2018 Mercedes Benz S560 Review & Test Drive | Still the Best Luxury Sedan 

This is so much nicer than the new redesign 2021 model

Not everyone who has an S Class is old though. Some 20 and 30 year olds also want a drive that is smooth and quiet. A hard core sports car never excited me. At 12 years old I wanted an E Class. Not a Lamborghini.

when i was driving the s klass you feel like you do something important and you have the feeling that nothing can get you

I have one of these cars. I have 3 S classes a 1987 w126 300sdl (diesel) and 2005 w220 s430 4 matic and a 2016 w222 S550 4 matic. I'm different from people my age as I'm in the younger age group. I've always known the S class catered to the "older crowd" but I've always had like an old soul. But my w222 you are totally correct it has TONS of options that to this day I struggle with figuring out. Imagine if I was 82 years old. This video is on point in more way than one....and I really enjoyed it. One thing about an S Class....is once you buy one.....you keep buying them....MY EXECPTION IS....I KEEP THEM. Thanks for taking the time to read my comment. I can talk all day about the wonderful world of Sonderklass ownership.

0:45 Intro to Exterior Styling and History of the S Class 14:57 Interior Overview and Discussion 23:15 Detailed Evaluation Test Drive and Discussion 36:46 Burmester Audio Brief Discussion ENJOY the video!

My s560 is a beast. It's a total highway missile, and people move out of the way when the big grille comes up on them....

The best or nothing. You're absolutely right about the Mercedes-Benz brand cache that none of its competitors match. The S-class truly is the best in its class. I grew up in Hong Kong in the 1980s, where the car to have for anyone who's made it was the W126 S-class, and I've become a bit of a Mercedes fanboy since then. I can't afford an S-class right now, but I would absolutely love to own one some day.

no other car rides this good as the Benz does , it's a true luxury car. Benz set's the standard for all Luxury car's.

i don't want to die before i buy a s550 hopefully by next year mr auto fanatic i love this thing so much

REALLY GREAT review of this car. Honestly one of the better reviews that I have seen. I especially liked the advice you gave your customer to change out the run flats because of excessive pot holes in NY. I know this first hand. I got a lovely Thanks For Visiting NYC gift by a pothole that blew out my front tire as I headed home to Baltimore in my Audi A8L at the time. My next car was a 2017 S550 with AMG trim. I absolutely love the car, so much I worry about people running into me. - I’ve owned several BMW 5 and 7 Series, an Audi A8L and now the S550. The BMW is true to its name. It feels like the ultimate driving machine. You feel the road. You feel like you are part of the road. BMW hugs the road as you take an off ramp and you feel like you are at an amusement park. The trade offs are road noise, you feel every bump. My last 750iL had a serious lag when I stepped on the gas. It wasn’t responsive. It delivered once it got going but took a while to get there. The Audi A8L was built in 2011. It had a smooth ride but road handling mediocre. The handling Taking an exit ramp was unimpressive and there was body roll. The one thing I will say about the Audi was the stock Bose Sound System. For a base system it kicked ass, had decent highs, good mids and very bass that shook the car. One of my disappointments in my S550 is the base Burmeister system. It only comes with a 3 band equalizer vs the Audi Bose 12 band eq, having the subwoofers in the front of the car feels weird (I’m used to rear subs) and the midrange speakers are small and have no bottom. There’s a gap between the tweeters and midrange speakers for my taste. The Bose system in the Audi had really good speaker placement and also had small subwoofers (in their own enclosure) in the door so you got this filing sound of hi. Mids and lows. With the S class you get the basic system or the hi end 24 speaker 15K watts system there’s nothing in between.

You never see VIPs or heads of state being driven around in a bmw. Let that marinate.

Sold! All i am waiting is my powerball jack pot.

100% the best sedan

Dude that’s my dream daily driver in another 10 years. I’ve been a fan of the S Class since 2006 when they released the 2007 new model (previous generation to the one your driving) and it wasn’t about the look it was me learning the history and the comfort and technology. I’m 30 now and I’m no where near that income level but I love what the S Class represents.

I hate when people try to compare BMW LEXUS AUDI ETC to an S Class knowing deep down they really wanted an S Class but couldnt afford one!

Damn, dude. You're quite the salesman. I'm now considering this model. Thank you.

Hey just a congratulations on a great so straightforward initial video on this S560....with a fantastic epic ending. Great job and looking forward to your next videos. Pd Limelight what days....

Nice review. I’m a fan of the S for many years, I had a 2015 and loved it, a head on accident totaled the car but saved me without a scratch. Great safe car. Waiting for the 2021 model.

