People love Mercedes-Benz cars for their luxurious interiors and high-powered engines. If you’re a fan of peaceful and quiet drives, one Mercedes-Benz in particular may be a perfect fit for you. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class made the U.S. News list for the quietest cars of 2020.

It’s definitely not the most affordable quiet car on the market with a base price of over $94,000. However, given its high score overall from U.S. News, it’s definitely worth the splurge. In addition to its whisper-quiet interior, what else makes the Mercedes-Benz S-Class worth the money?

Plenty of interior features

The Mercedes Benz S-Class offers a lot of the standard creature comforts one craves in a vehicle. It comes standard with a large 12-inch touchscreen, programmed with smartphone integration, built-in navigation, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. You can also charge your devices wirelessly and play your tunes through a premium surround-sound speaker setup.

Higher trims of the S-Class sedan will have some unique features. Heated and cooled cupholders, a refrigerated compartment in the rear seat, a cabin fragrance system, and a 26-speaker audio system are all available. If you get a convertible model, you can also have a small heater on the headrest of the front seat.

How quiet is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Without the AMG performance engine, you won’t be able to hear a peep from the outside world inside this car. Consumer Reports was shocked at the cabin’s impeccable insulation, noting that it feels almost creepily quiet. The S-Class also has a standard air suspension, which eliminates all jolts from bumps in the road.

You’ll also be able to enjoy the silence on high-quality leather seats. While they’re plenty comfortable on their own, you can also spring for premium leather and massage settings for both rows. Footrests and fold-out trays are also available for passengers in the second row.

Engine specs

If you want the most serene interior, you’ll probably want to stick with the V6 options. The base engine is a turbo V6 that can make 362 hp. This engine is also standard for the plug-in model and makes 469 hp when combined with the electric motor. It’s also considerably fast, reaching 0-60 mph in a five-second window.

The twin-turbo V8 also doesn’t growl so loudly that it permeates the luxurious cabin. You might hear some distinct engine noises from the AMG models, but some drivers will probably appreciate those. You can choose from either a 603-hp twin-turbo V8 or a 621-hp twin-turbo V12 engine.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class also doubles as a great car for thrill-seekers. It’s one of the most athletic luxury cars on the market, with responsive steering and very little body lean. It also performed excellently on avoidance maneuver and braking tests from Consumer Reports.

If you need to turn tight corners or ride on winding roads, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class handles these like a pro. The ride quality may become a little stiff once you shift into sport mode, but it’s not a huge issue.

How much would you pay for a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class doesn’t come cheap, especially if you want a fancier model. For a coupe or cabriolet equipped with the turbo V8, you’ll need to shell out around $130,000-$140,000. The plug-in hybrid retails for nearly $110,000.

If your heart is set on one of the AMG versions, expect to pay an eye-watering minimum of $151,000. However, those drawn in by the promise of a quiet cabin probably won’t want the bigger engines. The standard Mercedes-Benz S-Class is very capable on its own and the muted cabin is a standout feature.