2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The current S-Class nears the end of its life cycle, and it shows in that Mercedes has hardly touched the car for 2013. The Premium 2 package, with massaging front seats, push-button ignition, and parking sensors, becomes standard on the S350 BlueTec, S400 Hybrid, and S550. Expect significant changes in a year or two; the next S-Class should arrive with more than one body style.

The high-tech body of the S-Class sedan is made of galvanized steel/aluminum/composite. It comes in several choices of clear-coat monotone or metallic monotone paint. Chrome body-side inserts and a chrome grille provide a distinguished touch. All models come with a first-row sunroof, with a second-row sunroof also standard for the S600 and S65—this sunroof remains optional for other models. Silver aluminum wheels come with all-season, performance all-season, or regular performance tires depending upon the model chosen.

Dual-zone front automatic air-conditioning comes standard for all S-Class models, with separate rear controls also standard for the S600 and S65. This remains an optional feature for the other models. An air filter and under-seat ducts keep air fresh and circulated throughout the cabin. The front uses adaptive bucket seats, which automatically adjust to the occupants’ height and weight for maximum comfort. Both front seats also come with lumbar support, although not adjustable lumbar support.

Heated front seats, for additional comfort in the winter and cooled front seats, for more comfort in the summer come standard for all models. Heated and cooled rear seats come standard in the S600 and S65, for the comfort of all passengers all year long. These features remain optional for the other models. All seats come upholstered in leather.

The audio system for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedans is very nice. It comes with an AM/FM/HD/Satellite/six-CD player. It has all the standard capabilities and compatibilities: MP3, auxiliary input, DVD-audio, and Bluetooth. It is also activated, for added convenience, and comes with audio controls on the steering wheel. Music plays through 15 brand speakers. A navigation system with voice activation comes standard on all models, for navigating unfamiliar areas. An entertainment system with DVD and two LCD screens also comes standard on the S600 and S65, and optional for the other models. Two LCD screens sit in the front row regardless.

A programmable garage door opener, for use with automatic garage doors, comes with all models. A cargo net and cargo-ties help with managing cargo. The S-Class sedans have a maximum of 16.4 feet of space in the trunk, which is enough for routine trips to the store or for a couple pieces of luggage.

Airbags include frontal-impact airbags for the driver and passenger, seat-mounted side-impact bags for the driver and passenger, and side-curtain airbags for the first and second rows. Airbags come with an occupant sensor. Anti-lock brakes and driveline traction control help the driver control the vehicle. Parking assist also comes standard, for help with parking in difficult spaces. Lane departure and a blind spot sensor provide other driver helpers, though these are optional for all models save the S600 and the S65.

In-Vehicle Assistance Service and Stolen-vehicle tracking come standard for all models. A key fob provides remote keyless entry and comes with a panic alarm for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. A keyless access system comes standard for all models as well, for additional convenience. Unfortunately, remote start is not available. This vehicle gives the standard low fuel, low tire pressure, and service interval warnings.

There are seven different engines and two different transmissions available in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class line of luxury sedans. The S400 Hybrid comes with a 3.5-liter, 275-horsepower, V-6 engine, which produces 258 lb-ft of torque and gets 19/25 mpg city/highway. The S350 BlueTec comes with a 3.0-liter, 240-horsepower diesel engine, which produces 455 lb-ft of torque and offers 21/31 mpg city/highway. The other S350 comes with a 4.6-liter, 429-horsepower, V-8 engine, which produces 516 lb-ft of torque and gets 15/24-25 mpg city/highway. The S63 comes with a 5.5-liter, 536-horsepower, V-8 engine—with the option for a 5.5-liter, 563-horsepower, V-8 engine. The torque for these engines totals 590 lb-ft and 664 lb-ft respectively. The fuel economy reaches 15/23 mpg city/highway. These five engines pair with a seven-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual.

The S600 contains a 5.5-liter, 510-horsepower, V-12 engine, which produces 612 lb-ft of torque and gets 12/19 mpg city/highway. The S65 comes with a 6.0-liter, 621-horsepower, V-12 engine, which produces 738 lb-ft of torque and gets 12/19 mpg city/highway. These two engines pair with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and auto-manual.

Cruise control comes standard on all models, with adaptive cruise control being the standard for the S600 and the S65. The suspension is regularly tuned for all models, save the S63 and S65, which have sport-tuned suspensions for maximum handling potential. The front and rear use multi-link suspensions for maximum ride quality and handling, and they come supported by air springs and gas-pressurized shocks for a comfortable ride. All suspensions are height adjustable through a driver control and adaptive. Ride control comes standard as well.

• Audi A8
• BMW 7 Series
• Jaguar XJ-Series