The Mercedes S 450 d 4Matic arrives with a diesel engine and a suite of high-end features. We examine how this unexpected combination performs in the world of luxury sedans and what it means for drivers seeking comfort and efficiency.
Mercedes has put a diesel engine at the heart of its S 450 d 4Matic. In a world where luxury sedans chase electric and petrol power, this car takes a different path. Diesel is not done yet—not at the top end.
Inside, space dominates. The S-Class stretches 5.30 meters long, with a wheelbase of 3.22 meters. It feels more like a lounge than a car. The Premium package, which costs about 15,000 euros, adds more. You get active multicontour seats with massage, heating, and ventilation. Rear seats adjust electrically. Comfort is the rule here. The boot holds 510 liters. There’s a practical loading hatch. Payload tops out at 643 kg.
According to official Mercedes-Benz data, the S 450 d 4MATIC is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel engine, a mild hybrid system, and a 9-speed automatic transmission, with CO₂ emissions rated at 174 g/km.
Materials and finish are pure Mercedes. Wood, chrome, leather, and glossy surfaces fill the cabin. Ambient lighting and a Burmester 3D sound system turn every drive into an experience. Three big screens light up the dash. Colors pop. Menus are easy to use. The latest MBUX system is quick and smart. It brings ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini into the car. Voice control and Google Maps navigation work together. Over-the-air updates keep everything current. No dealer visit needed.
The engine is the real twist. The S 450 d uses a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with a 48-volt mild hybrid. It puts out 367 plus 23 CV. This is not old tech. Power comes on smooth and strong. The engine has a deep sound, but it never gets loud. The nine-speed automatic shifts softly. Switch to Sport mode and it reacts fast. Mercedes claims 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. Real-world tests show 5.6 seconds. That’s quick for a car this size.
Efficiency stands out. The S 450 d weighs 2.3 tons. Still, it averaged just 7.8 liters per 100 km in tests. Careful drivers can get close to six liters. The tank holds 76 liters. That means more than 1,200 kilometers between stops. Few luxury sedans can match that.
Independent tests highlight that the S 450 d 4MATIC delivers a remarkable 750 Nm of torque and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 5.0 seconds, with real-world fuel consumption often staying below 9 liters per 100 km even during dynamic driving. The OM 656 Evo diesel engine features an electrically heated catalytic converter, enabling faster emissions system warm-up and improved exhaust cleaning.
On the road, the S-Class feels calm and controlled. Air suspension, 19-inch wheels, and all-wheel drive come standard. The ride is smooth. The car stays agile. Rear-axle steering (up to 10 degrees, optional) cuts the turning circle to under eleven meters. This big sedan can handle tight city streets. At 130 km/h, the cabin is quiet—just 63 dB(A). That’s near silence.
Brakes are strong. The S 450 d stops from 100 km/h in 32.4 meters, even when hot. The pedal is easy to control. Brake fade is almost zero. Steering is precise. 4Matic traction works in the background. Drivers feel in control.
The luxury sedan market is changing fast. Even so, the S 450 d 4Matic shows diesel still matters. Long-range comfort and real-world efficiency set it apart. This car is not just for passengers. It’s for drivers too. Every detail feels refined. The tech is advanced but easy to use.
For those watching how premium cars evolve, diesel’s strengths have been tested elsewhere. Earlier coverage of road conditions and performance shows how endurance and comfort matter for safety and real-world use.
Mercedes did not just update the S-Class. It raised the bar. Every part, from the feel of the controls to the digital systems, is tuned for luxury. The S 450 d 4Matic proves a diesel can still lead. It’s opulent. It’s efficient. And it delivers where it counts.
