buyers who want limousine-like ride comfort, a rich interior, advanced safety features, and strong straight-line performance in one car. What sets it apart from rivals is the breadth of the lineup, spanning an efficient hybrid, mainstream V8 models, a V12 flagship, and high-power AMG variants without losing the core S-Class luxury character.
The S 550 remains the core luxury model, pairing V8 power with air suspension, while the S 550 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive. The S 600 emphasizes comfort and smooth V12 power, and the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG bring sharper handling and more aggressive styling. The new S 400 Hybrid takes the efficiency-focused role without giving up features such as leather seats, navigation, and air suspension.
What changed, by category
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, 5.5 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5L | V8, 6.3 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L | V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter | V8, 5.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort | Auto, 5-Spd Spt & Comfort | Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 5-Spd SPEEDSHIFT | Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort | Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | 4MATIC AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 11 mpg | 19 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23 mpg | 17 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 382 hp | 510 hp | 518 hp | 604 hp | 382 hp | |
| Torque | 391 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft | 284 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft | 16.4 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in | 42.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Driver Attention Assist Monitor | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Night Vision System | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||||||
| Memory Rear Seats | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh. The 2010 S-Class has revised front and rear styling, new LED lighting, reshaped mirrors, a new steering wheel, expanded ambient lighting, and updated driver-assistance technology.
Is 2010 the first year for the S 400 Hybrid?
Yes. The S 400 Hybrid is new for 2010 and is the first hybrid S-Class. It combines a 3.5-liter V6 with a lithium-ion battery, automatic stop/start, and energy recovery during braking.
How is the 2010 S-Class different from the 2009 model?
The 2010 model has refreshed styling, revised cabin details, updated driver-assistance technology, and standard Bluetooth across the lineup. It also adds the S 400 Hybrid as a new trim.
Did the 2010 S-Class AMG models change?
Yes. The S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG receive refreshed AMG bodywork, crosswind stabilization for their active suspension, a new Torque Vectoring Brake system, and updated safety technology.
Which 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has all-wheel drive?
The 2010 S 550 4MATIC is the all-wheel-drive model. It combines all-wheel drive with the S 550’s 5.5-liter V8, seven-speed automatic transmission, and air suspension.