2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG S-Class

The S-Class represents the best of Mercedes-Benz. The 2025 AMG S 63 E Performance represents the best of the S-Class. It comes with breathtaking power, ingenious engineering, an extensive array of standard equipment, and a cornucopia of luxury features. All at a meaningful price, of course, but considering the copious amount of standard equipment and the fact that this AMG undercuts and outmuscles an equivalent Porsche Panamera, then it’s still mightily attractive to those fortunate buyers who can put this car on their shopping list.

This is the first full model year for the AMG S 63 E Performance plug-in hybrid, having launched in 2024. Like the rest of the 2025 S-Class range, this variant gains a center airbag between the front seats, digital key, plus exterior metallic paint options of Sonoran Brown and Verde Silver. Mercedes-Benz also extends the satellite radio subscription to three years and offers the option of high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes coupled with a hike in top speed to 186 mph. The standard braking setup is still incredibly effective, however.

The main rival is the range-topping Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid, which starts appreciably higher than this S-Class model.

Before buying a new AMG S-Class luxury sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values may not matter much, although we expect them to be at least average for the high-end luxury class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Thanks to a turbocharged V8 engine and a muscular electric motor, the AMG S 63 E Performance creates a remarkable total of 791 hp with a planet-wobbling 1,055 lb-ft of torque. This enables it to dash from a standstill to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds. That’s phenomenally fast for a large luxury sedan weighing nearly three tons. To compare, the slightly lighter Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid generates 771 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque, hitting 60 mph in a claimed 2.8 seconds. We don’t think those few tenths will matter much in real-world driving, as both will feel incredibly quick.

The hybrid battery employs an ingenious cooling system to keep it at its optimum working temperature. Using technology from Formula One racing (Mercedes-AMG is one of the most successful teams), this battery has been formulated to deliver its energy on demand. This car is a plug-in hybrid, although it uses electric power more for performance than frugality.

Standard equipment includes AMG Ride Control air suspension and AMG Active Control. The latter reins in body roll when taking fast corners. The car remains uncannily flat. This system also combats squat and dive under acceleration and braking. Another standard feature is rear-wheel steering, enhancing agility at higher speeds and maneuverability in tight situations like parking garages. It makes the car respond as if it were at least one size category smaller. Because this is an S-Class, the ride quality remains smooth while the cabin retains a Zen-like quietness.

Fuel Economy

Plug-in hybrids can run for some distance using battery power alone. The AMG S E Performance is estimated to travel up to 16 miles in this way. That’s not especially far, yet it could be useful for city driving.

The AMG S 63 E Performance also achieves the equivalent of 49 mpg (MPGe) in combined city/highway driving. The irony is that anyone who can afford this wonderful S-Class can also afford the gas. But they’ll probably feel better about the lower emissions.

For reference, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid returns similar combined fuel economy while running for up to 30 miles in electric-only mode. Charging the AMG’s battery takes about 3.5 hours, the Panamera requires an hour less.

Technological innovations arrive whenever Mercedes-Benz thinks they’re ready. Still, there’s one thing we can always expect from an S-Class — a plush and spacious cabin full of fine materials, clever details, and superb craftsmanship. This AMG variant comes with luxurious Nappa leather as standard, multi-contour seats front and rear, plus a flat-bottomed AMG steering wheel. Despite having three seat belts in the back, this is essentially a 4-seater, creating optimum space for two rear passengers.

Our main gripe with any current S-Class is the tiny trunk. This one measures just 10.7 cubic feet, smaller than the C-Class compact sedan’s.

The AMG treatment is mostly subtle. That usually includes quad exhaust pipes (they’re trapezoid-shaped here), plus vertical grille slats, which make it onto the S-Class for the first time with this AMG S 63 E Performance. The front air intakes are also larger than the regular S-Class.

Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos
One of our favorite automotive audio setups comes standard in the 2025 S 63 E Performance, with 710 watts going through 15 speakers. The clarity and detail of Dolby Atmos enhances the already wonderfully immersive listening experience.

Brake energy recuperation
There are varying levels, allowing the driver to slow down or speed up by lifting off or pressing the accelerator pedal.

Driving modes
Perhaps it’s because we watch Formula One racing and see those cool steering wheels with all the controls, but we like being able to switch between driving modes using the button on the steering wheel of the S 63 E Performance.

Augmented reality
AR is a standard feature in this AMG S-Class model. It superimposes things like arrows and house numbers on the navigation screen and the head-up display. We think technology like this helps make the S-Class one of the finest vehicles of its kind.

Active Parking Assist
This self-parking system is also standard. In a car this size, and one you really don’t want to dent, we think it’s a welcome feature.

Active Engine Mounts
The AMG S 63 E Performance is the only 2025 S-Class to have these. They’re computer-controlled, using magnetorheological fluid that stiffens to provide high-speed precision, or becomes more flowing for a refined ride in normal conditions.

Following the AMG tradition of hand-built engines, the turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in the AMG S 63 E Performance is joined by an electric motor driving the rear axle. Together, they make a mighty 791 hp and 1,055 lb-ft of torque. An AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, and all-wheel drive is standard.

The regular 2025 S-Class and the ultra-luxurious 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class are reviewed separately. The all-electric Mercedes-EQ EQS large luxury sedan also has its own review.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty Mercedes-Benz offers lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This applies to the drivetrain as well. Most European luxury car companies have these same terms. Plug-in hybrid batteries are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles in some states, 10 years or 150,000 miles in others. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any free scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

The S-Class hasn’t been crash-tested by any independent agencies. That’s common for such high-end vehicles, but it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker. Mercedes-Benz packs its flagship sedan with an array of comprehensive and often innovative standard safety features, such as the special windshield wiper system that doesn’t mess up vision with indiscriminate splashing all over the glass.