Mercedes Benz is one of the oldest and most recognizable brands in the automotive world. Over the years they have released some iconic and incredible vehicles, and firmly placed themselves near the top of the luxury car market. In 2023 their current lineup continues that trend, with a number of high-performance, high-quality, and high-price-tag models.
The current Mercedes lineup contains a wide range of models – from the iconic G-Wagen and S-Class to new electric vehicles like the EQS. In this article, we’ll run through how these models compare on the price tag and find out the most expensive Mercedes on sale in 2023.
So what are the most expensive Mercedes Benz models in 2023?
The Ten Most Expensive Mercedes-Benz
In this article, we’ll talk about the most expensive Mercedes Benz cars on sale in 2023. These are standard models with no bespoke options or extremely limited editions. I’ll give you some info on those limited editions, but they won’t count. In short, everything listed here is available for ordering through the MB USA website. We’ll also compare the starting costs for each vehicle and how much you would need to spend to select every option available. So with that cleared up, let’s get started!
10. AMG E 53 Cabriolet: $91,500 – $111,700
Key Stats
- Power: 429 bhp / 384 lb-ft
- Engine: 3.0L V6 (with hybrid assist)
- 0-60 time: 4.4 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 4
First up is the convertible version of the most powerful E-Class, the E 53 AMG. Mercedes has discontinued the top-level E 63S model, but this E 53 model still packs over 400 horsepower, and you can get to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds.
If you’re after a powerful convertible and you want the practicality of rear seats, there aren’t many options out there. Starting at just under $100,000, the E 53’s only true competition at this price is the BMW M4, and if you’re after as much luxury as you can get, the Mercedes has to be your pick.
With the options for ventilated and massage seats, and heated seats & armrests, this is one of the most comfortable convertibles out there. Because this isn’t the E 63S version, I think Mercedes understands that more people will use this as their daily driver, so it’s a nicer place to be than most AMG convertibles from previous generations.
You get a range of customization options on the inside and outside of the E 53. There’s additional carbon fiber and a choice of four roof colors, and inside, you have six colors for the seats and nine trim materials to pick from. It’s not the best Mercedes interior design, but the E 53 feels like a great compromise between a true AMG and a place you can enjoy on a long drive.
AMG E 53 Cabriolet details
| Price (with no options) | $91,500 |
| Price (with full options) | $111,700 |
| Power / Torque | 429 bhp / 384 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.4 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | AMG Head-Up Display: $1,100 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Carbon Fiber Trim: $2,850 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | Manufaktur Starling Blue Paint: $3,250 |
| Best Feature | AR Navigation Video |
9. AMG GT 53: $106,000 – $145,500
Key Stats
- Power: 429 bhp / 384 lb-ft
- Engine: 3.0L V6 (with hybrid assist)
- 0-60 time: 4.4 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 4 / 5
Next on our list is the AMG GT 53, 4-door. The AMG GT range has been cut down significantly by Mercedes in recent years, with only the 4-door options left. Even with a reduced range, the GT 53 is still an impressive car, and an expensive one too.
With a 3.0L V6 engine, you get a punchy 429 bhp and a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds. Compared to some cars we’ll see later on this list, those aren’t great numbers, but it’s enough for a GT car like this. As the name suggests, the AMG GT is designed as a grand tourer, and the 4-door models offer that extra practicality alongside the luxury.
From the features, it’s clear that this isn’t a car built solely around lap times and performance. The power is just enough for a $100,000+ car, and the most expensive extra is a better sound system. You can still equip bucket seats, and there’s plenty of carbon fiber, but this isn’t a racecar.
This might be the highest-spec GT on sale right now, but in 2024 Mercedes is bringing out an AMG 63S version, with a starting price of $170,000, so our list will look a little different once that car hits the market.
Mercedes AMG GT 53 details
| Price (with no options) | $106,000 |
| Price (with full options) | $131,000 |
| Power / Torque | 429 bhp / 384 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.4 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Burmester 3D Sound System: $4,550 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Nappa Leather: $3,250 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | 21-Inch AMG Wheels: $4,150 |
| Best Feature | AMG Performance Seats |
8. EQE AMG Sedan: $107,000 – $131,000
Key Stats
- Power: 617 bhp / 701 lb-ft
- Engine: Dual electric motors
- 0-60 time: 3.2 seconds
- Top speed: 130 mph
- The number of seats: 5
The first electric car on this list is the AMG EQE. As the name suggests, this is an electric alternative to the E-Class, although design-wise, the EQE is a completely different model. While this is marketed as a family sedan, the 617 bhp you get from dual electric motors makes the EQE one of the fastest cars on this list.
