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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  One of the best cars I have ever owned. - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By cc-1945 - May 7 - 9:36 pm

  This is my third Mercedes and by far the best This car has great looks and the interior styling is excellent. I love driving this car. Like others, Im hoping that the long term service history will be good.

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  Great car - real value as a CPO - 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Len - May 6 - 12:56 am

  Bought the 2010 S550 4-matic with every option as a lease return CPO at almost 1/2 the original purchase price at two years old and with 20K miles on the ode. Bought an extra 2 year warranty and have only had to use it once for the drivers wheel sensor. Dealership replaced all the wheel sensors just to make sure. Oil, brakes, windshield wipers, air filters and one set of tires is all Ive put into this car with over 60K miles of almost daily use. Tires made a huge difference - bought Conti DWS and that made this car perfect in all weather and super quiet, including managing a foot of snow on the road. Ive had no issues with transmission or engine - starts off the line fast in sport mode, rides smooth in comfort, shifts great with no hesitation between gears. Ive owned over fifty cars (all types) and this car is one of the best. Im 66" and the drivers seat fits perfect - If I want, I can put the seat back far enough so I cant reach the pedals. Massage, heated/cooled and fine leather seats are perfect for long trips. Oil changes at the dealer (MB-PDX) with a free loaner (due to the car being S-Class) has been great. 60K highway / freeway miles has averaged 20 mpg (per the panel). Finally, I can sell / trade the car for about 1/2 of what I paid which isnt too bad for driving this level of comfort.

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  Best Car at 60+ mph - 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Steve at California - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The above title stated clearly: this is the best car I ever ride on highway. A perfect balance between performance and luxury. With the 5.0 litter V-8, the S- 500 is, (may I say), sporty at highway speed. Plenty of passing power/touque, and the car achieves the speed in such a quiet and effortless manner. The gas mileage is not too bad, since most of the time I do not need to rev the engine high to extract performance.

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  my 21st century cadillac fleetwood - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By xchicagoan - May 2 - 10:00 am

  i purchased this car to replace a 1997 e-320 with 107,000 miles. what an improvement over a great car. the s- class literally floats on the road but with a good feel of the road at the same time. and to be honest, it is prestigious, which is why i call it my 21st century cadillac fleetwood, the car i always wanted when i was much younger a long time ago. furthermore, they price was discounted!!

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  Built Without Regard To Expense - 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By John Throbs - April 29 - 2:00 pm

  Love the car. Its like driving a fast, well handling, exceedingly comfortable tank. Mine has not had any problems, but I bought it with 50K miles on it and it had a complete service log showing that all maintenance had been done. These cars have two flaws: The a/c evaporator can go out, and it is a $4K, dash out job to replace it, and the engine wiring harness can deteriorate, which is a $1,500 job to replace. Make sure the car youre buying has had these two repairs done to it and you will be fine.

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  Mercedes S Class Review - 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By jb68902 - April 21 - 9:40 pm

  Im happy to have it because it is the best car I have ever owned. The interior is plush, glitzy, and a bit ostentatious, but this is required in a huge Mercedes-Benz Saloon car. The sat nav is intuitive, but the COMMAND system takes around a week to fully master. Driving this car is interesting. You feel the huge size, but the 4Matic system, just seems to make it feel smaller. The power is easily accessible an the torque can be accessed in the low rev range. The steering is good, for a huge saloon car, but it takes to many turns of the wheel. The paddle shifters on the side feel awkward and hard to use, they also feel cheap. Overall this car is probably the best car on the market today.

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  S420 - The only car - 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Payton - April 13 - 8:30 pm

  First true luxury car. Fun to drive. The acceleration is outstanding for a car of the size and weight. Great car for traveling. Noise level is very minimum compared to other vehicles. There is plenty of leg room for a 62" 245 lb guy. Service record has been excellent. The only major item to fail was covered by a warranty plan. I would purchase another if I had the chance. This one will be in my stable for a long time.

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  Perfect (so far) S550 4matic - 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Michael Broadston - April 13 - 3:30 am

  I have had the car for 3 months, 2500 miles and have absolutely no problems or issues. I went from a 2008 S550 to this 2015 S550 and the new one is a league of its own. Two days after purchase I went on a 300 mile trip on I10 here in Arizona. This gave me time to try and use all the options and gave me a very good comfort level with them. Some of my answers are based on my 2008 but again this car seems bullet proof.

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  Looks nice but - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By RLP - April 8 - 4:43 am

  This is the most uncomfortable car I have ever driven. As a professional chauffeur who drives fifteen hours a day, five days a week its important to feel comforable.The noise level is not as good as in previous models.The drivers seat needs a lot of improvment. Mercedes Benz needs to ask "real time " drivers for suggestions.My 1976-450SLC, 1985- 500SEL,1992-600SEL, 1998-S420, 2000- S430, and 2003-500 4matic. All were more comfortable and quiet than the new 2007-550 4matic I have now. Mercedes is not what it use to be.

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  owner - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By emilio - March 15 - 2:00 am

  from the time i purchased this vehicle i experienced steering wheel vibration which was coming from the vehicle tires. on 8 different occasions the dealer has not been able to resolve this vibration problem. the tires are wearing abnormally on the sides and at 5k miles the dealer replaced the whole set of tires. till this day i am still encountering this same problem of constant vibrations and abnormal tire wear.