2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Durham, NC - $29,888

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan introduced last year enters its second model year with two new variants, the premium extended-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach S600, and the S550e, the brand’s first-ever plug-in hybrid. The S550e offers an extraordinarily compelling balance of performance and efficiency. The 2016 S-Class is also the first Mercedes model with Speed Limit Assist and Near Field Communication (NFC).

The S550e is the first in a new series of Mercedes-Benz plug-in hybrid models. The S550e combines a direct-injection 3.0L turbo V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor for impressive 5.2-second zero-to- 60 acceleration performance and effortless merging and passing.

The S550e offers the driver a choice of four operating modes:
HYBRID: the default operating mode;
E-MODE: runs on battery alone, at speeds up to 75 mph;
E-SAVE: keeps the battery fully charged for later usage; and
CHARGE: Uses the gasoline engine to charge the battery to achieve electric range for later usage.

Numerous other technologies help to maximize driving efficiency. A haptic accelerator pedal uses increased resistance to alert the driver to the limit for electric driving; pressing the pedal beyond the actuation point starts the gas engine. The regenerative braking system recaptures energy from the wheels during braking and deceleration. Even the driver’s smartphone can play a role in the S550e. The My Mercedes Electric vehicle homepage can indicate the battery’s state of charge, activate climate control remotely and display the vehicle’s range. For drivers in California, the S550e is eligible for the Green Clean Air decal allowing single occupant use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.

The Maybach brand, which Mercedes-Benz used for a separate ultimate luxury model from 2002-2012, has returned for 2016 as Mercedes-Maybach, an ultra-luxury companion to Mercedes-AMG. With its size, room, power and opportunities for personalization, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 evokes the grandeur of the coach built luxury automobiles of the 1920s and 1930s.

The Mercedes-Maybach S600 is based on the S-Class but rides on a extended wheelbase. MAGIC BODY CONTROL, which uses a forward stereo camera to “read” the road surface and adjust suspension for upcoming bumps, is standard on this grandest of S-Class models, as is the full suite of Intelligent Drive technologies.

The 7.9-inch increase in wheelbase over the S600 goes to rear-seat passengers, who can recline in standard Executive seats and enjoy a movie on the dual-screen rear seat entertainment system. Passengers can also sip champagne -- cooled in the available rear console refrigerator -- from standard Robbe & Berking silver-plated flutes. Analogies to custom-built private jet cabins seem appropriate, especially in the level of finishes, including hand-stitched Nappa leather, fine woods and discrete chrome accents. Available foldout tables provide another aircraft-themed touch, and are suitable for a meal on the go or for conducting business.

The expressive S-Class interior fuses renowned Mercedes attention to function with a heightened sense of craftsmanship. Ride comfort, spaciousness and ease of use meet the highest standards of discerning customers. The coordinated use of materials and colors yields an interior seemingly cast from a single mold. There is generous use of wood trim – available in five distinct types -- especially in the dashboard and center console. Metallized switch surfaces are available in three different pearl-effect paint finishes.

The new-generation S-Class was the first vehicle in the world whose interior and exterior do without a single light bulb. Nearly 500 LEDs illuminate the road, the vehicle, the interior and the trunk.

The S-Class line offers a choice of four different rear seat types. Unlike the conventional trailing backrest design, the S-Class reclining rear backrest is adjusted separately so that the legroom and seat cushion remain unchanged. The cushion can be separately adjusted for angle and horizontal position.

Mercedes-Benz, which pioneered automotive emergency calling, has upgraded its mbrace Connected Car Services for 2016, making the new mbrace2 Connect package standard for all models, along with five years of complimentary service. The package includes Mobile App, Web Services, Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (EVs), Diagnostics Data and Remote Update for five years. The S-Class is one of several 2016 Mercedes models to include a Remote Start function as part of mbrace Connect; the function is accessed through the mbrace Mobile App. Voices will sound clearer thanks to new HD Voice for compatible mobile devices. And, on cars equipped with COMAND, SiriusXM® Traffic & Weather will be included as standard for five years (previously three years).

The Mercedes S-Class has for decades been not only a benchmark for the luxury category, but also a touchstone for the auto industry as a whole. Many safety technologies and luxury features debuted on S-Class models and were then adopted in other Mercedes models. A comprehensive range of systems makes the new-generation S-Class the safest and most comfortable ever, codified into what Mercedes-Benz calls Intelligent Drive What.

Dimensions & specifications

S550e Plug-in Hybrid sedan
Wheelbase: 124.6; overall length: 206.5; width: 83.9; height: 58.7
Mercedes-Maybach S600 sedan
Wheelbase: 132.5; overall length: 214.7; width: 83.9; height: 59.0
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: S550e – 3.0L biturbo V6 gasoline engine and hybrid electric motor – 436 hp at 5250-5500 (combined); Mercedes-Maybach S600 – 6.0L biturbo V12 gasoline engine – 523 hp at 4900-5300 rpm and 612 lbs-ft of torque at 1,900 rpm.
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: S550e – 24 city/30 hwy. (gasoline), 54 city/63 hwy. (electric); Mercedes-Maybach S600 – 13 city/20 highway.
Cargo capacity: 13.9 cubic feet (S550e); 12.3 cubic feet (Mercedes-Maybach S600)
Warranty
Basic: 4-year/50,000 mile

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e sedan starts at $95,650; the 2016 Mercedes-Maybach S600 sedan starts from $189,350. Destination charges for both vehicles is $925.