Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale near Carlisle

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.5 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 200
Average Price: Around £27,000

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) continues its legacy as a benchmark for luxury cars, offering a lavish and tech-heavy interior dominated by a large portrait OLED touchscreen, which handles most functions including climate control. While the screen-based controls are largely intuitive, the touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons can be fiddly, and the augmented reality head-up display, though clever, can sometimes obstruct the view. Space is abundant in all three wheelbase options, and the boot is generously sized, surpassing many saloon rivals.

Standard air suspension ensures a sumptuous ride, though the entry-level S350d can feel floaty without 4Matic. Higher-spec engines deliver effortless performance, and the S-Class impressively disguises its size, offering nimble and deft handling with excellent body control. Running costs are higher than average, reflecting its luxury status, but efficiency is surprising for its class, with diesels achieving 35-40 mpg and the plug-in hybrid offering good economy with regular charging. Servicing is expensive at Mercedes dealers, but the metal timing chain helps reduce long-term maintenance.

Best for: Drivers seeking the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and advanced technology, those who appreciate precise handling in a large saloon, and buyers considering a tax-efficient plug-in hybrid option.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those who prefer traditional physical controls over touchscreens, or individuals sensitive to high depreciation and servicing costs.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S-Class if: You're seeking the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and advanced technology, appreciate precise handling in a large saloon, or are considering a tax-efficient plug-in hybrid option.

Consider alternatives if: You are a budget-conscious buyer, prefer traditional physical controls over touchscreens, or are sensitive to high depreciation and servicing costs.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-present) maintains its position as one of the finest luxury cars available, setting a high bar for comfort, technology, and driving refinement. While specific model choices are crucial to experience it at its best, and some usability quirks exist with its touch-sensitive controls, its blend of a sumptuous ride, surprisingly agile handling, and a lavish, high-tech interior makes it a compelling choice. It competes strongly against rivals like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and even luxury SUVs, offering a sophisticated and prestigious package for those prioritising a top-tier saloon experience.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

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