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What do our experts think of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Merecedes-Benz S-Class?
Working to maintain its place atop the luxury sedan segment, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds a plug-in hybrid variant this year. Otherwise, the seventh-gen flagship Benz changes little from last year’s model that we review here.
The S-Class was all new in 2020 and is already loaded to the gills with technology like augmented reality navigation, luxuries like a massaging rear seat, and the latest in advanced safety systems. It all works in concert to help the latest model earn its long-form title of Sonderklasse, which is German for Special Class.
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – mbusa.com | Shop 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Oozing luxury
So much technology
Plenty of power
So expensive
Tiny trunk on hybrid
Lame warranty
The standard-bearer of luxury sedans
2023 S-Class Specs
- 429 horsepower from base engine
- 384 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 3 available trims
- 12.3 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 30-speaker stereo with seat resonators
- Frontal airbags for rear passengers
- Four years of roadside assistance
2023 Mercedes-Bens S-Class Powertrain
Buyers of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can choose from three engines. The base S 500 setup is a turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 making 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. S 580s are powered by a twin-turbo V8 rated for 496 horsepower and 516 torques.
New for 2023 is a plug-in hybrid S-Class that blends the straight-6 setup with a battery-powered electric motor to put down 510 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. For more on the technical details behind a plug-in hybrid powertrain, this article will help.
In all cases, the engine mates with a 9-speed automatic transmission that spins all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4MATIC system. The powertrain, a term we define here, slings the nearly 5,000-pound S-Class to 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 to 4.9 seconds, depending on the configuration.
Not only that, the air-powered suspension provides a cushy ride and self-leveling capability. An optional $6,500 E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL system “reads” the road ahead to virtually eliminate body roll and in AMG Line guise, rear-axle steering is available for better high-speed stability and easier low-speed maneuvering.
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Fuel Economy & MPG
The entry-level S 500 is rated for 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, which translates to over 600 miles of highway range thanks to the 18-gallon gas tank. In PHEV format, the highway figure gains one MPG and the city number remains the same, but it can travel up to 46 miles on electricity alone. Opting for the big V8 brings fuel efficiency down to 20/25 MPG in city/highway driving.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
If it’s comfort you seek, look no further than the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The list of standard amenities is long with highlights including climatized and massaging front seats, a cabin air purifier and perfumer, a panoramic roof, acoustic glass, power-operated rear sunshades, and dual-zone automatic climate control. There are 11 different leather designs to choose from and trim options include natural walnut with aluminum bars – that will set you back an extra $3,200.
Trunk space is not as impressive at just 12.3 cubic feet, a figure that drops to eight on PHEV models. However, for those who fancy being chauffeured about, may we suggest the Executive Line that is exclusive to S 580 trim? It’ll set you back a cool 16 grand, but it boasts climatized and massaging rear seats with up to 43 degrees of recline and a power-operated footrest on the passenger side. Not to mention separate climate control zones, heated air for your neck, and the ability to move the front passenger seat forward three inches for serious lounge-ability.
Entertainment & Technology
Every 2023 S-Class comes with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster sprouting behind the steering wheel and a 13-inch screen that flows down the center console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, technologies we explain here, are also included along with biometric authentication via fingerprint, “Hey Mercedes” voice control, a 15-speaker stereo, and a navigation system with augmented reality graphics.
Mercedes takes care of the audiophiles with an available Burmester 4D system that boasts 30 speakers including a handful integrated into the seats so occupants can actually feel the music. The optional 3D Technology package adds a head-up display with AR capability, 3D instrument panel graphics, and a driver-attention monitor.
Safety Features
As with the rest of the car, Mercedes stuffs the 2023 S-Class with a ton of standard advanced safety systems. They include adaptive cruise control with speed limit assist, forward collision mitigation, a lane-keeping system and evasive steering assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Let’s not forget Lane Change Assist, automated parking, a surround-view monitor, and automatic high beam control. There are nine standard airbags with the option for additional bags embedded in the rear seatbelts and backside of the front seats.
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trims & Pricing
S 500 – $115,650
Hopefully, you’ll find some incentives here because the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class starts at $115,000. Fortunately, that money brings a huge level of content like 19-inch wheels, soft-close doors with flush handles that pop out upon approach, adaptive LED headlights, and your choice of 21 paint colors. Inside is a panoramic roof, climatized and massaging front seats, and a 64-color ambient lighting system. The 13-inch infotainment touchscreen connects wirelessly with Apple and Android devices, and wireless charging plus eight USB ports are on hand along with navigation.
S 580e – $121,650
Regardless of which powertrain you choose, all three trim lines start in Luxury form. So, the S 580e matches the S 500 and S 580 in terms of standard content but adds the PHEV powertrain. Like those other two models, standard equipment includes illuminated door sills, a 12-inch digital gauge cluster, and the option for a $4,300 AMG Line package. This brings exclusive AMG body styling bits and wheels along with black accents and stainless-steel pedals.
S 580 – $125,150
The V8-powered S 580 follows suit with the S 500 and S 580e by offering base Luxury and AMG Line models but goes further with an optional Executive Line package. For $16,000, this rear-seat focused bundle includes quad-zone climate control, dual 11.6-inch rear entertainment screens with wireless headphones, a dedicated rear tablet for controlling the infotainment system, massaging and climatized rear seats, and a whole lot more. With all the option boxes ticked, the S 580 can hit an eye-watering $172,000.
Warranties
Considering the cost and breadth of complicated systems on the 2023 S-Class, it would be nice to have a robust warranty. However, Mercedes barely meets the luxury warranty standard with a 4-year/50,000-mile term on the vehicle and powertrain plus six years or 62,000 miles of coverage for hybrid components. Most luxury automakers offer some complimentary maintenance, like Jaguar which includes five years of coverage, but Mercedes-Benz offers none.
What we think
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – mbusa.com | Shop 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class on Carsforsale.com
If you have the budget, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is about as good as it gets in the sedan or SUV segment. Low-key styling, serious power, loads of luxury, and more technology than we can fit in a single article. The warranty stinks but you’ll soon forget that while enjoying a personal 30-speaker orchestra in massaging seats that can warm you up or cool you down depending on the season.
If you’re going to go big anyhow, you really ought to step up to the S 580, simply because this kind of luxury demands a thundering V8. The only necessary option is that Burmester 4D stereo system. Because who doesn’t want to feel the music?
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