2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a high-ranked super luxury car that boasts a supple ride, a luxurious interior, and loads of standard tech features.
Pros & Cons
- Unbelievably comfortable seats and ride
- World-class cabin
- Extravagant features list
- Powerful engines
- Small trunk in coupe and convertible models
New for 2019
- S 560e plug-in hybrid model debuted
Research & Ratings
Currently, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a score of 8.8 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 40 pieces of research and data.8.8
Overall
Scorecard
| Critics' Rating: | 10.0 | |
| Performance: | 9.2 | |
| Interior: | 9.5 | |
| Total Cost of Ownership: |
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N/A |
| Safety: |
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| Reliability: |
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2019 S-Class Photos
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Overview
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a Good Used Car?
Yes, the 2019 S-Class is a fantastic super luxury car and one of the finest vehicles on the market. The S-Class comes in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles and with one of five potent powertrains. Inside, the S-Class features cushioned seats and some of the most opulent cabin materials of any car. The only negatives associated with this Mercedes are above-average list prices and a small trunk in coupe and convertible models.
Why You Can Trust Us
We’ve analyzed 40 Mercedes-Benz S-Class reviews, as well as performance specs, interior dimensions, fuel economy ratings, and more, to give you all the information you need to make a smart car-buying decision.
U.S. News & World Report has been reviewing cars, trucks, and SUVs since 2007, and our Best Cars team has more than 75 years of combined automotive industry experience. To remain impartial, we do not accept extravagant gifts from automakers, and an outside source handles our advertising.
How Much Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cost to Own?
We currently do not have projections for the 2019 S-Class' five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance.
2018 vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's the Difference?
Aside from the debut of the S 560e plug-in hybrid for 2019, there are no major differences between the 2018 and 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Compare the 2018 and 2019 S-Class »
Here are the key changes for the S-Class over the last few years:
- 2016: AMG models renamed
- 2017: cabriolet (convertible) body style joined lineup; Maybach S 500 trim debuted; nine-speed automatic transmission became available
- 2018: V6-powered S 450 introduced as base trim; more powerful V8 engine added to the S 560 and AMG S 63 trims; gained active and partially automated safety features
- 2019: S 560e PHEV introduced
If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2016 S-Class, 2017 S-Class, and 2018 S-Class reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.
How Reliable Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five.
Read more about S-Class reliability »
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Recalls
There have been 7 safety recalls issued from NHTSA.
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300, C300 Coupe, CLS450, E450 Coupe and S450, 2017-2019 E300, 2018 E400 Coupe, E400 Stationwagon, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles that have previously had the instrument cluster replaced. The software in the replaced instrument cluster may cause the seat belt warning system to not operate properly, only displaying a solid warning light if either the driver or passenger seat belt is unfastened, instead of a blinking light with an audible tone.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 56
- Consequence: Without the audible tone and blinking warning light to remind the front seat occupants that their seat belts are not buckled, they may forget to buckle their seat belt, increasing their risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began September 8, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020080015.
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 2020080015
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 20V449000
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560 and Maybach S560 vehicles equipped with 4.0L 8-cylinder gasoline-engines. Two engine oil plugs may not withstand high engine loads while driving, possibly resulting in an engine oil leak.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 9791
- Consequence: An engine oil leak can spill on to the road and cause slippery road conditions. Additionally, if the engine runs out of oil it can cause an engine stall while driving. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will reinforce the engine oil plugs by adding a retaining plate, free of charge. The recall began August 11, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060018.
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 2020060018
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 20V173000
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 S560, S560 Cabriolet, and S560 4MATIC vehicles equipped with 8-cylinder gasoline engines. The threaded connection between the camshaft idler gear and the crankcase may be improperly tightened, possibly causing the idler gear to detach from the crankcase.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 6
- Consequence: A detached idler gear can damage the engine, resulting in a stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020020013.
