Name: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2020 – ) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Rating: 86

Summary

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class dates back to 1972 and has long been the benchmark big executive saloon, debuting such innovations as anti-lock brakes and automotive double glazing. But deadly rival BMW has been trying very hard to catch up with and the most recent 7 Series has raised its technology game. So the seventh-generation S-Class, only reaching buyers in 2021, has to stay ahead.

Generally reviewers believe that it does, Auto Trader commenting that the new model “takes technology and interiors to a new level entirely and stretches the lead between the S-Class and its rivals.”

There is a wide choice of models – the range stretches across two body lengths, three trim levels, two diesel and one petrol engine with power outputs from 286 to 435hp and four-wheel-drive on one of the diesels. A plug-in hybrid version is also due on sale before the end of 2021.

This market is all about refinement, comfort and technology and testers reckon the S-Class meets the challenge. “Even the entry-level AMG Line model is well equipped,” says Parkers, “with 19-inch wheels, air suspension with self-levelling, keyless go with seamless door handles, intelligent LED headlights, a parking package with reversing camera and power-closing doors and bootlid.” The review adds that dip into the options list “and the sky’s the limit.”

The technology particularly impresses, Top Gear highlighting the autonomy that among many features can allow the car to both find a parking space and park itself.

Most of the minus marks are minor niggles, Top Gear again suggesting the exterior design may be too cautious and some of the materials used “a touch showy.” And Auto Express adds that a 3D augmented reality display in the cabin “is gimmicky.”

As of July 2023, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class holds an Expert Rating of 86%. That puts it well clear of its main rivals, the Audi A8 and the BMW 7 Series (although there is a new 7 Series arriving in the UK imminently).

More Mercedes-Benz ratings, reviews, news and features

S-Class highlights

Refinement
Technology levels
Two body lengths
Good standard equipment levels

S-Class lowlights

Dull exterior
Fussy interior
Over-showy use of materials
Options list can seriously boost cost

Key specifications

Body style: Large saloon
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £86,145 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: Summer 2021
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The once imperious quality of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class may have slipped a little, but the technical highlights are typically eye-catching.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.9-litre diesel automatic S 400 d
Score: 9 / 10
“Once again, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class pushes boundaries with game-changing technology and an even greater focus on refinement. The 400d offers petrol-like performance and almost 40mpg, while the upcoming 580e PHEV leaves rivals scrambling for a charging cable.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the benchmark luxury saloon, but the all-new 2020 model takes technology and interiors to a new level entirely and stretches the lead between the S-Class and its rivals, BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S 500 L 4Matic
Score: 8 / 10
“German limousine does comfort exceptionally well, but more striking still is how adept it is dynamically.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid S 580e
Score: 8 / 10
“The S-Class plug-in hybrid saloon’s EV range is so long that you may rarely need its petrol engine.”
Read review

Business Car+

Model reviewed: 2.9-litre diesel automatic S400d L AMG Line Premium Plus
Score: 8 / 10
“The S-Class has one of the nicest interiors we’ve been in. Considering its weight, the way this Mercedes behaves is more like a smaller saloon with half its weight. The steering is responsive, the body control is excellent, and the head-up display has all the information you need – without having to take your eyes off the road.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol (mild hybrid) automatic S 500 4Matic
Score: 10 / 10
“There’s no question that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class once again sets the benchmark in the luxury segment, with technology, comfort, driving ability and efficiency all posting sizeable gains over its excellent predecessor.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class fortifies its position at the top of the luxury class, becoming an even better place to spend time.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has some of the most impressive technology you’ll see in any car. It’s luxurious and comfortable too. Its exterior design could be a bit more exciting though.”
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Daily Mail+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S 500 L 4Matic
“With a range priced from a shade under £80,000, this is definitely a car for grown-ups and can change its style to suit your mood – from a stately glide to a sporty ride.”
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Driving Electric+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid S 580e
Score: 9 / 10
“A massive 62-mile electric range and a sumptuous, high-tech interior move the Mercedes S 580 e plug-in hybrid to the front of the low-emissions limousine pack.” (Stephen Errity)
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
It may be slipping out of fashion, but the institution that is Mercedes’ S-class is only getting stronger
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“Inside, the Mercedes-Benz designers have created a feel-good ambience with lounge character marked by elegance, high quality and lightness. The dashboard with its new architecture, modern surface design and ergonomic display arrangement is a particular highlight.”
Read review

