Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Buyer's Guide
For decades, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the undisputed benchmark for luxury and technology. This generation is a masterpiece of engineering, wrapping you in an interior of breathtaking beauty while offering the ability to travel for over 40 miles on silent electric power alone. For those who want the very best, the S-Class is the authoritative and definitive choice.
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Popular Trims
AMG Line: The definitive S-Class experience starts here, offering a stunning introduction with beautiful Nappa leather upholstery, the incredible 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, and AIRMATIC suspension as standard.
AMG Line Premium: The intelligent upgrade, this trim elevates the experience with a panoramic sunroof, the excellent Burmester 3D surround sound system, and the impressive 3D driver display.
AMG Line Premium Plus: The ultimate specification for personal wellness and technology, adding active multi-contour front seats with ten massage programs and the game-changing augmented reality head-up display.
Maybach: The Maybach is a rolling five-star hotel suite, a demonstration of ultimate luxury with reclining, massaging 'Executive' rear seats, a champagne cooler, and hand-finished wood and leather trim.
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Popular Battery & Drivetrain Options
Running Costs:
The definitive choice for high-mileage users, capable of over 40 mpg.
Running Costs:
The connoisseur's choice for a serene driving experience.
Running Costs:
The most peaceful and eco-conscious way to travel, with exceptionally low tax rates.
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Practicality
The S-Class uses its generous proportions to deliver an unparalleled passenger experience and impressive practicality.
Rear-Axle Steering: This key technology reduces the turning circle by up to two metres, making the S-Class surprisingly easy to manoeuvre and park in tight city streets.
Dominant Rear Space: The standard long-wheelbase provides more rear legroom than any of its key rivals, cementing its position as the ultimate chauffeur's car and allowing passengers to stretch out and relax.
Boot Capacity: At 550 litres, the boot is larger than that of its main competitors, providing ample space for luggage for four occupants.
Effortless Entry: The seamless, pop-out door handles present themselves as you approach the car, adding a touch of theatre to every journey.
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Key Features
Key Features:
MBUX portrait-style central display with 'Hey Mercedes' voice assistant
AIRMATIC air suspension
Active multi-contour seats with massage function
Burmester 3D surround sound system
64-colour active ambient lighting
Desirable Options:
Rear-axle steering (up to 10 degrees)
MBUX augmented reality head-up display
Burmester high-end 4D surround sound system
Executive Rear Seating Package with reclining seats and tablet controller
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Reliability Rating
The S-Class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship, engineered with a 'money-no-object' approach to quality and durability to provide a flawless and dependable ownership experience.
What to Check on a Test Drive:
Rear-Axle Steering: Find a tight junction or car park to fully appreciate the dramatic effect of the 10-degree rear-axle steering system.
MBUX System: Test the augmented reality head-up display, ensuring the blue navigation arrows are correctly projected onto the road ahead.
Massage Seats: Spend some time trying out the various 'hot stone' and 'active workout' massage programs.
Driver Assistance: On a suitable motorway, test the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping aids to ensure they function smoothly.
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Safety Rating
The S-Class has defined automotive safety for generations. The W223 model introduced the world's first rear-seat passenger airbags and features the most advanced suite of semi-autonomous driving aids on the market, making it, by definition, one of the safest cars in the world.
Awards for the Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
World Car Awards 'World Luxury Car of the Year' 2021
What Car? 'Luxury Car of the Year' 2021, 2022, & 2023
Auto Express 'Luxury Car of the Year' 2021
Autocar 'Best Car in the World' 2021
Who is the Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Best For?
Buyers who want the objectively best luxury car in the world and appreciate groundbreaking technology.
Drivers who want a car that is both supremely comfortable to be driven in and surprisingly rewarding to drive.
Those who see their car as a personal sanctuary and a reward for their success, without compromising on engineering quality.
Key Alternatives to Consider:
Audi A8: A worthy challenger, but it is outclassed by the S-Class's superior ride comfort, interior technology, and dynamic prowess.
BMW 7 Series: While a competent luxury saloon, the latest 7 Series' controversial styling and iDrive system are no match for the S-Class's timeless elegance and intuitive MBUX interface.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
What are the typical annual servicing costs for a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Maintaining a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class is straightforward, with transparent costs and service plans available to help you budget.
