What the 2025 S-Class lineup offers and how to build one
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes in two main body styles—sedan and coupe—with three powertrain choices and four trim levels within each. You start by picking your body style, then your engine (which determines the model name: S500, S580, or AMG S63), then your trim level (Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, or Luxury), and finally your options packages and individual features. The sedan is the traditional four-door; the coupe is a two-door with a sportier roofline. Both share the same engine and trim structure, so your choice here is purely about how the car looks and feels to drive.
Mercedes builds the 2025 S-Class at their factory in Sindelfingen, Germany. When you order one through a dealer, you can specify nearly every detail—paint color, interior material, wheel design, technology packages, and comfort features. The configuration process happens through your Mercedes dealer, who enters your choices into the Mercedes order system and gives you a build sheet showing price, delivery timeline (usually 8 to 16 weeks depending on options), and what you're getting for the money.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 S-Class offers a sedan and coupe body style, each with three engine options: a turbocharged inline-six (S500), a twin-turbocharged V8 (S580), and a twin-turbocharged V8 with electric motors (AMG S63).
- Four trim levels—Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, and Luxury—stack features like leather, ambient lighting, and technology; each trim is available with any engine choice.
- The S500 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder with 429 horsepower; the S580 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 503 horsepower; the AMG S63 uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 plus two electric motors for 625 horsepower total.
- Major option packages include the AMG Dynamic Plus package (adds performance suspension and steering), the Intelligent Drive package (adds semi-autonomous driving features), and the Burmester sound system upgrade.
- Paint, wheels, interior leather color, and ambient lighting color are fully customizable, so two S-Class sedans can look completely different even if they have the same engine and trim.
Engine choices and what they mean for performance and cost
The S500 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 429 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The S500 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph (electronically limited). This is the entry-level powertrain and the most fuel-efficient of the three, though Mercedes does not publish EPA fuel economy estimates for 2025 models yet—your dealer can provide projected figures based on 2024 data.
The S580 steps up to a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The S580 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 4.6 seconds. The larger displacement and dual turbochargers deliver noticeably stronger acceleration and a deeper engine sound, but at the cost of lower fuel economy than the S500.
The AMG S63 uses the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 as the S580 but adds two electric motors integrated into the transmission—one for each rear wheel. This hybrid system produces 625 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque combined. The AMG S63 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 3.8 seconds, making it the quickest of the three. The electric motors also provide brief all-wheel-drive torque vectoring, which helps the car turn more sharply. The AMG S63 can run on electric power alone for short distances at low speeds, though this is a supplementary feature rather than a primary driving mode.
Trim levels and what features come standard at each
All four trim levels come with the same basic structure: leather upholstery, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system (called MBUX), dual-zone climate control, power seats with lumbar support, and a power trunk. The differences are in what you get beyond that baseline.
The Standard trim is the starting point. It includes the features listed above plus 18-inch wheels, a single-pane sunroof, and basic ambient lighting (single color). The interior is leather but without the higher-grade nappa leather of upper trims.
The Premium trim adds nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof (larger glass area), upgraded 19-inch wheels, multi-color ambient lighting, a power rear sunshade, and a Burmester premium sound system (13 speakers instead of the standard system). The MBUX system gains additional voice control features and smartphone integration refinements.
The Premium Plus trim includes everything from Premium plus a head-up display (projects speed and navigation onto the windshield), a 360-degree camera system, adaptive suspension that adjusts stiffness based on road conditions, and upgraded 20-inch wheels. The interior gains contrast stitching and additional trim options.
The Luxury trim is the highest level and adds a power rear window shade, a Burmester surround-sound system (23 speakers), a massage function in the front seats, heated rear seats, a power-adjustable steering column, and the most extensive ambient lighting customization. The Luxury trim also includes the Intelligent Drive package as standard, which adds semi-autonomous driving features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and lane-keeping information.
Major option packages and what they add
Beyond the trim structure, Mercedes offers several packages that bundle related features together. The AMG Dynamic Plus package is available on all three engines and adds a sport-tuned suspension with lower ride height, a sport steering system with faster response, and 21-inch AMG-specific wheels. This package is most commonly ordered on the S580 and AMG S63 because it sharpens the driving feel; on the S500, it's less common because the base suspension is already well-tuned for comfort.
The Intelligent Drive package includes semi-autonomous driving features: adaptive cruise control that can bring the car to a complete stop and resume motion in traffic, lane-keeping information that gently corrects steering if you drift, and a parking information system that can steer the car into parallel or perpendicular spaces. This package is standard on the Luxury trim but available as an option on Premium Plus and lower trims.
The Burmester sound system upgrade is available on trims below Premium (which already includes a Burmester system). The upgrade replaces the standard audio system with a 13-speaker Burmester setup tuned specifically for the S-Class cabin. On the Luxury trim, you can upgrade further to the 23-speaker Burmester surround system, which adds overhead speakers and rear-seat audio controls.
The Air Balance package adds a multi-stage air filtration system that removes particulates and odors from incoming air, plus ionization that can reduce airborne particles inside the cabin. This is a comfort feature rather than a performance one and appeals mainly to buyers in areas with poor air quality or those with allergies.
