Pros
- Incredible refinement
- The pinnacle of automotive technology
- Immense levels of safety
- Possibly the quietest car in the world
Cons
- Horrific depreciation
- Immense servicing and repair costs
- Can be hard to judge the dimensions
- Questionable long term quality
Verdict
We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...
If you just must have an S-Class and you’re in the financial position to purchase a new S-Class and can structure your portfolio to absorb the insane levels of depreciation, excellent, these are truly spectacular when new and covered under a full factory warranty. So, yes why not, buy one.
...
Publish: March 12, 2021
Hailed as the best car in the world by countless motoring journalists and automotive critics, the S-Class never fails to live up to its reputation.
Since its launch in 2013, the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, yet again set the standard for all road cars to follow, showing levels of technology, refinement and safety that many cars will be aspiring to feature for years to come.
However, all this technology and complexity can come at a cost, not just for ownership but of longevity and reliability.
Should you buy a used “best car in the world”?
Hailed as the best car in the world by countless motoring journalists and automotive critics, the S-Class never fails to live up to its reputation.
Since its launch in 2013, the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, yet again set the standard for all road cars to follow, showing levels of technology, refinement and safety that many cars will be aspiring to feature for years to come.
However, all this technology and complexity can come at a cost, not just for ownership but of longevity and reliability.
Should you buy a used “best car in the world”?
Hailed as the best car in the world by countless motoring journalists and automotive critics, the S-Class never fails to live up to its reputation.
Since its launch in 2013, the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, yet again set the standard for all road cars to follow, showing levels of technology, refinement and safety that many cars will be aspiring to feature for years to come.
However, all this technology and complexity can come at a cost, not just for ownership but of longevity and reliability.
Should you buy a used “best car in the world”?
- Can hesitate, stall or sputter due to throttle actuator problems
- Rough vibration and reduced power delivery due to oil being ‘cooked’ from high temperatures
- Turbo lag or failure
- Oil leaks and due to a lack of space, it can be difficult to find the source of a leak
- DPF exhaust pressure sensor failures
- Diesel exhaust fluid heater failures
- Intake manifold problems
- Suspension air compressor and relay faults
- Air suspension strut / bag failures
- Thrust link bushings known to crack open
- Insulation damages easily
- Some components require specialised servicing and maintenance, costing a fortune
- Multiple over-engineered and complicated systems
- Lack of longevity with interior leather and trim
- Cracking rims
- Can hesitate, stall or sputter due to throttle actuator problems
- Rough vibration and reduced power delivery due to oil being ‘cooked’ from high temperatures
- Turbo lag or failure
- Oil leaks and due to a lack of space, it can be difficult to find the source of a leak
- DPF exhaust pressure sensor failures
- Diesel exhaust fluid heater failures
- Intake manifold problems
- Suspension air compressor and relay faults
- Air suspension strut / bag failures
- Thrust link bushings known to crack open
- Insulation damages easily
- Some components require specialised servicing and maintenance, costing a fortune
- Multiple over-engineered and complicated systems
- Lack of longevity with interior leather and trim
- Cracking rims
- Can hesitate, stall or sputter due to throttle actuator problems
- Rough vibration and reduced power delivery due to oil being ‘cooked’ from high temperatures
- Turbo lag or failure
- Oil leaks and due to a lack of space, it can be difficult to find the source of a leak
- DPF exhaust pressure sensor failures
- Diesel exhaust fluid heater failures
- Intake manifold problems
- Suspension air compressor and relay faults
- Air suspension strut / bag failures
- Thrust link bushings known to crack open
- Insulation damages easily
- Some components require specialised servicing and maintenance, costing a fortune
- Multiple over-engineered and complicated systems
- Lack of longevity with interior leather and trim
- Cracking rims
Body Style:
- 4-door sedan
- 2-door coupe
- 2-door convertible
Engine & outputs:
- 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / hybrid (S400, S450, S500e)
- 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol (S560, S63 AMG)
- 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol (S600, S65 AMG)
- 4-cyl 2.1L hybrid diesel (S300 h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo-diesel (S350d, S400d)
- 6 Cylinder 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
Drivelines:
- 7-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive (S300h, S300 BlueTEC, S350d, S350 BlueTEC, S400, S500, S500e, S600, S63 AMG, S65 AMG)
- 9-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive(S350d, S400d, S450, S500, S560, S63 AMG)
