Ranking The Best Mercedes-Benz S-Class Generations To Buy Used

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been one of the most technologically advanced luxobarges; a car you would most likely want to be driven in rather than drive. The model was first announced in 1972 with the W116 generation S-Class. Since then, a total of seven versions have been released, each upping the level of comfort and refinement.

The car’s most obvious rivals have traditionally been the Audi A8 and the BMW 7 Series. However, with the ever-growing popularity of different SUVs, the S-Class now faces more competition than ever with models such as the Range Rover now being used as chauffeur-driven vehicles. Within the German luxury carmaker’s stable, there is even a possible future threat in the form of the S-Class-based crossover, the Mercedes EQS.

Over time, Mercedes has made many incremental improvements in the form of facelifted versions, even among cars within the same generation. These changes mean there are numerous options for buyers looking to buy a used S-Class.

UPDATE: 2023/12/02 15:41 EST BY RON FP

How we chose and scored our model selections: HotCars analyzed used S-Class models available on the market today. We scored each of the models in three key categories: used car pricing (based on Classic.com), and expert rankings by Doug Demuro (published via AutoTrader) and Angus MacKenzie (published via MotorTrend). Links to those publications are provided in the sources section further down.

We took the average of these category scores to come up with our own HotCars rating. As an added reference, vehicle specifications were sourced from Mercedes-Benz websites, and performance (e.g. acceleration and top speed) figures were compiled both from manufacturer sites and reputable vehicle assessment groups such as Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and Zero To Sixty Times.

Scoring Methodology

9 W220 (Fourth Generation) From 2000—2006: HC Rating = 3.3/10

4th-Generation W220 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 4th-generation W220 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 3.3 out of 10:

Starting production in 1998 and running until 2005, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W220 was a complete redesign compared to the previous W140 version. Like many cars released around the millennium, Mercedes opted for a much more aerodynamic, curved design rather than the more boxy, slab designs previously.

Now available for between $4,500 and $12,000, the W220 offers a 5.0-liter V8, all-wheel drive, and a good selection of technology for a bargain price. Rear seat passengers were treated to optional footrests for added comfort. Also included was an automatic climate control system, DVD satellite navigation system, and “Linguatronic” phone system.

The W220 comes relatively cheap on the used car market – but you may want to take a look at other S-Class generations first. After all, the W220 S-Class is one of the German luxury cars that many people don’t want to be associated with.

Specifications And Performance

8 W222 Facelift (Sixth Generation) From 2017—2020: HC Rating = 4.7/10

Refreshed 6th-Generation W222 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the refreshed (2017-2020) 6th-generation W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 4.7 out of 10:

The 2017 facelift version of the W222 is available for around $60,000 to over $130,000 for the Maybach version (particularly the very luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S580 plug-in hybrid). The 2020 W222 offers a great value alternative to the currently-running W223 S-Class generation because a few years of depreciation have taken place, but the W222 is still relatively new and reliable.

The facelift made relatively minor exterior tweaks focusing instead on the interior. Revisions include the addition of two 12.3-inch high-resolution displays and digital instruments. Comfort-wise, an upgraded version of “Magic Body Control” was included and a new “CURVE” function helped to reduce body roll during cornering.

Specifications And Performance

7 W222 (Sixth Generation) From 2014—2017: HC Rating = 5/10

6th-Generation W222 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 6th-generation W222 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 5.0 out of 10:

Produced until 2020, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 is the newest of the previous-generation cars available. Like the W221, a midlife refresh was introduced in 2017. The pre-facelift W222 is currently available for around $41,000 and $60,000. The model was also available in adapted form as the Mercedes-Maybach, the most luxurious version available.

After over a century of the Mercedes and Maybach history, the W222 S-Class was the first Mercedes vehicle to be made with a variant displaying the Maybach name. Compared to the W221, the technology included is far more advanced.

One particular innovation is the lack of traditional light bulbs with LED replacements instead. Mercedes claim it was the first car to ever be released with only this modern lighting, 56 LEDs were used in the headlights alone. A windscreen-mounted camera reads the road ahead to adjust and prepare the suspension, a system Mercedes calls “Magic Body Control.”

Specifications And Performance

6 W116 (First Generation) From 1972—1980: HC Rating = 6.1/10

1st-Generation W116 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 1st-generation W116 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 6.1 out of 10:

The first Mercedes model to carry the S-Class name, the W116 was produced between 1972 and 1980. The W116 S-Class stayed above the luxury sedan competition through build quality, performance, and many safety features we take for granted these days such as crumple zones and anti-lock braking systems.

