DecodedCars2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- S 400 4matic 4dr Sedan, S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan Lwb, S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan Swb, S 550e 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 24 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 201.6–208.3 in
- Curb weight
- 4,619–5,038 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2016 large car (21.2 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a large car offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 120-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,619 lb (S 400 4matic 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway), 23% better than the 2016 large car average of 21.2 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 S-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 S-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 400 4matic 4dr Sedan | 201.6 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 119.7 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,619 lb | 53/47 |
| S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan Lwb | 206.7 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,773 lb | 53/47 |
| S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan Swb | 201.6 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 119.7 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,729 lb | 53/47 |
| S 550e 4dr Sedan | 206.7 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,883 lb | 53/47 |
| S 600 4dr Sedan | 206.7 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 5,038 lb | 53/47 |
| S 63 Amg 4matic 4dr Sedan | 208.3 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,806 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S550e Plug-in Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | +23% | $3,150 | 227 |
| S550 | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -6% | $4,100 | 444 |
| S550 4matic Coupe | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -29% | $4,350 | 465 |
| S550 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -10% | $4,350 | 462 |
| AMG S63 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -15% | $4,550 | 499 |
| AMG S63 4matic Coupe | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -32% | $4,550 | 490 |
| S600 | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -25% | $5,150 | 547 |
| AMG S65 Coupe | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -44% | $5,500 | 585 |
| AMG S65 | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -29% | $5,500 | 581 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Similar 2016 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Tesla Model S | 315 mi | Not rated | 10 |
| 2016 Audi A8 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz Maybach | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other S-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 S-Class | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 S-Class | 23 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 S-Class | 24 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 S-Class | 24 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 S-Class | 23 | 209.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 S-Class | 24 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 S-Class | 24 | 205.1 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 S-Class | 23 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 S-Class | 23 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 S-Class | 22 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 S-Class | 26 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 S-Class | 26 | 201.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →