Sub-trims notwithstanding, there are two models in the S-Class line: the S500 and S580. The base model is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, developing 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. Under the hood of the S580 is a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both trim levels rely on the same smooth nine-speed automatic transmission, which sends outputs to all four wheels.
The Mercedes rides on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard and comes outfitted with a full array of LED exterior lighting fixtures. Safety is paramount, so Pre-Safe Plus is included, along with blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and lane change assist. Next up is comfort, with genuine leather covering the seats and 12-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats. Dual-zone climate control moderates the interior temperature, while a 12.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD Radio, SiriusXM, and a 15-speaker Burmester audio system keeps occupants entertained.
Available features include quad-zone climate control, heated and ventilated rear seats, rear-axle steering, a rear-seat entertainment system, an augmented reality head-up display, facial recognition, and a 30-speaker Burmester surround sound system.
There is very little left off your standard S-Class luxury sedan, so the list of options is not very long. The few things left to add include a heated steering wheel ($250), the 30-speaker high-end Burmester sound system ($6,730, but requires the Warmth & Comfort Package detailed below), and a more comprehensive 3D Technology Package ($3,000). The latter installs an MBUX augmented reality head-up display and facial recognition software, which works alongside eye-tracking enhancements in the attention assist system. It also upgrades the digital instrument cluster to a 3D model.
A $3,800 Warmth & Comfort Package is also available, comprising power-adjustable, heated and ventilated rear outboard seats, the heated steering wheel, heated armrests, and front-cabin Energizing Comfort. AMG Line sub-trims get access to a Night Package, which equips larger 20-inch AMG wheels and recolors the exterior accents in a bolder gloss black. E-Active Body Control features road surface scan and curve drive technology. It costs $6,500.