What you can customize on a 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes in several engine options, interior layouts, and technology packages that you can mix and match when you order. The main choices are between two engine types (a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid and a twin-turbocharged V8), three interior trim levels (Standard, AMG Line, and Maybach), seating configurations from four to five passengers, and optional technology bundles that add features like advanced driver information or premium audio systems.
Mercedes organizes these choices into a base model and then lets you layer on packages and individual options. Understanding what each package includes—and what it costs to add—helps you build a car that matches both your budget and what you actually want to drive.
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 S-Class offers two engine choices: a turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid that prioritizes fuel economy, and a twin-turbocharged V8 that prioritizes power.
- Interior trim levels range from the standard S 500 to the AMG Line (sportier styling) to the ultra-luxury Maybach (which includes a partition between front and rear seats).
- You can configure seating as either four individual seats with a center console or five seats across, depending on the trim level you choose.
- Technology packages bundle features like adaptive cruise control, parking information, and premium sound systems, and are often cheaper to buy together than individually.
- Paint color, wheel design, and upholstery material are separate customizations that affect both appearance and price.
Engine options and what they mean for performance and fuel economy
The base engine is the S 500, a turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor and a nine-speed automatic transmission. This hybrid setup produces 429 horsepower and is designed to balance acceleration with fuel economy. It reaches 60 miles per hour in roughly 5.5 seconds.
The second option is the AMG S 580, which uses a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 503 horsepower. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and reaches 60 miles per hour in approximately 3.8 seconds. The V8 is noticeably faster but uses more fuel than the hybrid.
Both engines come standard with all-wheel drive. The hybrid S 500 is the more economical choice if you drive mostly on highways or in mixed city and highway conditions. The V8 is the choice if acceleration and top-end power matter more to you than fuel costs.
Interior trim levels: Standard, AMG Line, and Maybach
The Standard S-Class interior includes leather upholstery, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument cluster, and ambient lighting. The steering wheel and dashboard are finished in leather, and the seats have power adjustment and heating.
The AMG Line adds sportier visual elements: a different grille design, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and sport-tuned suspension. The interior includes upgraded trim pieces (often in aluminum or carbon fiber) and more aggressive seat bolstering. This is a styling package more than a performance upgrade; the engine and transmission remain the same.
The Maybach S-Class is the ultra-luxury version. It is longer than the standard S-Class (adding 6.5 inches to the wheelbase), includes a power partition window between the front and rear seats, rear-seat entertainment screens, and a more spacious rear cabin. The Maybach is typically ordered by people who spend more time in the back seat than the front. It is available only with the V8 engine.
Seating configurations and passenger capacity
The standard S-Class and AMG Line offer two seating choices: five seats across (driver, front passenger, and three in back) or four individual seats with a center console between the rear passengers. The four-seat layout is more luxurious and gives rear passengers more personal space and storage. The five-seat layout is practical if you regularly carry five people.
The Maybach comes standard with four seats and a power partition. The rear seats recline, have massage functions, and include heated and cooled cushions. You cannot order the Maybach with five seats.
All S-Class models include power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, heating, and cooling. Rear seats in the four-seat configuration also have heating and cooling.
Technology and driver information packages
Mercedes groups technology features into packages rather than selling most of them individually. The Intelligent Drive Package includes adaptive cruise control (which maintains distance from the car ahead), lane-keeping information, and automatic emergency braking. The Parking Package adds 360-degree camera views, automated parking information, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The Premium Audio Package upgrades the standard 13-speaker system to a 23-speaker Burmester system with surround sound. The Head-Up Display Package projects speed, navigation, and alerts onto the windshield so you do not have to look down at the dashboard.
The Augmented Reality Navigation Package overlays turn-by-turn directions onto a live camera feed of the road ahead, displayed on the center screen. This is useful in complex intersections or unfamiliar areas. Most packages can be ordered together, though some features are mutually exclusive (for example, you cannot have both the standard audio system and the Burmester system).
Exterior customization: Paint, wheels, and lighting
Mercedes offers the 2025 S-Class in solid colors (like black, white, and silver), metallic colors (which add depth and cost more), and special colors like designo diamond white or designo night black. Paint color is a separate line item on the price and typically adds $500 to $1,500 depending on the color.
Wheel options range from 18-inch to 21-inch diameter, with designs varying by trim level. Standard wheels are included; larger or specialized designs cost extra. The AMG Line and Maybach come with more aggressive wheel designs as standard.
Lighting upgrades include LED headlights (standard on most trims) and optional adaptive LED headlights that adjust beam pattern based on speed and steering input. The Maybach includes LED headlights and taillights as standard.
Interior materials and upholstery choices
All S-Class models come with leather upholstery as standard. You can upgrade to Nappa leather, which is softer and more supple than standard leather, or choose from several color options including black, brown, gray, and cream. Nappa leather typically costs $1,000 to $2,000 more than standard leather.
The steering wheel, dashboard trim, and door panels can be finished in leather, wood veneer, or aluminum depending on the trim level. The Maybach offers more exotic wood options and higher-grade leather as standard. Seat heating and cooling are standard on all models; massage functions are standard on the Maybach and available as an option on other trims.
How to build your configuration and what affects the final price
When you configure a 2025 S-Class through a Mercedes dealer, you start with the base model (S 500 or AMG S 580), then choose your interior trim level (Standard, AMG Line, or Maybach). From there, you select seating configuration, add technology packages, choose paint and wheel options, and pick upholstery upgrades.
The base S 500 starts at a lower price point than the AMG S 580, but adding packages and upgrades can quickly increase the total. A fully loaded S-Class with the V8 engine, Maybach interior, all technology packages, and premium materials can cost significantly more than the base model. Most dealers can show you the price impact of each choice as you build your configuration online or in person.
Delivery time varies depending on how many custom options you choose. A car built to order with specific paint, wheels, and packages typically takes 8 to 12 weeks to arrive, while dealer inventory cars (already built with popular configurations) are available when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the Maybach with the four-cylinder hybrid engine?
No. The Maybach is available only with the twin-turbocharged V8 engine. If you want the hybrid engine, you must choose the standard S-Class or AMG Line trim.
What is the difference between the AMG Line and the AMG S 580?
The AMG Line is a styling and suspension package available on the S 500 (hybrid). The AMG S 580 is a different engine altogether—a V8 that produces more power. You can order an S 500 with AMG Line styling, or you can order the AMG S 580 with standard styling. They are separate choices.
Do technology packages come standard or do I have to pay extra?
Most technology packages are optional and cost extra. Some features like basic Bluetooth and a touchscreen are standard on all trims, but packages like Intelligent Drive, Parking information, and premium audio require an additional purchase.
Can I order a 2025 S-Class with five seats and the Maybach interior?
No. The Maybach comes only with the four-seat configuration. If you need five seats, you must choose the standard S-Class or AMG Line trim.
How long does it take to receive a custom-ordered S-Class?
A car built to your specifications typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from the time you place the order. Cars already in dealer inventory with popular configurations are available to drive home when ready, though your choice of options will be limited to what was already built.