Last updated August 4, 2026
The early efficiency branches are the S 400 Hybrid, which uses a gasoline-electric system without plug-in charging, and the S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC, the diesel model with standard all-wheel drive. The mainstream lineup starts with the six-cylinder S 450, S 450 4MATIC, and S 500 4MATIC, then steps up to the V8-powered S 550, S 550 4MATIC, S 560, S 560 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC. The electrified branch includes the S 550 Plug-In Hybrid, S 550e Plug-In Hybrid, S 560e, and S 580e 4MATIC, all centered on short-trip electric driving with gasoline backup. The S 600 is the rear-seat-focused V12 flagship, while the S 63 AMG, S 63 AMG 4MATIC, and S 65 AMG are the performance models, pairing S-Class comfort with AMG-tuned engines and suspension.
The Hybrid trim level — the S 400 Hybrid — is the early efficiency-focused S-Class, pairing quiet gasoline-electric driving with the comfort expected from the full-size sedan.
Best for: Drivers who want an efficient, comfort-first S-Class without diesel fuel or plug-in charging
Highlights
The Diesel trim level — the S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC — is the long-range S-Class, combining a torque-rich diesel engine with standard all-wheel drive and flagship comfort.
Best for: High-mileage drivers who value highway efficiency, long range, and all-weather traction
Highlights
Swaps the Hybrid's gasoline-electric system for diesel power and makes all-wheel drive standard.
1 in stock
The Core Model trim level — S 450, S 450 4MATIC, and S 500 4MATIC — is the main six-cylinder S-Class, delivering the flagship ride and cabin without moving to V8 power.
Best for: Shoppers who want the central S-Class experience with balanced power and comfort
Highlights
Moves from the short-lived diesel branch to the broader gasoline lineup, with rear- or all-wheel drive depending on the member and newer-generation cabin technology.
6 in stock
The Premium Upgrade trim level — S 550, S 550 4MATIC, S 560, S 560 4MATIC, and S 580 4MATIC — is the traditional V8 S-Class, known for effortless power and relaxed grand touring.
Best for: Drivers who want stronger, smoother-feeling acceleration without the sharper AMG personality
Highlights
Adds V8 power over the six-cylinder Core Model for stronger passing response and a more substantial feel.
51 in stock
The Plug-in Hybrid trim level — S 550 Plug-In Hybrid, S 550e Plug-In Hybrid, S 560e, and S 580e 4MATIC — is the S-Class for electric short trips with gasoline support for longer drives.
Best for: Drivers who can charge regularly but still want easy long-distance travel
Highlights
Adds plug-in charging and electric-only short-trip capability; it is an electrified alternative to the gas-only Premium Upgrade rather than a simple luxury step up.
0 in stock
The Ultra Luxury trim level — the S 600 — is the traditional V12 flagship, emphasizing smooth power, rear-seat comfort, and generous standard luxury equipment.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize chauffeur-style rear comfort and the quiet character of a V12
Highlights
Moves from plug-in efficiency to V12 smoothness and adds a stronger rear-seat focus with executive seating and rear entertainment.
0 in stock
The Performance trim level — S 63 AMG, S 63 AMG 4MATIC, and S 65 AMG — is the AMG branch, combining full-size S-Class luxury with much sharper acceleration and handling.
Best for: Drivers who want a large luxury car with serious performance and a more dramatic personality
Highlights
Shifts the emphasis from the S 600's chauffeur-style luxury to AMG performance tuning; the S 63 favors V8 grip and agility, while the S 65 delivers smoother V12 muscle.
6 in stock| Feature | Diesel | Hybrid | Core Model | Performance | Ultra Luxury | Plug-in Hybrid | Premium Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC1 in stock | S 400 Hybrid2 in stock | S 450, S 450 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC6 in stock | S 63 AMG, S 63 AMG 4MATIC, S 65 AMG6 in stock | S 6000 in stock | S 550 Plug-In Hybrid, S 550e Plug-In Hybrid, S 560e, S 580e 4MATIC0 in stock | S 550, S 550 4MATIC, S 560, S 560 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC51 in stock |
| Lineup role | Long-range diesel | Early non-plug hybrid | Main six-cylinder model | AMG performance branch | V12 rear-seat flagship | Plug-in electrified model | V8 luxury model |
| Powertrain character | Turbo-diesel V6 | Gasoline-electric V6 | Six-cylinder gas; later mild hybrid | Handcrafted AMG V8 or V12 | Twin-turbo V12 | Plug-in gas-electric | V8 gas; later mild hybrid |
| Plug-in charging | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Driven wheels | Standard AWD | — | RWD or AWD by member | AWD on S 63 4MATIC; RWD on S 65 | — | AWD on S 580e 4MATIC | RWD or AWD by member |
| Suspension character | Adaptive air suspension | Adaptive air suspension | Adaptive air suspension | AMG-tuned suspension | MAGIC BODY CONTROL | Adaptive air suspension | Adaptive air suspension |
| Cabin emphasis | Front-seat comfort and range | Front-seat comfort and efficiency | Flagship comfort and technology | Luxury with AMG controls and trim | Executive rear seating | Quiet electrified travel | Relaxed V8 grand touring |
| Recent model output | — | — | 442 hp | — | — | 502 hp | 496 hp |
4MATIC means Mercedes all-wheel drive. In badges such as S 450 4MATIC and S 550 4MATIC, it separates the all-wheel-drive model from a rear-wheel-drive counterpart. On the newer W223 S-Class, the core S 500, S 580, and S 580e versions all use 4MATIC.
They represent the core six-cylinder S-Class in different eras. The late-W222 S 450 uses a 362-hp twin-turbo V6 and was sold with rear- or all-wheel drive. Since the 2021 W223 redesign, the S 500 4MATIC fills that role with a 442-hp inline-six mild-hybrid engine and all-wheel drive.
On newer W223 sedans, the S 580 mainly adds a 496-hp twin-turbo V8 in place of the S 500’s 442-hp inline-six. Both retain all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, massaging front seats, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, Burmester audio, and a panoramic roof.
The newer S 580 is the traditional V8 model, while the S 580e is a plug-in hybrid using an inline-six and electric motor. The S 580e can travel up to 47 EPA-rated miles on electricity before relying on its gasoline engine, while both keep all-wheel drive and core S-Class comfort equipment.
No. In the W223 generation, the S 500 4MATIC still has adaptive air suspension, heated, ventilated, massaging front seats, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Burmester 3D audio, and a panoramic glass roof.
The S 560 replaced the S 550 name during the 2018 W222 facelift. The S 550 used a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 in its later form, while the S 560 moved to a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Both represent the comfort-focused V8 step above the era’s core six-cylinder sedan.
The main difference is traction. The S 550 is rear-wheel drive, while the S 550 4MATIC sends power to all four wheels. Both use the same basic V8 luxury formula, including adaptive air suspension, large dashboard displays, navigation, and Burmester audio in the era described.
The S 560 Cabriolet is the soft-top, rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, with a wind blocker and roof-down comfort features. The S 560 4MATIC Coupe has a fixed roof, a panoramic glass panel, and all-wheel drive. Both use a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 and emphasize relaxed touring.
The S 600 is the traditional V12 flagship from the older W221 and W222 eras. It focuses on smooth power and rear-seat luxury rather than AMG-style handling. W222 equipment includes a twin-turbo V12, road-reading body-control suspension, powered rear seats with a footrest, rear entertainment, and 24-speaker Burmester audio.
The S 63 AMG uses a handcrafted twin-turbo V8 and, in W222 4MATIC form, all-wheel drive for stronger traction and a sharper feel. The S 65 AMG uses a twin-turbo V12 and rear-wheel drive, emphasizing huge, smooth power and richer equipment over agility.
Pick a regular S 550 or S 560 if quiet, relaxed luxury is the priority. Pick an S 63 AMG if you want much stronger acceleration, larger AMG brakes, and firmer performance-focused suspension tuning while retaining the space and comfort of an S-Class.
It is the diesel, all-wheel-drive S-Class sold in the late W221 era. Its 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 emphasizes strong low-speed pulling power and long highway range. It still carries core luxury equipment such as air suspension, massaging front seats, navigation, parking aids, and keyless access.
Both are efficiency-focused W221 sedans, but they take different routes. The S 400 Hybrid pairs a gasoline V6 with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery. The S 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC uses a turbo-diesel V6 and all-wheel drive, with highway economy rated as high as 31 mpg.
The plug-in badge changed as the car and powertrain evolved. S 550 Plug-In Hybrid and S 550e identify mid-2010s V6 plug-ins. The later W222 S 560e has a 19-mile EPA electric range, while the W223 S 580e adds all-wheel drive and up to 47 miles of EPA-rated electric travel.
The S 500 4MATIC is the straightforward fit. It provides the W223 generation’s core comfort, technology, air suspension, all-wheel drive, and massaging seats with a 442-hp inline-six mild-hybrid engine, avoiding both the S 580’s V8 and the S 580e’s charging routine.