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2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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Overview

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2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.0

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan isn't just a means of transport, it's a status symbol, a message to all who look upon it that its owner has arrived and arrived big. Setting the benchmark for the industry, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan comes in a variety of flavors, although the S550 is so loaded with features and power it's absurd to classify it as a "base" model. The S-Class lineup includes a super car in the V12-powered S600, the all-new clean diesel S350 BlueTEC, the environmentally-sensitive S400 Hybrid and two Teutonic terrors outfitted by AMG, the S63 and S65 AMG. In all, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class line continues to offer the best in performance, safety, comfort and prestige. Then again, for a car with a starting price for the least-expensive model well over $90,000, one would expect no less.

You'll Like This Car If...

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the ultimate and universal automotive badge of style and success. With its rich interiors and plethora of amenities, the 2012 S-Class is one of the few cars that might be more enjoyable to ride in than to drive.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While the 2012 S-Class sedan's luxury credentials are not in question, some may find the car's image more Wall Street than Rodeo Drive. If you're a young entrepreneur who has made it big, a more exotic Maserati Quattroporte, or even the Audi S8, might feel a little less conservative.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.0
Driving Dynamics

7.6
Comfort & Convenience

9.0
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.6
Value

6.6
Safety

7.9

How It Ranks

#2

out of 12

MPG

#13

out of 13

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.4 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

Diesel power comes to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan with the introduction of the new S350 BlueTEC sedan. The S550 receives a new 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged engine producing more power and better fuel economy than last year's 5.5-liter V8.

Driving the S-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions When driving the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, one experiences two very distinct personalities. On the one hand, the S-Class is a surprisingly agile automobile, contradicting its enormous size with a highly...

responsive chassis and such clever electronic assists as MB's Active Body Control. On the flip side, there is the passenger experience which, for some owners, means they experience the S-Class only from the back seat. The 2012 S-Class sedan floats over road imperfections and cocoons its occupants from nearly all external noise. The new 4.6-liter V8 is silky smooth, delivering its 429 horsepower through a newly-improved 7-speed automatic transmission. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system (AWD) is standard on the S350 BlueTEC, which offers better fuel economy and acceleration than the S400 Hybrid. Those who equate performance with prowess will likely enjoy the S600's V12 engine or, better still, the 4.3-second zero-to-60-mph run and 186-mph top speed of the S65 AMG. Those with strong environmental concerns can still ride in luxury in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. With its seamless mild hybrid powertrain and modest 3.5-liter V6 engine, this green luxury car offers a nice, easy feel with ride and handling similar to the S550.

Favorite Features

Active Body Control (ABC) with Crosswind Stabilization
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan's active suspension continually adjusts to the irregularities of the road, allowing the S-Class to optimize driving dynamics while offering an unprecedented level of ride quality. Crosswind stabilization adds further balance to the car by distributing wheel loads in order to maintain directional stability through strong lateral wind gusts.

Splitview
Located atop the 2012 S-Class' center stack, this innovative dual-screen interface allows the driver and front passenger to view different content at the same time. For example, the front passenger can watch a movie while the driver utilizes the navigation system.
2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Details

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Details

2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

Following the tradition of the great European sedans, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior is a study in reserved elegance and clean design. Seating in the S-Class provides exceptional head, hip and legroom plus nearly prefect seating positions and ergonomics. If you can't get comfortable in an S-Class, you should take up walking. Technology is the buzzword for the S-Class interior, with such interesting features as an available Splitview display that allows the driver to view one source, such as navigation, while the passenger can enjoy another, such as a DVD movie. The S-Class seats are covered in premium leather with elegant sewing and stitching patterns. Rear-seat passengers can enjoy a host of amenities, including DVD entertainment and climate and audio controls.

Exterior

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is little changed from last year, retaining its athletic bulging fenders, graceful arching beltline and aero grille with stand-up hood ornament. LED-style daytime running lights (DRL) line the lower half of the headlamps, while integrated turn signals reside outside the side mirrors. Toward the rear, there is a slight hint of BMW in the raised bustle-style trunk lid, but the horizontal-striped tail lights are pure Mercedes-Benz. The S400 Hybrid and S350 BlueTEC trims wear additional badging to set them apart from the V8 trim levels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The roster of notable standard equipment for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan begins with Mercedes' COMAND multi-media interface with CD/DVD player, SD card slot and USB interface. Music is piped in via 14 speakers wired to a 600-watt harmon/kardon Surround Sound system. Seats are covered in rich leather, and the automatic climate control includes separate settings for the front footwell area. Standard safety features include Attention Assist, which monitors driver alertness; Torque Vectoring Brake, which initiates rear-wheel braking for greater stability through corners; a Pre-Safe pre-collision system; and a knee airbag for the driver. The S400 features a hybrid gauge and an animated flow-of-power graphic display.

Optional Equipment

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S550 sedan has an enormous list of optional equipment and features, many of which fall under the category of Assistance Systems, high-tech driver aids that primarily have a focus on safety. There's Speed Limit Assist, which recognizes speed limit signs and alerts the driver of the posted miles per hour. Crosswind stabilization counters the effects of gusty weather and helps keep the car on its intended path. Night View Assist Plus spots pedestrians in low-light situations, and radar-based Distronic Plus Adaptive Cruise Control helps maintain a safe distance with traffic ahead. This sedan is nothing short of a technological showcase and masterpiece.

