Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (2014 – 2020) Review

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is a flagship of the German company’s model range, with an exquisite attention to detail and huge standard specification. Although other Mercedes coupe models also do the luxury experience well, none can match the sense of occasion created by the S-Class. Capable of cruising across entire continents with ease, all of the engine options offer impressive performance. The AMG models verge on ludicrous in terms of acceleration, and blend agility with ride comfort. High running costs are worth paying to spend time inside the sumptuous interior of the S-Class.

Although based upon the more familiar S-Class saloon, this is far more than simply a limousine with two fewer doors. 

Starting with a luxurious machine capable of covering hundreds of miles with ease, Mercedes-Benz has then added an extra layer of driving appeal. It might not be a sports car, but the S-Class Coupe has the speed and agility to rival cars like the Aston Martin DB11 and Bentley Continental GT.

The levels of performance on offer are incredible whichever model of S-Class Coupe is chosen. Even the least powerful engine comes with 455PS, and can hit a (limited) top speed of 155mph. With a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V12, the 630PS AMG S 65 is as ridiculous as you might imagine in terms of acceleration. 

Despite weighing in excess of two tonnes, and measuring over five metres in length, the S-Class Coupe is still capable on the open road. Mercedes has fitted plenty of technology to contend with the laws of physics, with air suspension offering both agile handling and ride comfort. AMG versions have a system that uses cameras to scan the road ahead, allowing the car to lean into bends – and thus turn more quickly. 

However, it is the ride quality that will impress most, and which helps the S-Class travel long distances without its driver or passengers feeling tired on arrival.

Those sitting in the front of the Coupe get a great deal, with comfortable leather seats that can even offer a massage. The two rear-seat passengers are slightly less well accommodated, and taller adults may find the roofline eats into headroom. At least the 400-litre boot will be able to swallow their luggage.

An 80-litre fuel tank is also generous, and will need frequent refills should you use the performance on offer from the AMG models. Later twin-turbocharged V8 models can deliver fuel economy that borders on mildly respectable, but this will still be an expensive car to run. You will also need to ensure you have space to park this big beast, although standard parking sensors and cameras make the task easier. 

Technology levels are generous, with Mercedes-Benz wanting to show off what it is capable of. Advanced satellite navigation, OLED rear lights and a widescreen digital dashboard are just some of the highlights on offer. Buyers of the range-topping AMG S65 also get headlights with Swarovski crystal detailing. 

Given the level of performance and luxury on offer, there is very little similar to the S-Class Coupe on the market. It sits far above other premium German coupes in terms of ability, but is not quite as expensive as British GT rivals.

This comparison is almost irrelevant, as the S-Class Coupe exists to appeal to the buyer who wants the ultimate Mercedes-Benz experience alone. They are unlikely to be disappointed, with the only the open-top S-Class Cabriolet as a real alternative.

Mercedes has given the big S-Class Coupe a truly impressive ride quality, with standard air suspension across the range. 

Non-AMG models use a version of the Airmatic air suspension tuned for comfort. Various suspension modes allow the stiffness to be altered according to the driver’s mood or the road conditions. 

AMG cars have special suspension that uses the Magic Body Control system. This employs cameras to read the road ahead, and lets the S-Class lean into turns for maximum cornering ability. It is hugely impressive, although not always perfect in how it works on twisty British roads. 

The S-Class Coupe generates huge amounts of grip, with the steering offering enough accuracy for high-speed driving. Yet it is the impressive ride quality, regardless of the model, that stands out. A luxurious driving experience defines the S-Class just as much as the quality interior and opulent styling.

Given the list price of the S-Class Coupe, the choice of engines is suitably extravagant. All are capable of a top speed limited to 155mph.

At launch, the S 500 and its 455PS 4.7-litre twin-turbocharged V8 was the entry-level engine. It offers effortless performance, and comes fitted with a nine-speed automatic gearbox. In 2017, this engine was replaced with the S 560, using a new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 with 469PS.

The pre-2017 AMG S 63 featured a 585PS twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8, using a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Later versions have a modified version of the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, with power boosted to an impressive 612PS. A nine-speed automatic gearbox also became standard.

Ultimate performance comes from the twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 found in the AMG S 65. Only marginally quicker than the other models, its 630PS output is for those who want only the best.

As the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz range, the S-Class Coupe is packed with a generous amount of safety equipment. Although not tested by Euro NCAP, the Coupe shares plenty with the S-Class saloon that received a maximum five-star rating.

A Driving Assistance Package was introduced in 2017, bringing more equipment. Standard on AMG models, and optional on others, this includes lane-keeping assist, blind-spot assist, a 360-degree camera and active cruise control. It can even allow the S-Class to steer and brake automatically to avoid hazards. 

Front and rear parking sensors can, thankfully, be found on all versions. There is no spare wheel supplied, with Mercedes supplying a compressor and tyre-sealant kit instead.

The S-Class Coupe occupies a serious amount of real estate on the road, but this does not translate into a gigantic interior. 