Service Plans: Vertu offers tailored service plans that allow you to spread the cost of routine maintenance over predictable monthly payments.
Expert Technicians: All work is carried out by certified technicians using genuine Mercedes-Benz parts to ensure your vehicle is maintained to the highest standard.
Digital Service History: Your car's service history is stored on a secure central database, protecting its value and providing a comprehensive record of all work carried out.
Does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class come with an extended warranty option?
Yes, you can protect your investment in a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class with a range of extended warranty options from Vertu.
Comprehensive Cover: Choose from different levels of cover to protect yourself from the cost of unforeseen mechanical or electrical repairs.
Peace of Mind: An extended warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle is protected.
Nationwide Support: Our warranties are honoured across our national network of Vertu dealerships.
How does the mild-hybrid system in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class work?
The mild-hybrid system, known as EQ Boost, enhances both the performance and efficiency of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Integrated Starter-Generator: It uses a small electric motor to assist the petrol or diesel engine, providing an extra boost of power when accelerating.
Improved Efficiency: The system allows the engine to switch off when coasting or at a standstill, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
Seamless Operation: The EQ Boost system works seamlessly in the background, providing a smoother and more responsive driving experience.
What is the real-world fuel economy of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class S580e plug-in hybrid?
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class S580e offers exceptional fuel economy for a large luxury saloon, thanks to its advanced plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Electric Range: It can travel for an estimated 46-47 miles on electric power alone, meaning many daily journeys can be completed with zero tailpipe emissions.
Combined Economy: When the petrol engine and electric motor work together, the official combined fuel economy can be as high as 64 MPGe.
Charging: The battery can be fully charged at home overnight or rapidly charged at a public charging station.
Is the rear-axle steering a standard feature on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
Rear-axle steering is a highly desirable feature available on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that significantly enhances its agility and manoeuvrability.
Improved Agility: The system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels at low speeds, dramatically reducing the turning circle and making the car feel much smaller and easier to park.
Enhanced Stability: At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels, improving stability during lane changes and fast corners.
Availability: While not standard on all models, it is a common feature on higher-specification S-Class models in the UK.
How does the MBUX Hyperscreen in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class improve the user experience?
The MBUX Hyperscreen, available on the latest S-Class models, transforms the car's interior into a stunning, high-tech command centre.
Seamless Design: It consists of three separate screens that sit behind a single, vast pane of curved glass, stretching almost the full width of the dashboard.
Intuitive Interface: The system uses artificial intelligence to learn your preferences and proactively display the functions you are most likely to need, reducing the need to scroll through menus.
'Hey Mercedes' Assistant: The advanced voice assistant can understand natural language and control almost all of the car's comfort and infotainment functions.
Are the multi-contour massage seats standard on all Mercedes-Benz S-Class models?
The active multi-contour seats are one of the signature comfort features of the S-Class, though they are not standard on every single trim level.
Availability: They are a standard feature on most higher-specification models, such as the AMG Line Premium Plus and Maybach versions.
Massage Functions: The seats offer a variety of massage programs, including 'hot stone' and 'active workout' modes, to keep you relaxed and refreshed on long journeys.
Dynamic Bolsters: The side bolsters of the seats automatically inflate when cornering to provide extra support and hold you securely in place.
What are the benefits of the Digital Light headlamps on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The optional Digital Light headlamps are a revolutionary piece of technology that significantly enhances safety and driver convenience.
High-Resolution Projection: Each headlamp contains over one million micro-mirrors, which can project warning symbols or guidelines directly onto the road ahead.
Ultra-Precise Main Beam: The system can mask out other road users from the main beam with incredible precision, allowing you to drive with full-beam headlights for longer without dazzling other drivers.
Enhanced Safety: The ability to project warnings for upcoming roadworks or pedestrians makes night driving significantly safer.
Can the Mercedes-Benz S-Class be parked remotely using a smartphone?
Yes, with the Remote Parking Pilot feature, you can manoeuvre your Mercedes-Benz S-Class into and out of tight parking spaces using your smartphone.
Smartphone App: The function is controlled via a dedicated app on your smartphone.
Stress-Free Parking: It allows you to get out of the car before it parks itself, which is ideal for narrow bays where opening the doors would be difficult.
Autonomous Control: The car takes full control of the steering, acceleration, braking, and gear changes to guide itself safely into the space.