Under the Hood

The 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class sedans now offer the broadest range of power, performance, and fuel economy to date. The S550 will, to many, be the most appealing of the model line due to its smooth and strong 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged gasoline direct injection V8, yielding 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, and its lower price; it's neither under- nor over-powered. The S600 and the AMG models can be a bit overwhelming, while the S400 Hybrid feels somewhat labored during harder acceleration. A nice middle ground is the S350 BlueTEC, which features a V6 turbodiesel with 455 lb-ft of torque and an impressive 31 mpg highway fuel economy rating. For those who prefer an eco-friendlier alternative, they should opt for the S400 Hybrid, but expect a significant compromise to performance.

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6
240 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm
455 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-2,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31

3.5-liter V6 Mild Hybrid
295 horsepower (net) @ 6,000 rpm
284 lb-ft of torque (net) @ 2,400-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25

4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8
429 horsepower at 5,250 rpm
516 lb-ft of torque at 1,800-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/25(rear-wheel drive), 15/24 (AWD)

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12
510 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
612 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19

5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8
536 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
590 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/23

6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12
621 horsepower @ 4,800 rpm
738 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/19

Pricing Notes

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class ranges from around $95,000 for the S550 to over $210,000 for the S65 AMG. The S400 Hybrid starts around $92,000, while the S350 BlueTEC begins closer to $93,000. To ensure that you get the best price on your 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, be sure to check out our Fair Purchase Prices, which show you what consumers in your area are currently paying for theirs. The closest competitor to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is another prolific flagship automobile: The BMW 7 Series. The 7 Series is more of a driver's car than the S550, but does not offer quite the same level of elegance or prestige. And Audi's A8 and S8 probably take top honors for most impressive interior design. For that extra boost in status, the S550 starts at about $9,000 over the 7 Series and A8. When it comes to residuals, however, the 7 Series is the winner in the long run, with the Audi A8 in a close second staying just above the S-Class over time.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 29 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.8/10
Comfort

9.8/10

Styling

9.7/10

Great looking, reliable and comfortable car.

By PHILB (MD) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "The greatest looking, most comfortable car ever."

Cons: "I have no cons."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the car used with 19,000 miles on it in 2010 and saved about 35,000 dollars and the car has been great. Not one expense other than having the regular services done. My wife usually drives it and I have a 2007 SL550 Designo edition and the same with it, not one complaint whatsoever. We love both cars and as seniors, we will never wear these cars out. The S550 comfort seat package with the massage features is so wonderful. The amazing thing is, our daughter who is only 26 loves to take her friends out for a night in it and she thinks it is the best car ever. I have been a Mercedes owner for over 30 years and have never had any trouble with any of them."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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75K and still going strong!

By bigstanup (TN) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort,Sound System,Interior Storage Compartments"

Cons: "To Much Technology to Deal With"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my car at 46K a couple of years ago and have been impressed with just about everything about it! The way the S550 takes to the road is second to none and I am never tired or stiff after a long trip (450+mi)and the 25mpg is a pleasant surprise."

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Bestblarge luxury sedan ever

By Mike (TX) on Sunday, August 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth powerful ride"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my third Benz and second S550. I am amazed at the ride and performance improvements from my 2010 to my new 2012. This time I got the Sport Plus Pkg. the car handles wonderful on the road and the ride is silky smooth. My combined fuel economy has in crease by an average og 3-4mpg. I drive about 30,00-35,00 miles per year."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great touring car

By Oz (GA) on Friday, May 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 181,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great reliability - have 180K and going strong"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 3rd S series. Buoght my S-550 new in 2006 as a 2007 model. Great road car as I can drive 6 hours staight without thinking of stopping. Leather has held up great, all the electronics work great but not up to 2012 pace. Upgrade the GPS every two years so is always current. Car is bullet proof. A few repairs over the years, motor mounts, ball joints but all to be expected with 180K. Will keep until new S series is out in 2013."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great car in its day

By Iceman27 (NY) on Monday, April 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Quick and nimble"

Cons: "Costly to maintain"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"When this car was new, it was state of the art. Time has passed and innovations have been made to the 2007. However, this model was the best "S" I ever owned. It was my fifth. For a little more than $30,000, this is a good buy. Cost to maintain is expensive."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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Dream car - almost dream come true - happy to have

By Bob on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality of ride and thecar build"

Cons: "Cost"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Second MB and first S. 2007 s550 4matic. Wonderful ride and quality inside and out. Love extra toys (camera, distronic plus, massage seats, other features). A few super minor gripes: Bluetooth doesn't work well with blackberry, distronic plus and park assist turn off in foggy/wet/snowy weather (sometimes, nor everytime), after awhile, dynamic seat feature stopped working. Other - fuel economy is great on hwy, so so in city (now new engine might be better). I do love 4wd! Saved the car a few times!!! Accelerates wonderfully in "s" mode - don't need Amg 63 or 65 to pass pretty much anyone (except motorbikes ;-) )... Expensive maintenance (dealer mechanics suggest always! about $1500 in annual work - not repair!) repair if not on warranty or insurance (body) is expensive (so if it's a used car may look too expensive).... But I love it, can't imagine not having it or a similar car... Hard to drive anything else now . If you care for a good car - buy it."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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See all 29 reviews