Power:
- 245kW – 270kW 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 345kW – 450kW 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on variant (S560, S63 AMG)
- 335kW – 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 435kW – 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 390kW – 463kW 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol / depending on variant (S600, S65 AMG)
- 150kW – 4-cyl 2.1L hybrid-diesel (S300h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 190kW – 6-cyl 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
- 210kW – 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo diesel (S350d, S400d)
Torque:
- 480Nm – 520Nm 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 700Nm – 900Nm 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on
Body Style:
- 4-door sedan
- 2-door coupe
- 2-door convertible
Engine & outputs:
- 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / hybrid (S400, S450, S500e)
- 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol (S560, S63 AMG)
- 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol (S600, S65 AMG)
- 4-cyl 2.1L hybrid diesel (S300 h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo-diesel (S350d, S400d)
- 6 Cylinder 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
Drivelines:
- 7-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive (S300h, S300 BlueTEC, S350d, S350 BlueTEC, S400, S500, S500e, S600, S63 AMG, S65 AMG)
- 9-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive(S350d, S400d, S450, S500, S560, S63 AMG)
Power:
- 245kW – 270kW 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 345kW – 450kW 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on variant (S560, S63 AMG)
- 335kW – 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 435kW – 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 390kW – 463kW 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol / depending on variant (S600, S65 AMG)
- 150kW – 4-cyl 2.1L hybrid-diesel (S300h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 190kW – 6-cyl 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
- 210kW – 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo diesel (S350d, S400d)
Torque:
- 480Nm – 520Nm 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 700Nm – 900Nm 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on variant (S560, S63 AMG)
- 700Nm – 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 900Nm – 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 830Nm – 1000Nm – 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol / depending on variant (S600, S65 AMG)
- 500Nm – 4 Cylinder 2.1L hybrid-diesel (S300h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 620Nm – 6-cyl 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
- 700Nm – 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo diesel (S350d, S400d)
Fuel economy:
- 8.4L/100km (Combined) 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 8.5L – 9.9L/100km (Combined) 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on variant (S560, S63 AMG)
- 9.2L/100km (Combined) 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 10.2L/100km (Combined) 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 11.3L/100km (Combined) 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol / depending on variant (S600, S65 AMG)
- 4.8/100km (Combined) 4 Cylinder 2.1L hybrid-diesel (S300h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 5.4L/100km (Combined) 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
- 5.3L/100km (Combined) 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo diesel (S350d, S400d)
Height:
- 1496mm – 1505mm (All sedans ranging from 2014 to 2020)
- 1411mm – 1412mm (All coupes ranging from 2015 – 2020)
- 1417mm – 1428mm (All convertibles ranging from 2016 – 2020)
Length:
- 5116mm – 5302mm (All sedans ranging from 2014 to 2020)
- 5027mm – 5051mm (All coupes ranging from 2015 – 2020)
- 5027mm – 5042mm (All convertibles ranging from 2015 – 2020)
Width:
- 1899mm – 1914mm (All sedans ranging from 2014 to 2020)
- 1625mm – 1913mm (All coupes ranging from 2015 – 2020)
- 1625mm – 1913mm (All convertibles ranging from 2015 – 2020)
Body Style:
- 4-door sedan
- 2-door coupe
- 2-door convertible
Engine & outputs:
- 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / hybrid (S400, S450, S500e)
- 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol (S560, S63 AMG)
- 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol (S600, S65 AMG)
- 4-cyl 2.1L hybrid diesel (S300 h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo-diesel (S350d, S400d)
- 6 Cylinder 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
Drivelines:
- 7-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive (S300h, S300 BlueTEC, S350d, S350 BlueTEC, S400, S500, S500e, S600, S63 AMG, S65 AMG)
- 9-spd automatic, rear-wheel drive(S350d, S400d, S450, S500, S560, S63 AMG)
Power:
- 245kW – 270kW 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 345kW – 450kW 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on variant (S560, S63 AMG)
- 335kW – 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 435kW – 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 390kW – 463kW 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol / depending on variant (S600, S65 AMG)
