Mercedes has put a diesel engine basic to its S 450 d 4Matic, taking a different path as luxury sedans turn to electric and petrol power. The S 450 d pairs long-range comfort with real-world efficiency, showing diesel still has a place 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 active multicontour seats with massage and heating, plus ventilation. The rear seats adjust electrically. The boot holds 510 liters and has a practical loading hatch; payload tops out at 643 kg.
Materials and finish are unmistakably Mercedes. Wood and chrome frame the cabin, alongside leather and glossy surfaces. Ambient lighting works with a Burmester 3D sound system to enrich the experience. Three large screens light up the dash, with vivid colors and easy-to-use menus. The latest MBUX system is quick and intuitive, bringing ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing into the car, with Google Gemini also available. Voice control works with Google Maps navigation, and over-the-air updates keep everything current without a dealer visit.
The S 450 d uses a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It puts out 367 plus 23 CV. Mercedes-Benz Poland lists a 9-speed automatic transmission and CO₂ emissions of 174 g/km. Power comes on smoothly and strongly. The engine has a deep sound but never gets loud, while the nine-speed automatic shifts softly. Switch to Sport mode and it reacts quickly. Mercedes claims 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds; real-world tests show 5.6 seconds. Autoviny.sk reports 750 Nm of torque and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 5.0 seconds. It also reports real-world fuel consumption often below 9 liters per 100 km, even during dynamic driving. The OM 656 Evo diesel engine features an electrically heated catalytic converter, which warms the emissions system faster and improves exhaust cleaning.
Efficiency stands out. The S 450 d weighs 2.3 tons, yet averaged just 7.8 liters per 100 km in tests. Careful drivers can get close to six liters. With a 76-liter tank, it can cover more than 1,200 kilometers between stops. Few luxury sedans can match that.
On the road, the S-Class feels calm and controlled. Air suspension comes standard, along with 19-inch wheels and all-wheel lead. The ride is smooth, and the car stays agile. Optional rear-axle steering turns up to 10 degrees and cuts the turning circle to under eleven meters, helping this big sedan handle tight city streets. At 130 km/h, the cabin registers just 63 dB(A).
The 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, and brake fade is almost zero. Steering is precise, while 4Matic traction works in the background to keep the driver in control.
The luxury sedan market is changing fast, but the S 450 d 4Matic shows diesel still matters. Long-range comfort and real-world efficiency set it apart. This car caters to drivers as well as passengers, with refined details and technology that is advanced yet easy to use.
Coverage of road conditions and performance has also examined diesel’s strengths in premium cars, where endurance and comfort matter for safety and real-world use.
Mercedes has updated the S-Class, tuning its controls and digital systems for luxury. The S 450 d 4Matic combines an opulent cabin and efficiency with a diesel engine at its core.
