2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class a Good Car?

The 2023 S-Class is a great luxury large car. With a spacious interior, poised handling, a refined ride that can smooth out bumps in the road and plenty of modern tech, there’s a lot to like about this Benz. The trunk is a bit small, but that’s not a major concern when you’re in one of the most lavish vehicles on sale today.

Should I Buy the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The S-Class is absolutely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a luxury car. If it’s in your price range, it’s a top-notch, well-rounded option. However, if you want a somewhat cheaper alternative with similar niceties, consider the Porsche Panamera, Audi A8 or Genesis G90.

Find a 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near you »

Thinking of leasing a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The U.S. News Best Price Program saves users an average of $1,824 off the MSRP, and a lower price equals lower monthly lease payments. That means you could see a savings of $90 a month on a 36-month lease.

2022 vs. 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: What's the Difference?

For 2023, Mercedes-Benz makes only minor changes to the S-Class, including updated paint and upholstery options. Otherwise, the 2022 and 2023 S-Class models are very similar.

Compare the 2022 and 2023 S-Class »

Here are the key changes for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class over the last few years:

2023: updated paint and upholstery options

2022: Maybach S 680 joins trim lineup; S-Class coupe and convertible models discontinued

2021: fully redesigned S-Class sedan with updated exterior styling, a more futuristic cabin, an updated infotainment system and more standard driver-assistance features

2020: no notable changes

2019: updated exterior styling; base V6 added to engine lineup; improvements to active safety features and infotainment system

If you're considering an older model, be sure to read our 2020 S-Class, 2021 S-Class and 2022 S-Class reviews to help make your decision. Also, check out our Best New Car Deals and Best New Car Lease Deals pages to learn about savings and discounts you can find on new vehicles.

How Much Does the 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cost?

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a starting MSRP of $114,500. Even for a luxury car, this is a high base price. The S 580 starts at $124,000, the S 580 Maybach at $184,900 and the S 680 Maybach at $229,000.

Check out our U.S. News Best Price Program for great savings at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer. You can also find excellent manufacturer incentives on our Mercedes-Benz deals page.

Want to trade-in or sell your current car? Get an instant cash offer that can be used toward the purchase of your next car.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The cost of insuring a Mercedes-Benz S-Class will depend on a variety of factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage that you want, and the type of insurance that you choose. Your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving record can also have an impact on your insurance rates. Check out our car insurance guide to find the best policy for you.

2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Versus the Competition

Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. BMW 7 Series

The BMW 7 Series is a cheaper option in the luxury large car class, but this lower price tag comes with an interior that isn’t as impressive as the one in the Benz. This BMW does have a lot to offer, though, including spacious and comfortable seats, a gentle ride, powerful engine options and a plug-in-hybrid model. It also has more cargo space than the S-Class. The BMW has a starting MSRP that is around $22,000 less than the Benz, so if the S-Class is out of your budget, the 7 Series is a great option that offers similar packaging.

Compare the S-Class and 7 Series »

Mercedes-Benz S-Class vs. Mercedes-Benz CLS

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is another good alternative to the S-Class. The CLS boasts a luxurious interior, agile handling and a long list of features. Its price is also worth noting, as the CLS costs about $38,000 less than the S-Class in its base trim. However, the CLS doesn’t have as much rear-seat space as the S-Class, thanks to its sloping coupe shape, and the ride quality isn’t as smooth. The S-Class is the better option for pure luxury, but if you don’t want to spend that much money, the stylish CLS is a great option.

Compare the S-Class and CLS »

Compare the S-Class, 7 Series and CLS »

S-Class Interior: Striking and Serene

2023 S-Class Interior Quality

The 2023 Mercedes S-Class has a fantastic and spacious interior. It’s full of high-quality materials such as leather, aluminum, real wood and soft-touch plastics. It’s a modern and well-built cabin that is handsome and comfortable.

2023 S-Class Infotainment, Bluetooth and Navigation

The S-Class features Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system. A large touch screen is central and offers user-friendly menus, clear graphics and large icons. It also responds quickly to user input. There’s also the “Hey Mercedes” feature that uses voice recognition to complete commands like changing the audio volume and navigation. However, there are no physical buttons or knobs, which can be cumbersome on the go. Notably, the back seat can be outfitted with touch screens as well.

Standard infotainment features: a 12.8-inch touch screen, a 15-speaker stereo, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, wireless device charging, gesture and voice recognition, Bluetooth, six USB ports, HD Radio and satellite radio

Available infotainment features: a 30-speaker surround-sound stereo, additional wireless device charging and a rear-seat entertainment system with a handheld tablet and two 11.6-inch touch screens

Additional standard features: a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, power rear sunshades, ambient lighting and a cabin air fragrance system

Other available features: a 3D gauge cluster, quad-zone automatic climate control and a refrigerated compartment with champagne flutes

For more information, read What Is Apple CarPlay? and What Is Android Auto?

2023 S-Class Cargo Space

This Mercedes has a somewhat small trunk, with 12.5 to 13.8 cubic feet of space, depending on the model. Although this is enough space for a few bags, it’s below average for the luxury large car class. A hands-free power trunk lid comes standard.

How Many People Does the 2023 S-Class Seat?

The S-Class seats five passengers, with an optional four-seat layout. The front seats are plush and roomy enough for people of all sizes, and the driver’s seat offers a variety of seat and steering wheel adjustments. The rear seats are just as well-cushioned and roomy.