2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 is the S 63’s major mechanical overhaul, led by a new 603-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. The full AMG S-Class lineup also receives a mid-cycle refresh inside and out.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class
6th-generation S-Class family (W222 sedan, C217 coupe, A217 cabriolet), mid-cycle refresh year
The AMG S-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s top luxury car family transformed for high performance. It combines the S-Class focus on quiet travel, advanced cabin technology, supportive seating, and driver-assistance hardware with handcrafted AMG engines, stronger brakes, tuned suspensions, and more direct responses. Sedan, coupe, and cabriolet versions serve different uses, but all emphasize effortless long-distance speed without giving up the comfort and craftsmanship expected from the brand’s largest passenger car.
The 2018 AMG S-Class comes as a sedan, coupe, or cabriolet, with two distinct personalities. The S 63 pairs its 603-hp V8 with quick-shifting nine-speed transmission and variable AWD, while the rear-wheel-drive S 65 favors effortless power from a 621-hp V12. Both have dual 12.3-inch displays, smartphone integration, massaging front seats, and a richly equipped cabin.
What changed, by category
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT | Automatic, 7-Spd w/7G-Tronic & AMG SPEEDSHIFT Plus |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 14–15 mpg | 13 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Horsepower | 603 hp | 621 hp |
| Torque | 664 lb-ft | 738 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 12.4–18 cu-ft | 12.4–18 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4–34.1 in | 33.4–34.1 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Night Vision System | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Stability Control | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Head-Up Display | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Subwoofer | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Memory Rear Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class?
The biggest change is the S 63’s new 603-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, paired with a nine-speed transmission and fully variable AWD. It replaces the previous 577-hp 5.5-liter V8, seven-speed transmission, and fixed-split AWD system.
How is the 2018 AMG S 63 different from the 2017 model?
The 2018 AMG S 63 has a smaller but more powerful V8, a nine-speed transmission, fully variable AWD, and an electronic limited-slip rear differential. It also receives refreshed styling, touch-sensitive steering-wheel controls, expanded ambient lighting, updated comfort technology, and more standard safety equipment.
Did the 2018 AMG S 65 get a new engine?
No. The 2018 AMG S 65 keeps its 621-hp 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, seven-speed transmission, and rear-wheel drive. Its updates focus on exterior styling, cabin controls, comfort features, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance technology.
Which 2018 AMG S-Class body styles received the refresh?
The sedan, coupe, and cabriolet all received the 2018 mid-cycle refresh. Shared updates include revised lighting and bumpers, the vertical-slat AMG grille, new steering-wheel controls, 64-color ambient lighting, and updated cabin technology.
Did safety equipment change on the 2018 AMG S-Class?
Yes. Blind-spot sensors and lane-departure warning became standard on the S 63, and the refreshed range received upgraded driver-assistance technology. The S 65 includes adaptive cruise control, steering assistance, and active lane-change assistance.
2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class.