“It is a fantastic vehicle. The only complaint is the GPS is behind the times and difficult to use. I tend to use Google Maps from my phone when I need directions.”
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a quiet carryover year led by the plug-in hybrid’s rename from S 550 Plug-In Hybrid to S 550e Plug-In Hybrid. Beyond that, changes are limited to small technology, comfort, and driver-assistance updates.
About the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
W222 S-Class sedan generation (2014-2020), third model year; C217 S-Class coupe generation (2015-2020), second model year. No major refresh for 2016.
The 2016 S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury car, positioned as the benchmark for comfort, craftsmanship, safety, and technology. In sedan form it is a full-size executive sedan with a strong rear-seat comfort focus; in coupe form it adds dramatic styling without giving up the brand's top-tier features. Across the range, Mercedes sells the S-Class as the car that introduces new ideas first, from ride control to driver-assistance tech, while still delivering effortless power and a very quiet, richly finished cabin.
The 2016 lineup spans formal flagship sedans and four-seat luxury coupes, with the 449-hp S 550 serving as the core V8 model and the S 550e pairing a twin-turbo V6 with plug-in hybrid power. The S 600 emphasizes rear-seat comfort and smooth V12 performance, while the AMG models add more aggressive handling and engines producing up to 621 hp. Dual 12.3-inch displays are a signature cabin feature across the range.
What changed, by category
Tech and equipment
Sedan models gained standard near-field communication for easier phone pairing. Remote start became standard on the S 550, while ventilated front seats became standard on the S 550 4MATIC.
Safety
The optional Driver Assistance Package added Speed Limit Assist. There was no new standard safety suite.
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V6, TT, Hybrid, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Adptv Spt | Auto, 7-Spd Adptv Spt | Auto, 7Spd SPEEDSHIFT+ | Auto, 7-Spd Adptv Spt | Auto, 7Spd SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Automatic, 7-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 15 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 26 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 24–26 mpg | 23 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 449 hp | 523 hp | 621 hp | 449 hp | 577 hp | |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 664 lb-ft | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 18.7 cu-ft | 16.2 cu-ft | 10.4–15.2 cu-ft | 10.4–18.7 cu-ft | 10.4–18 cu-ft | 13.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 43 in | 43 in | 43 in | 43 in | 43 in | |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| MPGe Combined | 58 | |||||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Anti-Lock Brakes | ||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||||
| Cruise Control | ||||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | ||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||
| Night Vision System | ||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Traction Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Leather Interior Trim | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Massage Front Seat | ||||||
| Massage Rear Seat | ||||||
| Memory Rear Seats | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The biggest change is the plug-in hybrid’s new name: S 550e Plug-In Hybrid replaced S 550 Plug-In Hybrid. This was a rename, not a new powertrain or a redesigned model.
Was the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class redesigned?
No, the 2016 S-Class was not redesigned or substantially refreshed. The sedan remained part of the W222 generation introduced for 2014, and the coupe continued in its C217 generation.
Did the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class get new engines?
No, the core engine and transmission choices carried over for 2016. The lineup retained its V8, plug-in hybrid, V12, and AMG powertrains.
What technology changed on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Sedan models gained standard near-field communication for easier phone pairing. Remote start became standard on the S 550, and ventilated front seats became standard on the S 550 4MATIC.
Did the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class receive new safety features?
The optional Driver Assistance Package added Speed Limit Assist, but the 2016 S-Class did not receive a new standard safety suite.
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
4.4
2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
(191 reviews)
“There are very few vehicles that provide the up most quality, comfort, technology, safety and esteem without ostentatiousness as this vehicle does. I genuinely feel extremely good and comfortable while driving this car.”
“The SL550 and S550e are cars which are elegant, powerful and technologically advanced; positively a car you will enjoy driving (and looking at) for years to come. A piece of art on wheels...”