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: 30.6%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 200
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) maintains its status as a benchmark for luxury saloons, boasting an opulent interior and advanced technology. The cabin is dominated by a large, portrait-oriented OLED touchscreen for infotainment and most car functions. While some touch-sensitive steering wheel controls can be fiddly, space is abundant across all three wheelbase options, and the boot is capacious, making it a highly practical luxury vehicle.

Standard air suspension ensures a sumptuous ride, and despite its size, the S-Class handles with surprising nimbleness and excellent body control. While the entry-level S350d can feel a little floaty, larger engine options deliver effortless performance. Running costs are higher than average due to premium servicing rates, but the S350d can achieve around 35-40 mpg, and a metal timing chain helps reduce long-term maintenance. Overall, it remains one of the finest luxury cars available, particularly in mid-range configurations.

Best for: Buyers seeking ultimate luxury, cutting-edge technology, a supremely comfortable ride, and surprising agility for a large saloon.

Not ideal for: Those on a strict budget, buyers who prefer physical buttons over touch-sensitive controls, or those sensitive to high depreciation and servicing costs.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S-Class if: You desire unparalleled luxury, advanced technology, a supremely comfortable yet agile driving experience, and a spacious, practical interior.

Consider alternatives if: You are budget-conscious, prefer traditional physical controls, or are concerned about depreciation and the higher running costs associated with a top-tier luxury car.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-present) maintains its position as a leading contender in the ultra-luxury segment. While facing strong competition from the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and even luxury SUVs like the Range Rover, its blend of lavish comfort, cutting-edge technology, and surprising driving dynamics ensures it remains a top choice. Selecting the right engine and trim is key to experiencing its full potential, offering a truly world-class automotive experience despite some minor usability quirks.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

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