Mercedes Benz S Class

Overview: Is the Mercedes S-Class a Good Car?

The Mercedes-Benz S Class exemplifies the brand’s dedication to luxury and innovation and has been a flagship since debuting in 1972. Now in its seventh generation, this full-size cruiser delivers peerless ride comfort, groundbreaking technology, and the availability of V12 power. The S Class sets the standard for premium vehicles worldwide. Shoppers buy this model for its serene cabin, inspired performance, and prestige. As a new car, the S Class is anything but cheap. In the second-hand market, depreciation can create bargains.

Note: Features and equipment vary across numerous model years. Confirm details when searching for used Mercedes S-Class cars.

Find a used Mercedes-Benz S Class for sale.

Learn more: Are Mercedes-Benz Cars Reliable?

Key Features

The Mercedes S Class has:

• Full-size luxury sedan body style (also coupé and cabriolet editions for some years)
• Six-, eight-, and twelve-cylinder engines
• Automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive

Trims

Over the years, S Class variants have worn many labels. More recent (2008 and newer) trim names include S450, S500, S550, S560, S580, and S600 (the Mercedes S550 is popular). Performance editions wear an AMG S63 or AMG S65 badge, while there are plug-in hybrid (S550e and S580e) and hybrid (S400) Benz models. Meanwhile, the S350 BlueTEC is Diesel-powered. There are also ultra-premium long-wheelbase S Class editions: Mercedes Maybach S580 and Maybach S680. S Class models with all-wheel drive also carry a 4Matic badge.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

The lavish S-Class interior surrounds occupants (even in the rear seat) with premium materials and cutting-edge technology like heated and ventilated/massaging seats and expansive MBUX digital displays in newer editions. The full-size body provides generous passenger space, while the trunk offers ample cargo volume.

How It Drives

No one will confuse S-class performance and handling with those of a sports car. Yet its suspension glides over imperfections, while numerous engines (including turbocharged V8s) provide confident and even thrilling acceleration. This is a first-class driving experience all the way.

Safety

Newer S Class Mercedes models (2008 and later) have not undergone testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Reviews

S Class owners sing the praises of their cars. Based on Kelley Blue Book data, consumers rank the fifth generation (W221) at 4.8 (out of 5.0). The sixth-generation S Class (W222/C217) drops to 4.5. Owners rank performance, styling, and comfort among the best S Class traits. The seventh generation (W223) scores a 4.7. However, there are a limited number of owner reports. So, the verdict is less certain so far.

Related: Porsche vs. Mercedes: A Luxury Car Comparison and Tesla vs. Mercedes: A Complete Brand Comparison

FAQs

Is the S-Class the most expensive?

The top-level Mercedes S-Class rivals ultra-luxury models from BMW and Audi, with pricing starting around $110,000 and ranging past $200,000.

Is the Mercedes S-Class a luxury car?

Yes. The S-Class is the paramount vehicle in Mercedes’s lineup, the ultimate expression of luxury, comfort, and prestige.

What is the Mercedes S-Class price?

A new Mercedes S500 starts around $115,000, with Maybach editions beginning close to $200,000. A review of CoPilot’s nationwide listings shows used Mercedes S Class prices ranging between $7,000 and $250,000 (age, condition, mileage, and equipment affect prices).

Check out a used Mercedes-Benz S Class near me.

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