Since 1972, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has upheld a tradition of placing drivers into an environment filled with groundbreaking tech and comfort – so much so that Mercedes-Benz boldly dubbed it “the best car in the world”.
In our recent road test of the new Mk7 S-Class, we called it “fantastically opulent”, praising its interior as well as its fine array of engines. The car from that test cost upwards of £100,000, which isn’t exactly pocket change.
Thankfully, you don’t have to pay that much for comparable splendour. We think it’s worth looking towards the previous-generation S-Class, which is now available for a fraction of the cost.
We liked it so much that we awarded it a perfect score in our 2013 road test, saying: “Where the S-Class leads, the rest of the car-making world follows.”
Equipment was impressive even on basic AMG Line cars, with heated seats, LED ambient lighting, adaptive wipers and 19in alloy wheels fitted as standard. Other gear included a reversing camera, wireless phone charging and two 12.3in screens with sat-nav and smartphone integration.
In typical Mercedes fashion, the S-Class was offered with a wide array of engines. Petrol, diesel and later plug-in hybrid powertrains were all available, as were AMG-tuned performance variants offering up to 621bhp (from the range-topping S65, powered by a monstrous 6.0-litre V12).
The most popular version in the UK was the S350d diesel, and indeed we think it’s the pick of the bunch for its combination of on-road frugality (with up to 52.3mpg), usable daily performance and near-silent driving. Its 2.9-litre V6 gives a punchy 0-62mph time of 6.5sec, thanks to 258bhp and 457lb ft of torque. Top speed is pegged at 155mph.
We found a 2016 example for £24,500, with just 36,000 miles on the clock. It’s a two-owner car with a full service history, a 12-month MOT and a three-month warranty. There are some nice extras as well, including keyless go, nappa leather upholstery and a 360deg camera.
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Take the used, bottom-of-the-range, diesel, S-Class and do what with it? Executive private hire run to the airport? Sit outside Harrods or New Bond Street with all the other chauffeurs?
Great used buy if you are in that trade. Too big and the posh taxi image if you're not.
You’re right. Why would I want a five star, smooth, fast and quiet car for my motorway commute, or to drive my two 6ft+ kids around. It may be too big for you in London but that's not where most of the population live. Think you need to get outside the M25 more.