Motors.co.uk+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a luxurious and refined finish, lots of great tech, and is a well-balanced cruiser.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is loaded with tech, but feels less weighed down.”
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The Intercooler+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S 500L
“On a decent road it is poised, accurate and quietly satisfying to drive fast. Yet the ride is better than any this side of a Rolls-Royce Ghost. It can take a while to configure its myriad systems the way you want, but once you’ve made the effort, it’s a fabulous place from which to watch the world waft by.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: S 400 d 4MATIC L AMG Line Premium Plus Executive
Score: 8 / 10
“You can’t fail to be impressed by the performance, comfort and technology packed into the new S-Class, though a revised suspension system seems to be a small step backwards and the updated cabin, while unbelievably high tech, appears to have lost a little in the way of class.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic S 500
“It’s like the designer went to Poundland, bought everything and fitted the lot.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid S 580e AMG Line Premium Plus Executive
Score: 10 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz S 580e succeeds, by and large, in every way a luxury limo should – it’s unendingly sumptuous, exceedingly smooth, lavishly spacious and bountifully equipped. This is not the most complete S-Class ever, but it’s still a very good one indeed.” (Alex Robbins)
Read review

Model reviewed: S 350 d
Score: 8 / 10
“Over-the-top tech aside, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is still in the running for the best car in the world, then – just choose a different engine if you want to catch it at its best.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 10 / 10
“If there is a box marked ‘Best Car In The World’, the S-class ticks it. This is mass production as art, quite amazingly comfortable and refined, with a fit and finish to make other luxury cars look a bit shoddy. What a shame it will only be found idling quietly outside Government and EU buildings.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“In the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, high technology and sumptuous luxury merge in spectacular fashion to deliver a car that lights the way forward.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Not only is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class packed to the rafters with technology, but it’s also a very comfortable and exceedingly well-appointed luxury saloon and one of the best for rear seat passengers.”
Read review

Which?+

Model reviewed: Range overview
“If you’re looking for a traditional saloon that provides the maximum level of comfort, spaciousness, luxury and refinement, look no further than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It’s truly at the top of the game in these departments, as well as in terms of safety and cutting-edge technology.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

As of July 2023, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP.

Eco rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No eco rating

As of July 2023, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 182
Average repair cost: £965.2
Last updated: June 2023

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of June 2023, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a poor reliability rating of just 23%, according to warranty data provided exclusively to us by our commercial partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to both the current S-Class and also to previous generations, which is worth considering if you are considering a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Based on more than 180 warranty claims, the average repair cost is just under £1,000 so a used car warranty is well worth considering if you own or are considering an S-Class. The largest number of claims concern the electrical system, with an average bill of almost £500. Engine faults are unsurprisingly the most expensive problems – at about £2,750 – and are also relatively common in the S-Class.

If you own a Mercedes-Benz S-Class or are considering buying a used one, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all of these problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	33 mpg	E	31 – 35 mpg	D – E
Diesel models	40 mpg	D	38 – 43 mpg	C – D
Plug-in hybrid models	403 mpg	A	353 – 404 mpg	A – A

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	195 g/km	D	184 – 273 g/km	C – D
Diesel models	184 g/km	C	173 – 196 g/km	C – D
Plug-in hybrid models	16 g/km	A	16 – 58 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	67 miles	C	25 – 68 miles	C – E

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	47 – 50	D – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£437	D
Year 2	£1,061	D
Year 3	£1,686	D
Year 4	£2,054	D
Year 5	£2,738	D
Overall	£7,976	D

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a very expensive car to run, according to numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is unsurprisingly very poor for both petrol and diesel models. The plug-in hybrid stats look good on paper, but this is largely a function of misleading EU/UK government lab tests that make every plug-in hybrid look amazing. There are no real-world situations where you’re going to get 403 miles out of a single gallon (4.5 litres) of fuel and a bit of electricity.

Battery range on the plug-in hybrid is quite good. If you are able to charge it every day, you may well be able to do all of your day-to-day driving purely on electrical power. On longer trips, you’ll still run out of charge fairly quickly.

Insurance and scheduled servicing costs for the S-Class are likely to be high, which is to be expected from a car this expensive and sophisticated.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has received

2022

Fleet World Awards – Best Luxury Car

2021

World Car Awards – World Luxury Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Luxury Car
Fleet World Awards – Best Luxury Car

Similar cars

If you’re looking at the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, you might also be interested in these alternatives

The long-lasting reputation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has also meant it has few real rivals, but technology upgrades to the BMW 7 Series have made the most recent versions more competitive alternatives to the Merc. The Audi A8 is also a rival but without the provenance of its fellow German heavyweights, while the likes of Range Rover also target the big Mercedes.

If a badge matters then the Bentley Flying Spur or even the Rolls-Royce Ghost will be very tempting, at a cost.