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

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.

...

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

Mercedes-Benz S350d-3

S300/S300 BlueTEC/S300H

Price when new: $196,900 - $199,455

Price used: $45,700 - $80,700

The base spec S-Class is hardly base spec in terms of refinement and equipment.

Featuring an immense range of standard kit, the S-Class entry point is still supremely luxurious.

Standard features:

  • Dual front airbag package
  • Anti-lock braking
  • Air con & climate control
  • Air suspension
  • Analogue clock
  • Active suspension
  • Adaptive damping control
  • Adaptive headlights
  • Ambient interior lighting
  • Alarm system/remote anti theft
  • Automatic stop/start
  • Aux/USB input socket
  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • Brake assist
  • Cruise control intelligent/active
  • Comfort seats front
  • Child seat – ISOFIX anchorage system
  • Comfort seats rear
  • Connect package
  • Cross traffic recognition
  • Driver awareness alert
  • Digital audio broadcast radio
  • Daytime running lights – LED
  • Door sill finishers – embossed/personalised
  • Dusk sensing headlights
  • Electronic brake force distribution
  • Exterior mirrors -auto dimming driver side
  • Exterior mirrors – heated
  • Electronic stability program
  • Emergency stop signal
  • First-aid Kit
  • Glovebox cooler
  • Headrests – adjustable on all Seats
  • HardDisk drive (built-in)
  • Heated front seats
  • Heated rear seats
  • Head up display
  • Illuminated door sill panels
  • Illuminated glove box compartment
  • Keyless entry and drive
  • LED Headlights
  • Lockable glove box compartment
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Leather upholstery
  • Memory card reader
  • Multi-function control screen
  • Multi-function steering wheel
  • Metallic paint
  • MP3 compatible audio/CD player
  • Mobile phone connectivity
  • Night view assist
  • Park assist
  • Power door closing
  • Power front seats
  • Protective Glazing
  • Power mirrors with indicators & folding
  • Power rear seats
  • Power sun blind – rear side windows
  • Power sunroof
  • Power tailgate
  • Remote boot/hatch release
  • Run-flat safety tyres
  • Rear lights – LED
  • Rear seat enhancement pack
  • Rain sensing wipers
  • Rear view mirror auto dimming
  • Satellite navigation
  • Surround camera system
  • 13-speaker sound system
  • Sun visors with vanity mirrors & illumination
  • Traction control system
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Voice recognition system
  • Wood grain trim

S350/S350d/S350 BlueTEC

Price when new: $195,900 - $240,955

Price used: $40,400 - $137,750

In our opinion, the S350D is the pick of the S-Class range.

Unless you’re spending the majority of your driving time on German autobahns, the S350D is all of the S-Class anyone really needs.

Anything higher in the range is just showing off.

S350 adds:

  • 20” alloy wheels
  • AIR-BALANCE Package (air ioniser)
  • AMG Line (S350 d)
  • Electric seats – 2nd row with memory
  • Energising comfort control
  • Entertainment system – rear
  • Exclusive package
  • Front seat comfort package
  • Garage door opener
  • Illuminated door sill panels
  • Leather trim – full nappa
  • Designo paint options
  • Rear seat comfort package
  • Rear seat entertainment pre-installation only
  • Sun protection package
  • Tinted windows – rear dark
  • Tyre pressure monitoring – with logging/display
  • Warmth comfort package
  • Wireless charging system for rear mobile devices (From 2018)
  • Wood/leather steering wheel
  • Woodgrain trim options

S400/S400d/S400H

Price when new: $222,500 - $234,715

Price used: $55,200 - $120,950

The 400 variant is simply the petrol version of the diesel 300 and 350 S-Class above, although Mercedes confuses this theory by offering diesel variants of the 400.

Again, an S350 is all the S-Class anyone really needs.

S400 adds:

  • Business class package
  • Panoramic roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL

S450/S450d/S500H

Price when new: $227,500 - $264,900

Price used: $94,050 - $158,650

The 400 was renamed 450 after the S-Class mid-life update.

S450 adds:

  • AMG line

S500/S500d/S500e

Price when new: $286,600 - $357,215

Price used: $80,950- $147,350

The entry point to the V8-powered S-Class variants.

Unless your daily commute involves dominating autobahns, stick to the S350D.

S500 adds:

  • AMG Line (S500) and AMG Line Plus
  • Boot lid lock
  • Burmester high-end 3D surround sound
  • Designo interior – two tone
  • Individual rear seats
  • Night View Assist Plus
  • PRE-SAFE rear package
  • Refrigeration compartment for second row
  • Active suspension (Magic Body Control)
  • Tinted Windows – extra dark/privacy
  • Various AMG trim selections
  • Various woodgrain interior selections

S560/S560L

Price when new: $270,000 - $349,600

Price used: $113,500 - $238,450

The 560 denotes the post mid-life update V8 S-Class.

S560 adds:

  • Exclusive Line (S Class)
  • Specific paint colours
  • Swarovski headlamp package

S600/S600L

Price when new: $417,500 - $419,715

Price used: $90,700 - $152,950

The flagship of the flagship. The V12 S600 variant tops out the non-AMG S-Class range.

This is THE car for heads of industry and dictators.

S600 adds:

  • Different wheel design
  • Quad exhaust pattern
  • V12 engine

S63/S63L

Price when new: $385,000 - $444,715

Price used: $82,950 - $281,850

The first of the fire-breathing AMG-powered S-Class range.

S63 adds:

  • 20” alloy wheels – AMG cross-spoke black
  • AMG carbon fibre engine cover
  • AMG carbon fibre exterior package
  • AMG driver’s package
  • AMG ceramic high performance brakes

S65/S65L

Price when new: $490,000 - $521,715

Price used: $120,950 - $281,100

Not only the top of the range, but the top of the top of the range, the S65 is just showing off.

No one “needs” an S65 but if you’ve got it, why not flaunt it.

S65 adds:

  • Black lower grille & ducts on front apron (NCO)
  • Callipers – AMG grey painted (NCO)

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.

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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