- 150kW – 4-cyl 2.1L hybrid-diesel (S300h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 190kW – 6-cyl 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
- 210kW – 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo diesel (S350d, S400d)
Torque:
- 480Nm – 520Nm 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 700Nm – 900Nm 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on variant (S560, S63 AMG)
- 700Nm – 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 900Nm – 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 830Nm – 1000Nm – 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol / depending on variant (S600, S65 AMG)
- 500Nm – 4 Cylinder 2.1L hybrid-diesel (S300h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 620Nm – 6-cyl 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
- 700Nm – 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo diesel (S350d, S400d)
Fuel economy:
- 8.4L/100km (Combined) 6-cyl 3.0L twin-turbo petrol / ranging from hybrid to petrol (S400, S450, S500e)
- 8.5L – 9.9L/100km (Combined) 8-cyl 4.0L twin-turbo petrol – depending on variant (S560, S63 AMG)
- 9.2L/100km (Combined) 8-cyl 4.7L twin-turbo petrol (S500)
- 10.2L/100km (Combined) 8-cyl 5.5L twin-turbo petrol (S63 AMG)
- 11.3L/100km (Combined) 12-cyl 6.0L twin-turbo petrol / depending on variant (S600, S65 AMG)
- 4.8/100km (Combined) 4 Cylinder 2.1L hybrid-diesel (S300h, S300 BlueTEC)
- 5.4L/100km (Combined) 3.0L turbo-diesel (S350 d, S350 BlueTEC)
- 5.3L/100km (Combined) 6-cyl 2.9L twin-turbo diesel (S350d, S400d)
Height:
- 1496mm – 1505mm (All sedans ranging from 2014 to 2020)
- 1411mm – 1412mm (All coupes ranging from 2015 – 2020)
- 1417mm – 1428mm (All convertibles ranging from 2016 – 2020)
Length:
- 5116mm – 5302mm (All sedans ranging from 2014 to 2020)
- 5027mm – 5051mm (All coupes ranging from 2015 – 2020)
- 5027mm – 5042mm (All convertibles ranging from 2015 – 2020)
Width:
- 1899mm – 1914mm (All sedans ranging from 2014 to 2020)
- 1625mm – 1913mm (All coupes ranging from 2015 – 2020)
- 1625mm – 1913mm (All convertibles ranging from 2015 – 2020)
Warranty:
3 years/unlimited kms with 3 years roadside assist (2014 – 2019)
5 years/unlimited kms with 5 years roadside assist (from 2020)
Servicing:
20,000 km – 25,000km (depending on variant) or every 12 months (2014)
15,000km – 25,000km (depending on variant) or every 12 months (2015 – 2016)
20,000 km – 25,000km (depending on variant) or every 12 months (2017)
20,000km – 25,000km (depending on variant) or every 12 months (2018 – 2020)
Model range, pricing and features
If you just must have an S-Class and you’re in the financial position to purchase a new S-Class and can structure your portfolio to absorb the insane levels of depreciation, excellent, these are truly spectacular when new and covered under a full factory warranty. So, yes why not, buy one.
But, if you’re in the market for a used S-Class because you genuinely can’t afford a new one, these cars will cost you an absolute fortune.
The depreciation won’t stop, the potential repair costs, once it’s out of warranty, will continue to increase at warp speeds and there are huge question marks hovering over their longevity and reliability.
Yes, an S-Class is brilliant when new but, for what they are asking for on the used market, there are so many other options you should purchase instead. Sorry, it’s a no.
If you just must have an S-Class and you’re in the financial position to purchase a new S-Class and can structure your portfolio to absorb the insane levels of depreciation, excellent, these are truly spectacular when new and covered under a full factory warranty. So, yes why not, buy one.
But, if you’re in the market for a used S-Class because you genuinely can’t afford a new one, these cars will cost you an absolute fortune.
The depreciation won’t stop, the potential repair costs, once it’s out of warranty, will continue to increase at warp speeds and there are huge question marks hovering over their longevity and reliability.
Yes, an S-Class is brilliant when new but, for what they are asking for on the used market, there are so many other options you should purchase instead. Sorry, it’s a no.
If you just must have an S-Class and you’re in the financial position to purchase a new S-Class and can structure your portfolio to absorb the insane levels of depreciation, excellent, these are truly spectacular when new and covered under a full factory warranty. So, yes why not, buy one.
But, if you’re in the market for a used S-Class because you genuinely can’t afford a new one, these cars will cost you an absolute fortune.
The depreciation won’t stop, the potential repair costs, once it’s out of warranty, will continue to increase at warp speeds and there are huge question marks hovering over their longevity and reliability.
Yes, an S-Class is brilliant when new but, for what they are asking for on the used market, there are so many other options you should purchase instead. Sorry, it’s a no.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of March 12, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
Read our full terms and conditions here.
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We wouldn't...
We'd be cautious
We would...