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:

• 

  Rocket Ship for 5 Please! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By rkb - December 13 - 10:00 am

  The S55 with nearly 500 horsepower is as fun to drive as any sports car Ive owned. Its solid, comfortable, well built, good looking and enough room to carry 4 sets of golf bags or plenty of luggage in the trunk.

• 

  My first mercedes benz - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By bsurgeon - December 2 - 10:00 am

  Have owned Lex-Porch-Ferr- This autio superior to all of those mentioned.The command center is fairly complicated and the location of the window controls is not conveniently located. The respnse to throttle is breathtaking. Please dont floor pedal if you are not ready .

• 

  Mixed emotions - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Terry Jarosky - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I wrote a review 2 1/2weeks ago.Please revise. When you accelerate from stop you can hear a ping noise coming from the transmission.Two months ago the service dept. at Orland Mercedes corrected the problem for 6 weeks. Then the noise was audible again. When the car was returned for the same ping noise, I was informed that Mercedes declared the noise will not harm anything and it is acceptable. They were aware of the ping noise that was reported to them by others. I drove a new 2004 And no noise.For these 2 reasons: a) the mechanic corrected the noise for 6 weeks and b) the noise is on "some" other S55s. There must be a major defect somewhere.

• 

  S550 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By bill - November 27 - 5:13 am

  Outstanding car, great handling. I love the new GPS. The interior is great and it is by far better than any other luxury sedan out there.

• 

  420S Mercedes/not driven much - 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Dee Stavola - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Garage kept.Black on black. Two other cars not driven.

• 

  Wonderful Car - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Sajjid - November 19 - 1:13 am

  Excellent vehicle! I have had it for 41 Months and I think it is a very nice vehicle. I only wish it could handle an sd card larger than 2 gigs. It also needs a larger hard drive and it should be able to handle music too. Also, recommend that you get the 18" wheels and tires and not the 19" AMG because they only last 10k miles max.

• 

  stress free driving - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Abbi - November 11 - 10:00 am

  its truly a unique experience. Handling on tight corners, and plowing through the rain leaving 4-wheel trucks behind is awesome. Sports package really makes it appealing but for the 4matic front and rear tires are not staggered - the only complaint I have is memory seats require holding the button until completion, BMW-7 one touch and I wish my car had better gas mileage

• 

  Extravagant and Exuberant! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Corp. Executive - November 7 - 10:00 am

  What an unbelievable car! When you drive this one-of-a-kind car you will feel that you are in a different world. The cars elegance and extravagance separates it from other cars. The S- Classs 493 HP makes it a rocket with 4 wheels. The interior is well designed. The COMAND sytem sometimes exacerbates the cars uniqueness. I have driven this magnificient car in the NJ highway at speeds in excess of 135 mph. At bad weather this would be the safest means of transportation. So many people have admired this car, for its uniqueness and true world class elegance. I TRULY LOVE THIS CAR.

• 

  Mecedes S-Class - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Jason Maymudes - October 31 - 10:00 am

  i like it alot it is fun to be driven in and the features are very nice it is also very comfortable and luxorias

• 

  Mercedes S550 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By K. OBrien - October 23 - 11:13 pm

  The S550 is a great looking vehicle. However, my vehicle has been in the repair facility three times in less than two months of ownership and its still not fixed. The vehicle is on its third set of tires since I purchased it in June. It is also next to impossible to put fuel in the vehicle at a rate above a trickle.