Inside, the EQE feels like a next-generation machine. With two huge screens, everything is controlled digitally. This model does miss out on the hyperscreen from the EQS, but there’s still enough tech in here to keep anyone happy. With the top-spec Pinaccle trim, you get a host of standard features, including ambient lighting, although some options (like the ceramic brakes) are expensive extras.
Overall, electric cars still carry that premium price tag, and the EQE is no different. To its credit, for $100,000, you get all the performance you would need, plenty of features, and the Mercedes’ level of luxury. With all that, and compared to some of the cars later on this list, the EQE feels like value for money.
Mercedes EQE AMG Sedan details
| Price (with no options) | $107,000 |
| Price (with full options) | $131,000 |
| Power / Torque | 617 bhp / 701 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 3.2 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Front Massage Seats: $1,100 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Nappa Leather: $2,990 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | Manufaktur Paint: $3,250 |
| Best Feature | AMG Head-Up Display |
7. S 580 4MATIC Sedan: $124,000 – $173,000
Key Stats
- Power: 496 bhp / 516 lb-ft
- Engine: 4.0L V8 (with hybrid assist)
- 0-60 time: 4.4 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 5
The Mercedes S Class finally makes an appearance on this list, and it’s the S 580. This car features a V8 engine with almost 500 bhp, but no one is buying an S Class for the performance. Over the years the S Class has been the benchmark for automotive luxury that other manufacturers aim for. Obviously, this isn’t competing with the likes of Rolls Royce, but as far as ‘mass’ produced cars go, the S Class leads the way.
This current S 580 is no different. The starting trim includes standard heated and ventilated massage seats, alongside plenty more features that would usually be optional extras. Upgrade to the top spec and you get infotainment screens for each rear passenger, a 4D Burmeister Soundsystem, and even more options for your heated and massaging seats.
All of this comes at a cost though – and the S 580 pushes us into the $170,000+ territory. That might seem a staggering amount of money, but comparing the S 580 to rivals like the Audi S8 and BMW 760i, these alternatives start in the same price bracket. After all, for the type of owner who will be driven around in their S Class, $170,000 won’t be excessive at all.
Mercedes S 580 4MATIC Sedan details
| Price (with no options) | $124,000 |
| Price (with full options) | $173,000 |
| Power / Torque | 496 bhp / 516 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.4 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Burmester 4D Sound System: $6,800 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Walnut & Aluminum Trim: $3,200 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | Manufaktur Paint: $6,500 |
| Best Feature | E-Active Body Control |
6. GLE Coupe AMG 63 S: $129,000 – $147,000
Key Stats
- Power: 603 bhp / 627 lb-ft
- Engine: 4.0L V8 (with hybrid assist)
- 0-60 time: 3.7 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 5
The Mercedes GLE AMG 63 is next and is our first SUV on this list. The GLE Coupe is the luxury ‘Sports Activity Coupe’ in the Mercedes range, designed to compete with the BMW X6 and Audi Q8. It’s not the most practical SUV, but like the E Class, we think it’s one of the best-looking cars in its sector.
Like the E 53, the GLE 63 S doesn’t disappoint on luxury, with a healthy dose of Mercedes’ trademark tech and material quality, resulting in an incredible interior. Driving a GLE is a strange experience if you’re used to traditional SUVs, and at times you can mistake this for a standard sedan. The performance is also a surprise, with 603 bhp, pushing you from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.
If we had to find one issue with the GLE, it’s that you’re trying to get the best of both worlds here, and it’s difficult to say who this car is for. If you’re after a powerful SUV there are more practical options for less money (such as the Mercedes GLB) and if you want a performance vehicle, there are sedans at this price with better performance. The GLE 63 S is a great all-around vehicle, it just struggles to find a place in the Mercedes lineup, and at over $120,000, it’s an expensive option indeed.
