The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup is one of the broadest of any vehicle, from its three body styles to its nine trims and powertrain options. We give it 8 out of 10 as such, and feel compelled to not that its warranty coverage is competitive, but not game-changing.
The “entry level” S450 starts at $95,245 including a $995 destination charge, while the all-wheel-drive version costs $3,000 more. For that, you get twin 12.3-inch infotainment displays, ambient lighting with 64 colors, automatic emergency braking, active lane control, LED headlights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and 18-inch alloy wheels, among many other features. For 2020, Mercedes has added active parking assist and hands-free access to the mix of standard equipment. S560 models get a V-8, Nappa leather upholstery, and 19-inch wheels as standard for $105,445 in rear-wheel drive and $108,445 in all-wheel drive.
The AMG-boosted S63 4Matic+ will set you back $152,595. The AMG model gets performance wheels and suspension, a dynamic select system, performance exhaust, big compound brakes, unique interior details like a sport steering wheel, and all-wheel drive with fully-variable torque distribution.
Finally, the lavish Maybach is available in two forms, all-wheel-drive S560 4Matic and rear-wheel-drive S650 V-12 form. Though the V-8 lacks the grunt of the S63 model and the effortless, earth-shattering torque of the V-12, it would be our pick at $173,995 versus $203,545 for the S650. Maybach models dial up the luxury rather than performance like the AMGs, featuring 20-inch wheels, executive rear seats with 43 degrees of recline, power leg rests, extended ambient lighting, standard wood and leather in more places than other S-Classes, active air suspension, and the excellent Magic Body Control system. Lavish options like the champagne chiller with silver flutes between the rear seats and an executive rear seat package are available at a significant cost, as are several $12,000 two-tone paint options.
Mercedes-Benz offers a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty for the S-Class, but rivals match that and include at least two years of maintenance, while that option is extra for the Benz.
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