Vehicle Type: Super-Luxury Sedan.
Price Range: $112,150 - $216,050 (including destination, but before options).
Powertrain: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine coupled with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system, producing 429 horsepower, and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain.
Engines differ by trim level while the transmission and drivetrain remain consistent with the S580 offering a mild 48-volt hybrid system paired with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine producing 496 horsepower.
At the top trim level, the Mercedes-Maybach S680 offers a potent 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine producing 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
What’s New for 2022?
Mercedez-Benz introduced a completely redesigned seventh-generation S-Class for the 2021 model year. The 2022 model year S-Class builds upon the redesigned 2021 and offers an all-new Mercedes-Maybach model, the S680 4matic Maybach, a new model competing directly with the Bentley Flying Spur and Rolls Royce Ghost.
What’s Good?
- Cutting edge integrated technology.
- Profound comfort.
- Potent powertrain lineup.
- Lavish luxury.
What’s Bad?
- No plug-in hybrid variant offered; yet.
- Expensive segment-topping starting price.
Would we buy one? Yes! The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers the best in luxury, thrills, and safety all in one package.
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See more 2022 Mercedes-Benz S Class Photos.
Overview:
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a super luxury sedan offering the best in-vehicle comfort and technology. The S-Class is now in its seventh generation and competes against the BMW 7-Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Tesla Model S, and Porsche Panamera.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan is aimed at executive-level consumers that desire the best in comfort and luxury and do not mind paying the cost for these services.
The 2022 variant of the S-Class now offers the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) assistant standard across all trim levels and an E-Active Body Control suspension which features Road Surface Scan and Curve drive programming.
New paint colors are available for the 2022 model year and include Nautical Blue Metallic, Kalahari Gold, Manufaktur Cashmere White Magno, and Manufaktur Selenite Grey Magno.
An exclusive new trim level was released for the 2022 model year which brings the S-Class into the ultra-luxury arena against both Bentley and Rolls Royce. The all-new Maybach S680 4Matic offers rear-wheel steering for a better turning radius, a long-wheelbase for exclusive rear passenger space and comfort, and an air suspension that is designed for both comfort and safety.
The Maybach S680 offers older Mercedes-Benz features such as a V12 engine powerhouse producing over 600 horsepower, and new 4matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) drivetrain technology. Mercedes offers both a limited and powertrain warranty for the S680 of four years or 50,000 miles which exceeds the warranties offered by Bently.
Overall Score: 4.5/5 stars
Safety Features: 4.5/5 stars
Pre-Safe Implus Side - This standard safety feature protects occupants against side impacts by moving the corresponding front seat up to 2.75 inches toward the center of the car with an inflatable bolster, protecting its occupant from lateral forces.
Active Blind Spot Assist - Not only does the new S-Class have an active side mirror warning for blind-spot detection, but it also applies the brakes along one side of the vehicle to prevent the driver from changing lanes if the system senses another vehicle in that lane.
Distronic with route-based speed adaptation - Adaptive cruise control that slows down the car automatically and maintains a safe distance from any vehicle ahead. The adaptive cruise control system also adapts to curves, traffic islands, toll booths, and exit ramps.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has not yet been tested by either the NHTSA or IIHS but offers active lane centering, lane change assistance, automatic emergency braking, seatbelt airbags, and active parking assist.
Value: 4/5 stars
The S-Class is unique in that it competes in two different classes of vehicles depending on trim level. Value is had at each level, however, with the S-Class offering more amenities than ever before.
Within the super-luxury class of sedans, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is competitively priced and unmatched in offered standard features. The 2022 S-Class is an overall good value when compared to rivals such as BMW, Porsche, Tesla, and Audi.
At the top-spec S680 Maybach trim level, the S-Class Mercedes-Benz is a bargain with a starting price at less than half of the Rolls-Royce Phantom while offering similar amenities, comforts, and overall luxury. The S680 Maybach may very well be the best value for an ultra-luxury vehicle in the 2022 model year.
Tech Features: 4.5/5 stars
The 2022 S-Class is outfitted with the Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system displayed on a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen that identifies the driver via a facial scan, voiceprint, fingerprint, or typed PIN, and applies the individuals presets when they enter the vehicle.
Level 2-semi autonomous driving technology utilizing an onboard 360-degree camera provides the S-Class the ability to take over steering, acceleration, and braking if needed.
An optional 3D technology package adds a head-up display with an augmented reality navigation system and a 3-D instrument cluster allowing the drive to focus solely on the road.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity, 6 USB-C ports, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and a rear-seat entertainment system are all S-class standards.