- Dates of Manufacture: FEB 22, 2018 to MAY 15, 2019
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 2020020013
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V821000
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling a 2019 S450 vehicle. The A, B, and C pillar covers may have been improperly installed, possibly affecting the deployment of the side curtain air bags and allowing the covers to detach in the event of a crash.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 1
- Consequence: If a side curtain air bag does not deploy as intended, or the pillar covers detach during a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify the owner, and a dealer will inspect the pillar covers, reinstalling them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080006.
- Dates of Manufacture: AUG 21, 2018 to AUG 21, 2018
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 2019080006
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V584000
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 Cabrio, C300A Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C300 Coupe 4MATIC, C300, C300 4MATIC, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C43 AMG 4MATIC, C63 AMG Cabrio, C63S AMG Cabrio, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C63 AMG, C63S AMG, CLS450, CLS450 4MATIC, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E300, E300 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 Wagon 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, E53 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, E53 AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG 4MATIC, E63S AMG Wagon 4MATIC, S450, S450 4MATIC, S560 Cabrio, S560 Coupe 4MATIC, S560, S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Maybach, S63 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, S63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, S63 AMG 4MATIC, S65 AMG Cabrio, S65 AMG, and AMG GT53 Coupe 4MATIC vehicles, and 2020 GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLE350 4MATIC, and GLE450 4MATIC vehicles equipped with the Driver Assistance Package. A software error in the radar sensor control unit may impair the functionality of the Active Brake Assist.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 1957
- Consequence: An impaired Active Brake Assist may not automatically apply partial or full braking as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the radar sensor control unit software, free of charge. The recall began September 13, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019080008.
- Dates of Manufacture: NOV 18, 2018 to JUL 02, 2019
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 2019080008
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V540000
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (Mercedes) is recalling certain 2018 S450 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC Coupe, S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe, Maybach S560 4MATIC, S560 4MATIC, S63 AMG and S63 AMG 4MATIC Cabrio vehicles. The Hands-off-Detection system may malfunction, causing the Active Steering Assist system to remain engaged despite the driver's hands not being on the steering wheel for a prolonged period of time.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 6200
- Consequence: If the system remains active despite the driver not having their hands on the wheel, the driver's inattention may increase the risk of crash.
- Remedy: Mercedes has notified owners, and dealers will update the software of the steering control unit, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact Mercedes customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019040024.
- Dates of Manufacture: FEB 06, 2017 to AUG 02, 2018
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 2019040024
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 18V910000
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C300 Cabriolet, C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG Coupe, E450 Coupe, E53 AMG Cabriolet, S450, S560, E450 Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Cabriolet, E450 4Matic Coupe, E53 AMG Coupe, S450 4Matic, S560 4Matic, S63 AMG and S65 AMG vehicles and Mercedes-Mayback S650 and S560 4 Matic vehicles. A correctly fastened seatbelt may be inaccurately detected as being unfastened, preventing the seat belt pre-tensioners from activating in the event of a crash.
- Potential Number of Units Affected: 4969
- Consequence: If the seat belt tensioning does not activate in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt buckles, free of charge. The recall began March 18, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019020012.
- Dates of Manufacture: JUN 19, 2018 to OCT 25, 2018
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 2019020012
- NHTSA Campaign ID: 18V839000
See more information on Mercedes-Benz S-Class safety recalls »
Which Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trim Is Right for Me?
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available in three body styles. The base S 450 and S 560e are sedan-only trims, while the S 560, AMG S 63, and AMG S 65 trims are available as a sedan, coupe, and cabriolet. Two high-end sedans are also available, the Maybach S 560 and Maybach S 650. Sedan shoppers should stick with the S 540 trim. It comes with a wide variety of comfort, safety, and technology features, as well as a strong engine. Performance-oriented shoppers will likely prefer one of the AMG models and their more powerful engines, but they cost considerably more than others in the lineup.
- Mercedes-Benz S 450: The base S 450 trim includes a 362-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, a nine-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive, and adaptive air suspension. It also comes with a COMAND infotainment system, which includes a 12.3-inch screen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation, and wireless device charging. Other standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, driver drowsiness monitoring, a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system. It's available with all-wheel drive, massaging front and rear seats, heated rear seats, a host of active safety features, a rear-cabin refrigerator box, a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 26-speaker Burmester 3D audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.