Mercedes GLE Coupe AMG 63 S details
| Price (with no options) | $129,000 |
| Price (with full options) | $147,000 |
| Power / Torque | 603 bhp / 627 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 3.7 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Driver Assistance Pack: $1,950 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Carbon Fiber Trim: $1,750 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | 22-Inch Forged Wheels: $2,000 |
| Best Feature | AMG Night Pack |
5. EQS 580 SUV: $125,950 – $153,880
Key Stats
- Power: 536 bhp / 633 lb-ft
- Engine: Dual electric motors
- 0-60 time: 4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 130 mph
- The number of seats: 5 / 7
In fifth place, we have the EQS SUV. Confusingly, Mercedes has an EQS sedan on sale too (more on that later), but our first version is this SUV option. With dual electric motors and over 500 bhp, the EQS SUV keeps up the electric tradition of impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. That might not sound a lot, but the EQS weighs over 6,000 lbs!
Like most electric Mercedes’ the highest spec EQS is the Pinnacle trim. Standard features are extensive, including massage seats, the ‘hyperscreen’, the Burmester 3D surround system, and more. This is a practical car too, with configurations for 5 or 7 seats. We can argue about the styling for hours (personally it’s not as bad as some of Mercedes’ other models), but it’s difficult to complain about the tech and features you get on the EQS.
Overall, if you want practicality, luxury, and performance from your electric car, the EQS SUV has got to be on your shortlist. For $150,000 with options, this is an eye-watering cost though. For less money and a drop in performance, the lower-spec EQS models might be worth a look.
Mercedes EQS 580 SUV details
| Price (with no options) | $125,950 |
| Price (with full options) | $153,880 |
| Power / Torque | 536 bhp / 633 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.5 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Rear Seat Entertainment: $2,900 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Manufaktur Pack: $4,750 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | Manufaktur Paint: $1,750 |
| Best Feature | Augmented Reality Head-Up Display |
4. AMG GLS 63: $140,150 – $166,500
Key Stats
- Power: 603 bhp / 627 lb-ft
- Engine: 4.0L V8 (with hybrid assist)
- 0-60 time: 4.1 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 6 / 7
- Most expensive option: $5,650 23-inch forged black wheels
Next up on our list is the Mercedes GLS 63. This model sits near the top of the SUV pyramid at Mercedes, and with three rows of seating options, this is the largest standard Mercedes you can buy.
With over 600 bhp from its handcrafted V8, the GLS 63 will go from 0 to 60mph in just over 4 seconds. That might not seem that impressive, but this is a full-size, luxury SUV weighing over 5,000 lbs. A lot of that weight is a result of the vast amount of options on the GLS 63, including heated and ventilated massage seats, a panoramic glass roof, five-zone climate control, and two 12.3-inch screens.
Overall, the GLS 63 is almost the perfect all-around Mercedes. With space for plenty of passengers and cargo, a performance that will scare most sportscars and luxury that rivals an S-Class, this has almost everything you need. No wonder it starts at over $140,000 – and we’re only halfway through our list.
Mercedes AMG GLS 63 details
| Price (with no options) | $140,150 |
| Price (with full options) | $166,500 |
| Power / Torque | 603 bhp / 627 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.1 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Burmester 3D Sound System: $4,550 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Executive Rear Seats: $1,690 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | 23-inch Forged Wheels: $5,650 |
| Best Feature | Executive Rear Seat Plus Pack |
3. AMG EQS Sedan: $147,500 – $173,000
Key Stats
- Power: 649 bhp / 700 lb-ft
- Engine: Dual electric motors
- 0-60 time: 3.4 seconds
- Top speed: 130 mph
- The number of seats: 4
In third place we have the most expensive Mercedes electric model, the AMG EQS. It’s safe to say that the EQS has been a controversial car, for a number of reasons. Straight away, the name EQS gives a hint to what this car is trying to be – a fully electric alternative to the S Class. That immediately puts the EQS under the spotlight, and I think Mercedes was a little too eager to give this an ‘S’ badge. We’ve chosen the EQS sedan for this list instead of the EQS SUV – they are different cars but as long as Mercedes badges them the same, we only wanted to include one option here.
I don’t want to start by comparing the EQS to its S-Class siblings, so let’s look at this Mercedes on its own. Design-wise the EQS doesn’t work too well in my opinion, but inside the cabin design and technology are outstanding. Mercedes have created an interior that you would expect to see on futuristic concept cars, and while it might not be for everyone, we love it. The central ‘Hyperscreen’ on the top-spec models is a bit tricky to use but looks incredible, and you can see where the price tag comes from.
