The Mercedes-Benz S560 stands as a testament to automotive excellence, a true flagship Mercedes sedan that redefined luxury and performance during its production. For enthusiasts and potential buyers, understanding the nuances of this sophisticated machine is crucial. This comprehensive Mercedes S560 review will delve into its S560 specs and features, explore its enduring appeal, and address practical considerations like the Used Mercedes S560 price and potential S560 reliability issues. Whether you’re comparing the Mercedes S560 vs S580 or simply appreciating the magnificent W222 S-Class interior, this guide aims to provide an in-depth look at one of the finest luxury vehicles of its era.
What is the Mercedes-Benz S560? A Detailed Overview
So, what exactly makes the Mercedes-Benz S560 so special? Think of it as the perfected version of an already legendary car. Introduced for the 2018 model year, it wasn’t an all-new vehicle but a significant mid-cycle refresh of the W222 generation S-Class. This update was far more than skin deep; it brought a new heart, a smarter brain, and refined aesthetics that solidified its position at the top of the luxury hierarchy. It effectively replaced the outgoing S550, carrying a name that harkened back to the iconic 560SEL of the 1980s—a deliberate nod to its prestigious heritage.
The W222 Facelift: Evolution of a Legend
While the silhouette remained familiar, the facelift brought key visual updates. The most noticeable change was the new headlight design featuring three distinct LED “torches,” giving the car an unmistakable nighttime signature. The front and rear bumpers were subtly reshaped, and the grille was updated, lending the Mercedes-Benz S560 a more modern and assertive presence. Inside, the changes were equally significant, with a new steering wheel featuring touch-sensitive controls and a seamless single-pane glass panel housing the two 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the S560
The real star of the show was under the hood. Mercedes replaced the previous 4.7-liter V8 with a new, more advanced engine that would become a cornerstone of their V8 lineup.
The Mercedes 4.0L V8 Engine (M176)
At the core of the Mercedes-Benz S560 is the M176, a brilliant Mercedes 4.0L V8 engine. This twin-turbocharged powerhouse is a close relative of the engines found in high-performance AMG models. One of its standout features is the “hot-V” configuration, where the turbochargers are nestled between the cylinder banks. This design results in a more compact engine and, more importantly, a much faster throttle response. It also features cylinder deactivation, allowing it to run on just four cylinders under light loads to improve fuel efficiency—a clever piece of engineering for a car of this size and power.
Power, Torque, and Acceleration
The numbers are impressive: 463 horsepower and a massive 516 lb-ft of torque. What does this feel like on the road? Effortless. The Mercedes-Benz S560 delivers a wave of acceleration that is both immense and incredibly smooth. A gentle press of the pedal summons a surge of power that makes highway merging and passing feel completely drama-free. According to Car and Driver testing, this translates to a 0-60 mph time of around 4.2 seconds, astonishing for a vehicle so focused on comfort Car and Driver, 2018.
The 9G-Tronic Transmission
Paired with this magnificent V8 is Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. Its job is to be invisible, and it performs it perfectly. Shifts are imperceptible, always keeping the engine in its sweet spot for either serene cruising or rapid acceleration.
Variants: Sedan, Coupe, and Cabriolet
The Mercedes-Benz S560 wasn’t just a one-trick pony; it was offered in three distinct flavors to suit different tastes, which is a key point in the S560 coupe vs sedan differences discussion.
S560 Sedan: The Quintessential Luxury Cruiser
This is the definitive version, a four-door limousine focused on providing the ultimate experience for both the driver and, perhaps more importantly, the rear-seat passengers. It’s the benchmark for executive transport.
S560 Coupe: Sporty Elegance
The Coupe offers a more personal, driver-focused experience. With its sweeping pillarless design and muscular proportions, it’s arguably one of the most beautiful grand tourers of the modern era, blending S-Class luxury with a sportier character.
S560 Cabriolet: Open-Air Grandeur
For the ultimate statement, the Cabriolet provides the full S-Class experience with the added sensory delight of open-air motoring. Its multi-layered acoustic soft top ensures that it’s nearly as quiet as the coupe when the roof is up.
Unrivaled Luxury and Comfort: Inside the S560
Stepping inside a Mercedes-Benz S560 is an event. It’s where the car truly distances itself from the competition. The design, materials, and technology combine to create an environment that is both calming and awe-inspiring.
The W222 S-Class Interior: A Sanctuary of Opulence
The cabin is a masterclass in design and material science. Every surface you touch feels expensive, from the supple Nappa leather to the genuine wood trim and cool-to-the-touch metal switchgear.
Premium Materials and Craftsmanship
The attention to detail is staggering. The stitching is perfect, the panel gaps are nonexistent, and the controls operate with a satisfying, damped precision. This exceptional Mercedes S-Class build quality is a core part of its appeal.
Seating Comfort and Ergonomics
The seats are less like car seats and more like high-end lounge chairs. They are endlessly adjustable, heated, ventilated, and offer a variety of massage functions, including a “hot stone” massage. Even after hours behind the wheel, you emerge feeling refreshed.
