Mercedes offers performance-oriented AMG versions of the S-Class sedan and coupe. Both body styles are available as the S63 4Matic with all-wheel drive and as the S65 with rear-wheel drive.
Seven-speed automatic transmission with Controlled Efficiency, Sport and Manual modes
AMG-tuned all-wheel-drive system has 33:67 front-to-rear torque split
Available carbon fiber interior and exterior trim
Available carbon-ceramic brakes
Here’s info on the regular S-Class:
Mercedes’ flagship S-Class comes as a sedan and a coupe that seat up to five people. It’s available with rear- or all-wheel drive, a turbocharged V-8 or V-12 gas engine, and as a plug-in hybrid with a V-6 engine. Mercedes also offers high-performance AMG versions of the car.
The S-Class shares luxury-sedan real estate with models like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Bentley Flying Spur. In addition, Mercedes has revived the Maybach name for an ultraluxury sedan — the Mercedes-Maybach S600 — that is based on the S-Class and covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.
New for 2016 The sedan gains standard near-field communication that enables wirelessly linking a smartphone to the multimedia system. The Driver Assistance Package now includes Speed Limit Assist, which keeps vehicle speed within posted limits. Swarovski crystal headlights are available for the S-Class coupe.
Significant Standard Features
449-hp, turbocharged 4.7-liter V-8 engine
Seven-speed automatic transmission
Rear-wheel drive
All-LED exterior and interior lighting
Panoramic glass roof
Power trunk lid
Soft-close doors
Leather upholstery and wood trim
Cabin fragrance system
Stop-start engine technology
Air suspension
Forward collision warning with automatic braking
Driver-drowsiness monitor
Navigation system
Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
523-hp, turbocharged 6.0-liter V-12
All-wheel drive
Camera-based adaptive suspension
Heated and cooled cupholders
Heated armrests and door panels
Dual-screen rear entertainment system
Heated and ventilated front and rear seats
Massaging front and rear seats
Night vision system
S550e
The S550e is a plug-in hybrid that went on sale in spring 2015 in California and in the fall was scheduled to expand to other states that use California’s emissions regulations. It has a turbocharged 3.0-liter gas V-6, a seven-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack that provides up to 18 miles of electric-only range. The electric motor also supplements the gas engine during acceleration.
What’s Special
329-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6
114-hp electric motor and 8.7-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack
2- to 3-hour charging time depending on voltage
Programmable pre-entry climate control
Haptic gas pedal provides feedback for efficient operation