Comparing the AMG EQS to the S 580, there is one area that this car truly shines. With dual electric motors, this car puts out 649 bhp, increasing to 751 bhp with a boost function. This takes the AMG EQS (a car weighing nearly 6,000 lbs) from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds. OK, electric vehicle performance is nothing new, but this is still impressive. Overall though, for upwards of $150,000 it is tricky to argue that this is a huge upgrade over the S Class.
Mercedes AMG EQS Sedan details
| Price (with no options) | $147,500 |
| Price (with full options) | $173,000 |
| Power / Torque | 649 bhp / 700 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 3.4 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Energizing Air Control System: $450 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Executive Rear Seats: $1,690 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | 21-inch Multispoke Wheels: $1,850 |
| Best Feature | Active Ambient Lighting |
2. G 63 AMG: $179,000 – 210,000
Key Stats
- Power: 577 bhp / 627 lb-ft
- Engine: 4.0L V8
- 0-60 time: 4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 5
Finally, in second place, we’ve reached the G63 AMG. The ‘G-Wagen’ is likely to be the most recognizable Mercedes model in the brand’s recent history, with a design like nothing else on the road. Famous for its box-like shape and, to some extent, it’s price-tag and popularity, it’s no surprise to see a G-63 on this list. The G 63 model has had a facelift in 2023, and build details will be announced soon by Mercedes, but we know some details.
The G63 AMG is a fantastic example of an SUV marketed almost solely for road use when in truth, the G-Class is incredibly capable as an off-road vehicle. This is clearly a luxury SUV, with options for a full leather interior, real wood trim, heated seats in the front and rear, and full ambient lighting. Alongside these, you also have one of the few passenger vehicles with three locking differentials, a low-range gearbox, and over half a meter of wading depth – all proving this is a serious off-roader.
Mercedes know their target market for the G63 perfectly, so it’s still amazing to see this car’s capability on any surface. The truth is that most G-Class owners will only ever drive these around a city, and never unlock their full potential. But with a starting price over $170,000, you can understand why you wouldn’t want to risk it.
Mercedes G 63 AMG details
| Price (with no options) | $179,000 |
| Price (with full options) | $210,000 |
| Power / Torque | 577 bhp / 627 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.5 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | N/A |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | AMG Carbon Fiber Trim: $3,700 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | G Manufaktur Paints: $6,500 |
| Best Feature | The off-road capability |
1. AMG SL 63: $184,800 – $220,700
Key Stats
- Power: 577 bhp / 590 lb-ft
- Engine: 4.0L V8
- 0-60 time: 3.5 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 4
In the number one spot is the Mercedes AMG SL 63. The SL is Mercedes’ luxury roadster, and the 2023 SL 63 sits at the top of the tree. This model has been absent from the Mercedes lineup in the past couple of years, replaced by the AMG GT convertibles, but it’s back now, and carrying a fairly astonishing price tag.
As the name suggests, the SL shares a number of features with the S-Class, particularly in the interior. The SL 63 comes with heated and ventilated massage seats, Nappa leather, and various aluminum and carbon fiber trim levels.
This isn’t just a luxury roadster, though; the SL 63 houses a 4-liter V8 with 577 bhp and 590 lb-ft of torque. On top of that, options include a full carbon fiber pack for the exterior and carbon ceramic brakes.
Overall, it’s good to see the SL make a full return to the Mercedes lineup with the SL 63. At over $200,000 with options, the SL 63 faces some serious competition from the likes of Porsche and Aston Martin, but for owners after the luxury of an S Class in a small package, there’s nothing better.
Mercedes AMG SL 63 details
| Price (with no options) | $184,800 |
| Price (with full options) | $220,700 |
| Power / Torque | 577 bhp / 590 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 3.5 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | Burmester 3D Sound System: $4,500 |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | AMG Carbon Fiber Trim: $2,850 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | Carbon Ceramic Brakes: $8,950 |
| Best Feature | The AMG Active Ride Suspension |
Bonus. Mercedes Maybach S 680 4MATIC: $229,000 – $268,500
Key Stats
- Power: 621 bhp / 664 lb-ft
- Engine: 6.0L V12
- 0-60 time: 4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 4
We couldn’t finish our list without a couple of bonus options. First on our list is the Mercedes Maybach S 680. Before you start scrolling back through the list, we have seen an S Class before, as the standard S-Class. This Maybach version shares some features with the standard S 580, but it takes everything up a level when it comes to luxury.
