Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mercedes S-Class saloon review

"The Mercedes S-Class now features even more technology but rivals are closer than ever to stealing its crown"

Carbuyer Rating

4.5 out of 5

Owners Rating
Be the first to review
Price
£94,195 - £247,200

Pros

  • Incredibly refined
  • Class-leading technology
  • 62-mile electric range for PHEV

Cons

  • High running costs
  • Laggy augmented reality
  • Expensive to buy

Verdict - Is the Mercedes S-Class a good car?

The Mercedes S-Class has a reputation for being one of the world’s best luxury cars. Over the generations, it has offered the ultimate in comfort, technology and performance for a limousine. But in an era when Mercedes-Benz is shifting towards electric power, the seventh-generation model has its work cut out to keep pace with models like the EQS and BMW i7.

Mercedes S-Class models, specs and alternatives

Sitting atop its vast model range, the Mercedes S-Class represents the pinnacle of the manufacturer’s technology and engineering expertise. It has often been described as the 'world's best car' as a result, appealing to customers who want the equivalent of a business jet for the road.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite offering such a rarefied experience, it isn't short of rivals; the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series are its closest competitors but models like the Bentley Flying Spur and long-wheelbase Range Rover target similar buyers. Traditionally, the S-Class has been a fairly subtle car for the wealthy and the latest version is just as discreet. Even the brutish Mercedes-AMG S 63 e Performance will slip under the radar of those less in the know.

The best luxury carsTop 10 best luxury cars 2024

It's based on an all-new platform, ushering in an even greater level of technological sophistication. Not only is the MBUX infotainment setup upgraded to 'next generation' status, but Mercedes is promising Level 3 'hands off' autonomous motorway driving in due course (where the law allows it).

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, the S-Class is adorned in swathes of wooden trim and leather, and Mercedes has made great use of ambient lighting to alter its character as you drive. The centrepiece is a new portrait MBUX screen rising up to meet the dashboard and controlling most of the car's functions. There's also a new digital instrument display with augmented reality navigation prompts, but we found these could lag slightly behind our position on the road. Comfort is on a par with the world's most opulent cars (or any form of transport for that matter), particularly in long-wheelbase versions with reclining rear seats and entertainment.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Every version gets air suspension and a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard, which combined with impressive aerodynamics, ensure the inside of the S-Class is quiet and cushioned. However, we were disappointed that some bumps sent a shudder through the interior, possibly because of the 21-inch wheels fitted to our test car. Despite its size and weight, it can also handle like a smaller car, particularly when four-wheel steering is fitted. This can turn the rear wheels by a staggering 10 degrees, giving the car the same turning circle as a Mercedes A-Class hatchback.

The engine line-up consists of the S 350 d and S 400 d with 282bhp and 325bhp respectively, getting the S-Class from 0-62mph in less than 6.5 seconds. Only the S 350 d and S 580 e are offered with rear-wheel drive, with other versions getting 4MATIC four-wheel drive as standard. Fuel economy is just over 40mpg for the S 350 d and S 450 d, while CO2 emissions from 163g/km place both diesels in the top 37% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band.

Choose petrol and the S 500 with 429bhp and mild-hybrid tech is the only traditional choice, but an S 580e plug-in hybrid is more likely to appeal to the business users who favour the S-Class. With a 3.0-litre petrol engine and 28kWh battery, it's capable of more than 62 miles from a single charge – double that of the Audi and ahead of the BMW 750e xDrive’s 49-mile range. Its low CO2 figure will also appeal to business buyers and those frequenting low-emission zones like London’s Congestion Charge area.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

For those less troubled by fluctuating oil prices, there’s also the Mercedes-AMG S 63 e Performance, with a massive 792bhp from its plug-in hybrid powertrain. Taking Formula 1 know-how, it has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and electric motors, for a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds.

Inside, the S-Class is adorned in swathes of wooden trim and leather, and Mercedes has made great use of ambient lighting to alter its character as you drive. The centrepiece is a new portrait MBUX screen rising up to meet the dashboard and controlling most of the car's functions. There's also a new digital instrument display with augmented reality navigation instructions. Comfort is on a par with the world's most opulent cars (or any form of transport for that matter), particularly in long wheelbase versions with reclining rear seats and entertainment.

It's unlikely Euro NCAP will crash-test the S-Class because of its small production numbers, but occupants should feel very well-protected. Almost every bit of safety kit you can imagine is fitted, and new advances include air suspension that rockets the S-Class 80mm higher than usual if a side impact is imminent, helping protect occupants by using more of the doors to shield them.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best?

Cheapest

  • Name
    S350d AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £84,360

Most Economical

  • Name
    S580e L AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £112,715

Fastest

  • Name
    Maybach First Class S680 4Matic 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £216,945

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best executive cars 2024
Best executive cars
Best cars
22 Mar 2024

Top 10 best executive cars 2024

Top 10 best used luxury cars 2024
best used luxury cars
Best cars
20 Mar 2024

Top 10 best used luxury cars 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon
2024 Porsche Panamera front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
13 Mar 2024

Porsche Panamera review – a tech-packed sports saloon

BMW i5 review - refined and good to drive
BMW i5 UK
In-depth reviews
24 Jan 2024

BMW i5 review - refined and good to drive

Have You Considered

Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback review – a sleek and subtle electric SUV
Audi Q8 e-tron front quarter dynamic
In-depth reviews
12 Jan 2024

Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback review – a sleek and subtle electric SUV

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes
Skoda Karoq SportLine
In-depth reviews
26 Mar 2024

