Discover an approved used S-Class through Stratstone
Sitting at the top of the Mercedes-Benz car range, the S-Class is as luxurious as a limo and as comfortable as a private jet, but is far easier to navigate through multi-storey car parks than both of them. This generation, sold between 2013 and 2020, is available in Saloon, Coupé and Cabriolet bodystyles.
Fitted with all of the latest driver comfort and assistance technologies in what is one of the most lavish interiors of any car on the mass-market, there aren't many cars that do refinement as well as the S-Class. Reasons to buy one include:
- Stunning interior design
- All the gadgets you could ever wish for
- Prestige styling
- Remarkable ride comfort
- Choice between efficient or high-performance variants
Engines and Driving Experience
In terms of popularity, and therefore availability on the used car market, the obvious choice of engine variant are cars badged either as the S 350 d or the S 350L d (long wheelbase). This means the car is fitted with either a 3.0-litre or 2.9-litre 6-cylinder diesel, both of which are remarkable feats of engineering. They give you enough power (255bhp/282bhp to be exact) to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in less than 7 seconds, but will regularly return 40 to 50mpg in mixed driving.
Early S 500 petrol versions used a 4.7-litre V8, an engine which was later replaced by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 producing 463bhp. These models were significantly faster than the diesels, but also a lot more expensive to buy and run. The excitement did not stop there either, Mercedes-AMG S-Class models have even more power.
Used full hybrid S-Class models can also be found lurking in the classifieds, both in petrol-electric and diesel-electric form. There is even plug-in hybrid models, too, but they are rare.
Practicality and Running Costs
Generally speaking, the S-Class, in Saloon form at least, is a pretty practical vehicle. The deep boot space is large enough for large suitcases, and at 510 litres in capacity, it compares well with the BMW 7 Series (515 litres) and Audi A8 (also 510 litres).
Most S-Class Saloon models have three seats in the back along with two ISOFIX points as well, unless specified with the rear-seat luxury package when new. Cabriolet and Coupé versions only have two seats in the back, and have significantly smaller boot spaces (350 litres and 400 litres respectively).
Running costs are not cheap on an S-Class, even though the fuel economy is very reasonable on diesel models. Replacement parts will be at the pricier end of the market - this is a luxury car after all - but should be in line with segment rivals. Specialist servicing and maintenance can be carried out at any Stratstone Mercedes-Benz retailer.
Interior, Technology, and Safety
No matter which S-Class you buy, you will be cruising the streets in sumptuous comfort thanks to remarkably high-quality leather seats. They are heated and cooled, and have a massaging function that aims to relieve the stress on your back during long journeys.
Technology is up there with virtually any car you can think of. A full screen digital instrument cluster is paired with a touchscreen infotainment system that is fully configurable to your preferences. Later models were equipped with active parking assist as standard, as well as cruise control, electric memory seats and a reversing camera.
Mercedes are well-known for debuting world-first safety technology on S-Class models, so it is no surprise to see the following features available, even on earlier examples:
- LED headlamps with variable light distribution
- Tyre pressure loss warning system
- Eight airbags
- Night-vision camera (optional extra)
- Rear seatbelts with integrated airbags (optional extra)
Look out for cars that were optioned with the driver assistance package. This gives you blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class right for me?
Ultimately, the S-Class will suit those who are seeking luxury travel and a prestige image. Its levels of technology, comfort and refinement are almost peerless in the used car market.
Not totally peerless, however. The Audi A8 has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and is a very credible competitor, with efficient diesel engines and four-wheel drive. The seemingly ever-present BMW 7 Series also states a compelling case with a more involving drive and some clever tech, while the Lexus ES remains a left-field choice. None of these cars are available as coupé or cabriolet models, however.
Why choose Stratstone for your next used vehicle?
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Get your car delivered to your door, with prices starting from just £99.
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Discover your next car with Stratstone
At Stratstone, we have a variety of quality used cars for you to choose from. Each car is carefully selected by our teams before making its way through the rigorous preparation process, where it is inspected by a qualified technician and then fully valeted.
All our vehicles are fully HPI checked, giving you peace of mind when making a decision. In addition, we are able to offer Home Delivery to UK mainland addresses, giving you flexibility when searching for your next car.
We are also able to offer you a tailored Service Plan for your selected car, which allows you to spread the cost of maintenance over an agreed period of time, whilst saving you money in the process.
If you would like some advice on picking the right car for you, or you have spotted a vehicle and want more information, please contact your nearest Stratstone retailer, where one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help.