The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is an extraordinary second-hand luxury car choice... as long as you know which generation to choose.
For a long time, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been one of the most technologically advanced luxobarges. The car you most likely want to be driven rather than driven. This model was first released in 1972 with the W116-generation S-class sedan. Since then, a total of seven versions have been released, each with improved comfort and refinement.
Traditionally, the most obvious competitors of this car are the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series. With the increasing popularity of the SUV market segment, S-class sedans are now facing fiercer competition than ever before, and cars such as Range Rover are now being used as driver vehicles. The future of the Mercedes EQS format may even pose a threat.
Over time, Mercedes has made many incremental improvements in the form of facelifts, even in the same generation of cars. These changes mean that buyers who wish to purchase S-Class cars as used cars have a variety of options. In this list, some of the best options will be explored on a cost-effective basis.
The S-Class is one of the cars you will continue to buy after purchase because it performs very well. Even the name recognizes it as something special, Sonderklasse or S-Klasse, because it can be abbreviated literally meaning a special course in German.
Related: Maybach S-Class 100 is by far the most refined German Luxobarge
The first Mercedes model W116 with an S-class designation was produced between 1972 and 1980. This car introduced many safety features that we now take for granted, such as the collision avoidance zone and anti-lock braking system. Regarding reliability, it was one of the best cars of that era.
The entry-level model 280SE proved to be one of the most popular models in the series due to the increase in fuel prices due to the oil crisis at that time. According to Hagerty, it is now considered a classic car, with prices ranging from US$7,500 to US$25,800. Except for the driving experience, there is almost nothing to discuss, and almost no material comfort. Therefore, in the cost-benefit analysis, we cannot rank it so high.
The second generation launched in 1979 has two versions, a short wheelbase and a long wheelbase. Production continued until 1992.
There are more luxurious features than the first generation, including electric power, memory front seats and automatic climate control. According to Hagerty, the 280SE in 1979 is currently valued at between US$4,300 and US$21,000. Because it is cheaper than the first generation and contains more features, we rank this model higher than its predecessor.
The newest and arguably the greatest S-Class car ever made. As a used car, W223 is still an expensive choice, because this car has just been put into production for more than a year. Samples can be purchased for approximately 100,000 to 160,000 US dollars. This 2020 S 560 can be bought for less than US$100,000. It has a mileage of only 12,000 miles, and of course the latest technology and safety products. The updated Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) allows the driver to control many functions and settings of the car through the "Hey Mercedes" virtual assistant.
It also includes a series of driving innovations, the car now has a rear axle steering function, which helps to improve the maneuverability of this barge. Most engine products also include a 48V mild hybrid option to improve fuel consumption. The most efficient power system option is the S 580 e L Saloon. This plug-in hybrid vehicle provides a pure electric cruising range of 65 miles and a top speed of 87 mph without the need to start a fossil fuel engine. In general, if we are looking for Hyundai second-hand S-Class cars, we are likely to choose W222. As a package plan, this provides better value for money and balances the latest technology with the level of depreciation that has occurred. Related: Tesla Model S beats Mercedes-Benz S-Class in all areas, but only one
W220 started production in 1998 and has been in operation until 2005. Compared with the previous version, W220 was completely redesigned. Like many cars released around the millennium, Mercedes opted for a more aerodynamic curve design instead of the more boxy flat panel design. The current price is between US$4,500 and US$12,000. A car like the 2004 S 500 priced at US$8,598 combines a 5.0-liter V8, all-wheel drive and selected technologies at an affordable price.
Rear seat passengers can use optional footrests for improved comfort. It also includes an automatic climate control system, a DVD satellite navigation system and a "Linguatronic" telephone system. Unfortunately, reliability is not the strong point of this model. Mercedes is in the process of cost reduction and rapid expansion of models, which means that the design of some parts has not reached the required level, and some materials are not very luxurious. Having said that, overall, the W220 is good value for money, but it is worth spending more money on the W221.
The W222 was produced between 2014 and 2020 and is the latest model of the previous generation of cars. Like W221, a middle-aged updated version was launched in 2017. The price of the pre-redesigned version is approximately US$41,000 and US$60,000. For example, the 2015 S 550 is priced at US$42,499, which is a great opportunity to enter W222. This model can also be offered as a modified form of Mercedes-Maybach. This is the most luxurious version available and the first Mercedes to display the Maybach name.
