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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 554.00-
Speed, smooth, solid nickle & dimer - 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By Mr. T - July 11 - 2:23 pmShes a highway machine. Silky smooth accelleration. She holds the road like an autobahn purebread. The engine rules, except for those pesky oil journals (nice job designer guys). When the miles start to rack up, the strangest things start to go out on it. Air coditioner wierdness, transmission gremlins (limp home mode?!) leave you and the dealership scratching your head as to whats wrong (computer diagnostics?!). The heaviness of the car eats suspension and brake parts. On a positive note, if you can find a mechanic who can identify and fix the little strange things that will happen to this car, it will last forever!
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Fantastic drive, some early problems - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By levinerich2@aol.com - July 10 - 5:06 amBest driving, handling, quietest, smoothest MB S class ever. Stereo is superb. COMAND functions simplified, still a learning curve. My car was sent back to dealership twice in first 3 weeks because engine stopped abruptly while on highway. Fuel sensors were defective. This, along with a vibration on the rear deck. Otherwise, car is perfect. Interior finish far better than prior models; engine power rivals my Porsche. Very happy I bought this one, but if you are a stickler for reliability, buy a Lexus instead.
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NOT TO SHABBY - 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By WAHLER - May 16 - 2:00 amNICE OVERALL PREFORMANCE,LIKING THE RIDE AND DRIVE. HORSEPOWER IS GOOD ,TORQUE IS EXCELLENT. LOTS OF ROOM. FEELS PRETTY SAFE.
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an excellent sport/ luxury car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By cookie monster - March 3 - 10:00 amIf you have the money and the time I suggest getting it right away. YOU WILL LOVE IT
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Too many problems for 80k car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By Doug Long - March 3 - 10:00 amOur car has been in the shop way too much for a car of this price. We are at 60000 now and have real problems. Will trade out in the near future...maybe a lexus
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2002 Mercedes S430 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By Janet Carle - January 14 - 2:00 amI really like the handling of this car. It has a small turning radius which makes it great easy to park. It has great pick up and passing capabilities. I love the voice recognition.
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S500 disspointment - 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By J-Castro - December 14 - 8:13 pmI owned the last generation S class and it was a lot better than this one. The interior looks cheap for a flagship model, the maintence fees are very high after the warranty is over and the value is down the toliet. I only put 8000 miles on it in a year and it has dropped so much in value. I should of bought a BMW instead
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Maxima was better! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By T. Boyd - December 11 - 10:50 pmThe car is not what I expected. It is very bad on gas. It is also not dependable. But it is very comfortable and I wish I had kept my 2004 Maxima. The cost was more than we had wished on paying. So if I had to do it again I would have to say I would not!
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Never Again - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By Neveragain!!!! - December 8 - 10:00 amIve had the car for a 1 1/2 years and have had nothing but problems and only 8,500 miles. Malfunction in the air bags repeatidly and a broken window when they returned it to me. Every time it was serviced for a problem, it came back with another one!!! Quality Control is laughable as I just got it back AGAIN and the airbag light once again is on!!!! BEWARE!!! Most disappointing car Ive ever had!
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Not Perfect - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
By Jay - November 16 - 6:33 pmThere are some things about this car that are exceptional. Engine, drive train, performance, handling and styling are all terrific. MB has also done a really nice job with the electronics. I could figure out how to use all of the controls without the manual. The less good news. Stereo sound should be better. XM radio doesnt work well if you have many trees in your area. Dashboard dials look worse than my old E class. Materials on interior arent noticably better than on my old E class. The biggest beef I have with the car is that it has some squeaks and rattles in the dash and doors. This is unaccepatble in a car of this price/class.
