Names matter. In the car world, the letter "S" is basically royalty. Think about it. When a manufacturer wants to signal speed, sophistication, or just a bit of "look at me" energy, they reach for that 19th letter of the alphabet. It’s the sibilance of a turbo spooling up or the slickness of a high-end leather interior. Honestly, if you look at the most influential vehicles of the last fifty years, a staggering number of them share this same starting character.
The Benchmark: Why the S-Class Still Matters
You can't talk about cars that begin with the letter S without bowing down to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It is the north star. Since the early 1970s, this car has been the laboratory where the future of driving is tested before it trickles down to your neighbor's Camry. Airbags? S-Class. ABS brakes? S-Class. Stability control? You guessed it.
The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is just taking that legacy into the stratosphere. We’re talking about a V12 engine that feels less like a motor and more like a private jet taking off. It’s got "Digital Light" technology that can project warning symbols onto the road surface. Most people think of luxury as just soft seats, but for the S-Class, it’s about the engineering of silence. When you're sitting in the back of an S 580e, the world outside basically ceases to exist. It’s sort of the ultimate flex, but in a way that’s whisper-quiet rather than screaming for attention.
Speed and the "S" Badge
Then you have the performers. The cars that use "S" like a warning shot.
Take the Tesla Model S. It’s over a decade old now, which is ancient in car years, yet the 2026 Model S Plaid still makes most supercars look like they’re standing still. We’re looking at a 0-60 mph time of 1.99 seconds. That’s not just fast; it’s physically uncomfortable. It’s the kind of speed that makes your internal organs swap places.
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But "S" isn't just about raw electricity. For the traditionalists, the Shelby Mustang remains the king of the mountain. The S650 generation of the Mustang has kept the V8 dream alive while everyone else is moving to batteries. There is something fundamentally "right" about the way a Shelby sounds—a deep, mechanical growl that reminds you why we fell in love with internal combustion in the first place.
The Legends from the East: Supra and Skyline
If you grew up playing Gran Turismo or watching The Fast and the Furious, the letter S belongs to Japan. Specifically, the Toyota Supra and the Nissan Skyline.
The Supra—specifically the A80 generation from the 90s—became a legend because of the 2022-era hype around its 2JZ engine. It was basically indestructible. You could tune it to 1,000 horsepower without the block cracking. Today, the 2026 GR Supra carries that torch, even if it shares some DNA with BMW. It’s a precision tool for people who actually enjoy the act of driving, not just the status of owning.
And the Skyline? The R34 GT-R is the "S" car that most Americans spent decades dreaming about because we couldn't legally import them. Now that the 25-year rule is finally letting them into the States, they’ve become the ultimate collector's item. It’s a computer on wheels that somehow feels alive.
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The Weird, the Small, and the Scrappy
Not every "S" car needs to cost six figures or break land speed records. Some of the most beloved cars that begin with the letter S are the ones that just get the job done.
- Suzuki Swift: This is the unsung hero of the hatchback world. In Europe and Asia, it’s the go-to for anyone who wants a car that feels like a go-kart but sips fuel. The 2026 fifth-generation Swift is leaning hard into mild-hybrid tech, proving you can be "green" without being boring.
- Subaru Solterra: Subaru’s first real jump into the EV space. It’s weird, it’s rugged, and it’s exactly what the brand’s loyalists wanted.
- Saab: We have to pour one out for Saab. Even though they’ve been gone since 2011, models like the 9-3 and 9-5 still have a cult following. They were "born from jets," or so the marketing said. They were quirky, safe, and had the ignition switch between the seats. Total "S" energy.
The Surprising Reality of Modern "S" Models
There’s a misconception that "S" stands for "Sport" every time. It doesn't. In the case of the Suzuki S-Cross, it’s about "Smart" or "Space."
The 2026 S-Cross is a perfect example of how the industry is shifting. It’s not trying to be a Porsche. It’s an AllGrip-equipped crossover that handles muddy trails and grocery runs with equal competence. It represents the "Sensible" side of the S-spectrum.
What's truly wild is how the naming conventions are surviving the EV transition. Manufacturers are terrified of losing their branding. That’s why we see the "S" designation sticking around even when the engines disappear. It’s a psychological anchor. When you see a car starting with S, you subconsciously expect a certain level of build quality.
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Actionable Steps for Choosing Your Next "S" Car
If you're in the market for something that fits this alphabetical niche, don't just look at the badge. You've got to dig into the actual purpose of the vehicle.
Check the powertrain specifics. If you're looking at a 2026 S-Class, decide if you actually need the V12 of the Maybach or if the S 580e plug-in hybrid fits your daily commute better. The hybrid offers significant electric-only range, which is great for city driving.
Verify the import status for classics. If you’re hunting for a Nissan Skyline or a classic Supra, use the 25-year rule as your guide. Any car manufactured in 2001 is now fair game for legal import into the US as of 2026. This has opened up the market for the final runs of the R34 Skyline, but be prepared for "collector prices"—we're talking well over $150,000 for clean examples.
Consider the "Small" options. For a second car or a city commuter, the Suzuki Swift or even a used Scion (if you can find a well-maintained one) offers incredible value. They are easy to park, cheap to insure, and surprisingly fun to toss around corners.
Test the tech. "S" cars often lead the way in software. Whether it's the Tesla infotainment system or the Mercedes MB.OS, make sure you're comfortable with a screen-heavy interface before you buy. Some people love the minimalism; others miss the physical buttons.
At the end of the day, these cars are more than just entries in a catalog. They represent the peaks of their respective categories. Whether it's the sheer luxury of a Mercedes or the raw, unadulterated speed of a Shelby, the "S" lineup defines what we expect from the automotive world. Focus on the models that align with your actual driving habits rather than just the prestige of the nameplate. Look for a balance of reliability and the specific "soul" that made these cars famous in the first place.