- Mercedes-Benz S 560: The S 560 comes with a 463-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine, Nappa leather upholstery, and a similar list of features as the base S 450 model. All-wheel drive is available in sedan and cabriolet models and standard in coupe models.
- Mercedes-Benz S 560e: The plug-in hybrid S 560e features a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and an electric motor that produce a combined 469 horsepower.
- Mercedes-Benz AMG S 63: The AMG S 63 includes a 603-horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine, all-wheel drive, and performance enhancements such as an adaptive sport suspension. Other standard features include ventilated front seats and Mercedes’ Airscarf neck warming system.
- Mercedes-Benz AMG S 65: The AMG S 65 comes with a 621-horsepower twin-turbo V12 engine, a seven-speed automatic transmission, a rear-wheel drive. It also comes with just about every feature that the S-Class offers, including massaging front and rear seats, heated armrests, a heated steering wheel, a rear-seat entertainment system, parallel and perpendicular park assist, night vision assist, and a surround-view parking camera system.
- Mercedes-Maybach S 560 and S 650: Two high-performance Mercedes-Maybach trims are also available. These are essentially long-wheelbase sedan models. The Maybach S 560 comes with a 463-horsepower twin-turbo V8 and a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Maybach S 650 features a 621-horsepower V12 and a seven-speed automatic transmission. Both trims come with all-wheel drive.
See 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class trims and specs »
What Does Mercedes-Benz's Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Cover?
Mercedes-Benz offers a certified pre-owned program for vehicles six years old or less and with fewer than 75,000 miles. Eligibility is determined by the vehicle’s initial sale date. Mercedes-Benz certified pre-owned vehicles come with the balance of the original four-year/50,000-mile new-car warranty, plus an additional one-year/unlimited-mileage warranty. This warranty can be renewed for a fee. If the new-car warranty has expired, you’ll receive the one-year warranty with unlimited mileage. Every Mercedes-Benz CPO vehicle must pass a 165-point inspection.
If you’re unsatisfied with your CPO vehicle, Mercedes’ Exchange Privilege program allows you to exchange it for another CPO vehicle of equal or lesser value within seven days or 500 miles. Additional benefits like towing and 24-hour roadside assistance may be available, so read the Mercedes-Benz warranty page carefully.
Among luxury car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz’s CPO program is about average. It’s better than BMW’s but not as robust as Jaguar’s or Lexus’, according to our analysis.
How Safe Is the S-Class?
Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested the 2019 S-Class. This is typical of super luxury cars.
Standard advanced safety features:
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Rearview camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane keep assist
- Crosswind assist
- Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system (rolls up the windows and tightens the seat belts in the event of a collision)
- Car-to-X Communication (allows cars with the technology to communicate about traffic disruptions)
Available advanced safety features:
- Head-up display
- Active lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Active and evasive steering assist
- Route-based speed adaptation
- Traffic sign recognition
- Automatic speed takeover
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane change assist
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Night vision assist
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Pre-Safe Rear
- Pre-Safe Sound
- Pre-Safe Plus
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Versus the Competition
Which Is Better: 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class or 2019 BMW 7 Series?
Like the S-Class, the 2019 BMW 7 Series is a super luxury car that delivers a smooth ride and a range of powertrain options, including a plug-in hybrid variant. Though the 7 Series has a more agile ride and a lower average starting price, the S-Class is the more well-rounded choice. The Mercedes is available as a coupe and a convertible (the 7 Series only comes as a sedan), and it offers a more opulent cabin with available features like a rear-cabin refrigerator box. The S-Class also comes standard with Android Auto, which is not available for the 7 Series.
Which Is Better: 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class or 2019 Audi A8?
The 2019 Audi A8 has a lot going for it, including a luxurious cabin and a comfortable ride. You get a lot more with the S-Class, however, though you'll pay for it. While the A8 has just one available powertrain, the S-Class has a wide selection, including those in the powerful AMG models. The S-Class also has more balanced handling, additional body styles, and a larger cargo capacity. Go for the Mercedes.
