DecodedCars2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Large Cars
- Body styles
- S 400 4matic 4dr Sedan AWD Swb, S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan AWD Lwb, S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan AWD Swb, S 600 4dr Sedan RWD Lwb
- 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
- 4,520–4,960 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 26 MPG combined — 24% better than the average 2015 large car (20.9 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models.
- 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 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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 207 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 124-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,564 lb (S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan AWD Lwb).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway), 24% better than the 2015 large car average of 20.9 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 2015
- New body dimensions: 5.1 in shorter, wheelbase −4.7 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Engines added: 3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 20 to 26
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 S-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S 400 4matic 4dr Sedan AWD Swb | 201.6 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 119.7 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | – | 53/47 |
| S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan AWD Lwb | 206.7 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,564 lb | 53/47 |
| S 550 4matic 4dr Sedan AWD Swb | 201.6 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 119.7 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,520 lb | 53/47 |
| S 600 4dr Sedan RWD Lwb | 206.7 in | 74.8 in | 58.7 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,817 lb | 53/47 |
| S 63 Amg 4dr Sedan RWD Lwb | 208.3 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,564 lb | 53/47 |
| S 65 Amg 4dr Sedan RWD Lwb | 208.3 in | 74.8 in | 59.1 in | 124.4 in | 64.6 / 64.2 in | 4,960 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 | +24% | $3,150 | 227 |
| S550 | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -4% | $4,100 | 444 |
| S550 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 26 / 19 | -9% | $4,350 | 462 |
| S550 4matic Coupe | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 24 / 19 | -28% | $4,350 | 465 |
| S63 AMG 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 23 / 18 | -14% | $4,550 | 499 |
| S63 AMG 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 | 13 / 21 / 16 | -23% | $5,150 | 572 |
| S65 AMG | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -28% | $5,500 | 578 |
| S65 AMG Coupe | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -43% | $5,500 | 585 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Similar 2015 large cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 BMW 7 Series | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Tesla Model S | 270 mi | Not rated | 9 |
| 2015 Audi A8 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2015 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 2015 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 |
| 2016 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 →