CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.9 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 230
Average Price: Around £25,000

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 impressive portrait-oriented OLED touchscreen, open-pore wood trim, and air suspension as standard. Space is abundant throughout, with generous head-, leg-, and elbow room in both front and rear seats, plus a vast boot. The range includes multiple wheelbase options and powertrain choices, from the efficient S350d diesel to the plug-in hybrid and potent petrol variants.

Running costs are reasonable for a car of this calibre, with the S350d achieving 35-40 mpg and the S400d only slightly less. However, Mercedes servicing costs are among the highest in the industry, and depreciation is significant. Some usability niggles exist, including fiddly touch-sensitive steering wheel controls and a head-up display that can obstruct the view ahead. Despite these minor drawbacks, the S-Class delivers exceptional comfort, precise handling, and an unmatched sense of occasion, making it one of the finest cars in the world when you choose the right specification.

Best for: Buyers seeking ultimate luxury, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional comfort; those prioritising tax-efficient motoring (plug-in hybrid); and drivers who value prestige and refinement above all else.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers concerned about depreciation and servicing costs, those who prefer 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 seek ultimate luxury, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional comfort; you prioritise tax-efficient motoring through the plug-in hybrid option; or you value prestige and refinement above all else.

Consider alternatives if: You are concerned about depreciation and servicing costs, prefer traditional physical controls, or require the most straightforward user experience.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021-present) remains the benchmark luxury saloon, delivering exceptional comfort, precise handling, and unmatched prestige. Whilst the Audi A8 offers comparable user ratings and the Range Rover provides SUV versatility, the S-Class excels in refinement and technology. The BMW 7 Series is a worthy alternative, though the S-Class's superior ride quality and interior design justify its position as the class leader. However, potential buyers must weigh the significant depreciation and high servicing costs against the undeniable luxury and performance on offer.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

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

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