Ambient Lighting and Personalization
The 64-color ambient lighting system transforms the cabin at night. You can customize the color and brightness to create any mood you desire, from a cool, calming blue to a warm, inviting amber. It sounds like a gimmick, but it genuinely enhances the luxurious atmosphere.
Mercedes S-Class Luxury Comfort Features
The S-Class has always been a pioneer of comfort technology, and the Mercedes-Benz S560 is no exception.
AIRMATIC and MAGIC BODY CONTROL Suspension
The standard AIRMATIC air suspension provides a pillowy-soft ride that glides over road imperfections. The real party trick, however, was the optional MAGIC BODY CONTROL. This system uses a stereo camera to scan the road ahead and proactively adjusts the suspension for upcoming bumps. The result is an uncannily smooth ride, almost like floating on a cloud.
Climate Control and Air Quality
The advanced climate control system includes the Air Balance package, which filters and ionizes the cabin air while also introducing subtle, pleasant fragrances from a vial in the glovebox.
Noise Insulation and Ride Serenity
Extensive use of sound-deadening materials and acoustic glass makes the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz S560 one of the quietest places on earth. Wind, tire, and engine noise are reduced to a mere whisper, allowing for conversation at a normal volume even at high speeds.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Driver Assistance
For its time, the Mercedes-Benz S560 was a technological tour de force, showcasing the brand latest innovations in infotainment and semi-autonomous driving.
The Mercedes-Benz COMAND System Features
While succeeded by the newer MBUX system, the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system features in the S560 are still robust and highly capable.
Dual 12.3-inch Displays
The “widescreen cockpit” consists of two massive screens that sit behind a single pane of glass. The driver side is a configurable digital instrument cluster, while the center screen handles navigation, media, and vehicle settings.
Navigation and Infotainment
The system is controlled via a rotary knob, a touchpad on the center console, or touch-sensitive buttons on the new steering wheel. It’s intuitive once you learn the layout and offers crisp graphics and quick responses.
Connectivity and Integration
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, ensuring seamless smartphone integration for access to your favorite apps, music, and navigation services.
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Mercedes-Benz S560 took a significant step towards autonomous driving with its updated suite of driver aids. The systems are designed to reduce driver fatigue and enhance safety, especially on long journeys.
Active Steering Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control
Known as Drive Pilot, this system combines adaptive cruise control with active steering assist. It can maintain a set speed, keep a safe distance from the car ahead, and help keep the car centered in its lane, even through gentle curves.
Safety Innovations
The S-Class has always been a safety pioneer. The Mercedes-Benz S560 is equipped with a host of safety features, including PRE-SAFE Sound (which emits a “pink noise” to protect occupants’ hearing in a crash) and Active Emergency Stop Assist.
Mercedes S560 Review: Driving Impressions and Ownership Experience
Beyond the specs and features, how does the Mercedes-Benz S560 actually feel? It drives exactly as you’d expect a flagship Mercedes to: with supreme confidence, comfort, and composure.
On the Road: Power, Refinement, and Handling
The driving experience is dominated by that silky-smooth V8 and the magic-carpet ride. It is not a sports sedan; it’s a high-speed luxury liner. The steering is light and precise, but it prioritizes isolation over road feel. It corners with stability and grace, but its primary mission is to cover vast distances in absolute comfort.
Real-World Fuel Economy
Despite its power, the cylinder deactivation technology helps manage fuel consumption. The EPA rated the sedan at around 17 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, which is respectable for a large, V8-powered luxury car.
Mercedes S-Class Build Quality: A Testament to Engineering
Years after its launch, a well-maintained Mercedes-Benz S560 still feels incredibly solid. The doors close with a reassuring thud, the interior remains free of squeaks and rattles, and the materials hold up exceptionally well. This is a car that was built to last.
Buying a Used Mercedes S560: What You Need to Know
This is where things get really interesting. Thanks to depreciation, a car that once cost well over $100,000 can now be had for a fraction of that price. But buying one requires careful consideration.
Used Mercedes S560 Price and Value
Used Luxury Sedan Depreciation: A Buyer Advantage
The steep used luxury sedan depreciation is the single biggest advantage for a second-hand buyer. You can get an incredible amount of car for your money. A three- to five-year-old Mercedes-Benz S560 can often be purchased for 40-50% of its original sticker price, a value proposition that is hard to ignore.
Factors Affecting Resale Value
Price depends heavily on mileage, condition, options, and, most importantly, a complete and documented service history. Cars with desirable packages like the AMG Line, Premium Package, and Driver Assistance Package command higher prices.
S560 Reliability Issues and S560 Common Problems
While generally well-built, no car this complex is without potential pitfalls. Addressing S560 reliability issues head-on is crucial.
Potential Electronic Glitches
With dozens of computers and sensors, electronic issues can occur. These can range from minor infotainment bugs to more complex sensor failures.
Suspension System Longevity
The AIRMATIC suspension provides a fantastic ride, but the air struts and compressor are wear items. A failure can be expensive to repair, costing thousands of dollars.
