“To purchase a Mercedes-Benz S560 is to show that you really appreciate the finer things in life.”
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a light late-cycle update, not a redesign. Its main change is added standard convenience equipment, led by keyless entry and a hands-free trunklid across the lineup.
About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
6th generation S-Class family for the US market: W222 sedan, C217 coupe, and A217 cabriolet. 2020 is a late-cycle year and the last US model year for the W222 sedan before the all-new W223 sedan arrives for 2021; the coupe and cabriolet stay on the outgoing architecture beyond this point.
Mercedes-Benz positions the S-Class as the brand’s benchmark for comfort, safety, and technology: a full-size luxury flagship meant to feel equally impressive from the driver’s seat or the rear cabin. In 2020, its core identity is quiet long-distance comfort, elegant styling, and a deep layer of cabin tech and driver-assistance features. Compared with rivals, the S-Class leans hardest into isolation, craftsmanship, and the sense that this is the model where Mercedes previews its best ideas first.
The 2020 S-Class ranges from the V6-powered S 450 luxury sedan to the stronger V8 S 560 models, with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive depending on trim. The S 560e plug-in hybrid combines a V6 and electric motor for 469 horsepower and 19 miles of EPA-rated electric range, while dual 12.3-inch displays, air suspension, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto help define the cabin experience.
What changed, by category
Tech
Keyless entry and a hands-free trunklid became standard across the lineup. Automated parking changed from optional to standard on the S 450 and S 450 4MATIC.
Safety
Lane-departure warning changed from standard to optional on the S 450, S 450 4MATIC, S 560, and S 560 4MATIC.
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter | V6, Hybrid, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V6, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic | Automatic, 9-Spd 9G-Tronic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Plug-In Hybrid | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 19 mpg | 17 mpg | 21 mpg | 18 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 26–27 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 26–27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 362 hp | 463 hp | 362 hp | 463 hp | |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft | |
| Trunk/Cargo | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft | 16.3 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.1 in | 34.1 in | 34.1 in | 34.1 in | 34.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 4 | 4 | 2–4 |
| Electric Range | 19 | ||||
| MPGe Combined | 64 | ||||
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||
| Inflatable Seat Belts | |||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||
| Park Assist | |||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||
| 360 Camera | |||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||
| Heated Windshield | |||||
| LED Headlights | |||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||
| Navigation System | |||||
| Premium Audio | |||||
| Rear DVD Entertainment System | |||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||
| Dual Power Rear Seats | |||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||
| Executive Rear Seating | |||||
| Heated Front 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 | |||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class redesigned?
No. The 2020 S-Class was a late-cycle update of the existing generation, with added standard convenience equipment rather than new styling, structure, or suspension.
What equipment became standard on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Keyless entry and a hands-free trunklid became standard across the 2020 S-Class lineup. Automated parking also moved from optional to standard on the S 450 and S 450 4MATIC.
Did the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lose any standard safety equipment?
Yes. Lane-departure warning changed from standard to optional on the 2020 S 450, S 450 4MATIC, S 560, and S 560 4MATIC.
Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S 560e a plug-in hybrid?
Yes. The 2020 S 560e uses a twin-turbo V6 and an electric motor, producing 469 horsepower combined and providing 19 miles of EPA-rated electric range.
Is the 2020 S-Class much different from the 2019 model?
No. The 2020 model is largely a carryover, with changes centered on standard convenience and driver-assistance equipment rather than the engines, styling, or underlying structure.
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
4.2
2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
(181 reviews)
“The only fault that I find is that the computer controls are not very user friendly. Also, I prefer to do the driving, not the car driving for me!”
“The S model never disappoints I was told. So I bought one and it's true. Every car has its pros and cons but the S560 makes any flaws so easy to forget with its styling and ride. Classic”