Compare the S-Class, 7 Series, and A8 »
2019 S-Class Performance
How Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Drive?
The 2019 S-Class delivers one of the most comfortable rides in the super luxury car class thanks to poised handling and a standard air suspension. AMG models are more agile, but the S-Class is at heart a car focused on refinement over performance.
The S-Class comes in a variety of styles and configurations, but most shoppers should be satisfied with the V6-powered base model sedan. It provides plenty of power and quick acceleration. Still, the upper trims move with more vigor, especially the high-performance AMG models.
- Base engine: 362-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (S 450)
- Available Powertrains:
- twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 463 horsepower (S 560 and Maybach S 560)
- twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and an electric motor with a combined 469 horsepower (S 560e)
- twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 603 horsepower (AMG S 63)
- twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 with 621 horsepower (AMG S 65 and Maybach S 650)
- Drivetrain: standard rear-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
- Transmission: nine-speed automatic (S 450, S 560, S 560e, AMG S 63, AMG S 65, and Maybach S 560); seven-speed automatic (S 65 and Maybach S 650)
Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Get Good Gas Mileage?
S-Class fuel economy is typical for the super luxury car class. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 560e model offers improved efficiency, while top AMG and Maybach models earn poor gas mileage estimates.
- 3.0-liter V6: up to 19/28 mpg city/highway (S 450)
- 4.0-liter V8: up to 17/27 mpg (S 560)
- PHEV: up to 64 MPGe combined city/highway (S 560e)
- 4.0-liter V8: up to 17/27 mpg (AMG S 63)
- 4.0-liter V8: up to 16/25 mpg (Maybach S 560)
- 6.0-liter V12: up to 14/21 mpg (AMG S 65)
- 6.0-liter V12: up to 13/21 mpg (Maybach S 650)
Read more about S-Class performance »
2019 S-Class Interior
How Many People Does the 2019 S-Class Seat?
The 2019 S-Class seats up to five people in sedan models and four people in coupe and convertible models. The S-Class has supremely supple and supportive seats, and sedan models are spacious in both rows. As you'd expect, space is tighter in the back rows of coupe and convertible models, but you won't hear any complaints from your taller passengers.
The S-Class boasts one of the most luxurious cabins on the market. This Benz is packed with high-quality materials, and it has loads of available seating features. Some of the upper trims also feature wood and satin aluminum trim.
Standard seating features:
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Heated front seats
Available seating features:
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Ventilated front seats
- Rapid-warming front seats
- Massaging front and rear seats
- Power-adjustable rear seats
- Heated armrests
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and cooled rear cup holders
- Folding tables for rear seats
How Many Child Car Seats Fit in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The 2019 S-Class has two complete sets of LATCH car-seat connectors for the rear outboard seats.
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Features
The standard COMAND infotainment system has a large display, but it may take a while to master the touchpad controller that's used to operate the system.
- Standard infotainment features: a 12.3-inch screen, a touchpad controller, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 13-speaker Burmester audio system, satellite radio, Bluetooth, navigation, and wireless device charging
- Available infotainment features: a Wi-Fi hot spot, a 26-speaker Burmester 3D audio system, and a rear-seat entertainment system
- Additional standard features: dual-zone automatic climate control and a panoramic sunroof
- Other available features: quad-zone automatic climate control and a rear-cabin refrigerator box
See 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class specs »
Read more about S-Class interior »
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Dimensions
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cargo Space
There’s 18.7 cubic feet of trunk space in the standard S-Class sedan. That is superb for the super luxury car class. Coupe and convertible models have significantly lower figures, with 10.4 cubic feet in coupe models and 12.4 cubic feet in convertible models with the top up and 7 to 8.8 cubic feet with the top down.
2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Length and Weight
- Length: about 16 feet, 6 inches to 17 feet, 11 inches
- Curb weight: roughly 4,500 to 5,000 pounds
Where Was the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Built?
Mercedes-Benz built the 2019 S-Class in Germany.
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