Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (2014-2021) Review
Written by Andrew Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- All engines deliver effortless performance
- Well made cabin offers style and lots of technology
- Ride comfort is impressive on standard air suspension
Cons
- Rear-seat passengers get a raw deal versus those up front
- Running costs will be enormous, regardless of which engine is chosen
- Sheer size means parking could be a challenge
Overall verdict on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
"In this Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe review we are looking at what was effectively the flagship of the entire range. Taking the luxurious S-Class saloon as the starting point, the Coupe added a little more grace and firmly put the emphasis on the front seat occupants to create a car designed to whisk its occupants around in comfort and style."
Mercedes-Benz previously branded its big coupe the ‘CL-Class’, and the change in name is intended to stress the upmarket nature of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, and how much technology it shares with its limousine cousin.
It comes close to the saloon for how much road space it takes up, being more than five metres in length. Tipping the scales at over two tonnes, be under no illusion about just how vast this car is. But while it may be big on the outside, the experience inside is focused intently on those sitting in the front.
The driver and front-seat passenger inside the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe are extremely well catered for, sitting in plush seats that can cool and massage. They also get to use the impressive dashboard, which features a widescreen display and plenty of cutting-edge technology.
For those confined to the rear seats, the experience is slightly less majestic. The rear bench forms two separate seats, but headroom can be a problem for taller passengers due to the curving roofline. At least those in the rear also get the benefit of heated seats, and can look through the standard panoramic glass sunroof.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe drivers will forget about the complaints of those in the back once they experience the performance on offer. Even the entry-level S 500 features a turbocharged V8 engine, and is capable of 155mph and 0-62mph in less than five seconds.
Those wanting to go all-out can opt for the AMG S 65, powered by a ridiculous turbocharged V12. All models benefit from modern automatic transmissions, and all feature numerous driver aids to keep all that power under control.
Technology also plays a part in helping the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe handle almost like a sports car. Air suspension allows the driver to switch from pampered to sporty in an instant, making a major difference to how the car drives. And the most comfortable suspension setting delivers a cosseting ride quality that rivals struggle to match.
AMG models even come with cameras that read the road ahead and make the car lean into corners to reduce the amount of body-roll. It helps make for effortless progress at any speed, allowing the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe to cover big distances in short periods of time.
The downside to all this luxury and performance are running costs that are not for the faint-hearted. Expect high insurance premiums, and fuel consumption that will make you grateful for the standard 80-litre fuel tank. Compared to key rivals, though, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe does deliver on boot space, with room for golf clubs or enough luggage for a weekend away.
From the stunning performance and comfortable ride, to the luxurious interior and modern technology, there is plenty to like about the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Buyers just need to be prepared for costs almost as big as the car itself.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Mercedes-Benz Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Mercedes S-Class Coupes for sale. If you're looking for the soft-top version, you can check out our Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet review.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe right for you?
A car like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe appeals to a relatively small number of people. It is very expensive, has big running costs and is a physically large vehicle to drive.
However, if you prefer the finer things in life, and want to make a self-indulgent purchase, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class could be for you. It brings together impressive performance and a refined driving experience, making it far more usable every day than dedicated sports cars that cost equally as much.
The sheer scale of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe may put some off, as it will not be the easiest car to thread through city streets. You will also need plenty of real estate just to park it, and disposable income to cope with the associated costs.
Overcome those challenges, though, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be an extremely rewarding car to own.
What's the best Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe model/engine to choose?
Choosing between various Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe models is harder than you might imagine, as they all present an impressive blend of performance and luxury. Personal taste and budget are perhaps the deciding factors - there’s no wrong choice to make here.
For most buyers, the entry-level S 500 / S560 AMG Line will offer everything they could want from a luxury coupe. A powerful engine, air suspension, LED headlights and a comfortable interior clad in rich leather ticks all the boxes. Moving to the AMG S 63 or S 65 will bring fractionally more performance, but an accompanying increase in running costs. The V12-powered S 65 is genuinely ludicrous in terms of power and speed, but may keep your bank manager awake at night with worry.
Unless you really want to show off by having the best, the AMG Line models will deliver all you need.
What other cars are similar to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
With its combination of luxury, comfort, size and performance, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is in a class almost to itself. The Bentley Continental GT comes closest in terms of spirit, with an upmarket cabin and impressive performance. However, it is smaller in terms of interior space, and has a substantially higher starting price.
BMW’s 8 Series Coupe is cheaper than the S-Class and offers similar performance. Yet with a focus on sportier driving, it lacks the luxury edge of the Mercedes.