Great video excellent review!

Excellent review. I will buy a older used S class which my budget will allow and have no regrets.🦁

it is amazing car. I bought it a month ago, it is used car, however it is almost new, the milage is only 22 k KM. i am still learning about all the options has. I just love it...if it is not Mercedes it is not a car.

WHAT A MACHINE! PHENOMENAL

I bought one because I have had sports cars and was always in love with big Lincolns and Cadillacs working at a dealership at 16 years of age I learned to appreciate them when all my friends did not get them. I got my first S class at 45 used really inexpensive! Thank god for depreciation as I am not a rich man. This car was pampered by the previous owner. I am a working man and my old sore bones and muscles deserve to be pampered more than some rich guy who never broke a sweat for anything lol. I love the comfort and appreciate fine things. I have an expensive taste on a McDonald's budget and always had good taste but never had the cash to back it up. Wish I had bad taste and a lot of money instead like many rich people. I have learned in my lifetime that good taste and wealth are not synonymous and seldom go together. Good taste is something you are born with the same as IQ and wealth they do not always go together you can be smart and poor it turns out. The S is a joy to drive and is stress-free. It is true that your heart rate goes down so after years of back-breaking work I can use all the help I can get and consider a comfortable car a necessity not a luxury in my particular circumstance. Unlike most people, I will sacrifice other things to buy a car out of my price range being that it is more than just transportation for me. I will never drive anything else at 56 I value comfort class and refinement over a bumpy fast car and besides the S class is fast enough for me and being a somewhat large man it gives me plenty of room to stretch out. Another reason I love them is that I am used to air suspension and have had a car or truck or van that has had it at least in the rear and some all four corners since I was 18.

Absolutely awesome I love mine 😎

First and foremost I want to commend you for your thorough insightful and articulate professional style review. Excellent job sir!

Nice review!

I agree love the volume wheel on the armrest that falls under the hand naturally love this interior much more than the new one. Mercedes nailed this interior. The new one with screens where you have to touch a screen for everything is a failure to me. In my opinion, this was the pinnacle of interiors for MB. I use the volume wheel like you do if I ever trade mine in I will get 2020 as it's the same as mine and to me, 2007 - 2020 had the most comfortable and superior ergonomics compared to the new generation. This is why they kept it pretty much unchanged for 14 years. I hope they bring it back even better and have a screen that can be hidden when not in use and go back to the wheel and surrounding buttons because once you got used to them you never had to take your eyes off the road to make changes.

Very good car. I love the videos

Great video my friend, thank you 👍

Great video! Very informative and I love the way you went over all the different details of the car.

You are a great salesman and presenter…I miss my NYC….THANKS

AF, I discovered your channel while researching this very car, I have since subscribed !! Anyway your review of the S560 was clear, understandable (for us car guy's) and articulate. We made our decision to purchase this car based on your review, they delivered last week. My wife was even sold on the "designo" in diamond white, but with the mahogany leather. Living up here in New England, following your recommendation I even had them change the tires to save the wheels. As you mentioned, for us 60+ dudes, please do a tutorial on how to run this damned thing LOL. Thanks AF !!

Looks fantastic car, as always MERCEDES BENZ make so Enjoyable & Beautiful Cars Like it, Thank you for sharing 👍👍👍

I am using mercedes-benz since the 70s ... it is great 👍 but it is like spoiled girl it wii give you enjoyment but you have to pay and it worth that enjoyment.

Upgrading from an E350 next year, so thanks for all the details!

Your such a great car reviewer, I would like for you to do one on the Genesis G90 ultimate 5.0. Just to see and hear your point of view on that vehicle. Me being a multiple German car owner myself just getting a little tiered of the expensive maintenance cost.

good review

There’s no replacement for displacement man. Me and my dad owned 2 S classes. Our first was a 2004 S450 and that thing was decently quick. I don’t remember the engine size and power cause I was young. Our next S-class was a 2007 S600. It had the V12 and it produced 500 horsepower and 600 torque. We kept it till March of this year and traded it in for a 2018 RR sport supercharged dynamic. That S600 was the best car I ever had been in. It was the quickest thing on the road for the first 6 years we owned it (in my city, then the quicker cars started appearing on the roads). The 2007 Gallardo did 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and that S class did it in 4.1. Safe to say it kicked Italian butt 😂. But the thing that’s sad is that Mercedes removed the V12 from the “civilian” lineup. Now we have a top of the “civilian” line S-class with a scrawny V8 that still makes decent power. I say civilian because the next “tiers” of S class are AMG and Maybach

I still drive/own a S560SEC from the early 1980s! I love mine still! Black with the fabulous Palomino and tan with lovely burled walnut wood, just a lovely car still. The "run-flats" are the worst thing if a "driver" wants to really enjoy it's ride! Mine are BBS with new michelin Sports 4 and were recently added. So far, very good feel and ride.