Skoda Karoq review – it ticks all the family SUV boxes

More on S-Class

Top 10 best used luxury cars 2024
best used luxury cars
Best cars
20 Mar 2024

Top 10 best used luxury cars 2024

A used luxury car can provide opulent motoring for hatchback money – here are the 10 best to look out for
Top 10 best motorway cars 2024
Top 10 best motorway cars 2023
Best cars
4 Jan 2024

Top 10 best motorway cars 2024

Need a car that can tackle serious motorway miles with ease? Look no further than our list of the best cars for long-distance driving
Top 9 most comfortable cars 2024
Top 9 most comfortable cars
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 9 most comfortable cars 2024

Bad back or just want a relaxing drive? We showcase the most comfortable cars on sale now
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best luxury cars 2024
The best luxury cars
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best luxury cars 2024

If money is no object and your tastes run to extravagance, read on for the 10 best luxury cars on sale today
Top 3 used posh cars for under £40,000
Hero
Tips and advice
28 Apr 2022

Top 3 used posh cars for under £40,000

Dear Carbuyer, I want an ultra-comfortable saloon or SUV with reasonable mileage. What is out there for £40k?
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

You don't have to buy a luxury car to enjoy a great interior. We've listed our top cars to spend time in, regardless of budget
New 2020 Mercedes S-Class starts from £78,705
2020 Mercedes S-Class - front 3/4 dynamic
News
29 Sep 2020

New 2020 Mercedes S-Class starts from £78,705

All-new Mercedes S-Class gets vast array of new technology and enhanced luxury features
Mercedes S-Class saloon (2013-2020)
Mercedes S-Class saloon cutout
In-depth reviews
29 Jul 2020

Mercedes S-Class saloon (2013-2020)

“As a luxury saloon, the Mercedes S-Class is hard to beat. It has ruled the class imperiously for years and it’s difficult to see when that might chan…
Skip advert
Advertisement
Best car videos: Carbuyer's greatest hits of 2018
News
30 Dec 2018

Best car videos: Carbuyer's greatest hits of 2018

We've crunched our viewing figures, and these are our best performing car videos of 2018
Skip advert
Advertisement
Mercedes S 560 e hybrid saloon (2018-2020)
Mercedes S 560 e cutout
In-depth reviews
18 Oct 2018

Mercedes S 560 e hybrid saloon (2018-2020)

"The S 560 e makes a fine 'green' limousine and is a good choice for S-Class buyers who spend most of the their time driving in town"
New Mercedes-Maybach SUV 2019: prices, specs & release date
News
24 Apr 2018

New Mercedes-Maybach SUV 2019: prices, specs & release date

Opulent SUV-style saloon hints at a future super-luxury SUV
Mercedes S-Class Coupe (2014-2020)
Mercedes S-Class coupe cutout
In-depth reviews
6 Dec 2017

Mercedes S-Class Coupe (2014-2020)

"The Mercedes S-Class coupe offers an excellent blend of performance, handling, luxury and style"
Mercedes S-Class hybrid (2013-2018)
In-depth reviews
7 Aug 2017

Mercedes S-Class hybrid (2013-2018)

“One of the most luxurious, advanced and expensive hybrids available”
Mercedes S-Class Facelift
The facelifted S-Class has a more prominent grille, new engines and more autonomous technology
News
18 Jul 2017

Mercedes S-Class Facelift

Mercedes’ flagship luxury saloon starts at £72,705, with 621bhp AMG S65 topping the range at £187,240
Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet (2014-2020)
Mercedes S-Class cabriolet cutout
In-depth reviews
18 May 2016

Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet (2014-2020)

"Put simply, the Mercedes S-Class Cabriolet is one of the finest four-seat convertibles on sale today. Luxurious, fast and comfortable, it's a very im…
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Mercedes S-Class Convertible: full details
News
5 Apr 2016

New Mercedes S-Class Convertible: full details

The uber-plush Mercedes S-Class Convertible on sale now with prices starting at over £110,000
Volvo XC90 crowned Auto Express Car of the Year
News
30 Jun 2015

Volvo XC90 crowned Auto Express Car of the Year

The new Volvo XC90 fought off strong opposition to be named Car of the Year and Best Large SUV.
Skip advert
Advertisement
Posher than a Rolls-Royce? Maybach's £370,000 limo
News
18 Feb 2015

Posher than a Rolls-Royce? Maybach's £370,000 limo

S600 Pullman is new range-topper from Mercedes' luxury brand
Mercedes S-Class Plug-In Hybrid on sale now
News
9 Sep 2014

Mercedes S-Class Plug-In Hybrid on sale now

The new Mercedes S 500 Plug-In Hybrid will do 101mpg and emit just 65g/km of CO2
Mercedes S-Class coupe prices revealed
News
30 Jul 2014

Mercedes S-Class coupe prices revealed

The Mercedes S-Class Coupe will be priced from £124,715 when it goes on sale in September
Mercedes S65 AMG Coupe revealed
News
14 Jul 2014

Mercedes S65 AMG Coupe revealed

Range-topping S65 model is most powerful and luxurious version of new S-Class Coupe
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Mercedes E-Class due in 2016
News
17 Mar 2014

New Mercedes E-Class due in 2016

Sources close to Mercedes confirm new Mercedes E-Class will go on sale in 2016
Mercedes S-Class S300 BlueTEC on sale
News
4 Feb 2014

Mercedes S-Class S300 BlueTEC on sale

New Mercedes S300 BlueTEC is most economical S-Class on sale

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024