Used Mercedes S-Class 2021-present review

So, you're thinking of joining S Club? Put down that microphone, we aren't referring to the pop group, but rather the collective name given to Mercedes S-Class owners... maybe we just made that up.

If you own a latest-generation S-Class, you're certainly a person of an elite standing, though, because – even used – these luxury cars are expensive and understandably so.

• Looking for an older car? Read our 2014-2020 Mercedes S-Class and 2006-2013 Mercedes S-Class used buying guides

Engines & Performance: Your entry-level option is a 282bhp 2.9-litre six-cylinder diesel. You'll find this unit inside the S350d variant and it helps the car accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.4sec.

That's all the shove most people will ever want or need, but those not content should then look to the S400d: it sticks with a six-cylinder diesel engine, but ups power to 326bhp and reduces the 0-62mph time by a second. If that wasn't close to or arguably already in performance car territory, then consider the S500. It has a 3.0-litre petrol unit and 429bhp, dropping the 0-62mph time to just 4.9sec.

The S500 gets mild-hybrid electrical assistance, plus it sharpens up the automatic gearbox's kickdown response and the engine's low-end shove. Like all available S-Class engines, it's a unit that feels brisk even when you've merely tickled – rather than dropped a brick on – the accelerator. Mind you, the Audi S8 and V8-engined BMW 750i are swifter still.

The S400d and S500 come with standard 4Matic four-wheel drive for better traction in slippery conditions.

The S580e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is another option . It mixes the engine from the S500 with an electric motor and a 28.6kWh battery for a combined output of 503bhp. With a 0-62mph time of just 5.2 seconds, it's properly quick and its official electric-only range of 63 miles is impressive. Acceleration isn’t particularly sprightly in electric mode, but there's enough oomph for rush-hour traffic and to reach motorway speeds.

Ride & Handling: You'll find air suspension on all S-Class variants and the ride is exemplary on motorways. It's one of the few cars in the world in which passengers can lie back with their heads against the headrest and not have them thrown forwards over bumps. It's perfect, in other words, for celebrities and VIPs who want to nap while a chauffeur whisks them from Southampton to Sunderland.

There is some road roar and wind noise at 70mph but, as you'd expect, the S-Class is far from rowdy on motorways. We wish the brake pedal in the S580e was more consistent, though. The pedal's resistance tends to change as you slow down, making it harder to brake smoothly. A PHEV Audi A8 is better in this respect, and is a little quieter at a cruise.

Even without investigating the various drive modes and sportier settings in the S-Class, you’ll find it's a very capable-handling car. The steering has plenty of reassuring heft and precision, so you can place the long nose easily.

There’s some body lean, even with the suspension stiffened up, but you get plenty of grip and reassuring stability – whether you have four-wheel drive or not.

Interior & Practicality: The S-Class gets an electrically adjustable driver’s seat as standard-from-new (including four-way lumbar adjustment) and a steering wheel that powers in and out, as well as up and down. Handily, both the seat and wheel have memory functions. The seat is also wonderfully cushioning and extremely supportive, so it's really easy for you – or your driver – to get comfortable. While you're driving along, weary arms will find sanctuary resting on the perfectly positioned centre and door armrests.

The 12.3in digital instrument panel is clear, easy to read and able to show a wide variety of information. That is, unless you select the 3D mode that's available with AMG Line Premium trim; this can make you a bit cross-eyed. The display, and any other features operated from the steering wheel, can be tricky to use, because the controls are touch-sensitive. It’s far too easy to accidentally operate something when you’re twirling the wheel. Premium Plus trims add a clear head-up display, so you can check your speed and other information without taking your eyes off the road.

The infotainment system includes augmented sat-nav (showing direction arrows on a live camera feed), wireless mobile phone charging (including in the rear on upper trims), eight USB-C ports and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone mirroring. With the top trim, you also get a removable 7.0in tablet in the rear armrest.

The quality of the interior is impressive, with rich materials, including supple Nappa leather, real wood veneers, metal inserts and squishy plastics. What few buttons and switches there are work precisely, and the steering column stalks feel sturdy.

Passengers in the back of the S-Class should have no complaints about the space on offer, especially with the long-wheelbase body style that’s optional from new with AMG Line Premium trim and standard on every model above. It's roomier and more comfortable than the Audi A8, thanks to more head room and a better seating position. On the upper models, the soft, padded headrests are a joy to behold.

All models come with a three-person rear bench and a sizeable fold-out armrest, while long-wheelbase models include electric adjustment for the outer seats.

If you opt for the most expensive AMG Line Premium Plus Executive, you'll get an electrically extendable footrest that pops out from beneath the front passenger seat, plus sun blinds on all the rear windows.

The good news is that the S-Class's front passenger gets the exact same range of seat adjustments as the driver, including lumbar adjustment. The passenger also gets hot stone massaging if you order the AMG Line Premium Plus trim.

The bad news is that you can’t fold down the rear seats, but there is a ski hatch. If you want luxury with more versatility, we'd suggest looking at the Land Rover Range Rover.

Boot space is good for a luxury saloon, at around 550 litres. That's bigger than the A8's boot and enough for a few large cases. All versions have an electric, gesture-controlled bootlid.

Luggage capacity in the S580e PHEV is reduced slightly due to the fact that the boot floor sits higher up to accommodate the lithium-ion battery pack underneath, but it's still more generous than the boot in the A8 L 60 TFSI e.

As with passenger space, if you need to carry a lot of luggage, look at the Range Rover. Its boot is truly vast, and the rear seats can be folded down to create a van-like load bay.

Interested in buying a used Mercedes S-Class? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Around £62,000 is your starting point – expect a S350d AMG Line car from 2021. If you'd like a long-wheelbase version or a S500, have around £10,000 more to spend.

The S580e starts at around £98,000 on the used market, while 2023 S350d examples go for around £94,000.

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MPG: You'll see north of 40mpg with the S350d and S400d, while the S500 officially averages 32.8mpg. The S580e makes that figure 353.1mpg, although you'll need to charge it up regularly to get anywhere near that.

Road tax: The S-Class will set you back £190 per year in road tax, unless you opt for the S500 or S580e, because they attract the hybrid car fee, that being £180. You'll also need to set aside an extra £410 to pay the luxury car tax and this runs from the second to sixth year of the car's life.

Insurance and servicing: All S-Class variants belong to the maximum insurance group of 50, meaning it'll be expensive to insure. For two services and two MOTs of a 2021 S-Class, we were quoted £1176 via Mercedes.

Stick with the entry-level S350d AMG Line – and go short-wheelbase, unless you're a chauffeur. The other variants are excellent, especially the S580e plug-in hybrid, but the S-Class is already expensive enough and we see little reason to splash even more cash.

Our favourite Mercedes S-Class: S350d

The Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series are the main rivals. Regarding their latest generations, the A8 will be cheaper to buy (due to it having been around longer) and the 7 Series more expensive (it's newer).

The Porsche Panamera is also worth considering. It's less a limo, more a luxury, four-seat sports car, but it's still great for space and comfort, plus it's powerful and superb to drive.

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Interested in buying a used Mercedes S-Class? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.