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2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2017 is the arrival of the four-seat S-Class Cabriolet in the U.S., expanding the family beyond sedan and coupe models. Otherwise, this is a light lineup update rather than a redesign.
About the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
6th generation S-Class family (W222 sedan / C217 coupe / A217 cabriolet), pre-facelift year; 2017 is the first U.S. model year for the S-Class Cabriolet.
Mercedes positions the S-Class as its flagship luxury car: the model meant to show the brand’s best ride comfort, cabin quietness, craftsmanship, and safety technology. In this era, the S-Class is less about sportiness than effortless power and isolation, whether it is being driven by its owner or used as a back-seat luxury car. That mix of smooth powertrains, air suspension, rich interior materials, and high-end tech is the core reason shoppers cross-shop it against large BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Porsche sedans.
The 2017 S-Class ranges from the comfort-focused V8 S 550 to the all-wheel-drive S 550 4MATIC, the S 550e plug-in hybrid, and the V12-powered S 600 sedan. Dual 12.3-inch displays and adaptive air suspension are key features, while the S 600 adds indulgent touches such as massaging front seats, powered rear seats, rear entertainment, and a 24-speaker Burmester sound system.
What changed, by category
Structural
A four-seat Cabriolet joins the U.S. range, adding an open-top body style alongside the sedan and coupe.
Powertrain
The S 63 AMG 4MATIC and S 65 AMG performance trims were dropped from the lineup; the remaining range received no major powertrain overhaul.
Tech
On the S 550e Plug-In Hybrid, dual-zone climate control became standard, while the power moonroof and panoramic moonroof were no longer standard equipment.
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.7 Liter | V6, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 7-Spd 7G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid |
| MPG City | 17–18 mpg | 13 mpg | 16–17 mpg | |
| MPG Highway | 25–26 mpg | 22 mpg | 25 mpg | |
| Horsepower | 449 hp | 523 hp | 449 hp | |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 8.8–16.3 cu-ft | 16.2 cu-ft | 10.4–16.3 cu-ft | 9.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 43.1 in | 34.1 in | 43.1 in | 43.1 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 14 | |||
| MPGe Combined | 58 | |||
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Heated Windshield | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Refrigerator/Cooler | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
| Ventilated Rear Seats | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class redesigned?
No. The 2017 S-Class is a pre-facelift model with light lineup changes, not a full redesign or mid-cycle refresh. The major mid-cycle update arrived for 2018.
What was the biggest change to the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The biggest change was the addition of the four-seat S-Class Cabriolet to the U.S. range. It brought an open-top body style to the S-Class family alongside the sedan and coupe.
What body styles did the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have?
The 2017 S-Class family included sedan, pillarless coupe, and four-seat Cabriolet body styles in the U.S. The Cabriolet was new to the U.S. lineup for this model year.
Which S-Class trims were dropped for 2017?
The S 63 AMG 4MATIC and S 65 AMG trims were dropped from the 2017 S-Class lineup. The remaining core range included V8, plug-in-hybrid, all-wheel-drive, and V12 models.
What changed on the 2017 S 550e Plug-In Hybrid?
The 2017 S 550e made dual-zone climate control standard. Its power moonroof and panoramic moonroof changed from standard equipment to optional equipment.
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
4.4
2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
(215 reviews)
“Very technical. I don't use a lot of the gee whizz "knobs" on the vehicle. Just don't need them or care about learning how to use them. Finest road car ever made! I have owned 3 NEW S550 4matics. Sadly I will not own another one without the proper spare tire coming with the car.”
“The Mercedes-Benz GLE 63s is an excellent crossover SUV with a great deal of power, comfort and safety.”