The entry-level model, the 280SE, proved to be one of the most popular in the range due to an oil crisis and rising fuel prices at the time. Now considered a classic car, W116 prices range from $7,500 and $25,800, according to Hagerty.

Specifications And Performance

5 W126 (Second Generation) From 1980—1991: HC Rating = 6.1/10

2nd-Generation W126 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the 2nd-generation W126 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 7.1 out of 10:

The second generation W126 S-Class – the longest S-Class generation ever – was available in both short and long-wheelbase formats. Production continued right up to 1992. There were more luxury features than the first generation, including electrically operated, memory front seats, and automatic climate control.

A 1979 280SE is currently worth between $4,300 and $21,000, according to Hagerty. Being cheaper than the first generation and including more features, we rank this model higher than its predecessor.

Specifications And Performance

4 W221 Facelift (Fifth Generation) From 2010—2013: HC Rating = 7.6/10

2010-2013 W221 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the refreshed (2010 – 2013) 5th-generation W221 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 7.6 out of 10:

The 5th-generation Mercedes-Benz W221 S-Class, produced from 2006 to 2013, is one of the Mercedes-Benz cars known for long-term reliability. This generation is also one of the best options available as a used buy because it bridges the gap between the latest versions which are more expensive, and the older versions which have older infotainment offerings.

The W221 was refreshed in 2010 and brought with it a raft of technological upgrades including the ability for two things to be viewed on the same center screen depending on where you were sat. Drivers, for example, could have navigation displayed while passengers could view infotainment.

Many of the other upgrades were safety-related, helping reassure those being chauffeured that they were being looked after. These features include “Lane Keeping Assist”, which would vibrate the steering wheel if the driver drifted lanes, and similarly, “Attention Assist” which monitors driver inputs for signs of fatigue. The car would then alert the driver advising they take a break.

Specifications And Performance

3 W221 (Fifth Generation) From 2005—2009: HC Rating = 8.3/10

5th-Generation W221 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the early 5th-generation (2007-2009) W221 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 8.3 out of 10:

The earlier of the W221 models, produced between 2005 and 2009, are great options. Although its looks are not quite as sharp as the facelift, it still offers some great features. Available in standard and long-wheelbase formats, the W221 offered options to suit all customers.

The long-wheelbase allowed Mercedes designers to create a truly luxurious rear seat configuration. The cabin was more akin to a private jet than a saloon car. This was the first version of the car to move the transmission selector from the center console to the steering column. This was a fairly radical redesign at the time and created a more spacious interior. Under the hood, there was a choice of V6, a V8, and one of the things people forgot about the S600 – a V12 engine. Used examples of cars in this generation range from around $9,000 to $30,000.

Specifications And Performance

2 (Tied) W140 (Third Generation) From 1992—1995: HC Rating = 10/10

3rd-Generation W140 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the early 3rd-generation (1992 – 1995) W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 10 out of 10:

Released from 1992 to early 1995, the first batch of the W140 S-Class was a large-scale upgrade compared to its predecessor. Refinement went up a notch, as double-glazed windows were introduced to improve soundproofing as well as soft-close doors and rain-sensing wipers. The W140 generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was so special because it was built to the highest standard.

The values of this car and its facelift vary a lot as the car is not yet really considered a classic, but certain models such as the V12 are attracting demand. There is also overlap between this and the facelift, so all things being equal we would probably go for the newest model possible.

Specifications And Performance

1 (Tied) W140 Refresh (Third Generation) From 1995—1999: HC Rating = 10/10

3rd-Generation W140 S-Class Ratings

Here’s how our team rated the refreshed (1995 – 1999) 3rd-generation W140 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in three key categories, resulting in an overall HotCars rating of 10 out of 10:

The W140 S-Class facelift, produced for the 1995-1999 model years, introduced “Brake Assist”, which helped the driver apply maximum brake force when the car detected an emergency stop was taking place. The 394-hp 6.0-liter V12 was the first V12 Mercedes had ever fitted to a car.

The pre-facelift car had an antenna-like system intended to help drivers judge parking maneuvers, but this setup changed in the facelift models when a sonar parking aid was introduced. Even satellite navigation made an entry along with a voice command system called “Linguatronic”. Externally, the smaller rear lights and clear front indicator lights were the most obvious changes.

The W140, in both pre-facelift and post-facelift guises, is one of the best examples of why there aren’t many luxury car alternatives to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Specifications And Performance

External Sources: AutoTrader, MotorTrend, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, Classic.com, Zero To 60 Times,