Engine and Transmission Considerations
The M176 V8 and 9G-Tronic transmission are considered robust. However, regular oil changes and adherence to the service schedule are non-negotiable to prevent costly S560 common problems.
S560 Maintenance Costs: Preparing for Ownership
This is the most critical factor. While the purchase price may be tempting, the S560 maintenance costs are still those of a six-figure car.
Routine Servicing Expenses
Standard “A” and “B” services at a dealership can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Major Component Replacements
Tires, brakes, and suspension components are expensive. A set of high-quality tires alone can easily exceed $1,500.
Importance of a Pre-Purchase Inspection
Before buying any Mercedes-Benz S560, a thorough pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a qualified independent Mercedes specialist is absolutely essential. It’s the best money you can spend to avoid buying a car with hidden, expensive problems.
Mercedes S560 vs S580: A Generational Comparison
A common question for buyers is how the Mercedes S560 vs S580 (its W223 generation successor) stacks up.
Engine and Powertrain Differences
The S580 uses an updated version of the 4.0L V8, but with the addition of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (EQ Boost). This system provides a bit more power (496 hp) and smooths out the engine’s start-stop function.
Technological Advancements in the W223 (S580)
The S580 represents a huge leap in technology. It features the MBUX infotainment system, dominated by a massive central OLED touchscreen that controls nearly all vehicle functions. Its driver-assistance systems are also a generation ahead.
Design Evolution
The S580 design is more minimalist and futuristic, both inside and out. The S560, by contrast, feels more classic and traditional, with more physical buttons and a different design philosophy.
Which is the Right Choice for You?
The S580 is objectively the more advanced car. However, the Mercedes-Benz S560 offers a more traditional luxury experience that some buyers prefer, and its value on the used market is significantly better. It comes down to budget and a preference for classic controls versus a screen-centric interface.
The S560 Place in History: A Modern Classic?
The Mercedes-Benz S560 occupies a special place in the S-Class lineage. It represents the pinnacle of the traditional, internal-combustion luxury sedan before the industry’s major pivot to electrification and touchscreen-dominated interiors.
The Legacy of the “560” Badge
By reviving the “560” name, Mercedes successfully linked this model to the golden era of its brand, and the car lived up to that legendary nameplate with its blend of power, luxury, and bank-vault solidity.
A Bridge to the Electric Future
As Mercedes-Benz transitions towards its all-electric EQ lineup, the S560 may well be remembered as one of the last and greatest pure V8-powered S-Class models. It’s a high-water mark for a type of vehicle that is becoming increasingly rare.
Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz S560 remains a compelling choice for those seeking unparalleled luxury, robust performance, and advanced technology in a used luxury sedan. Its commanding presence as a flagship Mercedes sedan, combined with its sophisticated Mercedes 4.0L V8 engine and the opulent W222 S-Class interior, offers an experience that few vehicles can match. While prospective owners should be mindful of S560 maintenance costs and potential S560 common problems, the value proposition of a pre-owned Mercedes-Benz S560, benefiting from significant used luxury sedan depreciation, is undeniable. Whether you’re drawn to its timeless design, its refined driving dynamics, or its comprehensive S560 specs and features, the S560 continues to embody the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering, offering a truly special ownership experience.
Mercedes-Benz S560 FAQs
Question: What engine does the Mercedes-Benz S560 have?
Answer: The Mercedes-Benz S560 is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged M176 V8 engine. This sophisticated powerplant produces 463 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission, offering a blend of power and efficiency.
Question: What replaced the Mercedes-Benz S560?
Answer: The Mercedes-Benz S560 was replaced by the S580 in the subsequent W223 generation S-Class. The S580 also features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, but it’s augmented with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (EQ Boost) for enhanced performance and efficiency.
Question: Are Mercedes-Benz S560 models reliable?
Answer: Mercedes-Benz S560 models generally offer strong reliability for a luxury vehicle, but their complex systems can lead to expensive repairs as they age. Common concerns include air suspension components and advanced electronics. Regular, professional maintenance is crucial for long-term dependability.
Question: What is the typical used price range for a Mercedes-Benz S560?
Answer: The used price for a Mercedes-Benz S560 varies significantly based on year, mileage, condition, and options. Generally, prices can range from $40,000 to $70,000 or more for well-maintained models, reflecting the typical depreciation of a luxury sedan.
Author Bio
Alex Carter is an automotive journalist and classic car consultant with over 15 years of experience in the industry. Having test-driven hundreds of vehicles, from hypercars to luxury sedans, Alex specializes in providing in-depth analysis of German engineering and long-term ownership value. His work focuses on helping consumers make informed decisions by blending technical expertise with practical, real-world advice.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. All data, including pricing, specifications, and reliability assessments, is based on publicly available information and expert opinion as of the time of writing. Vehicle conditions and market values can vary significantly. It is strongly recommended that potential buyers conduct their own thorough research and obtain a professional pre-purchase inspection before making any vehicle purchase.
