2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 65 Sedan $3,969/mo Lease

PROS

Strong, smooth powertrains; aggressive styling; innovative technology; long-held reputation for durability; a luxury benchmark; coupe and cabriolet availability; AMG performance availability

MODEL HIGHLIGHTS

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available in four models; S 450, S 560, AMG S 63 and AMG S 65. Each model is set apart by their engine, with the AMG models driving performance to the upper limits. The S 450 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine making 362 horsepower, while the S 560 employs a turbocharged 4.0L V8 producing 463 horsepower. Both the S 450 and S560 send power to the wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission. The AMG S 63 see a significant increase in performance, powered by a 4.0L turbocharged V8 making 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line AMG S 65 runs a 6.0L turbocharged V12 engine, which can produce a massive 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. The S 63 sends power to the wheels through a 9-speed multi-clutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission, while the S 65 receives the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed transmission, both offering multiple driving modes. Rear-wheel drive is standard in the S 450, S 560 and S 65, while all models are available with the Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Performance and handling in the S-Class is second to none. Multimode drive selection allows drivers to select from four different modes to change throttle response, shifting and steering control as desired. The expected comfortable ride is achieved through Mercedes' AIRMATIC suspension and adaptive dampening system. Magic Body Control is an optional feature in the S-Class; it actually scans the road surface and changes the suspension settings to suit the kind of surface and your own desired level of comfort and control.

The AMG S63 gets a special AMG Adaptive Sports Suspension that's tuned to make the most of the all-wheel drive system's capability and this car's more performance-oriented setup. The AMG S65 also adds a sport version of Magic Body Control, but it also comes with a speed-sensitive sports steering with multiple settings and a distinct steering-wheel design. Special 20-inch AMG forged-alloy wheels are included in this model, along with a sport exhaust system with twin tailpipes and an available ceramic high-performance composite braking system.

The S-Class, being the true luxury sedan that it is, has a long list of standard features and an array of additional options available. Standard features of the S 450 and S 560 include handcrafted cabin, LED exterior lighting, panorama roof, wood/leather steering wheel, heated 16-way power leather seats, remote start, soft-close doors, dual-zone climate control, cabin fragrance system, 12.3-inch instrument cluster, Burmester surround sound system, 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM, navigation and inductive wireless charging. Some of the many optional features include larger wheels, ventilated seats, heated and ventilated rear seats, massage seats, heated and cooled cup holders, heated windshield, upgraded sound system and rear seat entertainment system.

In addition to regular S-Class equipment, the AMG S65 gets a Napa leather roof liner, leather-lined dash and door panels, extra wood trim and AMG door sill panels with white illumination. The gauge cluster is AMG-specific, with additional round-dial gauges for engine and transmission oil temp.

Personalization options on the AMG models include a carbon fiber package, a wood and Napa leather-wrapped steering wheel, the ceramic-brake upgrade, red brake calipers and special carbon fiber and black piano lacquer trim.

Safety takes center stage in the S-Class, once again. As part of a Driver Assistance Package, prospective buyers can add the DISTRONIC PLUS radar-based cruise control, PRE-SAFE autonomous braking; the PRE-SAFE PLUS rear-facing radar warning system; BAS PLUS with Cross Traffic Assist (using stereoscopic cameras to help prevent an accident); Active Lane Keeping Assist; and Active Blind Spot Protection. There's also Night View Assist Plus, a feature that continues to be refined, and uses infrared and camera information to detect animals and people along the road ahead.

MODEL NEWS

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sees no major changes for the 2019 model year.

VALUE WRITEUP

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues to showcase the leading edge of automotive technology — including some world firsts for active safety — and in ride comfort and interior ambiance. The S 450 model starts at just under $91,000 — but prices swell to near double that for a well-equipped AMG S 65, as the 2018 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup certainly isn't cheap. When compared to its rivals such as the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, the S-Class continues to be seen as the premium luxury sedan on the market. With its sleek and aggressive styling, impressive list of features and performance rivaling exotic cars, the S-Class will exceeds most peoples' expectation in an ultra-luxury sedan.