The S-Class is a big car, yet it looks elegant and discreet. The four-door saloon is available in two lengths – the longer ‘L’ has more back seat space. Wonderfully indulgent two-door four-seat coupe and convertible bodies also are available. High-performance AMG models have a sportier, more assertive look. The opulent interior is stuffed full with technology, but is very user-friendly.
The S-Class features lots of systems designed to make driving as easy and relaxing as possible. It’s as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect of a luxury car, yet it’s also quite good fun on a winding road. Its size can make parking tricky in town but there are sensors and cameras that help. Some models have an automatic parking system that can steer the car into a suitable spot. Petrol and diesel engines are available, all of which give smooth, rapid acceleration. The high-performance AMG models are extremely fast. All models have an automatic gearbox.
The S-Class is a large luxury car that’s about the same size as the Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series. The standard saloon is enormously spacious for both front and back seat passengers. The ‘L’ saloon’s extra length creates more back-seat legroom, so even your tallest friends and relatives will be comfortable. Some models even have airline-style reclining seats in the back and the boot is huge, with enough space for four large suitcases. All models come with a very long list of standard equipment that includes smartphone connectivity and adaptive cruise control.
High-performance S-Class models use a lot of fuel, but other models can give surprisingly good mpg. According to official figures, petrol models can give up to 36mpg, while diesels can give up to 48mpg. Road tax and insurance bills could be hefty, though. Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the S-Class a full five-star rating.
S-Class rivals include the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS Jaguar XJ. They have their own merits, but none is as well-rounded as the S-Class. It combines space, luxury, technology, smoothness and efficiency in a way the others can’t match.
£15,950
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2010 (10) - SL350 2-Door
£5,000
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2003 - SL 350 2dr Tip Auto
£94,933
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2023 (73) - S580e L AMG Line Prem + Executive 4dr 9G-Tronic Saloon
£17,499
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2013 (63) - S350L BlueTEC SE Line 4dr Auto
£94,998
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2023 - S580e L AMG Line Prem + Executive 4dr 9G-Tronic
£21,989
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2017 - 3.0 S 350 D L AMG Line Executive Auto 4dr
£7,995
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2004 (04) - 500 2-Door
£27,540
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2019 (19) - 2.9 S350L d AMG Line (Executive) G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£70,995
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021 - S500L 4Matic AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr 9G-Tronic
£73,898
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021 - S350d L AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr 9G-Tronic
£73,898
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021 - S350d L AMG Line Premium Plus 4dr 9G-Tronic
£20,950
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2018 (18) - 2.9 S350L d AMG Line (Executive, Premium) G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr
£3,650
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2007 (W) - S320 CDi 4dr Auto
£7,850
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2013 - S350 CDi BlueTEC 4dr Auto
£24,000
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2003 (03) - SL 55 AMG 2dr Auto
£23,495
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2019 (19) - S350d L AMG Line Executive/Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
£8,999
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2012 - S350 CDi BlueTEC 4dr Auto
£20,995
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2017 (17) - 3.0 S350d V6 AMG Line Saloon 4dr Diesel 9G-Tronic+ Euro 6 (s/s) (258 ps)
£7,950
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2011 (11) - 3.0 S350L CDI V6 BlueEfficiency G-Tronic Euro 4 4dr