2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. Its main change is that the former Premium 2 package is standard across the lineup.

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About the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

5th-generation S-Class (W221, 2007-2013), facelifted 2010-2013, final year before the all-new 2014 W222 redesign.

Mercedes-Benz presents the S-Class as the car that sets the standard for full-size luxury sedans. In 2013, that means a big, quiet sedan built around hand-finished materials, deep seat comfort, advanced safety engineering, and a wide range of powertrains that run from diesel and hybrid efficiency to V12 and AMG performance. For most shoppers, the S-Class is about long-distance comfort, a hushed cabin, and technology meant to make driving and riding easier rather than flashy.

The 2013 range stretches from the efficiency-focused S 350 BlueTEC diesel and S 400 Hybrid to the V8-powered S 550, luxurious S 600 V12, and high-performance S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG. Air suspension and a navigation system with two 8-inch screens are key features, while upper models add touches such as Night View Assist, richer leather, and AMG performance hardware. This is the final year of the W221 generation before the redesigned 2014 S-Class arrives.

What changed, by category

Tech

The former Premium 2 package becomes standard across the lineup. It brings PARKTRONIC with parking guidance, a rearview camera, KEYLESS-GO, active multicontour front seats with massage, and multi-adjustable comfort front head restraints. Remote start also changes from optional to standard on the S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, S 400 Hybrid, S 550, and S 550 4MATIC.

2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim

Feature	2013 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 5500 in stock	2013 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 6000 in stock	2013 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 63 AMG0 in stock	2013 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 65 AMG0 in stock	2013 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 400 Hybrid0 in stock	2013 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 550 4MATIC3 in stock	2013 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassS 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC0 in stock
Engine	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L	V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5L	V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter	V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L	V6, Hybrid, 3.5 Liter	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter	V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L
Transmission	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto, 5-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto 7-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT	Auto 5-Spd AMG SPEEDSHIFT	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & Comfort	Auto, 7-Spd Spt & ECO
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD	AWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas	Hybrid	Gas	Diesel
MPG City	15 mpg	12 mpg	15 mpg	12 mpg	19 mpg	15 mpg	21 mpg
MPG Highway	25 mpg	19 mpg	23 mpg	19 mpg	25 mpg	24 mpg	31 mpg
Horsepower	429 hp	510 hp	536 hp	621 hp		429 hp	240 hp
Torque	516 lb-ft	612 lb-ft	590 lb-ft	738 lb-ft	284 lb-ft	516 lb-ft	455 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	16.4 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	42.3 in	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	5
Doors	4	4	4	4	4	4	4
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic High Beams
Blindspot Sensors
Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake
Driver Attention Assist Monitor
Lane Departure Warning
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Night Vision System
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Power Moonroof
Panorama Moon Roof
Entertainment & Electronics
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Rear DVD Entertainment System
Video Input
Comfort & Convenience
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 Rear Seat
Memory Rear Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats
Ventilated Rear Seats

How the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class compares

For 2014, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is fully redesigned as the all-new W222 sedan, with a new body and cabin. This is a new-generation model, not a carryover.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The biggest change is that the former Premium 2 package is standard across the 2013 S-Class lineup. Its equipment includes parking guidance, a rearview camera, KEYLESS-GO, massaging active multicontour front seats, and multi-adjustable comfort front head restraints.

Was the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class redesigned?

No, the 2013 S-Class was not redesigned. It is the final model year of the W221 generation, with the all-new W222-generation S-Class following for 2014.

Did the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get new engines?

No, the 2013 S-Class carries over its engine lineup and core mechanical hardware. The meaningful update for this year is additional standard equipment.

How does the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class differ from the 2012 model?

The 2013 model mainly differs by making the former Premium 2 equipment standard across the lineup. The body, engine choices, and core hardware otherwise remain largely unchanged.

Does every 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have the former Premium 2 equipment?

Yes, the former Premium 2 package is standard across the full 2013 S-Class range. That applies from the diesel and hybrid models through the V8, V12, and AMG versions.