An Aston Martin DB11 could be an outside contender, featuring the classic combination of a powerful engine and dramatic styling. Again, though, it is more expensive and has tiny rear seats.
Comfort and design: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe interior
"Comfort is at the heart of what the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe offers. This is intended to be a luxurious way of crossing continents at speed, and arriving at your destination still feeling fresh and awake. "
Since being introduced, the basic layout of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been copied by other Mercedes-Benz models. This does little to detract from how good it looks, and is testimony to the effectiveness of its design.
The driver and front-seat passenger will find themselves basking in ultimate luxury. Leather upholstery is standard across the range, with the front seats deeply padded and bolstered. A panoramic sunroof can bathe the interior with sunlight during the day, with LED ambient lighting taking over at night.
Driver and passenger can electrically adjust the front seats in many different ways, including lumbar support. All models other than the S 500 AMG Line gain a memory function, making it easier to save your preferred seating position. The steering wheel is also electrically adjustable for reach and rake to ensure optimum comfort.
A Front Seat Comfort package is standard on all models other than AMG Line. This lets the front seats automatically inflate to stop the driver and passenger sliding around during cornering, and can also provide a massage function. Standard equipment includes heating for all four seats, with the front pair benefiting from cooling ventilation.
Those sitting in the rear may feel slightly less happy about their half of the deal, with less legroom and headroom than those up front. But the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is about being self-indulgent, and nobody said life was fair...
Quality and finish
Given the cost of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, buyers would be right to have grand expectations of the interior quality. Mercedes-Benz will not disappoint them, with a magnificent cabin that helps justify the high asking price.
This is a range-topping model, so the German company has ensured it looks sufficiently expensive. Wooden trim elements sweep across the width of the dashboard, with leather found on almost every other surface. It all looks impressive, while the options list allows for even fancier exclusive Nappa hide to be used.
Mercedes offered buyers multiple choices for the wooden trim used as standard, with even more elaborate options available as options. AMG cars can have carbon fibre, for example, but it doesn’t quite work in the luxurious confines of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
AMG models also have extra interior trinkets fitted, including an armrest embossed with the AMG logo, stainless steel pedals and AMG-branded door sills. On the AMG S 65, these are illuminated and combined with exclusive AMG floor mats.
However, its LED headlights are the most outrageously ostentatious feature of the AMG S 65. Along with being super-bright, they also have a design that incorporates 47 separate Swarovski crystals into each lamp. It is the perfect way to ensure everyone knows you bought the most expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe
Dominating the interior of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is the impressive widescreen display. It actually comprises two separate 12.3-inch screens, one responsible for multimedia and the other in charge of the normal gauges in front of the driver.
Operating it is a rotary controller and trackpad mounted on the centre console, surrounded by a row of buttons. The steering wheel has smaller individual trackpads, with voice commands also possible. It can seem intimidating at first, but familiarity makes it much easier to use.
Standard for all Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupes is the Comand Online system. This brings DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, a DVD player and hard-drive satellite navigation as part of the same system. Internet connectivity also allows for real-time traffic updates, plus the ability to use Google Maps for directions.
AMG models, and the more recent S 560 Grand Edition, all have the Burmester surround-sound audio system as standard. Optional on the S 500, it offers an immersive audio experience and is worth looking out for. The AMG S 65 gains an enhanced Burmester system, featuring 24 separate speakers and a 1520W amplifier. It is loud!
Post-facelift cars benefit from standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless charging for smartphones also a feature on later models.
Space and practicality: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe boot space
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe may be a big car, but don’t expect interior and boot space to rival the four-door Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloon. The large exterior dimensions have not translated into a gigantic cabin, even if those in the front should be perfectly happy.
Both driver and front passenger will have no problem getting comfortable, with plenty of legroom and shoulder room once inside. The standard glass panoramic sunroof has no impact on headroom up front, either.
There is also a respectable amount of storage space in the front. The regular glovebox and door bins are complemented by a centre console that runs the full length of the cabin. It has various cup holders and cubbies, plus an armrest with storage space beneath it.
Those sitting in the rear also have their own access to storage space in the centre console. However, they may start to feel cramped after too long back there. While legroom is acceptable, the curvy roofline eats into the rear headroom. At least the wide-opening doors and electrically sliding front seats will let them exit with ease.
Boot space in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is more impressive, with 400 litres of capacity. This is substantially better than the S-Class Cabriolet, and also more space than rivals like the Aston Martin DB11 and Bentley Continental GT.