Practicality: 4.5/5 stars
The S-Class offers 12.9 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk and 42.1 inches of front headroom with 39.4 inches of headroom in the rear. The regular S-Class legroom is competitive for its class offering 41.7 inches in the front and 43.8 inches in the rear.
New S680 Maybach models are built with a seven-inch wheelbase extension allowing rear passengers to recline in their seats from a 19-degree angle to a 43-degree angle.
A split center console in the front allows for storage and wireless charging, while the rear center console offers heated and cooled drink holders and additional storage.
Styling & Design: 5/5 stars
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the benchmark for the luxury full-size sedan segment in both styling and design for generations and the 2022 model year retains this tradition. The 2022 model year receives a new grille and hood which are offered in a variety of standard two-tone paint options at the Maybach trim level.
The S-Class offers a higher roofline, a revised C-pillar, and ambient lighting throughout the cabin. Each seat in the S-Class has its own available climate control zone and has a great view through the panoramic sunroof.
The S680 Maybach level adds additional Maybach touches such as Maybach pedals, Maybach seat graphics, and even a Maybach-specific scent. The S680 also includes folding tables, heated and chilled cupholders, and a refrigerator in between the rear seats complete with champagne flutes.
Regardless of configuration, the S-Class offers softly cushioned leather front seats that are multi-adjustable equipped with neck pillows on the headrests. The rear seats are just as comfortable if not more so due to their extendable leg and footrests option. All seats in the S-Class can also be equipped with a massaging function.
Driving Experience: 4.5/5 stars
All three powertrain pairings offered in the 2022 S-Class perform well in their 4Matic sedan variants, with the mighty V12 leading the pack in excitement and performance figures.
Mercedes made the rear-axle of the S-Class independent of the front while driving under 20 miles-per-hour (mph) which allows for tighter turning and overall maneuverability. This unique feature allows the large super-luxury sedan to park and manipulate like a compact car. The independent rear-axle also adds to the comfort obtained by those passengers in the rear, with an adjustable comfort mode that eliminates vibrations from the road for rear passengers.
Steering is light with the assistance of the independent rear-axle, and braking is outstanding considering the overall weight of this luxury sedan. Visibility is efficient whether the driver utilizes the traditional driving mirrors or any of the onboard cameras.
Fuel Efficiency: 4/5 stars
The Mercedes S-Class does well in estimated EPA fuel economy ratings when compared to its rivals in the super-luxury segment.
The base model S-Class obtains the best gas mileage paired with the 4Matic AWD drivetrain and nine-speed automatic transmission achieving 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The slightly more powerful S580 with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 produces 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
The top-ranking S680 Maybach with its V12 engine is not usually purchased for its fuel economy ratings and has not yet been given an official EPA fuel economy rating.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
While the 2022 model year S-Class has yet to be given a coupe or an AMG line variant, these trim levels along with a plug-in-hybrid are bound to be announced in the near future. For now, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class offerings consist of the following trim levels.
The base model S500 4Matic has a starting MSRP of $111,350 before destination fees and offers a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six-cylinder engine coupled with the EQ Boost mild hybrid system, producing 429 horsepower, and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) drivetrain.
Standard features of the S500 include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, LED headlights with adaptive technology, a 360-degree surround-view camera, and soft-close doors. Also included standard is an adjustable adaptive air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and 64-color interior ambient lighting.
Standard infotainment consists of the MBUX and navigation system with gesture control and advanced voice recognition, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, six USB ports, a 15-speaker Burmester audio system, wireless phone charging, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay.
The mid-level S580 4Matic includes all of the features and powertrain options in the base model S500 with a difference in the engine. The S580 is equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine paired with a mild 48-volt hybrid system that produces 496 horsepower. The S580 trim level has a starting MSRP of $117,000 before destination fees and added options.
The range-topping S680 Maybach includes all features mentioned in previous trim levels and offers an even more powerful 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 engine producing 603 horsepower. The S680 has an extended wheelbase over the two previous trims, allowing for more space and luxury for the rear passengers. The S680 4Matic has a starting MSRP of $215,000 before destination fees and added options.
The S680 Maybach incorporates additional features to the previous offerings such as Maybach signatures throughout the cabin, Maybach sent, folding tables, heated and chilled cupholders, and a refrigerator in between the rear seats complete with champagne flutes. The S680 gets an additional 15 Burmester speakers, and exquisite leather throughout.
For consumers looking to purchase a new car in 2022 and are considering the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, we would recommend the mid-level S580 4Matic. The S580 includes all of the base model features but offers a more robust V-8 engine and hybrid system pairing.
