Overview & Reviews

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is as synonymous with state-of-the-art luxury and safety features as it is with country club prestige. Mercedes has used its flagship sedan to pioneer many modern technologies, such as airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. Yet as the brand's largest sedan, the S-Class has also offered the most room for rear-seat passengers, making it a favorite of wealthy dads and heads of state alike.

The current Mercedes-Benz S-Class continues that tradition established by its many innovative forbears and remains one of the most desirable choices for a flagship luxury sedan. Besides its wealth of features, opulent interior and bulletproof construction, the S-Class also stands out with an unmatched number of engine and model choices. From the diesel-powered S350 with its epic range and commendable fuel economy to the flagship S65 AMG with its twin-turbo V12 and intense performance, there is a little something for everyone in this lofty price bracket.

Current Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The current Mercedes-Benz S-Class is distinguished by aggressive fender flares and a stately profile that's emphasized by a rising character line. The cabin is elegant, with a minimal number of buttons thanks to the multifunction COMAND controller mounted between the seats.

There are six trim levels that correspond to engine choice. The range starts with a pair of fuel-efficient options. The S350 Bluetec features a diesel-powered V6 good for 240 horsepower and 25 mpg combined. The S400 Hybrid comes with a small electric motor that aids its gasoline-powered V6 to the tune of 295 total hp. Fuel economy is strong for a full-size luxury sedan at 22 mpg combined, but that's obviously worse than the slightly quicker and cheaper S350.

For a more traditional S-Class experience, the S550 is the bread-and-butter model that produces 429 hp from its twin-turbo V8. Next up is the S600 and its 510-hp twin-turbo V12. Finally, there are the high-performance, range-topping AMG models. The S63 AMG (536-hp twin-turbo V8) and S65 AMG (621-hp twin-turbo V12) get AMG-specific suspension, steering, brakes and styling elements. All S-Class models are equipped with an automatic transmission (seven speeds in all but the V12 versions, which have a five-speed unit) and rear-wheel drive. The S550 can be had with "4Matic" all-wheel drive.

We could list the number of standard and available features on the S-Class, but we would be here all day. In short, if there's a feature you can think of, you can probably get it on Benz's flagship. Those who intend to frequently carry around passengers should pay special attention to the wealth of backseat comfort and entertainment options available.

In reviews, we've found that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains a regal car regardless of which numbers line its trunk lid. If you want fuel economy from your high-luxury sedan, the S350 delivers, while the V8 and V12 models get you swifter 0-60-mph times. The S-Class doesn't handle as crisply as some other competing flagships, but it has a luxurious cabin and a balance of competent handling and a serene ride that is second to none. In total, the S-Class may be priced higher than its competitors, but its superior craftsmanship, engineering and attention to detail should make it worth the extra dough.

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models
The current, fifth-generation S-Class debuted in 2007. Not much has changed in terms of design or features, but Mercedes has altered the engine lineup considerably. Until 2010, only the V8- and V12-powered models were available. The S400 Hybrid debuted for 2010, while the S350 Bluetec dawned for 2012. The S550's V8 was different in prior years as well; from 2007-'11 it was a 5.5-liter V8 good for 382 hp. From 2007-'10, the S63 AMG featured a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produced 518 hp. Earlier S65s also had "only" 604 horses.

The fourth generation of the S-Class ran from 2000-'06 and was lighter and sleeker than the massive version that preceded it. Two versions were offered initially, both V8s: the S430 (275 hp) and the S500 (302 hp). The V12-powered S600 (362 hp) debuted a year later, as did the AMG version, the S55 (354 hp). A midcycle refresh in 2003 brought lightly revised light clusters, the availability of all-wheel drive (called 4Matic) and a big boost in power for the S55 and S600 (both rated at 493 hp). A seven-speed automatic came on line in '04. Hitting both ends of the spectrum for 2006, the S350 brought back six-cylinder power (241 hp) while the S65 AMG offered no less than 604 hp.

This model was quite popular and pretty steep depreciation means they are actually quite affordable. In reviews of the time, our editors were impressed by the car's spacious interior and state-of-the-art safety features. Downsides to this generation included a complicated control interface (the COMAND system) and some interior materials that seemed too low in quality for Mercedes' flagship.

Running from 1992-'99, the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class represented a big step in the ultra-luxury direction. Fitted with dual-pane windows and the availability of V12 power for the first time, this S-Class gained nearly 600 pounds compared to the previous car. Four trims were offered, ranging from the S320 (228-hp inline-6) and S420 (275-hp V8) to the S500 (315-hp V8) and S600 (389-hp V12). If you are considering the purchase of one of these, be forewarned that (as with any complex, high-end luxury vehicle) a clean Carfax report and an impeccable maintenance record are musts.

