Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars for sale

The S-Class is the most prestigious luxury saloon in the Mercedes-Benz lineup and has been since the 1970s. Although its roots reach back to the 1950s, the first vehicle named S-Class was launched in 1972. It was an innovative model, being the first production car to offer a turbodiesel engine and benefit from anti-lock brakes (ABS).

Mercedes-Benz S-Class updates and facelifts

Five subsequent generations came and went, bringing many technological advancements such as an electronic stability programme and keyless go. It was in June 2013 that the MK7 arrived in the UK, offering petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and diesel engines, as well as two trims: SE Line and AMG Line.

In 2014 and 2015, the S-Class saloon was joined by coupé and cabriolet body styles respectively, broadening the range. The S-Class also received a significant update in July 2017. Alongside exterior changes came two new engines: a 2.9-litre diesel with outputs of 282bhp and 335bhp, and a 463bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8.

The model impressed buyers and critics alike, being named World Luxury Car at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. It won the Auto Express Luxury Car of the Year award in both 2014, 2015 and 2016, as well as receiving What Car?’s Luxury Car of the Year in 2016.

Further changes to the engine range occurred in 2021, with mild-hybrid technology being added to the existing petrol and diesel options. The S-Class also received additional technology and a new trim structure, consisting of AMG-Line Premium, Long AMG Line Premium Plus and Long AMG Line Premium Plus Executive. The ‘Long’ element refers to long-wheelbase variants.

In 2021 the S 450 d 4MATIC model was the first S-Class officially sold in the UK with four-wheel drive. An impressive array of tech features were also fitted as standard. The model’s key rivals are the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8, offering greater practicality than both, although the Jaguar XJ and Lexus LS also provide stiff competition.

Practicality and style of the car

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class saloon is a spacious and highly practical car. It comes with a choice of standard wheelbase or long wheelbase. Whichever you choose, the 540-litre boot of the petrol and diesel models is larger than that of the BMW 7 Series (515 litres) and Audi A8 (505 litres).

Whether you’re loading up suitcases, golf clubs or corporate equipment, there’s plenty of room for all your needs. Even the plug-in hybrid models have a respectable amount of space, offering a 350-litre luggage capacity. That’s similar to the Audi A6 PHEV’s cargo volume (360 litres).

If you’re looking to hook up a caravan, boat or horsebox to your S-Class, you’ll find it an excellent tow car. Petrol and diesel variants can pull up to 750kg of unbraked weight and 2,100kg of braked weight. Only the PHEV options are not rated for towing.

Running costs

As the flagship executive saloon for Mercedes-Benz, the S-Class occupies groups 44–50 out of 50 for insurance. As such, it matches premiums for the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8.

In terms of road tax, the annual payment depends on the model year you choose. S-Class vehicles produced before April 2017 typically cost between £190–230 every year. Those manufactured thereafter are charged at £570 per year for the first five years the tax is renewed. This is because their original list price is over £40,000. When the five-year period ends, tax reverts to a standard annual rate of £180.

How a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class drives

There’s a wide range of engine options to choose from with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The entry-level diesel option is the S 350 d, which is a 2.9-litre 282bhp engine developing 600Nm of torque. This can reach 0 - 62mph in 6.0 seconds and returns a combined fuel economy of 44.1mpg. Choose the S 400 d – also a 2.9-litre unit – for an output of 335bhp and 700Nm of torque. Reaching 0-62mph in as little as 5.4 seconds, it also boasts a combined efficiency of 44.1mpg.

Later in the S-Class’ lifecycle, the S 450 d was launched, boosting the 3.0-litre engine’s power to 361bhp. Developing 750Nm, it takes you from 0-62mph in five seconds and returns 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. This is the first S-Class to be sold in the UK with a 4MATIC four-wheel drive setup. Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel drive system sends power to all four wheels. This means you’ll experience better traction and smoother handling. The system adjusts itself to the road surface to maximise grip and improve safety.

The petrol engine is the S 500, a 3.0-litre turbo producing 429bhp and 520Nm of torque. Featuring 48V mild hybrid technology, it’s paired with a nine-speed automatic gearbox and achieves a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds. Fuel economy reaches up to 36.2mpg on the combined cycle.

In addition to the petrol are two petrol/electric plug-in hybrid variants. The S580 e has a 367bhp engine teamed with a 148bhp electric motor. Boasting an all-electric range of 67 miles, it can reach 62mph from a standstill in 4.8 seconds. It also offers an overall efficiency of up to 353.1mpg on the combined cycle, depending on how and where you’re driving.

The other PHEV is reserved for the AMG S63 e Performance. This pairs a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine producing 604bhp with a 190bhp electric motor for a total output of 792bhp and 1,430Nm of torque. It can take you from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds, which is faster than the Aston Martin V12 Speedster. It has a zero-emissions range of 20 miles and a combined fuel efficiency of 64.2mpg.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2014 - 2020

2021 - onwards

Features you can expect in a Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Interior

As a premium saloon, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is spacious enough to seat five adults comfortably. Long wheelbase variants in particular have generous legroom for both front and rear occupants, as well as sufficient shoulder room for three to sit abreast. Long wheelbase versions also have longer doors to make access even easier.

Choose the AMG-Line Premium Plus trim and the driver and front passenger can enjoy added comfort thanks to a massage function on their seats. Options for the rear include reclining seats, airline-style tables and electric blinds. You may find a model on the used market with some or all of these extras.

The S-Class represents the pinnacle of luxury motoring. The cabin is fitted with the finest materials from wood and leather to metals. Choose a variant with a panoramic glass roof and the sense of space is amplified, making for a bright and spacious experience within the cabin.

Technology

Choose an S-Class produced between 2014-2020 and the infotainment system comprises a 12.3-inch COMAND screen that provides access to the Burmester stereo system, navigation and more. From 2021 onwards, the screen is replaced by a portrait-orientated 12.8-inch touchscreen. This can be used to select a DAB radio station, stream podcasts, facilitate calls and adjust vehicle settings.

There’s also the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control function for hands-free operation. Choose the Premium Plus Executive trim and the rear seats have a seven-inch tablet to control audio, seat functions and more. Other technology includes Thermotronic climate control and heated and ventilated seats. Keyless entry and start is also standard across the S-Class range, as is ambient lighting with ten colour schemes and 64 colours.

Safety

The model has an array of safety features from twin front, side and curtain airbags and ISOFIX mounting points to electronic stability control, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and a driver fatigue monitor. Choose a model from 2021 onwards and a Driving Assistance Package also comes as standard. This includes blind spot assistance, active brake assist and active cruise control.

Other measures include the DISTRONIC system, Mercedes’ basic adaptive cruise control system. This helps keep you at a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can help to avert accidents at speeds of up to 70mph.

Trims available on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG Line Premium

This entry-level trim is equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels, soft close doors, Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats with memory function and Thermotronic climate control. Technology includes a 12.8-inch touchscreen with DAB radio, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice control, as well as keyless entry and start, a 3D instrument cluster and wireless smartphone charging. Safety measures include stability control, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition and a driver fatigue monitor.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG-Line Premium Plus

This trim adds 21-inch alloy wheels, an augmented reality head-up display, digital headlamps, massaging front seats and heated armrests.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG-Line Premium Plus Executive

Delivering the ultimate in luxury, this trim includes electric rear blinds, the ability to control the front seat from the rear, an extra footrest and a removable seven-inch tablet in the rear.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG

The AMG has a sportier aesthetic, with unique 21-inch forged alloy wheels, painted brake callipers, AMG carbon fibre and piano black trim.

Search our stock of used Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars for sale.