This week I am behind the wheel of a real beauty. Introducing the redesigned 2018 Mercedes-Benz S560 coupe, Mercedes’ flagship 2-door. New for 2018 are refreshed front and rear fascias, new LED headlights and taillights, and a new suite of engines. It is also available as a convertible.
This particular car has a 4.0-liter Bi-turbo V8 under the hood. It is putting out 463-horses and a strong 516-pound feet of torque. It is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that you can shift from shift paddles. It will take you from 0-to-60 in just 4.5 Seconds. All 560s have the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive System. Driving dynamics of the S560 are excellent and the Mercedes air suspension system gives the car a great ride.
You can choose from five drive modes including individual, Sport Plus, Sport, Comfort, and Eco. Of course, I spent most of my driving time in Sport Plus.
It goes without saying that the quilted interior of the 4-seater S-Class is beautiful, not unlike sitting in the lobby of a Four Seasons hotel, except nicer, with stitching and dash trim that flows around into the doors.
As you sit behind the wheel, your eyes can’t help but study the 12.3” high-resolution color instrument panel that you can configure to your liking from the multifunction steering wheel.
There is another 12.3” screen in the middle of the dash that controls the Comand system which is the navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Burmeister sound system, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi systems.
COMAND is controlled from the center console where a touchpad and rotary knob team up to get you through all the functions of the system. The touchpad will allow you to swipe, pinch, and even write on it. You can also turn off the Start/Stop system and activate the massaging seats.
Inside the center console, you’ll find USB ports, a 115-Volt electrical outlet, and a built-in cell phone charger.
The S560 interior is wonderful, it has a ton of front legroom and headroom, and it has a massive trunk. Just a warning, the back seat is comfy, but not easy to get in and out of. The front seats slide electrically and that helps some.
Major standard features include ambient lighting with your choice of 64 different colors, heated and cooled seats, soft closing doors, power panoramic moonroof, head-up display, and cabin fragrance system.
Also standard is the Energizing Comfort system that combines the climate control, air fragrance, ambient lighting, audio, and massaging driver seat and heated armrests. You can select from six 10-minute programs and enjoy physical benefits accompanied by cabin lighting and music. If you have music loaded, it will choose one of your songs if the beat matches.
This car has the optional Driver Assistance Package which has nice features like lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, steering assist, and active cruise control. It also has Active Steering Assist which uses cameras and other sensors to detect lane markings, guardrails, and other vehicles.
A few other options on this car are the Sport Package with the AMG wheels, night vision camera, and Swarovski crystal headlamp accents.
Fuel economy is good for its size at 17 in town and 27 out on the highway. The S560 rides and drives like a dream, the exhaust sound is terrific, and acceleration is strong and determined. All total, MSRP on this beauty is $152,195.
