Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes S-Class (2014-2020) review - Interior, design and technology

Imposing, elegant and beautifully built, but the wealth of optional extras is pricey

Interior, design and technology rating

4.1

How we review cars
RRP
£98,605 £247,845
Find your Mercedes S-Class
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Externally, the S-Class benefits from imposing styling with neat design details, such as the new set of bumpers, lights and a fresh grille that were introduced as part of the 2017 revisions. Yet, despite its vast external dimensions, the Mercedes disguises its bulk well, thanks to its sweeping roofline and the carefully sculpted lines cut into the flanks.

Advertisement - Article continues below

A bold grille, topped by the brand’s trademark three-pointed star, swept-back all-LED headlamps and tastefully applied chrome trim add a dash of glamour, while AMG Line trim also includes racy-looking 19-inch alloy wheels and a subtle bodykit.

The Mercedes’ interior is even more impressive, as it’s beautifully built, supremely comfortable and plushly appointed. The wide dashboard features a pair of 12.3-inch TFT screens – one for the sat-nav, infotainment and energy use, the other for the speedo, rev counter, trip computer and optional night vision display.

Other highlights include the metal-finish eyeball vents for the air-conditioning, the precise action of the switchgear and the intuitive COMAND rotary controller.

As you’d expect, the fit and finish are flawless, while the materials are all top-notch. Lustrous Black Poplar wood trim covers the dashboard, centre console, door trims and steering wheel, plus there's a £1,740 soft Nappa leather trim option for AMG Line cars.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

As you’d expect, quality is the watchword for the S-Class infotainment systems.

All models come with the 12.3-inch high-definition screen, sat-nav, digital radio and single CD/DVD drive as part of the COMAND Online system.

You also get Bluetooth and a WLAN hotspot facility, but if you want to use Facebook and various on-board apps via the Connect Me package you’ll need to tick an option box. Other options include a rear seat entertainment system with a pair of 10-inch screens, and of course a TV tuner. 

If you really want to push the boat out on the audio front, try the Burmester high-end 3D Surround Sound System which has 24 speakers, a 24 channel amplifier and a total output of 1,540 watts.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    S350d L 313 AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £98,605
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    S450e L AMG Line Premium 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £111,345
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    Maybach First Class S680 4Matic 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £221,150
Select car

New & used car deals

Mercedes S Class

Mercedes S Class

RRP £94,645Used from £47,109
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,848 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £16,629
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,400
* 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
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 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