Used Mercedes S-Class for sale

What types of used Mercedes S-Class cars are there?

The biggest, most luxurious saloon model you can get from Mercedes is the S-Class – it’s the go-to chauffeur-driven car for business owners and execs worldwide, and for good reason.

It was one of the first cars to get safety kit like ABS and ESP, and it even had adaptive cruise control before the turn of the millennium.

To this day, you can look at a new S-Class to find out what more affordable cars will have in the coming years and decades.

If bucket loads of luxury weren’t enough, you can also get a long-wheelbase model, identified by the ‘L’ in its name. It adds so much rear legroom that you might not even be able to touch the seat in front of you.

Popular Mercedes S-Class trims

Despite being a luxury model, there are still trim level options. Rather than affordable and high-spec, you’ll have a choice of range-topping or range-topping with a cherry on top.

> Mercedes S-Class AMG Line Premium - the standard car gets keyless go, air suspension, soft-close doors and adaptive LED headlights

> Mercedes S-Class AMG Line Premium Plus - get this model if you want massage front seats and an augmented reality head-up display

> Mercedes S-Class AMG Line Premium Plus Executive - this top-spec car gets electric sunblinds, multiple wireless phone chargers and a tablet in the back

Mercedes S-Class history

The S-Class was born in 1972, but it can trace its history back to the late 1920s. They’ve all targeted the same customers, but each model has introduced considerable updates – and we mean considerable.

> Sixth-generation Mercedes S-Class W222 (2013) - a common sight on British roads, this model makes for a great used buy because it’s relatively affordable

> Facelifted Mercedes S-Class W222 (2017) - the obligatory minor redesign and engine efficiency improvements, plus more tech

> Seventh-generation Mercedes S-Class W223 (2020) - this is where things start to get really techy with a minimalist, multi-display setup

What features does the Mercedes S-Class have?

Look at a top-spec family car and you’re pretty much guaranteed to get all of that kit on even an entry-level, previous-generation S-Class.

As a guide, seventh-generation cars get heated and cooled seats, four-zone climate control, a 360-degree parking camera, keyless go, air suspension, power closing doors and a panoramic sliding sunroof.

Besides the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, there’s also a slick 12.8-inch OLED infotainment display. High-spec cars get a seven-inch rear tablet for controlling car functions and an augmented reality head-up display.

You can also get two 11.6-inch displays in the rear for watching films.

Is the Mercedes S-Class reliable?

Execs love this car because it’s dependable and long-lasting, and you should be no more likely to encounter problems than if you were to buy a family hatchback.

That being said, it has complex and advanced parts like air suspension and hybrid powertrain options, so repairs can be on the pricey side.

How much does the Mercedes S-Class cost to run?

How long is a piece of string? You can get an S-Class to fit your every want and need.

Seventh-generation plug-in hybrids can do more than 60 miles on electric power for as little as £1.50 if you have access to an off-peak rate (7p/kWh).

On the other end of the scale, V8-powered S63 E Performance models will barely do more than 20mpg despite being plug-in hybrids, with earlier non-hybrid AMG cars even less efficient.

Who is the Mercedes S-Class suitable for?

Buying specifically a used Mercedes S-Class for sale is the best option for anyone wanting to save tens of thousands on one of the most luxurious cars on our roads.

If you’re the sort of person who likes the best of the best, the S-Class is for you.

For similar levels of luxury, consider the BMW 7 Series. For something a little more engaging with a sporting background, the Porsche Panamera is an appealing option.

Finally, if you’re on a tighter budget but still want something opulent, look out for an Audi A8.