Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near Brighton

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 215
Average Price: Around £29,000

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Hugely desirable and luxurious	The S-Class tends to depreciate heavily
Tech-heavy interior	Expensive to buy
Tax-efficient plug-in hybrid	Fiddly touch-sensitive controls

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-present) remains the benchmark for luxury saloons, combining sumptuous comfort with cutting-edge technology. This seventh-generation model features an innovative portrait-oriented OLED touchscreen, open-pore wood trim, and touch-sensitive steering wheel controls. Space is abundant throughout, with generous head, leg, and elbow room for all passengers, whilst the boot rivals most competitors. Air suspension comes as standard, delivering a remarkably comfortable ride, and the S-Class disguises its considerable size and weight with nimble, deft handling and excellent body control.

Running costs are reasonable for a car of this calibre, with the S350d achieving 35-40 mpg and the S400d only marginally less. The plug-in hybrid variant offers tax efficiency and lower fuel consumption when regularly charged. However, servicing costs are high at Mercedes dealers, with no discounted schemes available after warranty expiry. The S-Class features a metal timing chain rather than a rubber belt, reducing long-term maintenance expenses. Whilst usability niggles exist—including a distracting head-up display and fiddly controls—mid-range models deliver one of the finest driving experiences available.

Best for: Luxury car buyers seeking the ultimate in comfort, technology, and prestige, those prioritising a smooth ride and spacious interior, and executives wanting tax-efficient motoring via the plug-in hybrid.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers concerned about depreciation and servicing costs, those preferring traditional physical controls, or drivers seeking the most engaging handling dynamics.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S-Class if: You're seeking the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, prioritising a smooth ride and spacious interior, or wanting a tax-efficient plug-in hybrid executive saloon.

Consider alternatives if: You're concerned about depreciation and high servicing costs, prefer traditional physical controls, or desire the most engaging handling dynamics available.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-present) remains the benchmark luxury saloon, offering exceptional comfort, innovative technology, and prestigious appeal. Whilst rivals like the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series match it on user ratings and the Range Rover offers better value, the S-Class delivers superior interior refinement and a more luxurious ambiance. Its main drawbacks—heavy depreciation and expensive servicing—are offset by its unmatched desirability and the availability of a tax-efficient plug-in hybrid. For those prioritising luxury and technology over value, the S-Class is still the finest choice in its class.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from March 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.