Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes S350 L Bluetec

The luxurious Mercedes S-Class still sets the standard for comfort

After seven years, the S-Class still rules the luxury car roost. Its grip on the crown has been weakened, but for all-round appeal it’s still unrivalled. Classy looks, an opulent cabin and impressive refinement still make it the top choice for captains of industry and heads of state.

If the BMW 7 Series and Jaguar XJ are to stand any chance of stealing the luxury car crown, then this is the model they must beat. Ever since making its debut in 2005, the huge S-Class has set the standard in the limousine sector. With its imposing looks, upmarket cabin and beautifully engineered underpinnings, the Mercedes is one of the few models that can rightfully claim to be the ‘best car in the world’.

Advertisement - Article continues below

And even now, nearly seven years after its debut and with an all-new model just around the corner, the S-Class still exudes understated class and good taste – although our car’s optional £1,950 paint finish won’t be to all tastes. The styling is not as eye-catching as the sleek Jaguar’s, but there’s still a great sense of occasion about the Mercedes.

Whether you’re driving or being driven, the S-Class’s beautifully executed cabin is a masterclass in thoughtful design. The uncluttered dash, single-stalk gearlever and top-notch materials all add to its special feel, while the COMAND infotainment controller is as intuitive as the BMW iDrive set-up. And while the interior is not as glamorous as the XJ’s or driver focused as the 7 Series’, it’s still a great place to spend time.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

S Class

2019 Mercedes

S Class

65,000 milesAutomaticDiesel2.9L

Cash £31,995
View S Class
S Class

2020 Mercedes

S Class

68,600 milesAutomaticDiesel2.9L

Cash £35,990
View S Class
S Class

2024 Mercedes

S Class

43,023 milesAutomaticPetrol3.0L

Cash £79,500
View S Class
S Class

2015 Mercedes

S Class

103,955 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £14,990
View S Class

The long-wheelbase layout means there’s plenty of room to lounge about in the back, while the powered and heated leather seats are hugely comfortable. Large windows help add to the sense of space and the vast 560-litre boot is the biggest here.

It’s not all good news, though. The Merc has all the essential kit, such as sat-nav, Bluetooth and climate control, but it’s not as well equipped as the Jaguar. To personalise the car, the pricey options list means you’ll need deep pockets – our test model had an eye-watering £108,910 price tag, which is a hefty £43,500 premium over the standard model.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Thankfully, the S-Class’s exceptional refinement comes as standard. Wind and road noise are virtually absent, while the standard air-suspension effortlessly soaks up bumps. Better still, the 3.0-litre V6 is whisper-quiet at idle and silky smooth on the move. However, the Mercedes’ relaxing nature unfortunately extends to its performance.

Not only is it the heaviest car here, it’s also the only one with a seven-speed automatic gearbox – the BMW and Jag both have an eight-ratio transmission. As a result, the S-Class was slowest in all of our acceleration tests. With a 0-60mph sprint time of 7.4 seconds it’s hardly slow, but away from the track it doesn’t feel as eager as its rivals, while the gearbox isn’t quite as slick as the unit in the 7 Series. And although the Mercedes feels surprisingly agile for such a big car, its steering isn’t as sharp as the BMW’s and there’s more roll in corners – even with the dampers on the firmer Sport setting.

At £65,410, the S350 is the most expensive car here, but its residuals are a bit stronger. Yet there’s more to buying a limo than value for money. The Mercedes still leads the way for upper-crust image, comfort and refinement. Will that be enough to paper over the cracks appearing in its seven-year-old design and keep the S-Class at the top?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Mercedes S Class

Mercedes S Class

RRP £94,645Used from £47,329
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £25,915Avg. savings £2,116 off RRP*Used from £18,900
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025