Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest—and undoubtedly, one of the most reputable—car manufacturers globally. It didn’t take long for this German carmaker to be famous for its luxurious creations. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup has proven itself worthy over generations, dating back to the mid-twentieth century.
The Mercedes S-Class has always pushed the standards of performance and luxury, and with the 2022 model year, it is ready to dominate the full-size luxury car segment bolder than ever. Although many rivals have risen to compete with the S-Class, from luxury EVs like the Tesla Model S to new-to-the-game Korean luxury sedans such as the Genesis G90, we believe the Mercedes-Benz S-Class still stays on top of the game. Here’s why the S-Class should be your go-to full-size luxury sedan in 2022.
Everything You Need To Know About The 2022 Model S-Class
For the 2022 model year, the Mercedes S-Class carries over a similar design principle from the previous two model years, only making it better. A handful of optional features for the 2021 model are standard in the 2022 models. For instance, MBUX Interior Assist now defaults in all S-Class models.
Elegant aesthetics are expanded with new finished inside the cabin, black/silver center console in metallic, for instance. This expansion is reflected on the exterior, too, with new paint options including Nautical Blue Metallic, Kalahari Gold, Manufaktur Cashmere White Magno, Manufaktur Selenite Grey Magno.
Last but certainly not least, an all-new Maybach S680 4Matic is available for 2022 to set the bar even higher than before.
The S-Class Offers A Range of Different Powertrains
The Mercedes’ gas-powered flagship certainly lives up to the expectations when it comes to performance. Even the base engine under the S500’s hood is powerful enough to put rivals to shame; a 3.0 L turbocharged I6 featuring the EQ Boost mild hybrid system, capable of outputting 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque.
Moving up the ladder, what powers the S580 and the Mercedes-Maybach S580 is a mild hybrid 4.0 L twin-turbocharged V8 that boasts 496 ponies and 516 lb-ft of torque. The main performance-related difference between the regular S580 and the Maybach variant is a Maybach-specific drive mode absent in the regular S580.
Mercedes is working on a S560e plug-in hybrid variant to introduce to the market soon. According to MotorTrend’s speculations, the S560e will most likely feature an I6 coupled with an electric motor to produce roughly 500 HP.
If six cylinders are just not the right amount for you, Mercedes-Maybach is happy to offer you the pinnacle of German auto engineering in the S680. A monstrous 6.0 L twin-turbo V12 engine rejuvenates the Mercedes-Maybach S680. The potent powertrain under the S680’s hood boasts as much as 603 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
All trims and models in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class family come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive as standard.
Exquisite And Over The Top: The Only Way To Describe The S-Class’ Technology And Interior
Stepping inside, the S-Class does not fail to impress you inch by inch. Of course, we didn’t expect anything less than premium from Mercedes, but the 2022 S-Class manages to exceed our already-high expectations. Generosity in space is a must for a full-size luxury sedan, and the S-Class is more spacious than most competitors, such as the BMW 7-Series.
High-quality materials, top-of-the-line luxury features, and dreamy ambient lighting make each trip in the S-Class a mystical experience. Furthermore, rapid-heated seats with massaging function, lumbar support, and seat ventilation ensure minimum fatigue in your longer trips.
The S-Class spoils its passengers with an abundance of technology. The MBUX that comes standard in all S-Class trims identifies the driver via face recognition, voiceprint, fingerprint, or a PIN code. But the tech is not limited to the interior. The new E-Active Body Control suspension system offers a luxurious, smooth, and composed ride, thanks to the stereo cameras that scan the road for any damp pavement imperfections.
But that’s not all; the Maybach models come with exclusive features both inside and outside that make them unique and one-of-a-kind. To name a few, a refrigerator and champagne flutes, heated and cooled cupholders, Maybach seat graphics, and a Maybach-specific scent that enchants the interior space.
With potent engine options, a lot of technology, and unparalleled beauty both inside and outside, the Mercedes S-Class stays on top of the food chain the best full-size luxury sedan for another year. The S-Class's only downside is its high price range; even the base model comes with a six-figure price tag. However, if you’re in the target audience of the S-Class, you can make sure you are making an excellent investment by purchasing one.