2026 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG S-Class

Mercedes-Benz is renowned for many things, two of which are supreme luxury and the company’s high-performance AMG cars. In the S 63 E Performance, both attributes combine, reaching lofty heights as they do so.

Developing 791 horsepower using a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, creating a chassis to handle such kinetic forces, and then making the car a luxury conveyance shows how profoundly skilled the engineers at Mercedes-Benz are. This sedan is a high point of the company’s expertise. It’s not cheap, but fantastic cars never are.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of luxury full-size sedans, including the Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG S-Class.

The only notable change is a fresh paint color from the Manufaktur personalization program: Moonlight White Magno (not mango).

This AMG S-Class model debuted late 2024.

The 2026 Mercedes-AMG S-Class has a starting sticker price of $190,950.

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 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 and hits 60 mph in a claimed 2.8 seconds. We don’t think those few tenths are going to matter much in real-world driving, as both will feel wildly 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.

The rest of the S 63 E Performance is, of course, fabulous. Going from Comfort mode to Sport or Sport Plus turns the car from a pussycat to a puma. Well, a puma endowed with superpowers. We liked the feel of the steering — not numb. And we were unsurprised to find out that the brakes are easily up to the task of bringing this force of nature to a halt.

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 tranquility.

Fuel Economy

Plug-in hybrids can run some distance using battery power alone. The AMG S E Performance is estimated to travel for 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 traveling up to 30 miles in electric-only mode.

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 front and rear seats, and 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 10.7 cubic feet, smaller than the compact C-Class sedan’s.

The AMG treatment is mostly subtle. That usually includes quad exhaust pipes (they’re here, trapezoid-shaped), 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.

Along with the new Moonlight White Magno paint choice, there are more than 50 Manufaktur finishes.

Burmester surround-sound system with Dolby Atmos
One of our favorite automotive audio setups comes standard in the 2026 S 63 E Performance, with 710 watts going through 15 speakers. The clarity and detail of Dolby Atmos enhance an already wonderfully immersive listening experience.

Brake energy recuperation
There are varying levels, allowing the driver to slow down or speed up just 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 switching between driving modes using the button on the steering wheel of the S 63 E Performance.

Augmented reality
This AMG S-Class model’s standard feature superimposes arrows and street numbers on the navigation screen and 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 2026 S-Class to have these. They’re computer-controlled, using magnetorheological fluid that can stiffen to provide high-speed precision, or become more flowing for a refined ride in normal conditions.

Following the AMG tradition of handcrafted engines, the S 63 E Performance houses one such turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. It joins an electric motor driving the rear axle. Together, they make 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.

We review the regular 2026 S-Class, the ultra-luxurious 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS large luxury sedan separately.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty Mercedes-Benz offers lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. It applies to the drivetrain, as well. Most European luxury car companies have these same terms. Plug-in hybrid batteries are covered for six years or 60,000 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 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.