As the Mercedes-Benz S-Class celebrates its 50th anniversary, the series continues to combine technology and luxury to carry the carmaker’s flagship sedan to heights. Mercedes-Benz has recently added two super-luxury variants – the Maybach S580 and Maybach S680 – to its lineup, which initially consisted of the S500 and S600. If you are considering the purchase of an S-Class vehicle, here are some key highlights and features that will simplify your decision.

Exteriors
The S-Class sports a stately design like its predecessors. Its bonnet is long and wide, and an elegant and short trunk follows its big greenhouse. The broad lines and curves on the S-Class follow a more understated design language than some older models.

Interiors
On the inside, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class comprises technologies such as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) and Mercedes’ bespoke infotainment system. The system features a 12.8-inch touchscreen to control nearly all vehicle functions, including the multi-zone climate control, the massaging seats, ambient lighting, fragrance control, the music system, and others. Additionally, there is also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. To aid drivers, all models also get special Augmented Reality-based Head-Up Display (HUD) systems. All four variants have incredibly supple, soft, and supportive seats that can keep you comfortable during long commutes.

Engine & performance
The S500 comes with a 3-liter turbocharged inline-six and an EQ Boost mild hybrid system. This combination produces 429 hp and a strong 384 lb-ft of torque. The next variant, the S580, also has a mild hybrid system, this time in combination with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The S580 shares this engine with the Maybach S580, and the latter has a special ‘Maybach driving mode’ to boost its performance. And finally, the top-of-the-line Maybach S680 variant has a massive 6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine. All versions of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class come with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive adaptive air suspension. The S500, S580, Maybach S580, and Maybach S680 travel from 0-60 mph in 5, 4.4, 4.7, and 4.4 seconds respectively.

Ride experience
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class was always known for its featherlight ride quality, and the S-Class carries this legacy forward. The adaptive air suspension, finely-tuned acoustics, and active cabin sound insulation combine regularly to ensure that the ride is steady, with only the biggest bumps on the road deftly trickling into the cabin at all times. The cabin noise is maintained at a bare minimum throughout the journey.

Safety features
All versions of the S-Class come with standard driver-assistance technology, including self-parking and semi-autonomous driving. Additionally, the air suspension lifts the car by a few inches to reduce the severity of damage during a collision. Besides regular technologies such as Antilock Braking System (ABS) and airbags, it also features a standard forward-collision warning system with automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology.

The S500, S580, Maybach S580, and Maybach S680 are priced at $111,100, $117,700, $184,900, and $215,000 respectively. These prices are subject to change and do not include optional extras.