The Maybach S 680 offers some truly incredible options for interior comfort, unlike anything outside of Rolls Royce. For rear passengers, you have the option of a champagne refrigerator, automatic doors, and wireless headsets to help you enjoy the film or music from your rear infotainment screen.
Alongside this the Maybach has facial recognition software to identify each driver and adjust settings, heated armrest and neck heating, and a comprehensive cabin fragrance system. All of this is on top of the features of the standard S-Class.
With a V12 engine and over 600 bhp, this isn’t a slow car either. I doubt anyone owning a Maybach S-Class will take advantage of all that power, but like everything in this car, the engine is the best Mercedes offers. From the powertrain to the options, nothing is overlooked in this car, and it’s an incredibly special machine. You can argue there are better cars out there (and you can count this rivals on one hand), but this S 680 deserves a spot on the podium of automotive luxury.
Mercedes Maybach S 680 details
| Price (with no options) | $229,000 |
| Price (with full options) | $268,500 |
| Power / Torque | 621 bhp / 664 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.4 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | N/A |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Executive Rear Seats: $6,000 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | Metallic Paint Options: $14,500 |
| Best Feature | ‘Champagne Flute’ wheels |
Bonus. Mercedes Maybach GLS 600: $170,000- $215,000
Key Stats
- Power: 550 bhp / 538 lb-ft
- Engine: 4.0L V8 (with a hybrid system)
- 0-60 time: 4.8 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
- The number of seats: 4 / 5
The next bonus car on our list is also a Maybach – it’s the GLS 600. Like the GLS 63, this is the largest and arguably most luxurious model you can buy from Mercedes.
With 550 bhp, the 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds isn’t going to break any SUV records, but this isn’t a car designed for speed. Like the S Class Maybach, the ride quality and comfort are second to none here, and once you’re inside the GLs 600, you can see why this is a $165,000 vehicle.
Sitting on 23-inch wheels and with optional paints costing over $15,000, this is an SUV that screams excess. Unlike the GLS, there’s no carbon fiber to be seen here, only wood and leather adorning every surface. This might be a car filled with every modern technology you can think of, but the focus here is luxury.
The world is becoming overcrowded with expensive SUVs, but the GLS 600 offers something different from the Lamborghini Urus or Aston Martin DBX. This is firmly in a market sector that includes the Bentley Bentayga and Alpina XB7. It might sound ridiculous, but this is the model for you if you’re after the closest thing to a Rolls Royce Cullinan and you only have $200,000.
Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 details
| Price (with no options) | $170,000 |
| Price (with full options) | $215,000 |
| Power / Torque | 550 bhp / 538 lb-ft |
| Acceleration (0-60mph) | 4.8 seconds |
| Most Expensive Tech Option | N/A |
| Most Expensive Interior Option | Cystal White Nappa Leather: $13,500 |
| Most Expensive Exterior Option | Metallic Paint Options: $18,500 |
| Best Feature | Refrigerator box for rear seats |
FAQs
What Mercedes is best value for money?
Our choice would have to be the EQE, or the E Class Wagon. Both are practical and have more than enough power. The decision would come down to the V8 engine, or the electric motors
What is the cheapest Mercedes on sale right now?
The A-Class sedan starts at $33,950 for the entry level A 220
What is the most expensive option you can add to a Mercedes?
Carbon ceramic brakes – they are only available on a handful of models, but they are over $5,000
What is the best looking Mercedes?
I would have to pick either the new SL Roadster, or the Maybach S 680 (some of the paint options are incredible!)
Summary
We’ve reached the end of our list covering the most expensive Mercedes models on sale in 2023. This list is a great example of how diverse the model lineup is at Mercedes Benz and how the brand has developed. We’ve seen electric sedans, luxury off-roaders, track-focused coupes, and plenty more, with a car for almost every occasion.
With the industry moving towards eclectic vehicles, Mercedes already have some upcoming models to offer electric variants of their current lineup. It’s expected these too will come with some high-spec versions, and we are likely to see this list change in the years ahead.
If you’ve enjoyed this article and want to find out more about Mercedes and other brands, check out the links below:
