2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – A QUICK OVERVIEW

2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – A QUICK OVERVIEW
Luxury vehicle

2018 Mercedes-Benz S450 Sedan
Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP: $89,900
MPG: 19 city / 28 highway
Horsepower: 362 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Engine: 3.0 L V6
Dimensions: 207″ L x 75″ W x 59″ H
Fuel tank capacity: 20.7 gal
Tire size: P245/50R18

2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 Sedan
Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP: $99,900
Horsepower: 463 hp @ 5,250 rpm
Engine: 4.0 L V8
Curb weight: 4,564 lbs
Dimensions: 207″ L x 75″ W x 59″ H
Fuel tank capacity: 20.7 gal
Tire size: Front: P245/40R19, rear: P275/40R19

2018 Mercedes-Benz S450 4MATIC Sedan
Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP: $92,900
MPG: 18 city / 28 highway
Horsepower: 362 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Engine: 3.0 L V6
Dimensions: 207″ L x 75″ W x 59″ H
Fuel tank capacity: 20.7 gal
Tire size: P245/50R18

2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 4MATIC Sedan
Model: 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
MSRP: $102,900
MPG: 17 city / 27 highway
Horsepower: 463 hp @ 5,250 rpm
Engine: 4.0 L V8
Curb weight: 4,564 lbs
Dimensions: 207″ L x 75″ W x 59″ H
Fuel tank capacity: 20.7 gal

For the ultimate in luxury and technology, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains a top pick.

edmunds expert review
As the current generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class reaches the halfway point in its life cycle, it receives the customary refreshening to keep it competitive against newer rivals. Those include the BMW 7 Series, Porsche Panamera and next year's redesigned Audi A8. To its credit, the S-Class would have remained a top pick in the premium luxury sedan class without the subtle styling tweaks and added features. That's how good it already was.

A slightly more affordable S 450 model debuts this year. Its V6 is down on horsepower compared to the S 560's larger V6, but otherwise it has the same exhaustive list of features. It's the best value here. The new driver assistance features aren't as well-executed as we would have expected, or as advanced as they might be portrayed, so we're more inclined to pass on those options. What you're left with is a stately sedan with an impeccable interior and a smooth ride that keeps occupants blissfully isolated from the harsh outside world. Quite simply, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exceeds expectations.

what's new
The 2018 S-Class has a slightly updated look thanks to a restyling of the headlights, grille, and front and rear bumpers. Inside, there's an updated COMAND infotainment system, a standard wireless charging pad, and a new Energizing Comfort system that links various car features together to simultaneously pamper occupants. Other changes include a new S 450 trim level, a new function for the suspension that promotes body stability when cornering, and a few new driver assistance systems.

we recommend
Even though the term "entry-level" may not be readily relatable to "premium luxury," the latest model addition to the stately 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup is our pick. The new S 450 makes about 100 fewer horsepower than the S 560, but it still has more power than most drivers will ever need. Sure, there's something to be said for one-upmanship at this lofty level, but exchanging a bit of power for the cost savings is worth it in our opinion. Plus, the S 450 has all of the S 560's standard features and is eligible for just as many options.

trim levels & features
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available as a sedan, coupe and convertible. As of this writing, there is no specific information on the coupe or convertible, but we expect that they will receive an update similar to the sedan's.

trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our First Drive of the Mercedes-Benz S 450 4Matic Sedan (turbo 3.0L V6 | 9-speed automatic | AWD).

driving
Don't think that the new V6-powered S 450 base model is any less capable than the traditional V8-powered S 560. Even though it's at a 101-hp disadvantage, there's more than enough power for the typical driver.

comfort
If there's one thing we've come to expect from an S-Class, it's comfort, and this latest model meets those expectations. At a time when some rivals are sharing the focus with performance, Mercedes concentrates more on refinement and it pays off.

interior
As is customary with the S-Class, the interior is impeccable. Materials quality is as good as it gets, while the thoughtful and attractive design justify the lofty price. The same holds true when you add options that further dress up the cabin.

utility
Luxury sedans generally have generous trunks and plenty of places to store your personal items, and the Mercedes S-Class is about average among cars in this class.

FULL ARTICLE: https://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/s-class/2018/review

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