Compared with W221, the technology included is much more advanced. A particular innovation is the lack of traditional light bulbs replaced by LEDs. Mercedes claims that this is the first car equipped with only this modern lighting, using 56 LEDs in the headlights alone. The ride quality is very good. The camera mounted on the windshield reads the road ahead to adjust and prepare the suspension, which Mercedes calls the "Magic Body Control" system.
The 2017 facelifted version will sell for approximately US$60,000, and the Maybach version will sell for as much as US$130,000. The 2019 S 560 is priced at $75,000 and is a great-value replacement for the latest S-class sedan. Most of its depreciation has already occurred, but the car is still new and reliable.
The facelift has undergone relatively minor external adjustments, rather than concentrated internally. Modifications include the addition of two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays and digital instruments. In terms of comfort, it includes an upgraded version of "Magic Body Control". The new "CURVE" function helps reduce body roll when turning. Related: Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2022: Costs, Facts, and Figures
The third generation produced between 1991 and 1995 is indeed a large-scale upgrade compared to its predecessor. Refined a grade, introduced double-glazed windows to improve sound insulation, soft-closing doors and rain-sensing wipers.
The manufacturing quality is very good, and Mercedes has invested resources to manufacture S-class cars with the highest standards. More attention should be paid to the finished car rather than the budget. The value of this car is very different from its facelift, because this car is not yet a real classic, but certain models, such as the V12, are attracting demand. There is also an overlap between this and plastic surgery, so under all the same conditions, we may choose the latest model. This is a 1994 model, priced at US$8,995, but similar models range from US$3,000 to US$20,000.
The generation produced in 1995-98 introduced "brake assist", which helps the driver to apply the maximum braking force when the car detects an emergency stop. The 394-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine is Mercedes' first V12 engine installed in a car. The car before the facelift had an antenna-like system to help the driver judge the parking operation. This has changed in the facelift, and the sonar parking assist system was introduced.
Even satellite navigation is entered with a voice command system called "Linguatronic". From a visual point of view, the smaller tail lights and clear front indicator lights are the most obvious changes. This 1998 model only costs $5,998.
The earlier W221 model produced between 2005 and 2009 is a good choice. Although its appearance is not as sharp as plastic surgery, it still provides some great features. There are two wheelbases to choose from, the standard version and the long-wheelbase version, which are suitable for all customers. The long wheelbase allows Mercedes designers to create truly luxurious rear seat configurations. The cabin is more like a private jet than a car.
This is the first version of the car to move the gearbox selector from the center console to the steering wheel joystick. This was a rather radical redesign at the time, creating a more spacious interior. Under the hood, S600 has V6, V8 and 2006 V12 engines to choose from. The second-hand example price of this generation of cars ranges from US$9,000 to US$30,000. This is a 2007 S550, priced at US$12,865.
The 5th generation is one of the best options for second-hand purchases. It bridges the gap between buying the more expensive latest version and the older version with older infotainment products. It was produced between 2010 and 2013. According to Milla Henson of Motor Biscuit, the 2009 version is even one of the most reliable S-Class models.
W221 was refurbished in 2010 and brought a lot of technical upgrades, including the ability to view two things on the same central screen based on your sitting posture. For example, drivers can display navigation, and passengers can view infotainment. This 2011 example is priced at $17,911 and offers a 5.5-liter V8 and all-wheel drive.
Many other upgrades are related to safety and help to reassure drivers that they are being taken care of. These features include "lane keeping assist", if the driver deviates from the lane, it will vibrate the steering wheel, similarly, "attention assist" can monitor driver input for signs of fatigue. Then, the car will remind the driver and advise them to take a break. The price of the 2013 version is about US$30,000, such as this 4.6-liter V8 engine. In view of the relatively small price difference between the 2009 and 2010 models, we strongly recommend that you buy a modified car.
In the luxury car sector, the Mercedes S-Class uses these features to maintain an advantage over the competition.
Benjamin has always been interested in all things about cars. He is a loyal follower of Formula One, and he especially likes to watch the rise of George Russell and Lando Norris. He knows Hyundai cars best, but he knows more and more about classics. Currently located in North London.