Paint, wheels, and interior customization options
Mercedes offers the 2025 S-Class in 14 standard paint colors, ranging from classic blacks and silvers to metallics like Graphite Grey Metallic and Brilliant Blue Metallic. You can also order special paints through Mercedes' paint-to-sample program, which allows nearly any color but adds cost and extends delivery time by several weeks. Your dealer can show you paint samples in daylight and under showroom lighting to help you decide.
Wheels come in sizes from 18 inches (Standard trim) to 21 inches (available on higher trims and with the AMG Dynamic Plus package). Mercedes offers roughly 12 wheel designs across the lineup, ranging from traditional multi-spoke designs to more aggressive AMG-specific patterns. Larger wheels improve the car's appearance and handling response but reduce ride comfort slightly and increase tire wear.
Interior leather comes in five colors: black, brown, grey, beige, and a lighter cream shade. The nappa leather on Premium and higher trims can be ordered with contrasting stitching and piping. You can also choose between different wood trim inserts (walnut, ash, or piano black) or aluminum trim for a more modern look. The ambient lighting system allows you to choose from multiple color schemes—warm white, cool blue, or a dynamic mode that shifts colors—and you can adjust brightness through the MBUX touchscreen.
How to order and what to expect during the build process
To order a 2025 S-Class, visit a Mercedes-Benz dealer and speak with a sales representative. They will walk you through the trim and engine choices, show you paint and interior samples, and discuss option packages. Once you've decided on your configuration, the dealer enters it into the Mercedes order system and provides you with a build sheet showing the total price, estimated delivery date, and a breakdown of what's included.
Delivery timelines vary based on how many options you choose and current factory production schedules. A Standard or Premium trim S500 with common options typically arrives in 10 to 12 weeks. An AMG S63 with multiple option packages and special paint can take 14 to 18 weeks. Your dealer can tell you the specific timeline for your configuration when you place the order.
Once your car is built at the Sindelfingen factory, it is shipped to the United States, usually arriving at a port on the East or West Coast. From there, it is transported by truck to your dealer. Your dealer will inspect the car for any shipping damage, perform a pre-delivery inspection, and contact you when it's ready for pickup. You'll have the opportunity to walk through the car with a dealer representative before taking delivery, and they'll explain how to use the major systems like MBUX, the ambient lighting, and the semi-autonomous driving features if you ordered them.
Common configuration mistakes and how to avoid them
One frequent mistake is ordering the S500 with the AMG Dynamic Plus package expecting it to feel like an AMG S63. The Dynamic Plus package improves handling on the S500, but the engine still produces 429 horsepower compared to the S63's 625. If you want genuine performance, the S580 or AMG S63 is the better choice; the Dynamic Plus package on those engines makes more sense.
Another common error is underestimating how much the Intelligent Drive package improves daily driving. Many buyers skip it on lower trims to save money, then regret it after delivery because adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping information reduce fatigue on long drives. If you spend more than an hour a day on highways, this package is worth the cost.
A third mistake is choosing wheels that are too large. The 21-inch wheels available on higher trims look aggressive, but they reduce ride comfort noticeably and increase tire replacement costs significantly. Unless you prioritize appearance over comfort, 19-inch or 20-inch wheels are a better balance.
Finally, some buyers order special paint without understanding the delivery impact. Paint-to-sample adds 4 to 8 weeks to delivery time and costs several thousand dollars more than standard colors. If you need the car quickly, stick with one of the 14 standard colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get all-wheel drive on every configuration?
Yes. All-wheel drive is standard on every 2025 S-Class, regardless of engine choice or trim level. There is no rear-wheel-drive option for 2025.
What's the difference between the S580 and the AMG S63 besides horsepower?
The AMG S63 adds electric motors for hybrid power, which enables torque vectoring (sending power to individual rear wheels for sharper turning). The S63 also comes with a sport-tuned suspension and steering as standard, while the S580 requires the AMG Dynamic Plus package to get those features. The S63 is also badged as an AMG model and includes AMG-specific wheels and interior trim.
Do I have to order through a dealer, or can I buy a pre-built car on the lot?
Most S-Class sedans and coupes are ordered to specification, but some dealers keep a few pre-built examples on the lot for when ready delivery. These are usually configured with popular options and common colors. If you want a specific combination—like a particular paint color with certain wheels and interior leather—ordering is your only option.
What happens if I change my mind after I've ordered?
If you cancel before the car is built, you can usually do so without penalty. Once production has started, cancellation may result in a loss of your deposit or a penalty fee; this depends on your dealer's policy and how far along the build is. Ask your dealer about their cancellation policy before you place the order.
Are there any engine or trim combinations that don't work together?
No. Every engine (S500, S580, AMG S63) is available with every trim level (Standard, Premium, Premium Plus, Luxury). You can also mix and match option packages freely. The only constraint is that some features are standard on higher trims and optional on lower ones—for example, the Intelligent Drive package is standard on Luxury but optional on Premium Plus and below.