2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
New for 2016
Significant changes for 2016 include the addition of the S550e plug-in hybrid model, standard Near Field Communication, Speed Limit Assist (as part of the optional Driver Assistance Package), and some new paint colors.
Leading the Way
By combining performance, technology, and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class essentially defined the modern luxury sedan. That’s why you’ll see them shuttling around dignitaries the world over. That tradition of excellence continues with the 2016 S-Class, which is still in the lead among high-end luxury cars.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available in no less than five configurations, from a whisper-quiet plug-in hybrid to a raucous V12 executive hot rod. There are no wrong choices here.
The S550 boasts a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which produces 449 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, with standard rear-wheel drive, or Mercedes’ 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. Both versions will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and are electronically limited to 130 mph. With rear-wheel drive, the S550 gets an EPA-rated 20 mpg combined (17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway),* while the all-wheel drive version gets 19 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 26 mpg highway).*
New for 2016 is the S550e, the first in a planned range of plug-in hybrids from Mercedes. The S550e combines a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and seven-speed automatic with an electric motor, for a total of 436 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. It will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and is limited to 130 mph in hybrid mode. It can also travel up to 20 miles on electric power at speeds up to 87 mph. Fuel-economy figures are not available at this time.
The top standard S-Class is the S600, which packs a 6.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V12. This massive engine produces 523 horsepower and 612 pound-feet of torque. Like the other S-Class models, it uses a seven-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive isn’t available on the S600. This model will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds (top speed isn’t listed), and return EPA-rated fuel economy of 15 mpg combined (12 mpg city, 21 mpg highway).*
Mercedes also offers two high-performance AMG® versions of the S-Class. The S63 AMG® 4MATIC has a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, harnessed to a seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The S65 AMG® gets a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 boasting 621 hp and 738 lb-ft, a seven-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive.
The S63 AMG® will do 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and get 18 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 23 mpg highway),* while the S65 AMG® will reach 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, and return 15 mpg combined (13 mpg city, 20 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a four-door, five seat sedan, although Mercedes also offers an S-Class coupe, and will soon have an S-Class convertible as well. Prices start at $95,650.**
Standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, all-LED exterior lighting, a wood/leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, panoramic roof, AIRMATIC® air suspension, heated 16-way power front seats with memory, leather upholstery, cabin fragrance system, dual-zone automatic climate control, dual 12.3-inch high resolution display screens, Mercedes’ COMAND® infotainment system with touchpad controller, Burmester surround-sound system, navigation, Bluetooth®, HD Radio®, SiriusXM® satellite radio, and more.
Optional features include Magic Body Control active suspension, massaging ventilating front seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, heated steering wheel, door panels, and armrests, a head-up display, 3D surround-sound system, in-car Wi-Fi hotspot, rear-seat entertainment system, and more. Many of these features can be combined into option packages. Ask your dealer for more information.
Design
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a stylish and dignified exterior that creates quite an impression. Unlike many cars, which are designed to have a front-to-rear rake to increase the impression of speed, the S-Class’ front end is about level with the rear. That, along with the laid-back front end that houses the traditional Mercedes grille, gives the impression of an ocean liner smoothly parting the waves.
The interior is about as luxurious as it gets. Everything is trimmed in beautiful wood and leather, with ambient lighting for a modern touch. Also modern is the use of wraparound screens to replace the traditionally separate gauge cluster and center-stack display, as well as the funky two-spoke steering wheel that makes it easier for the driver to see anything. And even if you’re not driving, the back seats are limo-like, in that the S-Class is often used as a limo around the world.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, copious airbags, and Mercedes’ Collision Prevention Assist Plus and ATTENTION ASSIST® driver aids. Optional features include a Surround View Camera System and the Driver Assistance Package. The latter bundles blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, Speed Limit Info, and DISTRONIC PLUS®, which provides automatic braking and a limited degree of automated steering.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to define the modern luxury sedan.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at Mercedes-Benz of Owings Mills to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
**Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $925 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
Image: Mercedes-Benz