I’m picking mine up tomorrow!

always the best.....

I Like your comparison of the sound system to the Clubs of New York , The Tunnel , Limelight , Palladium . Dude those Clubs were in the late '70s and early '80s. I know because i hung out in all of them , and you left out the best one though , Paradise Garage 👍🏿

Great review, very detailed. I would love to see a review of an s63 or maybach because you opinions are great. Also what is your take on depreciation on these new 2018 s class because I’m looking at a 2016s for less than $50,000 that are well equipped and wether I should wait for 2018 or buy the 2016.

I want this car!

I wish to get one...nice car

I bought a 2001 S430 new back in February 2001. It came with a 225 page Owners Manual (and DVD). After I brought my S430 home, I didn't take it out again until 3 days later, after I fully read and understood the manual. I didn't bother with the DVD.

I see a lot of comments on these high end luxury cars complaining about arbitrary things. A luxury car isn’t a sports car. If that’s what you want, get a 2door or the AMG model. They’re almost opposites. Luxury cars are about comfort and class and convenience. Sports cars are about handling, driving dynamics, speed and destroying your expensive tires. Sure, a luxury car can have a big engine, but I remember when a BMW had a V12. Not necessarily for power, though it was around 300 hp, but because it was such a smooth engine, reliability notwithstanding. I miss the V8s and V12s that were designed for smoothness and comfort. Now, you either get a souped up, rough engine or a small V6 that might save you gas money but does nothing for luxury or ride.

I really hate the shift stalk. I wish they'd put the shifter where shifters should be.

You won’t buy this car because you don’t have the money for both. I used to say the same. I am now fortunate to be able to own a vehicle for EVERY part of driving that I want to do. To run up to LA or down to San Diego is sublime!!!

Your style of review is excellent. You nailed every aspect of this car! How do you compare this car to the RWD and to the S450? Is it worth paying the difference to get an S560 4matic?

In a league of its own

Phenomenal car, i drive mine in the sport mode and sport suspension and there is a difference drives much more like a sports car that way, i'm just working on the S63 AMG then you get sport, luxury all wrapped in one car. The Best or Nothing is the most accurate statement for MB S560 for sure. To me it doesn't handle like the big size car that is it. I immediately change to Michelin Pilot AS 4's. When you at running 80-85mph kick it and it will freaking move your ass without hesitation. I LOVE MINE They are actually targeting 40's as well. I started the S-Classes at 42 will have nothing else.

I would trade it in every three years pay the depreciation keep a new one and avoid maintenance cost. It's going to take a pretty penny to antique it if you drive it a lot. Better have a second car but if you got it...you got it. Lol I'm in a 2015 E 350 naturally the S Class is next. Nice review!

I wonder if Mercedes improved the function of the Check Engine Light?

S63 AMG is the real true "Missle", I could drive it cross country and never look back. And you are correct there is nothing to compare to S class. I have been driving them since turned 43, so the age of the current driver for this class is much younger than 60.. I will not own another car after having mine. I am currently on my 2nd S class in 6 years. Goal is S63 AMG either this refreshed version or the next actual body design change. I bought my cars because they are truly the Best in class. I have had the CLS500, E550 and two S class models. S class is my favorite all around car. Love driving mine daily.

Burmester is so good a home hifi cost more than an S class. Hands down Burmester is the best. Unfortunately Dieter Burmester passed in 2015.

Guys a client stopped by to see me today with his 2018 S450, I just did a review which will go live next week. Some nice comparisons between the two models you wont want to miss. Stay tuned for more. AF

LOL. Let me let you in a little secret. Any old dude over 60 who can afford a $200k car is pretty knowledgeable. In other words, your not going to have a retired janitor driving one of these.

Please review the S 63 AMG COUPE. Thx👍🏽

WHAT CAMERA DID YOU USE? 💯 THE PICTURES ARE SO GOOD I FELT LIKE I WAS IN THE CAR

Hi great review. i wanted to know if the AMG (s63/65) models ride is as smooth as the 560?

luxury car.

The car feels better the faster you go. It feels more comfortable at 140 than at 40.

Hi Auto Fanatic, when you changed the tires to non-run flats did you keep the same rims ? or did you need new rims ? and what mobility kit to compensate for non run flats ? Thanks

Ok this is no GT350 but i think you under appreciated the offered athleticism given the size, weight and comfort. You should have pitched it around a bit. It would have surprised you. I find the body control on my 07 S550 to be shockingly competent and it gets better as the speed builds. Then again i just prefer big cars.

Besides performance, what's the BIG difference between the S 560 & S 63 amg. Please comment on the MAGIC MOTION SUSPENSION

Hi what does the mobility kit consist of. Im looking to swap out my runflats. Thanks

This was one of the better video's I've seen discussing the S-Class. Question for you: I'm planning on buying a 2 year old used S-Class but not sure if I should buy it from the Mercedes dealerships and pay the premiums or buy it used from other non Mercedes dealerships. Not sure if the extra $10-15,000 price tag is worth buying it certified from Mercedes. And do you have any good recommendations for third party warranty companies? appreciate your advice

I prefer the maybach over the s560 and s65 because the maybach is much bigger with a lot of space, the price you are going to pay for this you can get a 2015 s600 maybach. Im looking at getting a maybach the price is very affordable now i seen some for sale with a 47k price tag.

59 mins watching this and not one of them had the sound from the 24 speakers... damn!

I know its 3 years old..just curious what tires you are recommending for 2020 s560s 20" staggered ..Agree with RUN FLATS..out here in Seattle, just plain horrible

i definitely use the knob for volume.. i actually forget it's on the steering wheel lol

For anyone that’s driven this car, is it too big? I live in an LA where the streets can be compact sometimes so just wondering if it was better to get a smaller car

good

can you do a video review of the S63 amg ?

I hope you review the BENTLEYs.

I have 2017 S550 4M. I wish I can have the HIGH END 3D Burmester

Just one question-- why can't you see whole badge (from the driver's seat) on the bonnet like the previous been l generations?

Can you explain in more detail why changing from run-flats is so critically important to avoid wheel damage? We may not have the kind of hard-worn, salt-damaged roads down here in the south as up north, but we still have our share of rain-induced potholes. I'm wondering if that would be a benefit down here as well.

Great video review. It was very thorough. Just FYI for viewers in the DC area. Mercedes Benz of Arlington offers classes on how to use the features of your car. You just schedule an appointment and they sit with you and train you on all of the features. My only point of contention with the video: there are some of us who are well below 60 who drive the S Class. *wink*

Well what will make me want to get this type of car simply... just because if for know other reason especially when I'm currently driving around in a 2000 Hyundai elantra im just saying oh well dreams over gotta go iut and start this car up vrrrommm vrrrommm

Nice car, nice review except the age part. After old people of this era start moving in graveyards, next old gen will be familiar with technology, no worries. What makes you think that young people are all about sport cars. Luxury and comfort is what everyone might want!

I am just about ready to pull the trigger on a 2018 S450 4matic. After watching both your reviews, I am only slightly deterred. The one I am negotiating has tons of bells and whistles, and the lease price is really good. I too, am a bit of an aggressive driver. (I have am SL550, which I love!) In any case, I drove the S450 and felt it accelerated and handled admirably. I am coming out of an E350, and think this vehicle offers more of a punch (and I've never had any complaints about the E350.) Please let me know if you feel the difference is significant enough to pay an extra $200-300 per month? I am looking for guidance, and I am hoping to find it here. Thanks

It really is

How old should you be to drive this car? I'm 48 and my wife's thinking it's more of an older gentleman's car. I'm driving an ML 350 and decided i want a sedan but the E class is a bit small for my needs. Would love to hear your thoughts! THX

Yeah.

would you prefer to drive 2018 s63/s65 AMG from your sporty dynamics point of view?

"Back in the '80s..." lol

The problem here is the modern day parking lots are not user friendly with Theas large sedans .

Satin metal (also called “brushed”) is to reduce sun reflectivity. Car makers are slowly migrating towards this with interiors.

I’m considering a low mileage s560 c2017

I love the car. All I can think of is how much money that owner lost buying that thing new. Probably $30,000 just driving it off the lot.

Old dudes who can afford the car know how to use technology.

buh'n ("button"), "sah'n" ("satin") - straight New York / New Jersey.

I prefer the look of the exterior and interior of my 2013 w221. The fender flares on mine look superior to this 2018.

Goodyear cars

why did they removed the elegant pre-facelift steering-wheel an replaced it with this, which looks from an A-class?

THE S CLASS IS THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD

THE MERCEDES S CLASS IS THE BEST CAR IN THE WORLD

Cadillac CT6 and Mercedes Benz S Class in the same sentence. This S Class is light years ahead of a Cadillac.