Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale nearDarlington

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.9 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.5 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 240
Average Price: Around £27,000

Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 (2014-2020) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stupendously comfortable	Expensive to buy and maintain
Luxurious and supremely well equipped cabin	Not as opulent as a Rolls-Royce
Elegant and discreet looks	Reliability concerns prevent a five-star rating

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 (2014-2020) is the sixth-generation flagship saloon that epitomises luxury, cutting-edge technology, and understated discretion. This large four-door saloon combines opulent comfort with sophisticated engineering, offering an immaculate interior replete with beautiful wood veneer, top-quality leather, and customisable ambient lighting. Available in standard and long-wheelbase L versions, the W222 provides exceptional space and isolation, particularly from the rear seat. The boot offers a respectable 390-530 litres depending on powertrain, with a traditional hinged lid rather than a hatchback opening.

The W222 delivers an imperious driving experience, feeling remarkably agile for its 1,950-2,250kg weight. In Sport mode, the suspension ties the car down impressively, whilst Comfort mode transforms it into a smooth, eerily quiet cruiser that smothers road imperfections. A comprehensive range of powertrains is available, including diesel, petrol, hybrid, and AMG options, with engines ranging from 228bhp to 621bhp. Diesel versions achieve around 40mpg in real-world driving, whilst the plug-in hybrid S560e offers electric-only range of 26-27 miles. All engines use timing chains, reducing long-term maintenance costs, though servicing remains expensive. The dual 12.3-inch screens, advanced safety systems, and optional rear entertainment screens showcase Mercedes' technological prowess.

Best for: Buyers seeking ultimate luxury, comfort, and technology in a discreet, elegant package; those prioritising rear-seat comfort; and executives requiring a sophisticated, well-equipped saloon.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers concerned about maintenance costs; those seeking maximum opulence (Rolls-Royce or Bentley); or buyers prioritising proven reliability records.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S-Class if: You seek ultimate luxury, comfort, and technology in a discreet, elegant package; prioritise rear-seat comfort; or require a sophisticated, well-equipped executive saloon.

Consider alternatives if: You are budget-conscious regarding maintenance costs, seeking maximum opulence (Rolls-Royce or Bentley), or prioritising proven reliability records.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class W222 stands as one of the finest luxury saloons available, offering endlessly comfortable accommodation, preposterously comprehensive equipment, enormous spaciousness, and beautiful finishing. Whilst rivals like the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 offer competitive alternatives, the S-Class's more anonymous styling provides greater discretion—a significant advantage in the luxury market. The Range Rover L405 offers better value for money, though it's an SUV rather than a saloon. The S-Class's primary drawback is its mediocre reliability reputation and high maintenance costs, yet these caveats aside, it remains one of the best luxury used cars available.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

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