Those sitting in the front will have no complaints, with plenty of movement for the electrically adjustable seats. A centre console includes extra storage space, and runs the full-length of the cabin into the rear.

There are only two seats in the back, and these are capable of transporting adults in relative comfort. Although there will be no complaints about legroom, however, headroom is limited by the swooping coupe roofline. 

Boot space comes close to rivals like the Aston Martin DB11 and Bentley Continental GT, with a 400-litre capacity. This is substantially more than the related Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet, with a set of golf clubs easily accommodated. As an extra touch of luxury, the boot lid can be opened electrically.

The attention to detail given to the S-Class Coupe by Mercedes-Benz is best demonstrated by the LED headlights found on the AMG S65. Along with being super-bright, they also incorporate 47 individual Swarovski crystals into each unit. 

Inside, leather covers almost every surface, with the remaining areas finished in fine wood trim or metal detailing. The options list includes the ability to add fancier Nappa leather upholstery, along with a variety of different wood trims. AMG models have carbon fibre detailing, which feels a little strange in such a luxurious and heavy car.

Spanning half the dashboard is the impressive widescreen display, which makes use of two seperate 12.3-inch screens. One functions as a digital dashboard, while the other is for managing the infotainment.

All versions have the Comand Online media system, with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and hard-drive satellite navigation. A centre console-mounted trackpad and rotary controller are used to change functions, with voice commands also possible. 

Post-facelift models benefit from an improved specification, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. AMG cars, and the later S 560 Grand Edition, also gain the impressive Burmester stereo. The AMG S65 has a 24-speaker sound system, featuring a 1520W amplifier.

The 2020 model range starts at £113,215 for a new S 560 Grand Edition, with the AMG S 63 costing £132,274. Going Premium on your AMG S63 pushes this to £141,273.

New sales of the V12 AMG S 65 have been discontinued, but buyers needed to spend £188,595 to acquire one. Understandably, this range-topping model was only sold in small numbers.

Mercedes-Benz showrooms are able to offer substantial discounts on the price of a new S-Class Coupe. At present, this will see a reduction of up to £8,400 applied. A handful of new models can be found within the Mercedes dealer network, with AMG S 63 versions the most common.

Using PCP finance on one of these models will be a considerable expense. With a £5,000 deposit on a 48-month deal for an AMG S 63, expect a monthly payment of more than £1,500. 

In the used market, the cheaper S 500 and S 560 models make up the majority of cars available. High-mileage examples begin from around £40,000 for an S 500, with an S 560 likely to require more than £65,000.

With low numbers sold in the UK, tracking down an AMG S 63 will prove slightly harder. Should you find one, the oldest cars will cost from £45,000. Finding an AMG S 65 is a task that requires plenty of patience and good fortune. When they do appear on the used market, prices will exceed £79,000.

With list prices beyond £100,000, the running costs for the S-Class Coupe are just as extravagant. 

The earlier S 500 V8 achieved official fuel economy of 33.2mpg, although Real MPG results suggest closer to 20mpg. With a potential 34mpg, the newer S 560 V8 should be slightly less thirsty. 

Older AMG S 63 versions could only achieve 28.0mpg on paper. Again, the Real MPG scores show that this is a generous estimate, with drivers finding averages in the low teens. At least the later S 63, with a 4.0-litre V8, is officially capable of 31.7mpg. 

Fuel economy is unlikely to be a major concern for someone buying the V12-powered AMG S 65. Predictably, the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine only manages an official 23.7mpg.

Insurance costs will be as substantial as the S-Class itself. All versions across the range are rated in the maximum group 50. 

Pre-April 2017 models will see drivers of the S 500 charged £305 per year for VED (road tax), with the AMG S 63 costing a substantial £565. By comparison, the £580 due each year for the AMG S 65 seems fairly reasonable. 

Cars registered after April 2017 fall into the revised VED scheme. Being above £40,000 means all models are charged an extra £325 on top of the standard £150 rate. This applies for five years after the first year of registration.

Mercedes-Benz launched the S-Class Coupe with a simple range of trim choices.

The S 500 AMG Line was the initial entry point, but there is nothing ‘budget’ about its specification. Air suspension, LED headlights, leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and 19-inch wheels all came fitted as standard. An optional Premium Package added 20-inch wheels and a Burmester sound system.

The S 500 Night Edition was also offered, featuring matt grey paintwork. The radiator grille and 20-inch alloy wheels were also finished in black. 

Following the 2017 facelift, the S 560 Grand Edition became the starting model. Technology such as wireless smartphone charging, a Burmester sound system and front seats with a massage function are all standard. 

AMG models begin with the S 63. A set of 20-inch alloy wheels, a sportier front bumper design, and an AMG sports exhaust are all included with the extra performance. The interior also benefits from AMG-branded sports seats. The AMG S63 Premium model has different 20-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof.

Topping the model range is the opulent AMG S65. Styling changes include headlights that feature Swarovski crystals, while the interior is finished in Nappa leather.