“does not have the power of a regular S580, hard to break (does not break hard at all) and no trunk space (big luggage does not fit).”
Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the brand’s flagship full-size luxury car, best known as a sedan and also sold as a coupe and convertible in earlier years. It is known for quiet comfort, generous rear-seat space, rich cabin materials, advanced technology, and strong performance.
The S-Class has long served as Mercedes-Benz’s showcase for comfort, safety, and cabin technology. Across generations, it has combined a calm, isolated ride with powerful engines and features such as massage seats, advanced driver aids, and increasingly digital controls. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions have also appeared throughout its modern history, while the sedan has remained the heart of the range.
Strengths
- The cabin is designed around quiet travel, supportive seating, rich materials, and strong isolation from the road.
- The back seat has genuine room for adults, with nearly 44 inches of rear legroom in 2026.
- Comfort features such as massage seats and air suspension reinforce its luxury-first character.
- Mercedes has consistently used the S-Class to introduce more advanced cabin technology and driver-assistance features.
- The lineup has paired strong gas engines with hybrid or plug-in hybrid options at several points in its modern history.
Who it's for
The S-Class suits someone who wants a large luxury car for quiet highway travel, chauffeured rear-seat use, or an especially comfortable daily drive. It also fits buyers who value sophisticated cabin technology and effortless power more than sporty handling or easy city parking.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup
In the current generation, the S 500 4MATIC is the six-cylinder core model and the straightforward pick for traditional S-Class comfort. Step up to the S 580 4MATIC for V8 power and a stronger performance focus without leaving the regular luxury lineup. The S 580e 4MATIC is the plug-in hybrid alternative for drivers who want some electric driving while keeping the space and comfort of the flagship sedan. All three 2026 versions use all-wheel drive.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class generations
From 2009 to 2026, the S-Class spans three generations. The current 7th Generation — W223/V223 arrived for 2021, following the 6th Generation — W222/C217/A217 (2014–2020).
7th Generation — W223/V223 (2021–2026)
The redesigned sedan introduced new six-cylinder and V8 powertrains, a much more digital cabin, and major comfort and safety upgrades. The previous-generation coupe and cabriolet carried over for 2021, then left the S-Class range.
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2026
A new Exclusive equipment package filled the gap below Pinnacle, while expanded paint, leather, and design packages added more personalization.
2025
A smartphone digital key and a front-center airbag became standard.
2024
The AMG S 63 E Performance joined the range. Regular sedans gained a 5G connection and standard built-in entertainment features.
2023Trim changes
The S 580e plug-in hybrid joined the U.S. sedan lineup.
2022Trim changes
The redesigned sedan largely carried over, with wider access to the advanced suspension and gesture-based cabin controls.
2021New generation
The S-Class sedan was fully redesigned with new engines, a screen-focused cabin, and upgraded comfort and safety technology. The older coupe and cabriolet continued for one final year.
6th Generation — W222/C217/A217 (2014–2020)
This generation began with a fully redesigned W222 sedan featuring twin 12.3-inch dashboard screens, all-LED lighting, and added collision-avoidance technology. The family later expanded with the C217 coupe and A217 cabriolet, then received a broad styling, engine, and cabin-tech update for 2018.
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2020
Keyless entry, a hands-free trunklid, and automated parking became standard across the range.
2019Trim changes
The S 560e plug-in hybrid sedan joined the lineup, and expanded voice controls handled more vehicle functions.
2018Mid-cycle update
Refreshed styling arrived with new S 450 and S 560 engines, revised cabin controls, and standard wireless phone charging.
2017Trim changes
The S-Class Cabriolet joined the U.S. range, adding an open-top version alongside the sedan and coupe.
2016Trim changes
Sedans gained easier phone pairing, while the optional driver-assistance package added speed-limit recognition.
2015Trim changes
The S-Class Coupe joined the range. The sedan added the S 550 Plug-In Hybrid, returning S 600, and S 65 AMG.
2014New generation
The W222 sedan debuted with a new body and cabin, twin dashboard screens, all-LED lighting, and added collision-avoidance technology.
5th Generation — W221 (2007–2013)
The W221 is the fifth-generation S-Class sedan. During the years covered here, it received a substantial 2010 refresh with revised styling, more safety technology, and a new hybrid, followed by later diesel and V8 powertrain updates.
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2013
A formerly optional equipment package became standard, adding parking guidance, a rearview camera, keyless access, and massaging front seats.
2012Trim changes
The S 350 BlueTEC diesel joined the U.S. lineup, while S 550 models received a new twin-turbo V8 and revised seven-speed automatic transmission.
2011
New display and driver-assistance technology arrived, while the S 63 AMG switched to a twin-turbo V8.
2010Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear styling, updated cabin details, more safety technology, and the new S 400 Hybrid marked the refresh.
2009
Steering-wheel shift paddles, revised window controls, and a brake-hold function were added across the range.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2017 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class only a sedan?
No. The newest S-Class is sedan-only, but used examples also include coupes and convertibles. The coupe joined the family for 2015, the cabriolet followed for 2017, and both two-door versions ended after 2021.
Does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class come as a hybrid?
Yes. Gas-electric S-Class models date back to the S 400 HYBRID introduced for 2010. Plug-in versions began with the S 550 Plug-In Hybrid for 2015 and progressed to the newer S 580e 4MATIC. Current-generation S 500 and S 580 sedans also use mild-hybrid assistance but do not plug in.
Is every Mercedes-Benz S-Class all-wheel drive?
No. The 4MATIC badge identifies all-wheel drive. Current W223 S 500, S 580, and S 580e sedans use it, but older S-Class models also include rear-wheel-drive versions such as the S 450, S 550, S 600, and S 65 AMG.
What is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class known for?
The S-Class is known for quiet comfort, rich cabin materials, generous rear-seat room, and advanced technology. Depending on the version, highlights include air suspension, massaging seats, strong Burmester audio systems, and driver aids designed to reduce effort on long trips.
Who is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a good fit for?
It fits shoppers who want a large, comfort-first luxury car with a roomy back seat and a calm highway ride. It also suits buyers who value cabin technology and strong, smooth power more than a small footprint or a sports-car feel.
Which Mercedes-Benz S-Class generations will used-car shoppers see most often?
There are three main modern sedan generations: W221 from 2007 through 2013, W222 from 2014 through 2020, and W223 from 2021 onward. S-Class coupes and cabriolets remained on the older two-door platform through their final 2021 model year.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
4.3
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
(2,608 reviews)
“The Mercedes S 580 is fast and durable luxury. The car is aesthetically beautiful and sleek in the technology department it's innovative the screen in the center console and the voice controls are helpful during any trip and very easy to navigate.”
“Although it's a luxurious vehicle some of the nav and entertainment controls are very difficult to master. I still don't know how to do simple things.Some of the driver assist functions are dangerous in my opinion, like when the cruise control setpoint drops automatically when the speed limit changes. If the driver behind you isn't paying attention you might get rear ended.”
“My only complaint about the car is it is undriveable in ice and snow. Worst car I have ever driven in snow!”
“The Mercedes S580 2023 is a great car. More features than I expected as a former S Class owner.”
“If you drive a lot and want comfort and performance then the S550 is the car for you.”