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Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class is the high-performance version of the brand’s full-size flagship luxury car. It is known for combining exceptional acceleration and sophisticated handling with the quiet comfort and passenger space expected of an S-Class.
The AMG S-Class has long paired top-tier luxury with serious performance rather than sacrificing one for the other. Older versions delivered that formula through V8 or V12 power in sedan, coupe, and convertible forms. The latest sedan carries the idea forward with a V8 plug-in-hybrid system, all-wheel drive, and advanced chassis technology.
Strengths
- Acceleration is a defining strength, with the 2026 plug-in-hybrid system producing 791 horsepower.
- The active suspension, body-roll control, all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering help the large sedan feel more composed and responsive.
- Passenger comfort remains central, so the performance does not come at the expense of a quiet, richly equipped cabin.
- The sedan gives rear passengers generous space, with 43.8 inches of rear legroom in 2026.
- The 2026 plug-in hybrid provides 16 miles of rated electric range for short trips without using the V8.
Who it's for
It best fits someone who wants one car to handle two very different jobs: provide spacious, quiet luxury for passengers and deliver genuinely forceful performance for the driver. It also suits buyers who value the understated practicality of a large sedan but do not want an ordinary luxury-car driving experience.
Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class lineup
The S 63 has traditionally been the performance-focused core of the range, pairing V8 power with all-wheel-drive traction in the years covered here. Pick an older S 65 when the distinctive character of a twin-turbo V12 and rear-wheel drive matters more than the S 63’s traction-focused setup. Since the current AMG sedan returned for 2024, the sole version has been the S 63 E Performance 4MATIC+, which adds a performance-oriented plug-in-hybrid system to the familiar V8 and all-wheel-drive formula. The older coupe and convertible versions suit buyers who prefer two-door style or open-air driving, while the sedan places more emphasis on rear-seat space.
Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class generations
From 2017 to 2026, the AMG S-Class spans two generations. The current 7th Generation — W223 arrived for 2024, following the 6th Generation — W222 / C217 / A217 (2017–2021).
7th Generation — W223 (2024–2026)
The AMG version of the W223 S-Class returned for 2024 as the S 63 E Performance sedan. Its defining feature is a 791-hp plug-in hybrid system that pairs a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor, along with AWD and rear-wheel steering.
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2026
The S 63 E Performance carried over with no significant equipment or capability changes.
2025
A smartphone-based digital key became standard; the powertrain, styling, chassis, safety systems, and cabin technology otherwise carried over.
2024
The AMG S-Class returned as the S 63 E Performance with a 791-hp V8 plug-in hybrid system, AWD, adaptive suspension, and rear-wheel steering.
6th Generation — W222 / C217 / A217 (2017–2021)
This generation covered AMG S-Class sedans, coupes, and four-seat convertibles. The 2018 refresh brought revised styling and cabin controls, while the S 63 switched to a 603-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, a nine-speed transmission, and fully variable AWD.
6 In Stock2021New generation
Massaging front seats with enhanced heating and a surround-view camera became standard. This was the final year for the coupe and convertible.
2020
The lineup carried over. This was the final year for the W222 AMG sedans, while the coupe and convertible continued for 2021.
2019
The sedan, coupe, and convertible lineup carried over without significant changes.
2018Mid-cycle update
Revised exterior details and cabin technology arrived across the range. The S 63 also gained a 603-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, a nine-speed transmission, and fully variable AWD.
2017Trim changes
The four-seat Cabriolet joined the U.S. lineup, giving the S 63 AMG and S 65 AMG sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of car is the Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class?
It is a full-size luxury performance car. It combines S-Class passenger comfort and a richly equipped cabin with AMG power and handling hardware, so it works as both a fast driver’s car and a spacious luxury sedan.
Is the AMG S-Class always a sedan?
No. The newer W223 AMG S-Class is a four-door sedan, while older models were also sold as two-door Coupes and four-seat Cabriolets. The two-door versions ended after the 2021 model year.
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class a hybrid?
Newer AMG S-Class sedans are plug-in hybrids. Since the W223 AMG arrived in the U.S., the S 63 E Performance has paired a twin-turbo V8 with a rear electric motor. Earlier S 63 and S 65 models used gasoline engines without the plug-in system.
Is the AMG S-Class comfortable enough for everyday driving?
Yes. Comfort remains a core part of the AMG S-Class. Depending on the era, it has included self-leveling suspension, leather seating, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, premium audio, and a quiet cabin rather than a stripped-down sports-car interior.
Who is the AMG S-Class a good fit for?
It fits someone who wants very strong acceleration without giving up S-Class space and comfort. The sedan works especially well for drivers who regularly carry adults in back, while older Coupes and Cabriolets suit buyers who prefer a four-seat grand-touring layout.
How practical is the newer AMG S-Class sedan?
The newer sedan seats five and provides 43.8 inches of rear legroom, making it roomy for passengers. Its 10.7-cubic-foot trunk is more modest, so luggage space is not its main strength.
What are the main used AMG S-Class eras?
The older era includes W222 sedans plus C217 Coupes and A217 Cabriolets, with S 63 V8 and S 65 V12 versions. Those sedans ended after 2020 and the two-doors after 2021. The W223 AMG returned for 2024 as the S 63 E Performance plug-in-hybrid sedan.
Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class.
4.3
Mercedes-Benz AMG S-Class
(111 reviews)
“It is the quietest, most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned, it is a delight to drive and it allows you to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.”
“Exceptional overall experience regarding craftmanship and exterior and interior aesthetic. Driving experience is both exhilarating and luxurious. The ambient lighting, car scent and photocell diming sunroof cap it all off.”
“It is very comfortable and easy to drive, has all the safety features you could want and has great power”
“Safety of car, innovative features, look. performance, interior, gas mileage, gorgeous design, sound of car, comfort, that it is a bit high to get in to if you're short: however, the seats can be adjusted somewhat. A grip handle to assist in getting in would be great.”
“Highest quality workmanship, thoroughly reliable and ultra safe vehicle with latest accident avoidance/passenger protection capabilities; great road handling; fast; fun. Best car I have ever owned.”