Luxury, thy name is S-Class. Rarely do carmakers meet the lofty standards they set in their pitches to the buying public, but in the case of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Mercedes does just that. And it's been doing this for decades with the introduction of countless innovations in comfort and convenience, performance, safety and technology. If you're lucky enough to be in the market for an ultra-luxury sedan, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class certainly deserves a spot at the top of your short list. 2013 Mercedes-Benz S Class.
Though it focuses narrowly on luxury, the Mercedes flagship still comes in a wide range of models. From the more fuel-efficient S400 Hybrid and S350 Bluetec diesel models to the shockingly powerful S65 AMG, there's an S-Class for everyone. Well, anyone with deep pockets, that is. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a five-passenger, full-size luxury sedan available in S400 Hybrid, S350 Bluetec, S550, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG trim levels. Each is representative of a different engine, and in the case of the AMG models, a higher degree of other performance capabilities.
Every model comes standard with 18-inch wheels (AMGs excepted), adaptive air suspension, active bi-xenon headlights with automatic high beams and LED running lights, front and rear parking sensors, a power trunk closer and a sunroof. The S63 AMG includes those items, then adds 20-inch AMG wheels and specific styling cues as well as AMG-tuned suspension, steering, brakes and exhaust. Inside you get a sport steering wheel, shift paddles, an enhanced instrument cluster and AMG-specific leather and trim. Also included is Active Body Control, a suspension technology that reduces body roll in the corners. Mercedes-Benz S Class 2013.
Each 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class model comes with a different engine. The S400 Hybrid features a 3.5-liter V6 paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission, an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery. It is rear-wheel drive only. Total output is 295 horsepower and 284 pound-feet of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, the S400 accelerated from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.
The S350 Bluetec features a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel V6 that produces 240 hp and 455 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic and all-wheel drive (4Matic) are standard. In Edmunds testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. It returns an EPA-estimated 21 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined. The S550 gets a twin-turbo 4.7-liter V8 that produces 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is optional. Mercedes estimates it will go from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds, while returning 15/25/19 with rear-wheel drive and 15/24/18 with AWD.