The S-Class cars of the second generation (1981-'91) were offered in turbodiesel (300SD, 350SD/SDL), inline-6 (300SE/SEL) and V8 (380 SE/SEL, 420 SEL, 560 SEL) versions. This is the generation that introduced cutting-edge safety technology such as airbags and antilock brakes as standard equipment. Perhaps the least desirable of the lot are the 380 series, which made just 155 hp and were prone to timing chain failures. Chances are good that if you find a used 380-series, it will have been retrofitted with a double timing chain. Diesel versions are known for their incredible longevity and it's not unusual to find an example with mileage approaching 300,000 or more on its original powertrain.

User Reviews:

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  S-500 sedan - 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By jcfalt - May 24 - 6:26 pm

  Fun and fast car to drive, would buy another one soon

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  Luxury no verve, but kudos in the snow - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Daniel W. - May 7 - 1:23 am

  The car is heavy, very heavy and the drive lags with the 4.3 liter V8. The interior luxury appointments are what you would expect from an S-Class, top notch, especially the optional Bose entertainment system. Particularly impressive is the cars handling and poise in the snow. Three inches of fresh powder could do nothing the upset or throw off the ride, and the car tracks as well in the snow as it does on dry pavement. The optional airmatic suspension does well to firm up the ride and limit body roll on the first of the two settings, but the sport setting provides a rude ride not fit for even the liveliest drivers. I would recommend the S500 4m, or for more sport and fun a 7 series BMW.

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  I miss my BMW 750iL - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By motts71 - March 19 - 9:06 am

  I miss the quick warm ups, the handling, and the performance of my BMW. The Mercedes rear window defroster works very slowly, the car takes a long time to warm up. It is strictly a luxury car. I do like the fact that it has had fewer trips to the dealer than the BMW, but it is not as enjoyable to drive. Oh yes, the windshield washer tank keeps leaking so I always have a malfunction showing on the dash, and when that shows, you cannot access the other features of the cars computer.

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  Best in class Style Price.. except Value - 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By s4hire - February 19 - 1:23 am

  Great looking car especially with the AMG package. Great riding car in terms of comfort, performance and handling.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By john - January 13 - 3:36 pm

  I bought this car 6 months ago and have not had any major complaints so far. The interior is very comfortable and the fact that it comes standard with navigation, leather, and heated front seats was a huge bonus. It handles very well, and even though it is rear wheel drive, it has shown to be pretty reliable in the snow. Definitly a "looker". The only thing that I dont like is the occasional knocks and bump that I hear in the doors and ceiling. That happens on all cars but I didnt expect it from this one. And the brakes create excessive brake dust and cause a high pitched sceech when applying the brakes. Its always fixed but still a nuisance.

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  BEAUTIFUL DRAMA QUEEN - 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By mylexgs300 - January 6 - 9:36 am

  I purchased this car used in January of 2012 with 480k miles. Now, before you think Im crazy, my reasoning was that after I test driving the car, it appeared to be mechanically sound in every way. The engine was as quiet as if it had 60k miles and the transmission shifted to perfection. Being a long time lover of Lexus, I can now appreciate the maintenance-free GS300. Since purchasing the car, Ive replaced the water pump and the pulley, along with the brakes and rotors all around. So far my air suspension has been fine, although I suspect the ball joints will need replacing soon. Despite that, Im very happy with the car. Its a joy to drive and gets a lot of attention.

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  great car - 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By happy owner - November 29 - 4:23 pm

  The S class is one of the greatest cars ever made. It is solid, comfortable, and genuinely a pleasure to drive. I have owned mine since 1997, and I still look forward to driving it. My wife owns a new M class (2002), but I greatly prefer my car.

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  Hot Car but not a BMW - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By J Walsh - November 15 - 1:53 pm

  I tried this powerhouse after driving BMWs for 10 years. More power than you will ever need (3 sets of tires in 18 months) but still an MB and not a BMW in drivability. Total brake failure (fluid drained out) in the first two weeks didnt help with impression but it was fine after that...no maintenance issues. Front fender is ripe for destruction on high parking bumpers. Traded recently for a winter car (S550 with 4Matic) but will go back to an S65 or BMW 7 series soon....

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  STAY AWAY - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By gr-1 - September 11 - 10:00 am

  many problems with power steering front end navigation and oil leakes

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  83K disappointment - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By pradeep N - July 14 - 10:00 am

  excessive wind noise at 60mph, tyre noise at 70mph. Dealer & MBUSA says the car comes like that. probably design fault. Dealer says all S500 sound like that. Recommend test drive Audi A8L and BMW b4 purchasing MB S500. cannot compare to Audi A8L which is silent at any speed. cruise control stalk gets in the way. steering buttons annoying. soft front seats with poor support.