It will easily accommodate enough luggage for a weekend away. A set of golf clubs will also fit inside, and the lid opens electrically to make life easier.
Don’t bother lifting up the boot floor expecting to find a spare wheel lurking beneath. Mercedes-Benz supplies a ‘Tirefit’ tyre-sealant kit instead. This uses a compressor and foam to repair smaller punctures, saving space in the boot.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe dimensions are 5027mm long, 2108mm wide and 1411mm tall.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe like to drive?
"Trying to make a huge car like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe handle with a degree of agility almost defies the laws of physics. All models tip the scales at more than two tonnes, meaning a lot of engineering has gone into making this car handle. "
Mercedes-Benz fits all models with air suspension, albeit tuned differently depending on the level of performance offered. This system has a substantial effect on how the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe feels on the road.
Airmatic dispenses with regular steel springs and uses adjustable airbags instead. It lets the driver switch between various modes, changing the Mercedes-Benz S-Class from a comforting cruiser to a hard-edged sports car at the press of a button.
Putting the Mercedes-Benz S-Class into Sport or Sport+ modes also adds extra weight to the steering. It might not have the feedback of dedicated sports cars, but the steering is precise enough to let the car be placed with confidence at speed. The tyres generate large amounts of grip, which adds to the overall feeling of stability.
AMG cars gain revised suspension settings tuned for greater performance. This includes the Magic Body Control system, using cameras to detect curves in the road. It then allows the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to lean into turns, minimising body-roll and helping it corner faster. Although not foolproof, it adds to the technological wizardry that makes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe perform.
The AMG S 63 and S 65 also have a stiffer ride than AMG Line models, but this never becomes unbearable. Being able to select Comfort mode solves the issue, and allows the AMG cars to transform into refined cruisers again. Non-AMG models are more compliant, with virtually no bumps in the road being transmitted back to the cabin.
Indeed, ride quality is one of the defining features of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Along with the thundering performance and luxurious interior, the cosseting ride is what makes this big car truly stand out.
What engines and gearboxes are available in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
The overall position of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe in the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy is made clear by a turbocharged V8 being the cheapest offering on the pricelist.
In the S 500, the 4.7-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 455PS, accelerating the Coupe from 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds. Like all Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupes, it comes with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard.
The 2017 facelift saw the S 500 replaced with the S 560. It features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 469PS, plus the same 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox. The 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds remains unchanged.
Next on the ladder is the AMG S 63. Pre-2017 models have a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8 with 585PS, and are fitted with a seven-speed AMG automatic gearbox. The 0-62mph sprint takes 4.2 seconds.
The 2017 update saw the AMG S 63 gain a modified version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Power output was lifted to 612PS, but the 0-62mph time remained the same. Also new was a nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission.
Topping the performance charts is the wild AMG S 65. A seven-speed AMG gearbox is tasked with controlling an incredible 630PS from the twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 engine. It only cuts the 0-62mph time by a fraction, to 4.1 seconds, but the AMG S 65 is about having the most extravagant Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe on offer.
Refinement and noise levels
The dedication by Mercedes-Benz to making the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe as quiet and refined as possible can be found in the type of window glass used.
Mercedes fits the big coupe with laminated sound-insulating glass as standard, designed to reduce noise from the outside. It also reflects infrared light to help keep occupants as cool as possible.
The result is a car that is incredibly quiet while driving at any speed, with motorway journeys virtually no louder than when the car is stationary. Engine noise is particularly muted, with tyre and wind noise noticeable by their absence. If you like driving in silence, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe could be your dream car.
Combined with the luxurious seats and air suspension, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe becomes a supremely refined way to travel. Those on the outside will get more of a show from the AMG cars. The AMG S 63 comes as standard with a choice of two exhaust sounds. Putting the car into Sport creates a host of crackles and pops from the chrome exhaust tailpipes.
With its V12 engine, the AMG S 65 is another level of aural intensity altogether, making for real street theatre.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
Mercedes-Benz has frequently used the S-Class to pioneer new safety innovations, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe benefits from the same thinking.
Safety is high on the agenda, with a host of airbags fitted throughout the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. This includes both front and rear side airbags, along with curtain airbags. Although the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe has never been formally crash-tested, the related S-Class saloon scored the maximum five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Given its shared components, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe should perform similarly well.
The 2017 update brought more standard safety equipment to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, offered as part of the Driving Assistance Package. Standard on AMG cars and optional on others, it includes the ability of the S-Class to automatically spot and steer around hazards in the road.
