Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale: everything you need to know

Don’t think for a moment that the arrival of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS has deposed the Mercedes-Benz S-Class from the top of the maker’s range, because combustion-powered or not, the S-Class still does luxury like few other vehicles.

The S-Class has been top of the Mercedes tree for more than 50 years now, and has always pushed the boundaries of comfort and high-tech equipment, something the current model continues, while its imposing styling still gives off an air of class that not many rivals, nor even its EQS sibling can match.

That means it’s still the car to beat in the luxury car segment, though that’s not to say there aren’t other impressive models out there. The latest BMW 7 Series (and electric i7) are probably tougher competition than ever before, the Audi A8 has impregnable build quality on its side, and the S-Class can’t match the character of British alternatives such as the Bentley Flying Spur or the Range Rover. But for luxury, the S-Class still shows how it’s done.

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

Read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and you’ll see we’ve given it a maximum 10 out of 10 rating. That’s for very good reason, because the S-Class is perfectly fit for purpose. Mercedes launched its first S-Class in 1972 (though there had been luxury cars before it), and since that very first model it has virtually defined the modern luxury car.

What qualities does an S-Class possess, and has always possessed? Imposing size, though never any larger than it needs to be for the comfort of its driver and passengers. Restrained styling, inside and out, but always offering the most up-to-date technology. And effortless, isolating driving characteristics, prioritising comfort but never out of its depth when the driver needs to press on.

Mercedes definitely saves its very best work for the S-Class. It’s incredibly comfortable, with some of the best seats in the business both front and rear (particularly with the extra leg room of the long wheelbase), while clever engineering, double glazing and acres of sound insulation make it basically as silent as an electric car from behind the wheel. It’s serene around town or on the motorway and while it’s not what you might call agile or involving - rear seat passengers have the best deal - it’s still more than capable of handling itself in the corners too.

The brand has offered several engines over the years but the current range comprises a pair of diesels, plug-in hybrid and non-hybrid petrol versions, and a high-performance AMG, which now has hybrid assistance. The plug-in S580 e’s long electric range and strong performance make it our pick, but you’ll not be disappointed by any of them.

The luxury car market is a surprisingly large and diverse space today. Conventional rivals include the Audi A8, the Lexus LS, and the impressive new BMW 7 Series and its i7 electric counterpart, which runs the S-Class very close indeed. But there’s also the old-money image offered by cars like the Bentley Flying Spur and the full-size Range Rover, which make up in character and style what they might lack in high-technology.

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What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz S-Class model to buy?

In the current range, the plug-in hybrid S580 e is the best S-Class to buy. It’s got all the performance and refinement you expect from an S-Class but with an electric range of nearly 70 miles, you’ll be able to cover a significant distance without needing to top up the fuel tank. It’s even fairly fuel-efficient for a car this size on petrol power alone.

Among the older models, the diesels still hold plenty of appeal for their ability to be near-silent and luxurious but sip fuel like a smaller car, while in terms of refinement the petrol V8s (or if you go even further back, the V12s) are hard to beat.

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class fuel economy and performance

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 d: If there’s such a thing as an entry-level S-Class then the turbocharged inline six-cylinder 3-litre diesel is it. Like all S-Class models it uses a 9-speed automatic transmission, but powers only the rear wheels with a 313PS output. 0-62mph takes 5.6 seconds, and economy is 45.6mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class S450 d 4Matic: The S450 d uses a more powerful version of the same 3-litre inline six, making 367PS and sending power to all four wheels. Mercedes claims a 0-62mph time of 5.0 seconds, and up to 43.5mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4Matic: The first of three petrol engines in the current range is a 449PS turbocharged inline six, with all-wheel drive. It’ll waft you to 62mph in 4.7 seconds, and is capable of up to 32.8mpg combined.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class S580 e: Using the same inline six as the S500 but with electric assistance, the S580 e makes 367PS from its engine and another 150PS from its electric motor. All-electric range of up to 68 miles contributes to 403.6mpg combined economy (or 35.3mpg without the EV range), and 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds.
• Mercedes-AMG S63 E: The S-Class hasn’t yet traded its AMG V8 for a four-cylinder, so you still get a 4.0-litre twin-turbo engine punching out 612PS, plus 190PS of electric assistance. All-electric range is only 20 miles, but the combination is good for 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds, while economy is 23.9mpg without the help of any electric range.

What used Mercedes-Benz S-Class trim levels are available?

While it’s not a trim level, the main choice in the S-Class range is whether to go with the standard or the long wheelbase. The AMG Line Premium offers either while models above it are long-wheelbase only. Equipment is truly comprehensive whichever trim level you choose - anything above the AMG Line Premium really is simply adding more cherries to an already delicious cake.

• Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG Line Premium is the most affordable way into an S-Class but by no means a ‘base model’. In addition to short and long wheelbase options, all get 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless go, self-levelling air suspension, a panoramic sliding roof, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system… the list really does go on.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class Long AMG Line Premium Plus is long-wheelbase only, and upgrades the alloy wheels to 21 inches in non-S580 e form, has upgraded headlights, a heated windscreen, massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel and armrests, a head-up display, and cushions for the headrests.
• Mercedes-Benz S-class Long AMG Line Premium Plus Executive is also long-wheelbase only. In addition to Premium Plus, it gets true high-end luxury features like a seatbelt feeder in the rear, a chauffeur package that folds the front passenger head restraint for a better view, electric sun blinds in the rear and rear side windows, and a 7-inch tablet in the rear for controlling the MBUX infotainment system.
• Mercedes-AMG S63 E gets a set of 21-inch forged alloy wheels, AMG body styling, AMG active air suspension and AMG interior styling, while a Night Edition special edition adds 21-inch forged cross-spoke alloys, blacked-out exterior trim, and red brake calipers.

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s dimensions are:

• Length: 5210mm (5320mm long wheelbase)
• Width: 1954mm (without mirrors), 2130mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1460mm
• Ground clearance: N/A

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class’s boot space is:

• 540-550 litres (350 litres plug-in models, 305 litres AMG)

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class road tax

All current-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class models, i.e. those built since 2020, pay a higher rate of VED or ‘road tax’ thanks to list prices above the £40,000 mark. For non-hybrid variants that means a bill of £570 per year from the second to sixth years of registration, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrids are a mere £10 less. From the seventh year onwards, the surcharge disappears, though the current £180 for non-hybrids and £170 for hybrids will likely have risen by the time the first 2020 models reach seven years old.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

It’s a big, expensive car, and you can expect big, expensive insurance premiums to match; all current S-Class models sit in the same insurance group 50, on the 1-50 scale. That said, there will likely still be a difference in premiums between an S350 d and an S63, so shop around to find the best deals.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class review