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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  Truly the Best - 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Barbara - June 24 - 12:10 am

  My husband has been a Mercedes-Benz afficianado for decades but I have always bought whatever car I thought looked the best, which has led me to Audi and BMW many times over the years. Those vehicles were very enjoyable to own but were hopelessly unreliable. I just purchased a new car following my husbands advice (he has an S550 himself) and have never been this pleased with a car. The S is so refined and luxurious I can hardly fathom how I lived without it all this time. This truly is the best luxury sedan available today. So far it is completely problem free and it has that bank vault solidity to it, I am so enamored with this car.

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  Welcome Improvements - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By SHG - June 16 - 2:40 pm

  Marked improvements in power, performance, fit and finish, and driving characteristics compared to my previously owned 2001 S600. Rear seat passengers enjoy the leg room and the creature comforts, massaging seats, side and rear window screens, and easy access.

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  The Essence of Bland Styling - 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Russ - June 16 - 12:03 pm

  This car is amazing in every single category except styling, both in and out. Buttery-Smooth Ride, Excellent Materials and Build, Long Cruising Range (Important for all the interstate driving I do), long list of safety equipment, luxurious cabin and ugly looks in and out. Simply the ugliest vehicle to ever lay eyes on in the world. I would have jumped on the 7-Series in an instant if not for the firm ride, and the A8 lacked the AMG Power I needed. I almost downgraded to a Ford Taurus SHO because of the looks.

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  Smooth & Reliable - 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By James Rice - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I traded A Rolls-Royce Silver Spur for this car, and it is better in every way with one exception: there are too many of them in Southern California! I am surprized to have an $82,000 anonymous car. That said, its a fabulous car and totally smooth and reliable. Its a great long distance cruiser and eats up the freeway miles. I have been to the dealer once for an oil change. The customer service that comes from the dealer is as excellent as the car itself.

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  Great Car But - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By kris - May 29 - 7:03 am

  Great car to drive. Front passenger side wheel bearing is gone after 6k km.

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  My Benz - 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Jazzpad - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with this purchase. I bought it in Chicago and drove to LA, and it performed well on the open road. Smooth ride and good gas mileage for its size. Has plenty of horsepower when needed.

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  Best sedan in the class - 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Raymond Wong - May 26 - 2:06 am

  I owned almost every luxury sedans in the last 10 years. It is the best sedan so far. I traded a 2002 S-500 for S-600. The only negative thing is poor gas mileage because this is a 12 cylinder car.

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  Marquis - 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Marquis - May 22 - 5:30 pm

  When I bought the vehicle used, the previous owner did not take care of all the maintenance that was supposed to be taken care of. Despite that, I put money into all the maintenance that was supposed to be done, and it drives like a dream. The drive before the maintenance was nice, however now, it really drives like I expected.

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  A dream machine on the autobahn - 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By ken - May 10 - 12:43 pm

  I picked up my "baby benz" in Stuttgart, Germany on July 22, and drove it for the next week from Germany, through Switzerland and all of Italy, and up through Austria and then to Munich, Germany for shipping to San Diego (due to arrive in September). It was a dream! Handled very well, with fine acceleration, and very comfortable inside. On the autobahn, I cruised along at 130 mph (after the initial break-in period of 1000 miles), and it felt like we were going along at only 55! Contrary to popular opinion, the navigation system was very easy to use, and got us to the Vatican in Rome with ease. The sound system was beautiful as well.

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  I love my Benz - 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By jtmgrmom - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Having owned a couple of Benzs before, this one was still a treat. My 98 wasnt so fun, but 2000 was an improvement. A drivers car, the handling is supurb as long as you keep good tires on it. And they wear out quickly. Otherwise, a great car.