Looking to park a prestigious, majestic German flagship sedan in the driveway? The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the world’s foremost range-topping sedans, and one that commands huge bucks and tremendous respect. The 2000 to 2006 generation of this iconic four-wheeled plush-rocket was available with leading-edge features, engineering and electronics that intended to raise the bar when it was launched.
To some shoppers, thoughts of buying a used vehicle with so many cutting edge features is a scary one—given potential repair costs and relatively un-proven long-term durability of components and electronics. For other shoppers, a car like a used S-Class is a cost-effective way to take in a bit of the high-tech motoring high-life.
Look for this generation of used S-Class with a variety of powertrain options, including V8 engines with 275, 302 or 355 horsepower badged as S430, S500 and S55 AMG respectively. Later on, the 55's hp climbed to 493 hp thanks to supercharging.
The latter model is a rarer, high-performance version of the S-Class. V12 power was also available in the S600 variant—which packed a 5.8 litre engine with 367 horsepower. A twin-turbo 5.5L V12 was also on the docket. It was as well good for 493 hp.
Rear wheel drive was standard, 4Matic All Wheel Drive (AWD) was available, and both regular and extended wheelbase models could be specified—depending on the year and model in question.
Note that given the rarity of the V12-powered model and AMG version of the S-Class (more powerful iterations were consistently being offered), this story will focus on the more mainstream S430 and S500 models.
Look for a full suite of premium features alongside world-class levels of comfort, quiet and luxury. Premium audio, dual-zone climate control, a CD changer, rain-sensing wipers and navigation were just some of the features on board.
Most owners note that the S-Class delivers classy styling, plenty of presence and a relaxing and calming cabin atmosphere—though some wish for sportier driving dynamics. Of course, given the size and power available in the S-Class, no particular model will prove exceptional on fuel. If you’re looking for a car that’s cheap to fuel and maintain, a used S-Class isn’t the answer.
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| 2006 Mercedes-Benx S500 (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |
To some shoppers, thoughts of buying a used vehicle with so many cutting edge features is a scary one—given potential repair costs and relatively un-proven long-term durability of components and electronics. For other shoppers, a car like a used S-Class is a cost-effective way to take in a bit of the high-tech motoring high-life.
Look for this generation of used S-Class with a variety of powertrain options, including V8 engines with 275, 302 or 355 horsepower badged as S430, S500 and S55 AMG respectively. Later on, the 55's hp climbed to 493 hp thanks to supercharging.
The latter model is a rarer, high-performance version of the S-Class. V12 power was also available in the S600 variant—which packed a 5.8 litre engine with 367 horsepower. A twin-turbo 5.5L V12 was also on the docket. It was as well good for 493 hp.
Rear wheel drive was standard, 4Matic All Wheel Drive (AWD) was available, and both regular and extended wheelbase models could be specified—depending on the year and model in question.
Note that given the rarity of the V12-powered model and AMG version of the S-Class (more powerful iterations were consistently being offered), this story will focus on the more mainstream S430 and S500 models.
Look for a full suite of premium features alongside world-class levels of comfort, quiet and luxury. Premium audio, dual-zone climate control, a CD changer, rain-sensing wipers and navigation were just some of the features on board.
Most owners note that the S-Class delivers classy styling, plenty of presence and a relaxing and calming cabin atmosphere—though some wish for sportier driving dynamics. Of course, given the size and power available in the S-Class, no particular model will prove exceptional on fuel. If you’re looking for a car that’s cheap to fuel and maintain, a used S-Class isn’t the answer.
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| 2005 Mercedes-Benz S600 (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |