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2019 Mercedes Benz S Class Pros vs Cons

Why Buy a 2019 Mercedes Benz S Class?
Reviewed & fact checked by
James Murdoch

Are You Considering a 2019 Mercedes Benz S Class? Here Are Some Reasons For and Against

Expect the 2019 Mercedes S Class to remain among the world’s elite luxury cars. You’ll love this car’s extravagant interior and remarkably smooth highway ride. A powerful performance makes the new S-Class even more exciting to drive. While the sedan body style is a popular choice for families, a two-door coupe and convertible are available as well.

What’s New for 2019?

This year, Mercedes Benz offers the S Class with a new set of 20-inch multi-spoke wheels. A new Exclusive Edition trim has also hit the lineup, which boasts high-end features like a special roof liner and a standard Burmester surround-sound system.

Ten Reasons You May Like the 2019 Mercedes Benz S Class – The Pros

1. Strong Performance from Base Engine

Although you can step up to a more potent engine, most people will find the base twin-turbo V6 engine to deliver more than enough driving excitement. It’s tuned to develop a hearty 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While a nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels, all-wheel drive is optional. A swift 0-60 mph time of around 5.0 seconds makes the S550 a strong performer on the street.

2. Very Exciting AMG Models

The AMG versions of the 2019 Mercedes S Class are designed to deliver the maximum performance. Under the hood of the AMG S 63 sits a turbocharged V8 engine, which pushes out 603 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, Mercedes equips the AMG S65 with an even stronger V12 engine. It’s rated to develop a thrilling 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Adaptive sport suspension dampers and a specialized AWD system aid the car's balanced handling.

3. Precise Handling and a Smooth Ride

Often times, you’re forced to choose between a smooth ride and sporty handling. However, the 2019 Mercedes S Class enables you to experience the best of both worlds. When taking a sharp corner, you’ll immediately notice the car’s solid composure. Even bumpy roads don’t seem to upset the sedan’s smooth ride. To enjoy even crisper handling and a plusher ride, opt for the predictive Magic Body Control suspension. With the use of tiny cameras, it’s able to adjust for upcoming dips in the road.

4. Classic Mercedes Exterior Styling

There’s no overlooking the S Class’ classic Mercedes-Benz styling. From its signature grille to its distinctive body lines, every aspect of the new 2019 Mercedes S Class will withstand the test of time. For drivers who desire a meaner look, Mercedes offers the AMG Line appearance package. It decks out the car with a sportier set of 20-inch alloy wheels and a more aggressive front fascia. Every trim in the lineup comes standard with adaptive LED headlights.

5. Great Seating

The 2019 Mercedes S Class is an extremely comfortable car. Its seats make you feel right at home. If you desire the ultimate comfort on the road, opt for the multi-contour seats. These lavish seats with active bolsters provide massaging, heating, and cooling functions. You’ll also appreciate the cabin’s impressive amount of passenger room. While the sedan is a favorite among business executives and families, you’ll also find the four-passenger coupe and convertible models to be very spacious on the inside.

6. Virtual Instrument Panel

For good reason, many test drivers consider the standard digital gauge cluster to be one of their favorite features. It is far more stunning than a traditional analog gauge cluster. Dual 12.3-inch screens create a panoramic effect. Expect to be blown away by the high-resolution graphics. From audio settings to driving directions, you’ll have easy access to a lot of valuable information. Furthermore, you can customize the virtual instrument panel to your liking.

7. Touch Control Buttons

While driving the new 2019 Mercedes S Class, you’ll be able to perform various functions without needing to take your eyes of the road. Touch control buttons are now placed directly onto the steering wheel. Whether you need to adjust the stereo system or set the cruise control speed, you’ll be able to do so by simply using a finger. The two smartphone-like pads enable drivers to quickly scroll and swipe.

8. Energizing Comfort Program

Mercedes specifically engineered the new S class to deliver a very relaxing driving experience. You’ll especially love the Energizing Comfort system. This mood-changing technology will help melt away stress by establishing an even more tranquil environment. At the touch of a button, drivers can adjust the cabin’s ambient lighting, music, and temperature. The Energizing Comfort system can also change the fragrance of the interior. It’s a great way to create your own personal oasis on the road.

9. Cutting-Edge Safety Tech

The 2019 Mercedes S Class offers a number of cutting-edge safety technologies. Blind-spot monitoring, automatic collision braking, driver drowsiness detection and lane departure warning all come standard. You’ll also benefit from standard Car-to-X Communication feature, which communicates with other vehicles to warn you of potential road hazards beforehand. Night vision technology is a must for traveling on dark roads. Meanwhile, active and evasive steering assist helps you to maneuver around fast-approaching obstacles.

10. Celebrity Treatment

While the Mercedes S Class is enjoyable to drive, it’s also a car you can be chauffeured around in. Not only does the Executive Rear Seat Plus package provide power-reclining rear seats with massaging functions, but it also includes an entertainment system. As you ride, a refrigerated compartment gives you easy access to fresh snacks and beverages. Meanwhile, a Magic Sky Control feature enables you to dim the tint on the sunroof. A 26-speaker premium Burmester audio system is available as well.

Reasons You May Not Like the 2019 Mercedes Benz S Class – The Cons

1. Very Steep Price Tag

If you’re looking to save money, this is definitely not the car for you. Prices for the new Mercedes Benz S Class start at a steep $91,250. Meanwhile, convertible models demand at least $134,000. Of course, adding options will cause the car’s cost to spike. Folks interested in the ultra-powerful AMG S 65 model should prepare to spend $232,550. For many car shoppers, the new Mercedes S Class will prove to be a bit too expensive. To enjoy luxury and performance without the extra cost, consider the more affordable 2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

2. Coupe and Convertible Have a Smaller Trunk

All body styles provide an impressive amount of passenger room. Unfortunately, the coupe and convertible have a smaller trunk. This means you’ll be forced to sacrifice some cargo space. When taking a long road trip, you may need to leave some of your extra luggage at home.

3. You May Prefer a Different Look

The 2019 Mercedes S Class is definitely a stylish ride. However, this car has only gradually changed over the years. It does not look as special as some rival luxury cars. For example, many people find the recently updated 2019 Porsche Panamera to have a more unique design.

4. Must Feed the Engine Premium Gas

For a premier luxury car, the new S Class is not bad on gas. When equipped with the base engine, it can return 19 mpg in traffic and up to 28 mpg on the highway. However, you absolutely must use premium unleaded gasoline. Also, expect the V12-powered S Class to sip more fuel. Drivers can anticipate getting only 13 mpg in the city.

5. Can Be Harder to Park

The 2019 Mercedes S Class is a rather large luxury car. Its size may pose an issue when attempting to park in a tight spots. This is especially true for the drivers who do a lot of parallel parking in downtown areas. On the bright side, Mercedes does offer the new S Class with Remote Park Assist. With your smartphone in hand, this feature enables the S Class to essentially park itself without any help.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The BMW 7 Series sedan and 8 Series coupe are good alternatives to the 2019 Mercedes S Class. While luxurious, these cars are still a notch behind the new S-Class.

The 2019 Audi A8 is another great luxury sedan. It’s spacious, fast, and enjoyable to drive. Nevertheless, a greater number of premium features are available for new S Class. Furthermore, only one body style is available for the Audi A8.

Drivers seeking a less expensive alternative to the S Class should sample the 2019 Genesis G90 sedan. A powerful base engine and an excellent warranty package make it a true bang for the buck. However, no high-performance version of the G90 is available. From a standpoint of luxuriousness, the German-engineered S Class takes the lead.

Conclusion

If you want the best of the best, it’s hard not to recommend the 2019 Mercedes S Class. While the S Class is not made for the track, the high-performance AMG models are especially engaging to drive on the street. Comfort and passenger safety remain strong points for the new 2019 Mercedes S Class. Very few convertible cars provide as much interior room as the lavish S-Class Cabriolet. However, be prepared to spend big bucks for a new 2019 Mercedes S Class.

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