Included as part of the Driving Assistance Package are lane-keeping assist, blind-spot assist, a 360-degree camera and active cruise control. It also allows the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe to initiate braking automatically should it sense a potential collision.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe has fixings on the rear seats for two child seats. On earlier cars these are ISOFIX attachments, with the 2017 facelift seeing them upgraded to the newer i-Size fitments. An automatic child seat recognition sensor is fitted as standard, too.
Mercifully, given the size of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, front and rear parking sensors are fitted as standard, along with a rear-view camera. There is no spare wheel fitted, but Mercedes-Benz does supply a tyre-sealant kit and compressor. Tyre pressure monitoring is also included on all models.
MPG and fuel costs: What does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe cost to run?
"If fuel costs are a major worry when considering a new car, sidestepping the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe might be a wise move. As with all running costs on a car this big, fuel consumption will be a major expense."
The S 560 AMG Line proves to be the most economical, managing to squeeze 34mpg from its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It’s only fractionally ahead of the older S 500, which achieves 33.2mpg on the same official combined cycle.
Buy a later AMG S 63 with the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and 31.7mpg is the official average. The V12 AMG S 65 can only manage 23.7mpg, and that figure will surely dip much lower if the car is driven hard.
How reliable is a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe was too niche to appear in the HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Survey, but the saloon version on which it is based achieved a disappointing 8.86 out of 10 for reliability, making it something of a poor performer compared to other models from the brand. This is largely down to the number of complicated systems it runs that need regular maintenance to stay in good health.
As a brand Mercedes-Benz finished a respectable 13th out of 30 manufacturers overall, but this might be lower than you would expect from a brand that is traditionally thought of as being well-engineered.
Insurance groups and costs
If you were planning on buying a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe as a first car, you might be in for a shock when it comes to insurance. Joking aside, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is a large and powerful vehicle, with insurance costs very much reflecting that.
All models, from the S 500 / S 560 through to the AMG S 63 and S 65 are rated as group 50 (out of 50) for insurance. You can expect your annual premium to be considerable.
Mercedes-Benz does fit an alarm with interior protection, while Comand Online offers a form of remote vehicle tracking. However, a standalone vehicle tracker may be a wise move.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
Somewhat predictably VED (road tax) also proves to be an expensive cost for the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe. Earlier examples of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe fall within the pre-April 2017 VED regime. This means annual road tax of £330 for the S 500 AMG Line, with the AMG S 63 a considerable £615 per year. It makes £630 a year for the AMG S 65 seem almost a bargain.
After April 2017, all models are above the £40,000 threshold. This means an extra fee of £355 is levied on top of the standard £165 rate for five years after the first-year of registration.
How much should you be paying for a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
"Being a range-topping flagship, trying to find a used or nearly-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe is going to take some detective work. Compared to the S-Class saloon, the two-door model is rather rare, so patience may be needed to buy your perfect car. "
The S 500 and S 560 AMG Line make up the majority of the used examples on the market. Early S 500 AMG Line models start from around £40,000, with the cheapest S 560 closer to £60,000.
Tracking down an AMG S 63 or S 65 will be even harder, with very low numbers sold in the UK. The AMG S 63 begins from £45,000, with the handful of AMG S 65 models requiring £80,000-plus to enjoy the V12 lifestyle.
Trim levels and standard equipment
Apart from a few subtle tweaks, Mercedes-Benz kept trim levels relatively simple when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe AMG Line was the entry-point into ownership at launch, but the it's anything but basic. LED headlights, leather seats, air suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic glass sunroof were all standard. The optional Premium Package added 20-inch wheels, the powerful Burmester sound system and a massage function for the front seats.
Also on offer was the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe S 500 Night Edition, wearing special matt grey paint, 20-inch black alloy wheels and a front radiator grille also finished in black.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Grand Edition was latterly the start of the range. Stylish 20-inch wheels are standard, along with the Burmester sound system, wireless phone charging and front seats with a massage function.
Moving up to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe AMG S 63 delivers a sportier front bumper, 20-inch alloy wheels, an AMG sports exhaust and AMG-branded sports seats for the interior.
Top of the range is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe AMG S 65, featuring LED headlights with Swarovski crystals, a unique front bumper design and Nappa leather upholstery inside.
Choosing between the various grades is more likely to be led by the engine performance than trim level. All are packed with equipment, meaning no buyer should feel disappointed.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
Why did Mercedes-Benz stop making the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe worth it?
Does Mercedes-Benz still make the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe?
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