Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S400 Hybrid Sedan

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  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S400 Hybrid Sedan View photos
    2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $71,412 Find Used Inventory
  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S400 Hybrid Sedan View photos
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  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG Sedan View photos
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  • 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S65 AMG Sedan View photos
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  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 Sedan View photos
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  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG Sedan View photos
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  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S65 AMG Sedan View photos
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  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 Sedan View photos
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  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S63 AMG Sedan View photos
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  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Exterior View photos
    2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S65 AMG Used TMV from $108,126 Find Used Inventory
  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4dr Sedan Shown View photos
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  • 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S65 AMG Sedan View photos
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  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 4dr Sedan View photos
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  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG 4dr Sedan View photos
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  • 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG 4dr Sedan View photos
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  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 4dr Sedan View photos
    2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $19,828 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan View photos
    2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG Used TMV from $30,437 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $16,870 Find Used Inventory
  • 2004 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG 4dr Sedan View photos
    2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG Used TMV from $26,823 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan View photos
    2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $14,506 Find Used Inventory
  • 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Exterior View photos
    2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG Used TMV from $23,392 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz S430 View photos
    2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $11,039 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG 4dr Sedan View photos
    2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG Used TMV from $19,130 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S430 Sedan View photos
    2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $9,891 Find Used Inventory
  • 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Exterior View photos
    2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG Used TMV from $16,618 Find Used Inventory
  • 2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S430 Sedan View photos
    2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $8,359 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S420 Sedan View photos
    1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $6,327 Find Used Inventory
  • 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S420 Sedan View photos
    1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Used TMV from $5,267 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 Dr S500 Coupe View photos
    1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Used TMV from $6,082 Find Used Inventory
  • 1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S320 LWB Sedan View photos
    1997 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Used TMV from $4,752 Find Used Inventory
  • 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 2 Dr 500SEC Coupe View photos
    1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Used TMV from $5,376 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S420 Sedan View photos
    1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Used TMV from $4,213 Find Used Inventory
  • 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500 2 Dr 500SEC Coupe View photos
    1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Used TMV from $5,077 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S420 Sedan View photos
    1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Diesel Used TMV from $4,716 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S420 Sedan View photos
    1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Used TMV from $3,961 Find Used Inventory
  • 1994 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2 Dr S500 Coupe View photos
    1994 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe Used TMV from $4,727 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S420 Sedan View photos
    1994 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Diesel Used TMV from $4,369 Find Used Inventory
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 4 Dr S420 Sedan View photos
    1994 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Used TMV from $3,713 Find Used Inventory

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is as synonymous with state-of-the-art luxury and safety features as it is with country club prestige. As Mercedes' largest sedan, the S-Class offers the most room for rear-seat passengers, making it a favorite of wealthy dads and heads of state alike.

Mercedes has used its flagship sedan to pioneer many modern technologies, such as airbags, antilock brakes and stability control. And though the most popular versions have been powered by V8s, some of the earlier cars could be had with six-cylinder and diesel engines as well. Today, there are V12-powered models and a hybrid, with a new diesel model on its way.

The S-Class' chief competition continues to be the BMW 7 Series sedan, but there are also impressive rivals from Audi, Jaguar, Lexus, Maserati and now even Porsche. In spite of pressure from these worthy opponents, the finely engineered and crafted Mercedes-Benz S-Class still stands as the gold standard in this lofty segment.

Current Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The current Mercedes-Benz S-Class is distinguished by aggressive fender flares and a wedgelike profile that's emphasized by a rising character line. The cabin is elegant, with a minimal number of buttons thanks to the multifunction COMAND controller (similar to BMW's iDrive setup) mounted between the seats.

There are six trim levels: S400 Hybrid (295-horsepower powertrain), S550 (382-hp V8), S550 4Matic (S550 with all-wheel drive), S600 (510-hp twin-turbo V12), S63 AMG (536-hp twin-turbo V8) and S65 AMG (621-hp twin-turbo V12). All S-Class models are equipped with an automatic transmission (seven speeds in all but the V12 versions, which have a five-speed unit).

Notably, the S400 Hybrid features a 3.5-liter V6 coupled to a mild hybrid system (an electric motor provides additional boost for acceleration but cannot motivate the car by itself). The resultant 295 hp is matched with 284 pound-feet of torque and the best fuel economy of the S-Class line.

We could list the number of standard and available features on the S-Class, but we would be here all day. In short, if there's a feature you can think of, you can probably get it on Benz's flagship. Beyond their bigger engines, AMG versions get special 20-inch alloy wheels, an active sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, sport seats and specific interior and exterior styling tweaks.

In reviews, we've found that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains a regal car regardless of which numbers line its trunk lid. If you want fuel economy from your high-luxury sedan, the S400 delivers, while the V8 and V12 models get you swifter 0-60-mph times. The S-Class doesn't handle as crisply as some other competing flagships, but it has a luxurious cabin and a balance of competent handling and a serene ride that are second to none.

Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class Models
The current, fifth-generation S-Class debuted in 2007. For the most part, cars from that time are pretty similar to the current car. At the car's debut, there were the same trim levels as today, with the exception of the S400 Hybrid, which debuted for 2010. Also, from 2007-'10, the S63 AMG featured a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produced 518 hp. Earlier S65s also had "only" 604 horses. The only other noteworthy change was a light styling refresh for 2010.

The fourth generation of the S-Class ran from 2000-'06 and was lighter and sleeker than the massive version that preceded it, making it more preferable for driving enthusiasts. Two versions were offered initially, both V8s: the S430 (275 hp) and the S500 (302 hp). The V12-powered S600 (362 hp) debuted a year later, as did the AMG version, the S55 (354 hp). A midcycle refresh in '03 brought lightly revised light clusters, the availability of all-wheel drive (called 4Matic) and a big boost in power for the S55 and S600 (both rated at 493 hp). A seven-speed automatic came on line in '04. Hitting both ends of the spectrum for '06, the S350 brought back six-cylinder power (241 hp) while the S65 AMG offered no less than 604 hp.

This model was quite popular, so this generation represents an ideal choice for a consumer looking to get into an S-Class Benz without having to spend a small fortune. In reviews of the time, our editors were impressed by the car's spacious interior and state-of-the-art safety features. Downsides to this generation included a complicated control interface (the COMAND system) and some interior materials that seemed too low in quality for Mercedes' flagship.

Running from 1992-'99, the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class represented a big step in the ultra-luxury direction. Fitted with dual-pane windows and the availability of V12 power for the first time, this S-Class gained nearly 600 pounds compared to the previous car. Four trims were offered, ranging from the S320 (228-hp inline-6) and S420 (275-hp V8) to the S500 (315-hp V8) and S600 (389-hp V12). If you are considering the purchase of one of these, be forewarned that (as with any complex, high-end luxury vehicle) a clean Carfax report and an impeccable maintenance record are musts.

The S-Class cars of the second generation (1981-'91) were offered in turbodiesel (300SD, 350SD/SDL), inline-6 (300SE/SEL) and V8 (380 SE/SEL, 420 SEL, 560 SEL) versions. This is the generation that introduced cutting-edge safety technology such as airbags and antilock brakes as standard equipment. Perhaps the least desirable of the lot are the 380 series, which made just 155 hp and were prone to timing chain failures. Chances are good that if you find a used 380-series, it will have been retrofitted with a double timing chain. Diesel versions are known for their incredible longevity and it's not unusual to find an example with mileage approaching 300,000 or more on its original powertrain.

Read the most recent review for 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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