2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500

The 2022 S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, a rolling statement of luxury and technology that sets the standard for the brand. It squares off against the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, but the S-Class's blend of presence and refinement keeps it the class benchmark. The S-Class wafts along quietly at highway speeds, yet it can hustle through corners with surprising agility for a large sedan. Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of quilted leather, real wood, and ambient lighting, with rear seats that rival first-class airline seating. The MBUX infotainment system uses a massive OLED touchscreen, and the available augmented-reality head-up display projects navigation cues onto the road. A 3.0L I6 with mild-hybrid assist and standard 4MATIC set the S 500 apart from the S 580’s V8, giving up some thrust for the same air suspension and tech. The inline-six puts out 429 horsepower and couples with a nine-speed automatic for effortless passing, while the 48-volt system smooths stop-start so you barely notice it. The S 500 rides on AIRMATIC air suspension as standard, delivering the pillowy float the S-Class is known for, and the Driver Assistance Package is already included.