CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.9 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 27.7%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 220
Average Price: Around £33,000

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, offering a sumptuous ride quality, remarkable handling agility, and a lavish, tech-heavy interior. The seventh-generation model features an innovative portrait-oriented OLED touchscreen, open-pore wood trim, and air suspension as standard. Available in multiple wheelbase lengths and powertrain options—including the efficient S350d, potent S500, and tax-efficient plug-in hybrid—the S-Class delivers effortless performance and low-down grunt. Space is abundant throughout, with generous head, leg, and elbow room for all occupants and a vast boot.

However, the S-Class isn't without its quirks. Touch-sensitive steering wheel controls are fiddly and distracting, whilst the large head-up display can obstruct your view of the road, particularly when using augmented reality navigation. Running costs are substantial, with servicing at Mercedes dealers among the highest around, though the metal timing chain should last the car's lifetime. Despite these niggles, the mid-range S-Class models deliver exceptional comfort, precise handling, and a lavish driving experience that few rivals can match.

Best for: Luxury car enthusiasts seeking the ultimate in comfort and prestige, those prioritising advanced technology and refined handling, and buyers wanting a tax-efficient plug-in hybrid option.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers concerned about depreciation and running costs, those preferring traditional physical controls, or drivers seeking the most straightforward user experience.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the S-Class if: You're seeking the ultimate in luxury and prestige, prioritise advanced technology and refined handling, or want a tax-efficient plug-in hybrid option.

Consider alternatives if: You're concerned about depreciation and running costs, prefer traditional physical controls, or seek the most straightforward user experience.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-present) remains the benchmark for luxury saloons, delivering exceptional comfort, precise handling, and a lavish interior that few rivals match. Whilst the Audi A8 edges ahead on user ratings and the Range Rover offers better value, the S-Class's advanced technology, sumptuous ride quality, and desirability make it the premier choice for luxury car enthusiasts. However, potential buyers must weigh its heavy depreciation and high running costs against its unparalleled prestige and refinement.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

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

Read full review