What is it?
The W223 S-Class is the seventh-generation Mercedes-Benz flagship sedan. Australian range opens with the S 450 4MATIC inline-six MHEV, the S 580 4MATIC twin-turbo V8 MHEV, and tops out with the Maybach S 680 stretched-wheelbase V12 at $548,400 plus on-roads. 4MATIC AWD and the 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic are standard across the range. 5-star ANCAP under the 2021 protocol.
The lineup runs from S 450 4MATIC at $277,800 plus on-roads, through to Maybach S 680 at $548,400 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Still the benchmark luxury sedan for ride quality and rear-seat space. MBUX with 3D cluster and AR head-up nav leads the segment for tech. S 580 and Maybach get rear axle steering with up to 10 degrees of angle, plus the Maybach S 680 is the last new V12 Mercedes will ever sell in Australia.
EQS sedan exists alongside and splits buyer attention. S 450 base lacks the rear lounge specification many buyers want. Touch-only steering wheel controls are over-engineered and fiddly, and Maybach pricing past half a million plus on-roads is well into Rolls-Royce range.
Should you buy the S-Class?
Reasons to buy
- Still the benchmark luxury sedan for ride quality and rear-seat space. MBUX with 3D cluster and AR head-up nav leads the segment for tech. S 580 and Maybach get rear axle steering with up to 10 degrees of angle, plus the Maybach S 680 is the last new V12 Mercedes will ever sell in Australia.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2021), full driver-assist suite.
- 550 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- EQS sedan exists alongside and splits buyer attention. S 450 base lacks the rear lounge specification many buyers want. Touch-only steering wheel controls are over-engineered and fiddly, and Maybach pricing past half a million plus on-roads is well into Rolls-Royce range.
- You want a sharper-driving rival (BMW 7 Series), a cheaper undercut with quattro AWD (Audi A8), an EV alternative (Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan), or genuine luxury bespoke at the Maybach price (Bentley Flying Spur or Rolls-Royce Ghost).
- The S 580 is the sweet spot for owner-drivers, the Maybach S 680 is a different car aimed at a different buyer, and the S 450 makes sense only if you absolutely cannot stretch to the V8.
- Top trim climbs to $548,400 plus on-roads.
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